Indian Bayou

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Explore Indian Bayou Area – Atchafalaya Basin Hunting & Recreation

Welcome to the Indian Bayou Area, a 28,500-acre public access and environmental protection area within the heart of the Atchafalaya Basin in South-Central Louisiana. Established in 1995 and managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District, Indian Bayou offers exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities.

Location:

Located between Baton Rouge and Lafayette, north of Interstate 10 and south of U.S. Hwy 190, west of the Atchafalaya River. Spanning St. Landry and St. Martin parishes.

Hunting Opportunities:

Indian Bayou is renowned for its outstanding hunting experiences:

Waterfowl Hunting: Prime location within the Mississippi Flyway provides superb duck and goose hunting.
Big Game Hunting: White-tailed deer hunting with a 27-year history of antler restrictions (since 2026 season).
Small Game Hunting: Excellent opportunities for squirrel, rabbit, woodcock, and snipe.
Bottomland Hardwood Forest: Experience some of the finest bottomland hardwood forest hunting in the South.

Important Information for Hunters:

Regulations: It is your responsibility to know and abide by all current Louisiana hunting seasons and regulations. Please review the Hunting Pamphlet before your visit.
Boundaries: Project boundaries are clearly marked with yellow paint and yellow carsonite posts.
Harvest Reporting: Help us manage wildlife resources! Accurate harvest data is crucial. Please complete and submit harvest reports.
Get Involved: Volunteers are always welcome! Contact the Port Barre office for more information on volunteer opportunities.

Contact:

Port Barre Office: (337) 228-1313

Louisiana Black Bears

The Louisiana Black Bear is a protected species. They are not common on the project, but it is possible to encounter one. Please do not feed or disturb them. Bears will usually notice humans and move out of our path long before they are seen. Persons afield should use caution, not fear, when dealing with bears. All bear sightings are to be reported to the Project Office immediately. Black bears seldom attack people unless provoked. Hogs and Bears look alike. KNOW YOUR TARGET!

2025-2026 Indian Bayou Hunting Permit

2025-2026 Indian Bayou Hunting Permit

I have read and understand the regulations governing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Indian Bayou Area. I hereby forever release and hold harmless the United States of America from all liability due to death, injury, or damages arising from the exercise of this hunting permit and will indemnify and save harmless the United States of America from any and all costs, damages, settlements, or judgments arising from death, injury or damage to persons or property arising from the exercise of this hunting permit.

______________________________________________________

Signature (Permits are not transferable) - Valid only when signed.

Interactive Map

Contact Information

Address:
112 Speck Lane,
Port Barre, LA 70577

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Port Barre office: (337) 585-0853

Indian Bayou Ranger Station: (337) 228-1313

Driving Directions

Located in St. Landry and St. Martin Parishes, Indian Bayou Area is 40 miles west of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, north of Interstate 10 and just West of the Atchafalaya River.

To access the East side of the Indian Bayou Area from Interstate 10, take the Butte La Rose exit (exit 121). From U.S. Hwy. 190, exit at Krotz Springs and take LA Hwy. 105 South. To access the West side of the Indian Bayou Area from Interstate 10, take the Henderson exit (exit 115) and follow the West protection levee north. From U.S. Hwy. 190, exit at the Spillway Road (look for sign), go past the Courtableau Control Structure and follow the West Protection Levee Road south to Indian Bayou.

Recreational Opportunities

Hunting

Some of the South’s best bottomland forest recreational hunting is found on Indian Bayou. The area’s small game includes squirrel, rabbit, woodcock and snipe. White-tailed deer and wild turkey are the only big game species. The area’s unique location in the center of the Mississippi Flyway, an important route for migratory birds, can produce superb waterfowl hunting. The area is also the first public land in the state to feature a 350-acre tract specifically for wheelchair-bound hunters.

Hunting seasons vary from year to year.

Fishing

The area’s lakes, sloughs and bayous are home to abundant commercial and recreational fisheries. Popular sport-fish include: • Bluegill (bream) • Warmouth • Red ear sunfish • White and black crappie (Sac-a-Lait) • Striped, yellow and largemouth bass, • Catfish, Buffalo fish and freshwater drum are fished recreationally and commercially in the area, as are crawfish. A permit is needed for crawfishing, which can be obtained at the project office.

Boating and Paddling

Touring Indian Bayou by canoe, kayak or boat offers a close-up perspective on one of the nation’s last great scenic river swamps and its wildlife. A 24-mile network of paddling trails allows visitors to navigate the area’s streams and bayous without a guide. Mapped by the Corps in partnership with Atchafalaya Paddling Trails, the state of Louisiana and volunteers, these trails feature reflective blue and white directional signs at major turning points.

Hiking, biking and horseback riding

Hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders of all skill levels can access Indian Bayou through 35 miles of scenic trails, 13 of which are designated specifically for hiking.

ATV

Riders of all skill levels can access Indian Bayou along 8 miles of ATV all-weather trails. Additionally, for individuals with a LDWF-issued mobility impaired card or those over 60 may access an additional 4 miles of Physically Challenged ATV Trails. Off-road operation is strictly forbidden. These ATV trails are open from 4 a.m. until two hours after sunset.

What licenses are required to hunt and fish Indian Bayou?

State licenses are required to hunt and fish in Indian Bayou. Information about hunting and fishing licenses is available at www.wlf. louisiana.gov. A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit is required to hunt and to crawfish in Indian Bayou. These permits are free of charge and are available at the ABFS Project Office. For more information please visit or call the project office.

Safety Tips

Safety Tips

While in the basin, observe all posted rules, regulations and safety guidelines, and read notices posted on bulletin boards throughout the Corps public access areas.

Be alert to dangers posed by insects, snakes, alligators and poisonous plants. If you see a snake, remain a safe distance—at least the length of the snake’s body. Alligators fear humans and seldom attack, but may if protecting their offspring. If you see an alligator, stay at least 30 feet away, keeping in mind that alligators can cross short distances very quickly. Do not feed an alligator as this may cause the animal to lose its fear of people and become dangerous.
Pay attention to your surroundings. Whether hiking, biking, canoeing or riding an ATV or enjoying any other leisure and recreational activities, to avoid possible injury, keep an eye out for stumps, rocks, fallen logs, and other obstacles.
Be sure someone knows where you’re going and when you expect to return in case you need help.
Regardless of your activities, be aware that Indian Bayou is a popular hunting area. Wear appropriate gear while in the area. During open gun and primitive weapon seasons, all hunters (excluding waterfowl hunters) are required to wear a hunter orange hat and vest while in the field. All other users (hiking, birding, fishing, etc.) during these times are required to wear a hunter orange hat and vest while in the field. To properly prepare for your trip, please see our website or hunting guide for these dates (See Contact Information). Federal law requires a life jacket for every boater engaged in any leisure or recreational water activity. It is recommended that they are worn at all times while on the water.

THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES ARE PROHIBITED ON INDIAN BAYOU

The use or possession of alcoholic beverages while on ATVs and/or possession of firearms.

• Camping/overnight parking.

• Overnight mooring of houseboats / staying overnight in any boat to hold a hunting area.

• Use of airboats.

• Target practice and skeet shooting.

• Possession or installation of trail cameras.

• Cutting trees, limbs, or brush.

• Climbing trees using new or existing nails or spikes.

• Use or possession of any type of trail markers (paint, flagging, bright eyes, etc.)

• Moving deer or hogs with organized drivers, standers and/or noise-making devices.

• Unattended decoys or equipment in the field or on the water.

• Construction or hunting from a permanent stand or blind.

• Leaving tree stands and/or hunting blinds on the property overnight.

• Baiting, hunting over bait, or the possession of bait, salt or ingestible attractant while on the project at any time.

• Feeding wildlife including alligators.

• Hunting or possessing loaded weapons within 100 feet of pipelines during deer gun and primitive weapon hunts.

2025-2026 POSTED RESTRICTIONS FOR INDIAN BAYOU AREA

All Corps property is managed in accordance with the rules, regulations and policies of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, under the authority vested by Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations. All Louisiana State and Federal Law apply. Your hunting permit acknowledges your understanding of area rules and regulations.

A 2025-2026 Indian Bayou Hunting permit is required for all persons regardless of age. Permits must be signed prior to hunting any game and must be carried at all times while in the field.
All hunters (16 years of age and older) are required to have on their person a photo identification verifying age and their current Indian Bayou permit.
The possession of firearms, ammunition, loaded projectile firing devices, bows and arrows, crossbows, or other weapons are prohibited except during designated area hunts. Hunters must have firearms unloaded at all times while traveling within the area by motor vehicle, ATV, UTVs, horse, bicycle, and while in a vessel under mechanical power. Loaded weapons are not allowed within 100 feet of designated ATV trails, foot trails, roads and parking areas. Loaded is defined as shells or cartridges in the gun’s chamber, magazine, cylinder, or clip when attached to firearms or crossbows cocked and in the ready position, or caps on muzzleloaders.
State bag limits apply unless otherwise specified. The only open seasons are those listed in the Guide to Hunting on Indian Bayou brochure.
Archery season is either-sex except during bucks-only seasons.
Deer hunters are limited to one deer per day. Antler Restrictions A legal buck shall be defined as deer with at least 4-points on one side or a deer with unbranched antlers commonly referred to as spikes (no minimum length). To be counted as a point, a projection must be a least one inch long and its length must exceed the length of its base. The beam tip is counted as a point but is not measured as a point.
Proper use of state tags is required. All deer harvested during gun hunts must be physically checked out at a check station. See Guide to Hunting for Check Station Locations. Successful archery and primitive firearm hunters are required to fill out deer harvest information prior to leaving the property. Harvest cards are located on area information boards
All users EXCEPT waterfowl hunters must display a total of 400 square inches of Hunter Orange and wear a Hunter Orange cap during the open gun and hunts for deer. Hunter Orange must be worn the entire time while in the field. Hunters participating in the dog season for rabbit, squirrel and woodcock must wear a minimum of a Hunter Orange cap. All hunters and archers (while on the ground), EXCEPT waterfowl hunters, also must wear a minimum of a hunter orange hat or cap during the special dog season for rabbit and squirrels. All users afield during all other hunting seasons are encouraged to wear Hunter Orange. Deer hunters hunting from concealed ground blinds are still required to wear 400 square inches of Hunter Orange, wear a Hunter Orange cap and must also display a minimum of 400 square inches of Hunter Orange above or around their blinds which is visible from 360 degrees. Additionally, “BLAZE PINK” may be displayed in lieu of Hunter Orange.
Migratory bird and small game hunting is prohibited during either-sex gun hunts for deer with the exception of waterfowl hunting. Waterfowl hunting after 2:00 p.m. is prohibited.
Only youths 17 yrs. old or younger may hunt. Youths must possess a hunter safety certification or proof of successful completion of a hunter safety course. Each youth must be accompanied by one adult 18 years of age or older. If the accompanying adult is in possession of a hunter safety certification, a valid hunting license or proof of successful completion of a hunter safety course, this requirement is waived for the youth. Adults may not possess a firearm. Youths may possess only one firearm while hunting. The supervising adult shall always maintain visual and voice contact with the youth. An adult may supervise only one youth during this special hunt. EXCEPT properly licensed youths 16-17 years old and youths 12 years old or older who have successfully completed a hunter safety course may hunt without a supervising adult.
Physically challenged hunters must possess a Physically Challenged Hunting Permit issued by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. The use of ATVs on trails designated as Physically Challenged is restricted to physically challenged permit holders and persons 60 years or older with proof of age. Those users may utilize Physically Challenged ATV trails and other ATV trails as indicated on the map. Physically Challenged ATV users may not deviate from designated ATV trails.
Beaver, feral hogs, nutria and coyote may be taken incidentally to any area hunt with weapons legal for that hunt. Bobcats may be taken by big game license holders.
Only portable stand and blinds may be used. Deer stand and blinds must be removed from the property at the end of each day. Blinds or stands made solely of natural vegetation and NOT held together by nails or other metallic fasteners may be left in place but cannot be used to reserve hunting locations. Natural vegetation (including corner post) is defined as natural branches that are two inches or less in diameter.
All motorized vehicles are permitted only on roads and trails explicitly designated for such use on the official area map. No exceptions are allowed. All designated trails are open from 4:00 a.m. until two hours after sunset. After hour special use permits are available at the Project Office. ATVs, UTVs, E-bikes, and motorcycles must be transported into the area via vehicle or trailer and offloaded only in designated parking areas. Licensed motor vehicles must be parked in designated parking areas only. Parking or blocking gates, roads, or access points is strictly prohibited. Tires on ATVs, UTVs, and motorcycles are restricted to a maximum lug height of one inch (1"). Trails designated as "Physically Challenged" are reserved for individuals with a valid LDWF physically challenged permit and persons aged 60 or older with valid proof of age. These users may also access any other designated ATV trails as shown on the area map. Designated trails are open from 4:00 a.m. until two hours after sunset. Visitors using designated trails later than two hours after sunset are required to contact the project office to obtain a Special Use Permit.
Horses are permitted throughout the property except during open gun and primitive firearm hunts for deer and turkey. Dog training allowed April 6 -September 22.

The following activities are prohibited:

The use or possession of alcoholic beverages while on ATVs and/or in possession of firearms.
Camping/overnight parking.
Overnight mooring of houseboats / staying overnight in any boat to hold a hunting area
Use of airboats.
Target practice and skeet shooting.
Possession or installation of trail cameras.
Cutting trees, limbs, or brush.
Climbing trees using new or existing nails of spikes.
Use or possession of any type of trail markers (paint, flagging, bright eyes, etc.).
Moving deer or hogs with organized drivers, standers and/or noise-making devices.
Unattended decoys and equipment in the field or on the water.
Construction or hunting from a permanent stand or blind.
Leave a stand or blind on the property overnight.
Baiting, hunting over bait, or the possession of bait, salt, or ingestible attractant while on the project at any time.
Feeding wildlife including alligators.
Hunting or possessing loaded weapons within 100 feet of pipelines during deer gun and primitive weapon hunts.