Living in a Sportsman’s Paradise

It’s no wonder Southwest Louisiana is called a Sportsman’s Paradise. Our region offers diverse habitats from briny tidal marshes, lakes and rivers to the piney woods farther north – perfect for hunters and fishermen (and fisherwomen!) Throughout SWLA’s five-parish region, there are 51,436 licensed hunters and fishermen enjoying our great outdoors. Hunting and fishing seasons vary across the state by zones. 

With all the waterways in our corner of the state, it is no surprise that waterfowl are the most sought-after catch. Cameron Parish alone boasts 400,000 acres of water, according to Sean Kinney, biologist manager at the Lake Charles Region Wildlife and Fisheries Department. The lush deltas, rice fields, river bottoms, and marshes of the Mississippi Flyway lure ducks and geese from across North America during migration seasons. 

Deer hunting is also popular in Louisiana. According to Ed Pratt, press secretary with LA Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries, approximately 192,000 deer were bagged in the state in 2020.

Other hunters prefer smaller game – squirrel and rabbit, or to a lesser degree, birds such as doves, quail, and woodcock.

Coastal and inland waterways also entice anglers in droves. Kinney says fishing is allowing year around in public waters. Popular saltwater prizes include redfish, speckled trout, and flounder. In freshwater, fishermen hope to hook large-mouth bass and crappie.

In this special section, we feature a round-up of favorite places for sportsmen to find gear, and a comeback story on SWLA’s premier hunting and fishing lodge, Grosse Savanne.