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Message
Intro to South Louisiana Public Land Hunting?
Posted on 10/30/24 at 12:49 pm
Posted on 10/30/24 at 12:49 pm
Let's say I wanted to stay close to home (New Orleans) and put some venison in the freezer. Not looking to shoot a wall hanger-- a doe will do just fine.
Two main questions:
--Where (public land) would you go? I'm not looking for your honey holes here, just general suggestions. It seems like I'll probably end up in the swamp, which I'm okay with. I have a canoe, but given the lack of rain recently, I'm not sure how useful that would be and am anticipating a lot of muck-trudging.
-- What would be your projectile of choice? I have several scoped deer rifles, but it seems like folks are also taking lever guns or shotguns with buckshot/ slugs into the swamp. I have both of those, and I can see the appeal given the simplicity, durability, and likelihood of a short shot.
I also target shoot a recurve well enough that it's probably time to take it into the woods, which would open up some archery- only ground.
Currently looking at Maurepas or Big Branch. Weekdays are an option to avoid crowds.
What say you, OB? Thanks in advance.
Two main questions:
--Where (public land) would you go? I'm not looking for your honey holes here, just general suggestions. It seems like I'll probably end up in the swamp, which I'm okay with. I have a canoe, but given the lack of rain recently, I'm not sure how useful that would be and am anticipating a lot of muck-trudging.
-- What would be your projectile of choice? I have several scoped deer rifles, but it seems like folks are also taking lever guns or shotguns with buckshot/ slugs into the swamp. I have both of those, and I can see the appeal given the simplicity, durability, and likelihood of a short shot.
I also target shoot a recurve well enough that it's probably time to take it into the woods, which would open up some archery- only ground.
Currently looking at Maurepas or Big Branch. Weekdays are an option to avoid crowds.
What say you, OB? Thanks in advance.
5
Posted on 10/30/24 at 1:22 pm to j_f
Big Branch will prob be your best bet staying close to NOLA.
Go look at the Fritchie Marsh section north of Rigoletes--lots of high ridges along highway that always hold deer. (youd be amazed how many deer are actually in the Marsh).
Other than that, go a little more north past the Fritchie marsh and you can hunt the Pearl River WMA which is generally ok for meat hunting.
I hunt Bogue Chitto NWR a good bit -- but its generally boat only regarding accessibility, unless you are hunting on the south end which i believe has some walking trails.
preferred gun in the swamp is a 45-70.
Go look at the Fritchie Marsh section north of Rigoletes--lots of high ridges along highway that always hold deer. (youd be amazed how many deer are actually in the Marsh).
Other than that, go a little more north past the Fritchie marsh and you can hunt the Pearl River WMA which is generally ok for meat hunting.
I hunt Bogue Chitto NWR a good bit -- but its generally boat only regarding accessibility, unless you are hunting on the south end which i believe has some walking trails.
preferred gun in the swamp is a 45-70.
Posted on 10/30/24 at 2:31 pm to dpier16
quote:
Big Branch will prob be your best bet staying close to NOLA.
Go look at the Fritchie Marsh section north of Rigoletes--lots of high ridges along highway that always hold deer. (youd be amazed how many deer are actually in the Marsh).
Other than that, go a little more north past the Fritchie marsh and you can hunt the Pearl River WMA which is generally ok for meat hunting.
I hunt Bogue Chitto NWR a good bit -- but its generally boat only regarding accessibility, unless you are hunting on the south end which i believe has some walking trails.
This is great info- thanks!
quote:
preferred gun in the swamp is a 45-70.
That oughta do it!
Posted on 10/30/24 at 2:48 pm to dpier16
Can you elaborate on Fritchie area North of the Rigolets, close to the highway? Are you talking about the section in the Fritchie area that is on NE side along HWY 190 (Fremeaux)? I have scouted that area a couple times and did not see much deer sign; but plenty hog sign.
Posted on 10/30/24 at 2:55 pm to skullraker
I ride through the fremeaux/90 area a lot. I’ve hunted closer to closer to the OST exit off 90 and seen the biggest hog I’ve ever seen. I also see hogs almost every ride when the water is up in that area. I hunt PR from many different areas and it’s hit or miss on deer from year to year.
You can hunt the BC like somebody mentioned off the PR turnaround exit, right before the state line. That has plenty of access but it’s tough hunting. My family accesses BC the same way Pier does but the river is tough if you’re launching from public land, due to being low and a PItA to reach your camp destination.
You can hunt the BC like somebody mentioned off the PR turnaround exit, right before the state line. That has plenty of access but it’s tough hunting. My family accesses BC the same way Pier does but the river is tough if you’re launching from public land, due to being low and a PItA to reach your camp destination.
Posted on 10/30/24 at 3:08 pm to j_f
Just note, Big Branch is bow only
Posted on 10/30/24 at 4:30 pm to mylsuhat
Correct, i probably shouldve noted that in reply.
Regardign the Fritchie Marsh area, yes on the east side along 90 (not far off road). Quite a few bucks come off of that ridge line every year.
Also was some sign out on the new sand embankment they made. I Also used to be a lot of deer up on the North West side but i haven't been in there since pre-Ida.
Regardign the Fritchie Marsh area, yes on the east side along 90 (not far off road). Quite a few bucks come off of that ridge line every year.
Also was some sign out on the new sand embankment they made. I Also used to be a lot of deer up on the North West side but i haven't been in there since pre-Ida.
Posted on 10/30/24 at 5:18 pm to j_f
BC NWR - even if you use a kayak, pirogue or canoe to get across navigational canal.
or two parcels of plaquemines parish school board land(open with permit)
and if you can get a permit - Navy base
Jean Lafitte Nat park can be good too.
or two parcels of plaquemines parish school board land(open with permit)
and if you can get a permit - Navy base
Jean Lafitte Nat park can be good too.
Posted on 10/30/24 at 6:06 pm to mylsuhat
quote:
Just note, Big Branch is bow only
And just like everywhere else, thieves are among you there.
Posted on 10/30/24 at 6:13 pm to dpier16
The PR WMA boundary I see excludes this ridge you mention. Is that private? I also see the big pond at ole White Kitchen is outside the boundary map but I know that used to have a sign in area there for WMA. Can you shed light if I am looking at an incorrect map?
Posted on 10/30/24 at 7:12 pm to j_f
Maurepas Is supposed to have a high ratio of kills per hunter effort.
It’s tough hunting though. You need a compass and hip boots/waders.
Reading deer sign finding trails and bedding areas and shite can be tough to nearly impossible in places. On the plus side, (this is strictly my opinion and may not be absolute truth) it seems like swamp deer don’t smell you as easily as other deer. I could be wrong about that, but the little upland deer hunting I’ve done, deer were blowing at me from 6 miles away
Hauling a stand in and out of places simply isn’t worth it to me. It’s hard enough walking by yourself. Hauling a deer out is a freaking job too.
As to which gun to use? Whatever you like. I enjoy hunting with my 30-30 just because I’m a little bit of a traditionalist. It doesn’t really have any advantages over my 270. Buckshot works great for close deer, but you might find yourself in places where you can see over 60 yards in pockets. Give me a rifle or at least a sighted slug gun.
You could try getting out of the canoe and making a slow quiet walk with the wind in your face. Walk a few quiet steps and scan the swamp for deer. I’m not great at it, but it can work.
Good luck. Don’t get lost. Let someone know the area you are hunting.
It’s tough hunting though. You need a compass and hip boots/waders.
Reading deer sign finding trails and bedding areas and shite can be tough to nearly impossible in places. On the plus side, (this is strictly my opinion and may not be absolute truth) it seems like swamp deer don’t smell you as easily as other deer. I could be wrong about that, but the little upland deer hunting I’ve done, deer were blowing at me from 6 miles away
Hauling a stand in and out of places simply isn’t worth it to me. It’s hard enough walking by yourself. Hauling a deer out is a freaking job too.
As to which gun to use? Whatever you like. I enjoy hunting with my 30-30 just because I’m a little bit of a traditionalist. It doesn’t really have any advantages over my 270. Buckshot works great for close deer, but you might find yourself in places where you can see over 60 yards in pockets. Give me a rifle or at least a sighted slug gun.
You could try getting out of the canoe and making a slow quiet walk with the wind in your face. Walk a few quiet steps and scan the swamp for deer. I’m not great at it, but it can work.
Good luck. Don’t get lost. Let someone know the area you are hunting.
Posted on 10/31/24 at 9:19 am to cubsfinger
The ridge im talking about is on Big Branch NWR (Fritchie Marish) not in PR WMA.
Most of the ridge is private along the highway, however, there are spots right near the boat launch on 90 into Fritchie marsh as well as along the bayou that runs back west. some high ground in there that the deer come out of to eat acorns
Most of the ridge is private along the highway, however, there are spots right near the boat launch on 90 into Fritchie marsh as well as along the bayou that runs back west. some high ground in there that the deer come out of to eat acorns
Posted on 10/31/24 at 1:51 pm to dpier16
Here is Fritchie marsh section of BBfile:///C:/Users/sauva/Pictures/Fritchie%20Marsh%20Big%20Branch.jpg.
Posted on 10/31/24 at 3:50 pm to j_f
If you see a sign that says DMAP, that is not management area. If you get caught on it there is a hell of a trespass fine.
Posted on 11/1/24 at 9:26 am to upgrade
quote:
Maurepas Is supposed to have a high ratio of kills per hunter effort.
Yeah, I think I read that in LA Sportsman-- that's kinda what got me thinking about close-to-home deer.
Thanks to everyone who chimed in on this. I'll report back if anything pans out.
Posted on 11/1/24 at 2:26 pm to dpier16
I think we are talking about the same area. However, the east side of 90 right where shortcut comes into the old white kitchen. Fritchie marsh stops at hwy 90 and PR WMA comes down where the bridge is out.
I was curious if y’all was talking the ridge on the east side of 90, not the apple pie ridge side ( west side of 90.)
I was curious if y’all was talking the ridge on the east side of 90, not the apple pie ridge side ( west side of 90.)
Posted on 11/1/24 at 5:37 pm to dpier16
Wait a second here. You can deer hunt the Fritchie Marsh unit in Slidell? Am I understanding this correctly? Please tell me more.
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