ABOUT LDWF  >> DIVISIONS

WILDLIFE DIVISION

Wildlife Division is responsible for the stewardship of the wildlife resources across the state. In recognition of the importance of its work for all species of wildlife, this Division's name was changed from Game Division to Wildlife Division in 1993. Its major functions include (1) technical assistance to private landowners/lessees, non-governmental agencies, and other public agencies, (2) public lands management, (3) monitoring/research, particularly for game species, but also others species relative to habitat management impacts, and (4) education of citizenry on safe hunting and fish and wildlife.

The Division has 7 regional offices based across the state to better serve the public.

The Wildlife Management Area (WMA) system is the most prominent program administered by Wildlife Division. It is charged with the day to day management of almost 50 WMAs totaling over 900 thousand acres. These areas are extremely important to hunters, fishers, birdwatchers, and other user groups. It is estimated that about 600,000 user days occur on Wildlife Division managed WMAs annually. The Department owns over 350 thousand acres of bottomland hardwoods, which are included in the WMA system. Wildlife Division is a recognized national leader for its active forest management program on these lands.

Please contact the Wildlife Division.

Phone: 225/765-2346
Fax: 225/763-5456