New water-control structure at Russell Sage WMA.

Construction of water-control structure at Russell Sage WMA.

A partnership between the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) and Delta Waterfowl to replace the main water control structure on the Russell Sage Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Bean Field Impoundment has been completed.

The project enhanced approximately 300 acres of managed moist soil habitat for waterfowl and other migratory birds. The project was made possible with the generous donation from the Monroe-based Northeast Louisiana Chapter of Delta Waterfowl.

“LDWF would like to thank our partners with the Northeast Louisiana Chapter of Delta Waterfowl in assisting us in improving hunting opportunity and conservation on this popular WMA,’’ LDWF Secretary Madison Sheahan said. “Collaborative efforts like this are vital to improving the habitat for wildlife throughout the state.’’

Delta Waterfowl has 325 chapters across the United States and Canada, all of which keep about 20% of monies raised in a unique “Waterfowl Heritage Fund” for local conservation and pro-hunting efforts.

“This habitat enhancement is a perfect example of why Delta’s chapter system is designed to deliver local conservation,” said Justin Higdon, Delta’s regional director for Louisiana. “The Northeast Louisiana Chapter has demonstrated time and again its commitment to Delta’s mission of producing ducks and protecting the future of waterfowl hunting.”

Russell Sage WMA consists of 38,213 acres in Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland and Caldwell parishes and is located about seven miles east of Monroe and 10 miles west of Rayville.

Available game species include are white-tailed deer, waterfowl, squirrel and rabbit. There is a small game emphasis area on this WMA. The areas managed for waterfowl, along with the numerous sloughs and waterways, offer excellent waterfowl hunting.

All visitors to Russell Sage WMA and all LDWF WMAs must have either a WMA Access Permit, Senior Hunting/Fishing License, Louisiana Sportsman’s Paradise License, or Lifetime Hunting/Fishing License. Go to https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/wmarefugeconservation-area-licenses-and-permits for more information.

For information on this WMA, go to https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/russell-sage or contact Mitch McGee at 318-343-4044 or mmcgee@wlf.la.gov .