Bayou Macon
Bayou Macon WMA forms one of the largest remaining tracts of bottomland hardwood forest which historically composed the lower Mississippi River floodplain from lower Illinois to the Gulf of Mexico. LDWF purchased the majority of the property in 1991; the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development donated an additional 40 acres to LDWF as part of a mitigation project.
Bayou Macon WMA’s terrain is flat with relatively poor drainage; terrain varies from 88 to 94 feet above sea level. Two intermittent streams, Brushy and Buck Bayous, are located on the area.
LDWF has reforested almost 1,150 acres of reclaimed agricultural fields. Overstory timber species include nuttall, overcup, and willow oak; bitter pecan; hackberry; red maple; honey locust; rock elm; sweetgum; and green ash. Common understory vegetation includes deciduous holly, swamp dogwood, trumpet creeper, rattan, Japanese honeysuckle, swamp privet, pawpaw, dewberry, peppervine, hawthorn, greenbrier, and persimmon.
Activities and Amenities
Louisiana black bear frequent this area; sightings have increased in recent years.
Hunting and trapping: The most popular game species on Bayou Macon WMA are white-tailed deer, squirrel, rabbit, and waterfowl. There is a youth deer season and a small game emphasis area. Limited woodcock hunting opportunities are also available. Trapping is permitted for raccoon, opossum, beaver, and other native furbearers. See regulations for details.
Fishing and boating: Recreational crawfishing and frogging are popular on Bayou Macon WMA. Recreational fishing is limited. See regulations for details.
Birding and wildlife viewing: Birding is available year-round on Bayou Macon WMA. During the northward spring migration, dozens of species of neotropical migrants and passerine birds visit this area.
Camping: There is one primitive camping area on Bayou Macon WMA.
Other: hiking, horseback riding, berry picking
Acreage
6,919
Owner/Manager
LDWF
Directions
Bayou Macon WMA is located 3.5 miles east of Oak Grove and 7.5 miles northwest of Lake Providence. The major access route to this WMA is LA Hwy 2. LDWF maintains numerous ATV/UTV trails on this WMA. There are two self-clearing permit stations located at major entrances to the WMA.