Thistlethwaite
The terrain on Thistlethwaite WMA is generally flat bottomland, with a gentle north-south slope. Drainage is slow, with standing water after heavy rains. Forest cover is predominantly water, willow, overcup, white, cherrybark, nuttall, cow, and post oak. Other species are bitter and sweet pecan, hickory, hackberry, sweetgum, ash, elm, and maple. The lower areas contain cypress and tupelo gum. There is a dense understory of palmetto in many areas of the WMA. Selective timber harvesting has enhanced browse species such as dogwood, redbud, elderberry, French mulberry, greenbrier, rattan, and blackberry.
Activities and Amenities
Hunting and trapping: Available game species include deer, squirrel, rabbit, wood duck, and woodcock. The deer herd is high-quality—hunters take many trophy bucks on this WMA. There is a youth deer season. Trapping for furbearers is permitted; species include beaver, raccoon, mink, bobcat, otter, and opossum. See regulations for details.
Birding: Hawks, owls, woodpeckers, and neotropical migrant songbirds are common on Thistlethwaite WMA.
Hiking: LDWF maintains approximately 1 mile of wooded trails on the WMA.
Hawks, owls, woodpeckers, and neotropical migrant songbirds are common on Thistlethwaite WMA.
Acreage
11,100
Owner/Manager
Thistlethwaite Heirs
Directions
Thistlethwaite WMA is located immediately northeast of Washington off LA Hwy 10. You can also access the WMA via I-49 at the Lebeau exit. LDWF maintains 17 miles of improved roads on the WMA.