Newcomers to Lake Catahoula hunting must be aware of where they can and can’t legally go.
The lake has a large mid-lake refuge, first established in 1946. No entry is allowed.
Around the refuge borders is a buffer zone 500 feet wide. Hunters may enter this zone to retrieve downed birds, but only without use of a power boat.
And they can’t shoot cripples.
The signs are small and easy to confuse. Refuge restrictions are strictly enforced.