The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is now accepting applications for the Bayou Pierre Wildlife Management Area (WMA) lottery waterfowl hunts until Oct. 3. The hunt dates are Nov. 15-16 and Dec. 20-21.

Each successful applicant along with two guests will be permitted to hunt waterfowl for one weekend on the Desoto Tract of the Bayou Pierre WMA. The Desoto Tract of the WMA is that portion west of Bayou Pierre, located in Desoto Parish. 

LDWF will select two applicants randomly for each weekend. Hunters wanting to apply for the drawing can obtain an application from any Wildlife Division regional office or the LDWF Web site at www.wlf.louisiana.gov/hunting/regulations/wma/lotteryhunts. 

Applications must be accompanied by a $5 non-refundable check or money order made payable to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. 

Bayou Pierre WMA encompasses 2,212 acres of former agricultural fields and is located in Red River and Desoto Parishes approximately 20 miles south of Shreveport. 

In addition to the managed waterfowl areas on the Desoto Tract, LDWF manages approximately 100 acres in dove fields and has reforested several hundred acres in hardwoods. A 160-acre moist soil unit has also been developed as a refuge to provide habitat for resident and migrating waterfowl and shorebirds. 

Archery-only deer hunting, small game hunting and year-around bird watching opportunities are available on the WMA.  Anyone wanting additional information about the lottery hunt or Bayou Pierre WMA can refer to the 2008-09 Hunting Regulations pamphlet or the LDWF Web site. The public can also contact Steve Hebert at 318-371-3050 or shebert@wlf.louisiana.gov.