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D'Arbonne
National Wildlife Refuge
11372 Hwy 143
Farmerville, LA   71241
E-mail: northlouisianarefuges@fws.gov
Phone Number: 318-726-4222
Visit the Refuge's Web Site:
http://www.fws.gov/darbonne/
The bottomland hardwoods of D'Arbonne NWR support a diversity of plants and wildlife which affords numerous wildlife dependent recreational activities.
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  Recreation and Education Opportunities

Fishing
D'Arbonne Bayou and the many oxbow lakes and creeks make the refuge a popular fishing destination. There are four boat ramps on the refuge and easy access to the bayou from the Ouachita River. Fishermen using a wide variety of boats, fishing gear and bait, seek largemouth bass, crappie, bream and catfish

Hunting
D'Arbonne NWR has four months of either sex archery hunting for whitetail deer. One weekend either sex deer gun hunt is restricted to wheelchair bound persons and several weekend either sex gun deer hunts are open for the general public. D'Arbonne NWR is excellent habitat for wintering waterfowl and is open for the state season. The number of birds on the refuge usually depends on water levels. There is a sanctuary closed to waterfowl hunting. Recognized breeds of retrievers may be used for hunting. Squirrel and rabbit hunting is popular on the refuge. Quail, woodcock, raccoon and opossum are also hunted. Feral hogs, coyotes and beaver may be taken during any hunt.

Interpretation
Most of the education and interpretation efforts for the refuge complex take place at the Black Bayou Lake Environmental Education Center. Occasionally school groups come to D'Arbonne NWR for guided walks or habitat investigations. Some high school groups have been involved in the duck trapping and banding program. Guided interpretive floats on the bayou are available through private sources.

Wildlife Observation
The scenic beauty of the refuge and the large variety of wildlife make D'Arbonne a great place for wildlife watching and photography. There is an observation tower overlooking the waterfowl sanctuary area. During the winter this area fills with migrating waterfowl and wading birds and offers outstanding viewing opportunities. The native wildflower landscaping and bird feeding stations around the complex headquarters attract human refuge visitors as well as a variety of watchable wildlife species.

Hours
The North Louisiana Refuges Complex offices are open 7:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. weekdays.

The refuge itself is open year round, 24 hours/day.

Entrance Fees
There are no entrance or other fees at D'Arbonne NWR.

 
 
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