Louisiana’s National Hunting and Fishing Day: free statewide events set for Sept. 26

# What the event is

National Hunting and Fishing Day in Louisiana is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 26. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is running free events at four locations around the state. Activities are open to all ages and are designed to introduce or reconnect people to hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation.

# What you can do there

Attendees can try shooting ranges, fish in stocked ponds, participate in boating activities and watch live animal demonstrations. Each host site will also include LDWF exhibits about its research and conservation work. Local chapters of Ducks Unlimited, the Safari Club and the Coastal Conservation Association will have displays, and local businesses will exhibit as well.

# Where and when

• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge, 480 Richland Place Drive, Monroe — 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Waddill Wildlife Refuge, 4142 North Flannery Road, Baton Rouge — 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Woodworth Shooting Range, 661 Robinson Bridge Road, Woodworth — 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Bodcau WMA Tom Merrill Recreation Area, 914 Bodcau Dam Road, Haughton — 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Times differ by site. Plan travel so you arrive during operating hours for the activities you want.

# Why this matters locally

# Who will be there

LDWF staff will present research and conservation exhibits and deliver shooting and fishing demonstrations. Local conservation chapters — Ducks Unlimited, Safari Club, Coastal Conservation Association — and area businesses will staff booths and demonstrations. Live-animal demonstrations are listed among the scheduled activities.

# What to bring and prepare for

Bring weather-appropriate clothing, sun protection, water and any personal gear you prefer for fishing or outdoor activities. If you plan to participate in shooting or hunt-related demonstrations, follow on-site safety instructions and any requirements presented by LDWF staff or host ranges. Because events are free and open to all ages, expect families and walk-up participation.

# Where to find more information

LDWF posts event details on its National Hunting and Fishing Day page. Confirm site-specific schedules or last-minute updates there before attending.

# Short practical tips

• Check the site address and listed hours before heading out. Arrival outside operating windows could mean missed activities.
• If you're bringing children, plan to stay with them for hands-on demonstrations and live-animal displays.
• Ask LDWF staff about how their research and conservation work connects to local hunting and fishing opportunities.

The events aim to make shooting, fishing and boating accessible and to inform the public about state wildlife management and conservation efforts. The four host locations provide multiple options across northern and central Louisiana for participating on Sept. 26.