Sherburne, Louisiana WMA Youth Hunters Experience Success
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) conducted six youth lottery deer hunts and three youth lottery waterfowl hunts on Sherburne Wildlife Management Area (WMA) during the 2012-13 hunting season.
Thirty young hunters were chosen for deer hunts during October and December on the WMA’s South Farm Area. Each hunter was accompanied by an adult over 18 years of age and given the option to participate in both morning and afternoon hunts. They could harvest one antlered and one antlerless deer per day.
LDWF staff briefed hunters with safety tips and a drawing was held prior to each hunt to determine which box stand each hunter would occupy. LDWF also transported hunters to and from stands, and assisted in locating downed deer. Meals for the young hunters and adults were sponsored by the South La. Chapter of the Quality Deer Management Association.
Ten youth hunters harvested 13 deer, five antlered and eight antlerless. Six of the participants harvested their first deer. Two hogs were also taken on the WMA.
Eighteen young waterfowl hunters were chosen to hunt on the WMA’s North Farm Waterfowl Area on dates in November, December and January. Six youth participated per hunt and were accompanied by an adult, but only the youth were allowed to hunt.
Duck blinds were placed in strategic locations within an impoundment area. Hunters were paired up with LDWF staff guides, attended a safety briefing and assisted in setting out decoys. Eighteen hunters harvested 104 ducks, averaging 5.8 ducks per hunter. Species taken included Green-winged teal, gadwall, mallards and a few geese. The Opelousas Chapter of Delta Waterfowl sponsored lunch for the youngsters and adults following the hunt.
