Near Leesville, visit the Fort Polk Wildlife Management Area. There are a number of all-weather roads for recreational vehicles, as well as beautiful trees, including many unusual such as the Venus Fly-Trap and Pitcher Plants. There are also numerous species of birds, including the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker.
Near Elizabeth, visit the West Bank Wildlife Management Area*, where you can stretch your legs and do some bird-watching. Take note of the orchards in this area, where lemons, peaches, blueberries, pecans, and muscadines are grown.
Just north of Merryville is the Clear Creek Wildlife Management Area*. In winter months, you’ll see northern wildlife arriving in search of warmer climes. Wild turkeys are plentiful in Clear Creek’s rolling hills.
* To visit any of Louisiana’s Wildlife Management Areas, you must have either a valid Louisiana fishing or hunting license OR a Wild Louisiana Stamp. You can buy these online at www.wlf.louisiana.gov or by calling 1-888-765-2602 or at any vendor that sells hunting and fishing licenses, such as Bass Pro Shop, Walmart and Academy Sports. If you are buying a license or stamp for short-term use, you will be given an authorization number; that, plus a valid I.D., allows you to visit the WMA and hunt or fish. Prices vary for hunting and fishing licenses. The Wild Louisiana Stamps costs $2 for a one-day stamp.
