One of South Louisiana's favorite places for getting up close and personal with nature will be experiencing a change in schedule here in the next couple of days. Officials with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries have announced a temporary closure of the refuge during the first week of September.

Courtesy KATC via YouTube
Courtesy KATC via YouTube
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The planned dates are September 7th through September 11th, that's a Wednesday through a Sunday, and the reason for the temporary shutdown is about as Louisiana as it gets. LDWF says the refuge will close on those days to facilitate the annual alligator harvest.

Just to be clear, Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge will not be closed to the public all day on those days. Alligator hunters with specific permits, tags, licenses, you know the drill, will be allowed to harvest the reptiles in the hours before noon on each of those days without the normal crowds.

St. Tammany Sheriff's Office
St. Tammany Sheriff's Office
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The refuge will then reopen to the public at Noon on those days to the general public so that those who want to enjoy some of the scenic beauty or utilize the recreational areas will have until sunset to get their "nature fix" in.

The Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge is a major driver of tourism in the area. It's estimated that more than 100,000 people visit the refuge every year. It spans some 26 miles of Louisiana coastline in Vermilion and Cameron Parishes.

wlf louisiana gov
wlf louisiana gov
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You can expand the above map by clicking here. Rockefeller is widely known around South Louisiana as a premier spot for crabbing and shrimping. But those who fish for redfish, speckled trout, bass, drum, and other species enjoy it too.

Townsquare Media Photo by John Falcon
Townsquare Media Photo by John Falcon
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Oh, there is one other note of importance for all visitors, we took this directly from the Department of Wildlife website, 

Beginning June 1, 2022, visitors must have a WMA Access Permit, Senior Hunting/Fishing License, Louisiana Sportsman's Paradise License, or a Lifetime Hunting/Fishing License to visit an LDWF WMA, Refuge, or Conservation Area, including Shooting Ranges, for any reason—boating, hiking, bird watching, berry picking, fishing, hunting, shooting, etc.

The WMA Access Permit only covers access onto the property—it does NOT convey hunting or fishing privileges. Beginning July 1, 2022, all visitors must also comply with self-clearing permit guidelines.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries Facebook
Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries Facebook
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You can find more clarity on what those new guidelines mean and how to adhere to them with a quick visit to the Department of Wildlife website. 

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