St. Charles Parish

[ScottL]

Hello all. I am new to the forum. I am trying to get back into shooting traditional gear. Has been about 10 years since I have shot with anything other than a compound. If anyone is close to the area o St. Charles Parish, would love to meet up to do some practicing or even make some hunts on the WMAs in tge area.

[wislnwings]

Welcome aboard.  I'm in Gonzales, so not too far.  I hunt several of the management areas including Maurepas Swamp.  Most of our shooting is with the ARTAC club in Baton Rouge.  If you're not yet a member I would highly recommend it.  Its a great group of people and they put on some good 3D shoots.

[Retired Master Chief]

wislnwings,

How is the hog hunting at Maurepas Swamp?  I'll be in New Orleans around the October 24th for about a week and a half.  I'm bring my bow on the trip and will be purchasing my license online in a few days.  Looking into Pearl River WMA.  Your thoughts?

[wislnwings]

I've never seen a hog or sign of any on Maurepas Swamp WMA.  Pearl River on the other hand is loaded with them and I've taken a few.  For Pearl River plan on rubber boots, hip boots in some areas and be prepared for mosquitos.

[Retired Master Chief]

wislnwings,

Have you hunted Pearl River recently?  Can you point me in the right direction?  Where to park, attire (other than rubber boots and a bug tamer) etc.  I'd like to do some afternoon hunts as well as hunt on the weekend.  Any other information would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.

[Retired Master Chief]

wislnwings,

Also, how is the deer population at Pearl River.  Just curious if it would be worth my while to purchase a deer permit as well.  Thanks again.

[wislnwings]

The deer population is there but I would not say its strong.  They did go to a 4 point to a side requirement this year which should help.  I think the amount of hogs probably limit the deer numbers.  When I hunt there I spend most of my time hog hunting and if I get a shot at a deer its a bonus.  I may be headed there Friday, and if so I'll give you an update.

[Retired Master Chief]

Since I'll be paying $150 for a non-resident (NR) hunting license (basic fee), I was wondering if it would be worth my while to purchase a big game license at an additional $150 to hunt deer, or one day @ $36. Not to mention a archery license for $26 and a WMA hunting permit for $15.  Either sex deer appears to be open until Jan 31st.  Thanks for the update.

[wislnwings]

If it were me, I would not purchase the deer license.  I would just concentrate on hogs.  I've probably seen 10 or more hogs here for every deer I've seen.  But check the regulations.  I can't remember if it states that you must have a big game license to be in possession of broadheads.

[Retired Master Chief]

With your advice, I 'will not' be purchasing a deer permit, just the Basic season, bow and WMA permit, which will run about $200.  According to Christian Winslow (LDWF), the above is all I need to be legal.  What can you tell me about "Self-Clearing Permits"?  I wasn't to clear on that.  Thanks.

[wislnwings]

When you arrive at the area, there are "check in/out" stations with a permit you fill out.  1 copy to drop in as your "check in".  1 copy to keep on you and at the end of the day drop in as your "check out".  The last copy is for your vehicle dashboard.  There is no fee for this.  Its just a way for them to gather statistics on how many hunters and what is harvested.  If I'm not working we can get together and I'll show you around.

[Retired Master Chief]

Just found out today that our group has tentative travel plans for the 23rd (Sun).  Not sure if we'll be staying in a hotel or on JRB.  That would be great if you could show me around and even fling a few arrows.  Will send you a PM in a few days.  Thanks again!

[Retired Master Chief]

wislnwings,
 
Sent you a PM.

[wislnwings]

Just e-mailed ya.

[BowPlinker]

Guys I am home and can play anytime just let me know