Hunt unit · Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge

Open Area Hunt Unit Map & Access

Special regsPermit required

The Open Area is one of 2 mapped hunt units on Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge in West Feliciana Parish, LA. It covers approximately 9,725 acres and is listed as “open – special regulations apply” for 2026–2027. That means hunting is permitted, but refuge-specific rules — such as limited species, dates, weapon types, access methods or quota permits — apply on top of state regulations. A refuge permit is required.

Navigate to unit Refuge overview Official hunt info ↗
9,725acres
Special regsstatus 2026–27
Yesrefuge permit
West Feliciana Parishcounty

Open Area map

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OpenSpecial regulationsClosedFWS-owned landWPA (public)Refuge boundaryEasement (private) Tip: switch to Satellite or USGS Topo in the layer menu · click the map for GPS coordinates
Downloads (whole refuge):KMLGPX

Rules & permits for this unit

Status: Open – special regulations apply

Hunting is allowed, but refuge-specific rules apply in addition to Louisiana regulations. Typical special regulations include limited species or seasons, quota/lottery permits, weapon restrictions (e.g. archery or shotgun only), shooting-hour limits, blind or stand rules and restricted access.

Refuge permit required. Type: Other. Obtain via: Online Other, Other, Visitor Center.

All hunters and anglers over age 16 and under 65 must have annual hunt permit.

Game at Cat Island NWR

Species listed for the refuge as a whole — a special-regulation unit may be limited to certain species. Confirm in the hunt brochure.

Getting to the Open Area

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Destination: center of the Open Area

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Decimal
30.78327, -91.46409
DMS
30°46′59.8″N 91°27′50.7″W

Nearest towns

  • Baton Rouge, LA28 mi NW of town
  • Lafayette, LA51 mi NE of town
  • Natchez, MS54 mi S of town

Straight-line distances. Driving routes are longer; many refuge roads are gravel and may close seasonally.

The navigation point is a point inside the unit polygon, not necessarily a parking area or legal access point. Use satellite view to find roads, gates and designated parking, and respect closed areas and private inholdings.

Shooting hours at this unit

Today at Open Area

Legal light*–
Sunrise–
Sunset–

*½ hour before sunrise — the standard federal shooting-hour start for migratory game birds. Times in Chicago local time.

Full season calculator →

2026–2027 season sun table

DateShooting lightSunriseSunsetDaylight
Tue, Sep 1, 20266:11 AM6:41 AM7:30 PM12h 49m
Tue, Sep 15, 20266:19 AM6:49 AM7:13 PM12h 24m
Thu, Oct 1, 20266:28 AM6:58 AM6:52 PM11h 54m
Thu, Oct 15, 20266:37 AM7:07 AM6:35 PM11h 28m
Sun, Nov 1, 20265:50 AM6:20 AM5:18 PM10h 59m
Sun, Nov 15, 20266:02 AM6:32 AM5:09 PM10h 37m
Tue, Dec 1, 20266:15 AM6:45 AM5:04 PM10h 19m
Tue, Dec 15, 20266:25 AM6:55 AM5:06 PM10h 10m
Fri, Jan 1, 20276:33 AM7:03 AM5:14 PM10h 11m
Fri, Jan 15, 20276:33 AM7:03 AM5:25 PM10h 21m
Mon, Feb 1, 20276:27 AM6:57 AM5:40 PM10h 43m

Computed for 30.783, -91.464 (CDT / DST-aware). Check state rules — big game hours vary.

Weather forecast

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Forecast from the National Weather Service. Wind direction matters — plan your approach downwind of where game beds.

Other units at Cat Island NWR

UnitStatusAcresPermit
Closed AreaClosed1,635Required

Back to Cat Island NWR →