Draft compatibility determinations (CD) for two outdoor recreation activities, boating and biking on Theodore Roosevelt National Wildlife Refuge Complex (Complex) Refuges, are now available for public review and comment for 14 calendar days from May 28, 2026, to June 11, 2026. These activities provide a means of travel and participation in all wildlife-dependent recreation on the nine refuges including hunting and fishing, and wildlife observation.
The documents are available for review in the library section of this webpage. You can find the library tab on the left side of the screen, towards the bottom of the menu. Please let us know if you need the documents in an alternative format. Please submit any comments by June 11, 2026, to Brett Moule, Project Leader, Theodore Roosevelt NWR Complex by email at [email protected]. Concerns expressed during the public comment period may be addressed in the final CD.
The FWS is seeking public review and comment on the proposed opening or expansion of hunting and/or fishing. The public is invited to review the draft documents, including draft plan(s), compatibility determination(s) as appropriate, and environmental compliance documentation. The draft documents are available through the Federal Register docket number: FWS–HQ–NWRS–2026–1223.
The comment period on the proposed hunting and sport fishing regulations across Service-managed lands and waters will stay open for 30-days from May 27 through June 26, 2026. Please submit your comments directly through the Federal Register.
The comment period on the Environmental Assessment for actions at this field station will stay open for 30 days from May 27 through June 27, 2026. Please submit your comments via email to [email protected] with the name of the refuge or hatchery in the subject line.
Visit Us
Seasons, life cycles and migrating animals make each visit to the refuge a new experience. There are a multitude of opportunities such as wildlife observation, interpretative programs, hunting and fishing. People of all abilities can explore the refuge trails, which include two fully accessible trails leading to observation decks.
Activities
Change is constant at Bayou Cocodrie NWR. Seasons, life cycles and migrating animals make each visit to the refuge a new experience. There are a multitude of opportunities to interact with wildlife at Bayou Cocodrie NWR. What will your next visit unveil?
Bayou Cocodrie NWR is 14,668 acres located between Ferriday and Monterey, Louisiana, in Concordia Parish.
The Brooks Brake unit can be accessed from Poole Road off of Louisiana Highway 15 near Ferriday, Louisiana.
The Hoover Slough unit can be accessed from Louisiana Highway 15.
The Cross Bayou and Wallace Lake Units can be accessed from Boggy Bayou Road off of Louisiana Highway 129 between Stacy and Monterey, Louisiana.
We strongly recommend you do not rely on an electronic navigation device to find your way around the refuge. Inaccurate maps and limited reception can lead you astray.
The refuge is open during daylight hours only, except during hunting seasons. Refer to refuge regulations for specific hunting details.
Points of Interest:
We have several miles of hiking trails, two boardwalks with observation decks, a boat launch, and launch retrieval sites for canoes and kayaks. The Cocodrie Bayou river runs through the refuge.
There are two handicap accessible hiking trails which lead to observation decks as indicated on the attached map can be accessed off of Poole Road. The fishing pier located off of Hwy 15 is handicap accessible.
During the deer hunting season, there are two stationary hunting blinds available to mobility-impaired permitholders by reservation. Contact the office for details and to make a reservation.
Know before you go:
Bayou Cocodrie NWR does not have public restrooms or lavatories. Visitors need to bring drinking water, insect repellent/bug shields, sunscreen, and EPI pens for allergies.
Trails
"In every walk with nature one receives more than he seeks” – John Muir
There are many opportunities to enjoy wildlife observation and photography opportunities on Bayou Cocodrie NWR. One of the best ways to view wildlife is to take a walk on one of the nature trails, old logging roads, or hunting trail (during non-hunting season) which traverse the refuge in each of the units.
Other Facilities in the Complex
Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge is one of nine refuges that make up the Theodore Roosevelt National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Each refuge in the complex plays vital role to conserving our nation's resources. A National Wildlife Refuge Complex is an administrative grouping of two or more Refuges, wildlife management areas or other Refuge conservation areas that are primarily managed from a central office location. Refuges are grouped into a complex structure because they occur in a similar ecological region, such as a watershed or specific habitat type, and have a related purpose and management needs. Typically, a Project Leader oversees the general management of all Refuges within the complex and Refuge Managers are responsible for operations at specific Refuges. Supporting staff, composed of administrative, law enforcement, Refuge manager, biological, fire, visitor services, and maintenance professionals, are centrally located and support all Refuges within the complex.
Checkout the list below of the other Refuges within the Complex, and visit each one for new and different experiences!
Rules and Policies
Bayou Cocodrie NWR welcomes visitors year-round! All lands managed under TR Complex, including Refuge roads, parking areas and boat ramps are closed 1 1/2 hours after sunset until 4 am. Please refer to current Refuge regulations and map for additional information. A Current Public Use Permit is required for access if you are participating in consumptive use such as but not limited to, hunting and angling. Click here to purchase or obtain your permit. For help with log-in or creating your account for purchasing or obtaining an annual public use permit please watch the Video Instructions.
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