Union WMA Closes

[swamp snorkler]

http://www.knoe.com/home/headlines/U...310151261.html

Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) announced Friday that the property known as Union Wildlife Management Area (WMA) will no longer be part of the department’s WMA program, effectiveJuly 1, 2015. LDWF has decided to conclude the long-term lease with Plum Creek Timber Company on approximately 10,000 acres in Union Parish, focusing instead on supporting wildlife management efforts in other WMAs within the LDWF system.
“LDWF will continue to pursue opportunities on properties that facilitate wildlife habitat management while providing quality outdoor recreation options for the public,” said Steve Smith, LDWF WMA program manager. “Those resources previously utilized on this area will be redirected in a manner through which they can be best utilized within the WMA system for conservation and public use.”
For many years, Plum Creek provided hunting access on this WMA in northeast Louisiana. The companywill now offer these lands for lease to individuals or hunting clubs. Additional information about recreational leasing opportunities is available at the Plum Creek webiste [see the 'related links' section]..
Plum Creek is among the largest and most geographically diverse private landowners in the United States with timberlands in 19 states, and wood products mills in the Northwest, managing lands using sustainable practices to benefit Plum Creek’s many stakeholders. Plum Creek employeeswork together to serve as stewards of the environment, make wood products for everyday use, and build strong communities to create shareholder value.




Anyone ever hunted this WMA?

[Smalls]

I imagine it is hunted more by people up there. One hypothesis I've heard is that the utilization might not have been very high. That coupled with Plum Creek likely wanting more for the lease may be why LDWF let it go.

[duckfreak]

Now is goes to the highest bidder, imagine if there are any land owners or hunting clubs in the immediate area, it will become private property real quick.

[Pat Babaz]

More and more guys are getting into "Horn Porn" in Louisiana, trophy managed leases are in vogue now in our state. This is driving the lease prices up to the point where in 10-15 years they will be expensive as a rice field duck blind. The state can't pay the price per acre that a bunch of rich guys can and the timber companies will lease to the highest bidder.

[Juciy]

Some of the best turkey hunting in the State. By the way, our state is broke and failing. That is why this WMA was not renewed. They are cutting expenses across the board.


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[Smalls]

Originally Posted by Juciy

Some of the best turkey hunting in the State. By the way, our state is broke and failing. That is why this WMA was not renewed. They are cutting expenses across the board.


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In other words, you're saying the state is about to raid LDWF funding again? Please, what is your source on this? I would love to get in touch with someone in BR and fight tell them to fight it.

That is the only way LDWF would be affected by the budget issues, because they do not receive funding from the general fund.

Also, this revolving door topic comes around every time a lease is up. I know a few people that deal with this. The timber companies start wanting more money because individuals are willing to pay much more for a lease, and the public loses out. Blame it on the people willing to pay too much money for land they do not control. Private leases will be the undoing of public hunting in Louisiana.