Place to Camp and Hike with Gear/Kit

[Arbiterk]

Coming from a trail-hiker only person (so far) but here is my completely a dumb question: seeing people "LARP/prep and practice" for whatever, I always was curious: where in Louisiana is it okay (aka not gonna have cops or a Karen freak out if they see you in the woods with a rifle and rig not for hunting because you wanna go be Rambo or test out gear for a few days) for someone to hike/ruck in like, chest rigs, equipment, practice shooting and camp out with said loadout? I'm all for camping off the grid or just being out in bum-fudge nowhere, but was curious where one could do all that carrying an AR15/mags and a bag etc without it being a problem, considering I've seen others do it online and it made me wonder what legal BS/legal areas one could do so.

I am aware of the laws and legalities for places like Tunica Hills, and other National Parks, but was unsure of what else would be out there.

Feel free to roast, but considering the world as is, seems like a "good to know" bit of info that anyone reading the information in this thread can see without having to ask out loud like I am lol. Not everyone knows a dude with acres and acres of land to be a weekend warrior for shits n giggles at.

 

[Cheesy Lasagna]

An excellent question. I’d like to know the answer as well.

 

[Arbiterk]

I always imagined it be "public land" to do so but what rules and such to know? Hopefully someone chips in lol

 

[T-boy]

Do you own a boat?

Plenty of "State Land" in the Atchafalaya Spillway. Not to be confused with WMA properties. I'd imagine that would fit your bill....

 

[Arbiterk]

So "state land" is the key thing to look for? I do not have a boat, and I prefer something I can hike whiles before camp etc too.

 

[T-boy]

So "state land" is the key thing to look for? I do not have a boat, and I prefer something I can hike whiles before camp etc too.

Yes. The exact website name escapes me, but the state does have electronic maps of all public lands. Give it a look, you may be able to find something with road access.

 

[Arbiterk]

Cool! And I imagine there are laws and regs to consider or is it basically a free-all as long as not shooting animals poaching etc

 

[Danny Abear]

Sherburne wildlife management area will be what you looking for; you do have to fill out a self clearing form, so the Rangers know someone is in the woods

 

[T-boy]

Cool! And I imagine there are laws and regs to consider or is it basically a free-all as long as not shooting animals poaching etc

Way less rules than a WMA. I use it for hunting. You can use feeders and leave permanent stands in the woods. Hog traps are allowed. No self clearing permits or anything of the sort either.

 

[Big H]

I would think your local Wildlife and Fisheries office could answer any questions or at least point you in the right direction to have said question answered----

 

[Arbiterk]

True. Was wanting to see what others had to say if they already had good places in mind that were decent spots

 

[SMR412]

Is shooting allowed on these "State Land" areas?
I've always been led to believe shooting is typically not legal on public land. I'd love to find out I'm wrong.

 

[T-boy]

Hunting season--yes.

If there aren't any open seasons--I am not sure.

 

[SMR412]

Sorry, I meant target shooting.

 

[DBMJR1]

I would look in National Forests.

 

[themcfarland]

dont be the guy who was rucking along the river on the levy with a pack and AR, just so happen to be a school property and got jammed up badly for trying to get in shape like he wanted..

 

[highstandard40]

If I'm not mistaken, target shooting is not allowed on federal lands, even during hunting season. Likewise, carrying a loaded centerfire rifle on federal land could be considered intent to poach. If I were you, I would do as previously mentioned; contact Wildlife and Fisheries for the answer to your questions

 

[Trailboss]

If it were me, I'd contact the LOCAL game wardens/agents/rangers covering Sherborne, or Kisatchie and tell them what you want to do. If rifles aren't allowed off-season, just carry an iron pipe filled with sand about the same weight, along with the rest of your loadout. There are campgrounds at both places (don't know about Honey Island) and shooting ranges you could practice shooting. The one at Sherborne is free and next to the campground. There are also Homochitto and DeSoto Nat'l Forests in MS that may allow dispersed camping.

 

[Arbiterk]

being out in middle of nowhere and not hunting I didn’t think they’d have much issue with that huh

 

[Trailboss]

Telling the game warden you're not hunting before you go into the woods (maybe leave the BCG in the vehicle) will probably have a better outcome than denying you're hunting after he finds you in the woods with a rifle and ammo.