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Vernon Parish hunting base
Simpson, Louisiana: public land within reach
Simpson as a hunting base: land by distance and what it takes to get on, Vernon Parish Deer Area dates and limits, turkey, bear and duck zones, and local services.
Photo: Kisatchie National Forest, 6.6 mi from Simpson, standing in for the town. US Forest Service – Southern Region (Public Domain Mark 1.0)
Inside Vernon Parish, Simpson works as a small base for the southwest: coastal marsh and chenier ridges, rice and crawfish prairie, and the longleaf pine flats of Beauregard and Allen. Fort Polk North WMA earned Simpson its page; the boundary lies less than a mile off. The mid-2024 Census estimate for Simpson is 549 residents. A 10-mile circle around Simpson catches 4 listed areas and about 39,833 acres of public ground. Leading the distance table for Simpson is Fort Polk North WMA, reached less than a mile from Simpson at the boundary. Over the 25-mile ring the GIS sum climbs to about 384,112 acres in 7 areas. Across Vernon Parish as a whole, the GIS layers measure about 265,032 public acres, including 219,351 acres of LDWF WMA land and 86,038 acres of Kisatchie National Forest.
Town point and land area from the Census 2024 Gazetteer, population from the Census Vintage 2024 estimates; public acreage and boundary miles within 10 and 25 miles are a GIS measure over the LDWF WMA layer and USFS, USFWS, Corps and NPS boundaries (places.json; area counts are within 25 miles). LDWF field office from the LDWF Contact Us page. Checked November 4, 2026.
Nearby
Places to hunt and shoot around Simpson
Parish rules around Simpson
Season caps show antlered and antlerless in brackets; Turkey says Closed where LDWF lists no Turkey Area.
| Parish | Deer Areas | Limit | Spring turkey | Bear Area | Duck | Dove | CWD | Gator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vernon Parish town | 3,2 | 6 (3/4) | Area A | 6 | West | North | – | C |
| Natchitoches Parish | 2 | 6 (3/4) | Area A | 6 | West | North | – | C |
| Sabine Parish | 2 | 6 (3/4) | Area A | 6 | West | North | – | C |
| Grant Parish | 2,1 | 6 (3/4); 6 (2/5) | Area A | 6 | West and East | North | – | C |
| Winn Parish | 2 | 6 (3/4) | Area A | 6 | West and East | North | – | C |
Vernon Parish is split among Deer Areas (Area 3 about 70%, Area 2 about 30% of the parish by GIS), along roads and rivers rather than the parish line. (Deer Area 3, Deer Area 2; LDWF Deer Area map.) Deer Area 3 opens to still-hunt gun hunters on October 17, 2026, after a bow season that began September 19, 2026. The youth and veteran deer segment in Deer Area 3 is September 26 to October 2. Season limits by area: Area 3: 6 deer, no more than 3 antlered or 4 antlerless; Area 2: 6 deer, no more than 3 antlered or 4 antlerless; the daily limit is one antlered and one antlerless deer. Gobbler hunting in Vernon Parish: Turkey Area A, Area A April 3 to May 2, and no hunting within 200 yards of bait. Vernon Parish belongs to Bear Area 6, with Area 6: 2 general permits. (Bear Area 6) The West duck zone covers Vernon Parish; split dates are West zone November 14 to December 6 and December 19 to January 24. For mourning doves, Vernon Parish uses the North zone (North: September 5-27, October 10-November 15, December 19-January 17). For the gator lottery, Vernon Parish counts as Recreational Zone C.
Deer Areas, limits and dates from the 2026-2027 Louisiana Hunting and WMA Regulations (LDWF map); GIS shares from the LDWF DeerManagementAreas layer; turkey from LDWF, bear from LDWF, ducks and doves from LDWF, CWD from LDWF, alligator zones from LDWF. Checked November 4, 2026.
How far Simpson is from public ground
Pins and rows cover 14 areas; the bold pins mark land reaching within 10 miles of Simpson.
| Area | Reach | Category | Agency | Entry rule | Acres | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Polk North WMA base | 0.9 mi W | Military WMA | LDWF | WMA permits, closures | 74,309 | Lottery hunts |
| Walnut Hill WMA | 5.2 mi SW | WMA | LDWF | WMA permits | 595 | Acreage varies |
| Kisatchie National Forest | 6.6 mi NE | National forest | USFS | Forest-wide | 607,483 | – |
| Fort Polk-Vernon WMA | 7.3 mi S | Military WMA | LDWF | WMA permits, closures | 105,545 | Lottery hunts |
| Kisatchie Kisatchie Ranger District | 15 mi N | Ranger district | USFS | Forest-wide | 102,489 | – |
| Red River NWR | 19 mi NE | Wildlife refuge | USFWS | Refuge hunt areas | 18,440 | – |
| Kisatchie Calcasieu Ranger District | 22 mi E | Ranger district | USFS | Forest-wide | 183,020 | Dove fields |
| Clear Creek WMA | 31 mi SW | WMA | LDWF | WMA permits | 52,559 | Lottery hunts |
| Alexander State Forest WMA | 33 mi E | WMA | LDWF | WMA permits | 8,158 | Lottery hunts |
| West Bay WMA | 36 mi S | WMA | LDWF | WMA permits | 59,189 | Lottery hunts |
| Kisatchie Catahoula Ranger District | 38 mi NE | Ranger district | USFS | Forest-wide | 122,860 | – |
| Marsh Bayou WMA | 40 mi SE | WMA | LDWF | WMA permits | 655 | – |
| Elbow Slough WMA | 41 mi E | WMA | LDWF | WMA permits | 160 | Lottery hunts |
| Sabine WMA | 42 mi NW | WMA | LDWF | WMA permits | 7,571 | Lottery hunts |
Kisatchie Calcasieu Ranger District offers 183,020 acres, more than any other area this close to Simpson. Sorted by agency, the land near Simpson is 3 LDWF-managed areas and 4 federal areas. Bait is not allowed anywhere on Fort Polk North WMA, and hunters may not enter before 4 a.m. Red River NWR allows hunting only where the refuge marks it open. Kisatchie ground near Simpson (Kisatchie National Forest) uses LDWF licenses and seasons with Forest Service rules: temporary stands for 24 hours, no deer or hog dogs.
Simpson close-in lands in brief
- Fort Polk North WMA: 74,309 acres; parish: Natchitoches, Sabine, Vernon; seasons for deer, turkey, waterfowl, feral hog, squirrel
- Walnut Hill WMA: 595 acres; in Vernon; species: deer, turkey, rabbit, woodcock (area map PDF)
- Kisatchie National Forest: 607,483 acres; parish: Grant, Natchitoches, Winn, Rapides; seasons for deer, turkey, squirrel, rabbit, quail
- Fort Polk-Vernon WMA: 105,545 acres; parishes: Vernon; species: deer, turkey, waterfowl, feral hog, squirrel
- Kisatchie Kisatchie Ranger District: 102,489 acres; parish: Natchitoches; listed game: deer, turkey, squirrel, rabbit, quail
- Red River NWR: 18,440 acres; parishes: Natchitoches, Red River, Caddo, De Soto; species: waterfowl, dove, snipe, woodcock, rail
Lands from LDWF area pages and the 2026-2027 Louisiana Hunting and WMA Regulations, 50 CFR 32.37, USFS, NPS and Corps records (lands.json; each land page cites its own source); 2024 managed-hunt deer from the LDWF deer report 2024-25. Boundary miles from places.json, other miles to each mapped centre. WMA permits from the LDWF license list and WMA rules. Checked November 4, 2026.
Simpson close-up on Fort Polk North WMA
Closest state-managed ground with a full schedule: Fort Polk North WMA, less than a mile from town. LDWF describes it this way: "The terrain on Fort Polk North WMA consists of gentle to high rolling hills interspersed with creeks." The hunting section reads: "Available game species include deer, squirrel, rabbit, quail, woodcock, dove, and turkey." Some hunts on Fort Polk North WMA are by lottery only, applied for on LouisianaOutdoors.com. From the area rules: "All or portions of the area may be closed daily due to military activities."
| Game | Schedule |
|---|---|
| Deer Archery (either-sex) | Sept 19-Jan 15, either-sex when bucks only firearms is closed |
| Deer Firearms (bucks only) | Nov 2-26 and Dec 12-Jan 1 |
| Deer Firearms (either-sex) | Oct 31-Nov 1 and Nov 29, self-clearing permit. Nov 27-28, mandatory deer check. |
| Deer Primitive Firearms (either-sex) | Oct 10-16, self-clearing permit. |
| Turkey | April 3-May 2 |
| Turkey Youth Lottery | March 27. Hunting by pre-application lottery only. Visit www.wlf.la.gov/page/lottery-hunts to apply online. |
| Small Game and Waterfowl | Same as outside EXCEPT WATERFOWL CLOSED after 12 noon, and EXCEPT CLOSED Oct 31-Nov 1 and Nov 27-29, and EXCEPT CLOSED to squirrel … |
| Feral Hogs | May be taken by properly licensed hunters from Sept 19-Jan 1. In addition, hunters may hunt feral hogs with shotguns loaded with … |
From the LDWF area page and the 2026-2027 Louisiana Hunting and WMA Regulations; managed-hunt deer from the LDWF deer report 2024-25. Checked November 4, 2026.
Simpson 2026-27 hunting dates by species
Ducks follow East or West zone splits and doves the North or South zone, which is why one parish can show two sets of bird dates.
| Quarry | Season part | Zone | Begins | Ends | Open now? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed deer | CWD zone archery | Area 2 | Aug 29, 2026 | Sep 6, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Archery | Area 2 | Oct 1, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | |
| White-tailed deer | Youth and veterans | Area 2 | Oct 10, 2026 | Oct 16, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Primitive Firearms | Area 2 | Oct 24, 2026 | Oct 30, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Still-hunt firearms | Area 2 | Oct 31, 2026 | Dec 9, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Firearms, dogs allowed | Area 2 | Dec 10, 2026 | Jan 17, 2027 | |
| White-tailed deer | Primitive Firearms | Area 2 | Jan 18, 2027 | Jan 24, 2027 | |
| White-tailed deer | Archery | Area 3 | Sep 19, 2026 | Jan 15, 2027 | |
| White-tailed deer | Youth and veterans | Area 3 | Sep 26, 2026 | Oct 2, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Primitive Firearms | Area 3 | Oct 10, 2026 | Oct 16, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Still-hunt firearms | Area 3 | Oct 17, 2026 | Nov 29, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Firearms, dogs allowed | Area 3 | Nov 30, 2026 | Jan 3, 2027 | |
| White-tailed deer | Primitive Firearms | Area 3 | Jan 4, 2027 | Jan 10, 2027 | |
| White-tailed deer | Challenged hunters | Statewide | Oct 3, 2026 | Oct 4, 2026 | |
| Black bear | Lottery permit hunt | Bear Area 6 | Dec 5, 2026 | Dec 20, 2026 | |
| Wild turkey | Youth and challenged | Turkey A, B, C | Mar 26, 2027 | Mar 28, 2027 | |
| Wild turkey | Spring | Turkey Area A | Apr 3, 2027 | May 2, 2027 | |
| Feral hogs | Night take, private land | Private land | Jul 1, 2026 | Jun 30, 2027 | |
| Feral hogs | Year-round, daylight | Statewide | Jul 1, 2026 | Jun 30, 2027 | |
| Alligator | Recreational lottery | Zones A-H | Oct 1, 2026 | Oct 31, 2026 | |
| Squirrels | Youth (private lands only) | Statewide | Sep 26, 2026 | Sep 27, 2026 | |
| Squirrels | Fall | Statewide | Oct 3, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Squirrels | Spring | Statewide | May 1, 2027 | May 23, 2027 | |
| Rabbits | Season | Statewide | Oct 3, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Quail | Season | Statewide | Nov 21, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Pheasant | Season | Statewide | Nov 21, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Doves | Segment 1 | North zone | Sep 5, 2026 | Sep 27, 2026 | |
| Doves | Segment 2 | North zone | Oct 10, 2026 | Nov 15, 2026 | |
| Doves | Segment 3 | North zone | Dec 19, 2026 | Jan 17, 2027 | |
| Teal | September teal | Statewide | Sep 19, 2026 | Sep 27, 2026 | |
| Whistling ducks | Special season | Statewide | Oct 3, 2026 | Oct 11, 2026 | |
| Ducks and coots | Youth and veteran day | West zone | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 7, 2026 | |
| Ducks and coots | Split 1 | West zone | Nov 14, 2026 | Dec 6, 2026 | |
| Ducks and coots | Split 2 | West zone | Dec 19, 2026 | Jan 24, 2027 | |
| Ducks and coots | Youth and veteran day | West zone | Jan 30, 2027 | Jan 30, 2027 | |
| Snow and blue geese | Regular season | West zone | Nov 14, 2026 | Dec 6, 2026 | |
| Snow and blue geese | Conservation Order | West zone | Dec 7, 2026 | Dec 18, 2026 | |
| Snow and blue geese | Regular season | West zone | Dec 19, 2026 | Feb 7, 2027 | |
| Snow and blue geese | Conservation Order | West zone | Feb 8, 2027 | Mar 7, 2027 | |
| Specklebellies | Regular season | West zone | Nov 14, 2026 | Dec 6, 2026 | |
| Specklebellies | Regular season | West zone | Dec 19, 2026 | Feb 7, 2027 | |
| Canada geese | Regular season | West zone | Nov 14, 2026 | Dec 6, 2026 | |
| Canada geese | Regular season | West zone | Dec 19, 2026 | Feb 7, 2027 | |
| King and clapper rails | Season | Statewide | Sep 19, 2026 | Sep 27, 2026 | |
| King and clapper rails | Season | Statewide | Nov 7, 2026 | Jan 6, 2027 | |
| Sora and Virginia rails | Season | Statewide | Sep 19, 2026 | Sep 27, 2026 | |
| Sora and Virginia rails | Season | Statewide | Nov 7, 2026 | Jan 6, 2027 | |
| Gallinules | Season | Statewide | Sep 19, 2026 | Sep 27, 2026 | |
| Gallinules | Season | Statewide | Nov 7, 2026 | Jan 6, 2027 | |
| Snipe | Season | Statewide | Oct 31, 2026 | Jan 10, 2027 | |
| Snipe | Season | Statewide | Jan 25, 2027 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Woodcock | Season | Statewide | Dec 18, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | |
| Crows | Season | Statewide | Sep 1, 2026 | Jan 1, 2027 | |
| Coyote | Year-round, daylight | Statewide | Jul 1, 2026 | Jun 30, 2027 | |
| Armadillo | Year-round, daylight | Statewide | Jul 1, 2026 | Jun 30, 2027 | |
| Nutria | Recreational hunting | Private land | Sep 1, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Bobcat | Year-round hunting | Statewide | Jul 1, 2026 | Jun 30, 2027 | |
| Raccoon | Year-round, day and night | Statewide | Jul 1, 2026 | Jun 30, 2027 | |
| Opossum | Year-round, day and night | Statewide | Jul 1, 2026 | Jun 30, 2027 | |
| Foxes (chase) | Chase only (hunting) | Statewide | Jul 1, 2026 | Jun 30, 2027 |
From the LDWF seasons and regulations and the 2026-2027 Louisiana Hunting and WMA Regulations (Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries), checked November 4, 2026.
Simpson processors and gun shops
Deer processors come from the LDWF processor map layer, the Hunters for the Hungry list and directory listings; preserves partly from the LDWF preserve list. Troy's Butcher Shop, 29 mi off, processes donated deer for Hunters for the Hungry. Mounts: Thompsons Taxidermy in Pitkin is the nearest taxidermy listing, 19 mi off. Short on shells? Roux Ga Roux Outdoors in Leesville is 18 mi away. Processing options within 35 miles of Simpson number 4.
| Type | Inside 15 | Inside 35 | Nearest one | Distance | Town |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Processing shops | 0 | 4 | Troy's Butcher Shop | 29 mi N | Provencal |
| Mount makers | 0 | 3 | Thompsons Taxidermy | 19 mi S | Pitkin |
| Outdoor stores | 0 | 16 | Roux Ga Roux Outdoors | 18 mi SW | Leesville |
| Preserves | 0 | 1 | Wide Open Outfitters | 33 mi N | Natchitoches |
Processing shops
Mount makers
Outdoor stores
Preserves
Processors from the LDWF deer processor and Hunters for the Hungry map layers, the Hunters for the Hungry list and Yellow Pages; preserves from the LDWF preserve list and Yellow Pages; taxidermists and shops from Yellow Pages and store locators (services.json). Listings without coordinates are placed at their town. Checked November 4, 2026; hours were not checked.
Deer and turkey numbers for Vernon Parish
The 2024-25 deer report lists Vernon Parish 2nd of the top 20 parishes, with 5,896 deer. Two seasons earlier: 1st, 5,563 deer. Spring 2026 turkey harvest in Vernon Parish: 268, as read from the LDWF figure.
Deer from the LDWF deer report 2024-25 and 2022-23; turkey from the LDWF 2026 turkey report (map figure); CWD from LDWF. Checked November 4, 2026.
Dates within reach of Simpson
Some 30 miles around Simpson take in 4 dates still ahead; the kinds are LDWF youth lottery and hunter education course. LDWF lottery rows (2) admit drawn applicants alone.
Upcoming
| Date | Title | Mi away | Location | Sign-up or details | Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 11–12, 2026 | LDWF Hunter Education Course – Leesville · hunter education course | 18 | Leesville Fairgrounds- Exhibit Building | Register | Source |
| Jan 22–23, 2027 | LDWF Hunter Education Course – Leesville · hunter education course | 18 | Leesville Fairgrounds- Exhibit Building | Register | Source |
| Mar 27, 2027 | Fort Polk North WMA youth turkey lottery | 12 | Apply | Source | |
| Mar 27, 2027 | Fort Polk-Vernon WMA youth turkey lottery | 13 | Apply | Source |
Simpson hunters: clubs and LDWF lines close by
From central Simpson, Fort Johnson MWR Shooting Complex (Fort Polk Recreational) is closest at 18 miles.
Woodworth Shooting Range, about 33 miles away, is the state-run range nearest Simpson. Open
Straight-line miles from the town centre; ranges checked November 4, 2026.
Shooting light at Simpson
Big game light near Simpson begins 30 minutes before sunrise and ends 30 minutes after sunset; migratory birds end at sunset.
| Date | Season point | Sunrise | Sunset | Deer and turkey | Ducks and doves |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 19, 2026 | Area 3 archery opens | 6:58 a.m. | 7:15 p.m. | 6:28 a.m.–7:45 p.m. | 6:28 a.m.–7:15 p.m. |
| Oct 17, 2026 | Area 3 gun opens | 7:16 a.m. | 6:40 p.m. | 6:46 a.m.–7:10 p.m. | 6:46 a.m.–6:40 p.m. |
| Nov 14, 2026 | West zone ducks open | 6:39 a.m. | 5:16 p.m. | 6:09 a.m.–5:46 p.m. | 6:09 a.m.–5:16 p.m. |
| Nov 30, 2026 | Area 3 dog season | 6:52 a.m. | 5:11 p.m. | 6:22 a.m.–5:41 p.m. | 6:22 a.m.–5:11 p.m. |
| Dec 5, 2026 | Bear lottery hunt opens | 6:56 a.m. | 5:11 p.m. | 6:26 a.m.–5:41 p.m. | 6:26 a.m.–5:11 p.m. |
| Dec 21, 2026 | Shortest day | 7:07 a.m. | 5:14 p.m. | 6:37 a.m.–5:44 p.m. | 6:37 a.m.–5:14 p.m. |
| Apr 3, 2027 | Spring turkey opens | 7:00 a.m. | 7:33 p.m. | 6:30 a.m.–8:03 p.m. | 6:30 a.m.–7:33 p.m. |
Hours rules from the 2026-2027 Louisiana Hunting and WMA Regulations and La. R.S. 56:116.1; sunrise and sunset worked out for this location with the NOAA solar formula (Central Time); checked November 4, 2026. Legal hours for every parish.
Simpson LDWF contacts
The Pineville office is the LDWF location closest to Simpson, 35 miles off. Vernon Parish belongs to the LDWF Lake Charles field office area; the office phone is (337) 491-2575. Vernon Parish falls in LDWF Enforcement Region 3; the captain is John Volentine, (318) 487-5634.
LDWF in Pineville
Lake Charles LDWF office
Offices and field office parish lists from the LDWF Contact Us page, enforcement regions and captains from LDWF local law enforcement contacts (counties.json, services.json). Checked November 4, 2026.
Simpson, answered
Which LDWF office takes violation reports near Simpson?
Region 3, Pineville office.
What towns near Simpson could serve as a second base?
Fort Polk North first, then Leesville, New Llano and Fort Polk South.
Leaving Simpson at dawn, where is the nearest public ground?
Head for Fort Polk North WMA, reached less than a mile from Simpson at the boundary. A close second is Walnut Hill WMA, reached 5.2 miles from Simpson at the boundary.
Does Simpson have public land on its doorstep?
Yes: 4 areas and roughly 39,833 acres within 10 miles.
How many antlered deer may a Simpson hunter take?
Area 3: 3 antlered a season; Area 2: 3 antlered a season, one a day.
What are the still-hunt gun dates in Vernon Parish?
In Deer Area 3, October 17 through November 29, 2026.
Is baiting allowed on the WMAs around Simpson?
No. Bait may not be used, hunted over or carried on any WMA.
What day does spring turkey open near Simpson?
April 3, 2027; the last day depends on the Turkey Area.
Do public lands near Simpson allow afternoon waterfowl hunting?
No; the noon close applies on WMAs and public lands, and refuges may be stricter.
Is bear hunting legal near Simpson?
Only for lottery permit holders, in Bear Area 6, December 5-20, 2026.
Does blaze pink count as hunter orange?
Yes, everywhere hunter orange is required.
What do I write on the tag of a deer from near Simpson?
The date and the parish, on the carcass tag or electronically.
Which processor is nearest the Simpson town centre?
Troy's Butcher Shop, in Provencal, at about 29 mi.
Answers from places.json, lands.json, counties.json, services.json and the 2026-2027 Louisiana Hunting and WMA Regulations; tagging from LDWF, hunter orange from LDWF, baiting from LDWF, WMA permits from the LDWF license list, CWD from LDWF. Checked November 4, 2026.
Leaving Simpson to hunt
Orange or pink during firearm deer dates, a tag on the animal before it moves and validation within 72 hours keep a Louisiana deer hunt legal.
Other photos on this page: Ray Devlin (CC BY 2.0); Tim Wilson (CC BY 2.0); US Forest Service – Southern Region (Public domain); Louisiana Sea Grant College Program Louisiana State University (CC BY 2.0); Nick Shields (CC BY 2.0); Trey Matula (CC BY 2.0); brian gautreau (CC BY-SA 2.0); Jenni (CC BY-SA 2.0).