DO NOT IGNORE THE FLASHING LIGHTS!

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kristin High
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Barksdale is entering its annual rifle deer hunting season and Team Barksdale needs to be aware of the signs posted throughout the East Reservation.

The signs warn about the danger of jogging off designated trails or entering wooded areas during hunting seasons.

"There are four different large signs that people can look out for," said Mark Gates, wildlife biologist. "They are a general warning not to pass this point. There's even a large stop sign on some of them, making them easier to see."

Whenever a managed firearm hunt is taking place, all other activity on the East Reservation is shut down with the exception of a few places, he added.

Hunters are still allowed to hunt water fowl on the northern 2/3 of Flag Lake and families can use the Harmon recreational area as long as they stay within the boundaries of the warning signs.

Game wardens will be patrolling the areas, making sure no one is breaking any rules. They assist in wildlife management by enforcing laws and regulations set by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, and Base Natural Resources.

"We monitor activities and check licenses in efforts to keep hunters and residents safe," said Staff Sgt. Brandon Penix, 2nd Security Forces Squadron patrol leader and game warden. "We enforce the rules, give warnings and depending on the offense, suspend hunting licenses if necessary."

The Natural Resources office is in charge of regulating rules for hunting season and issuing licenses for those who are allowed to hunt or fish on base. They also ensure that all warning signs are clearly posted throughout the reservation, keeping those unlicensed from roaming the hunting grounds.

"We issue licenses to all active duty members, retirees, National Guard, reservists, DoD employees and DoD retirees," said Gates. "Fishing licenses can be purchased at the Capehart shoppette or at Fam Camp."

With over 18,000 acres of land, to include four lakes and 11 ponds, there is an abundance of wildlife to hunt.

"The basic base hunting permit is $40 plus $5 for each endorsement stamp or animal you would like to hunt," said Gates.

For more information about hunting licenses please contact the Natural Resources office at 456-3353.