Barksdale falls into hunting season

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joanna M. Kresge
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  For years, Airmen and other Department of Defense cardholders have been coming to Barksdale's East Reservation for hunting season.

Any individual who would like to hunt on the 15,000 acre east reservation must take a hunter's safety course every three years and adhere to all the safety rules and designated hunting areas. This requirement will continue under the newly activated Air Force Global Strike Command.

The class runs approximately an hour and a half and covers how the base natural resources office manages hunting, important safety tips, quality deer management and general rules that are specific to Barksdale.

"We cover a lot of information on state regulations but the classes are geared toward things that differ from the state regulations," said Michael Gibson, biological scientist for the natural resources office.

Of all the safety tips covered in the class, Mark Gates, wildlife biologist for the natural resources office explains the most important safety tip.

"The No. 1 safety rule is to treat every gun like it's loaded whether it is or not," he said. "This includes keeping the muzzle of the gun pointed in a safe direction at all times and never rely on your gun's safety. Hunters must pay close attention to not only what they are aiming at, but what's beyond their target as well."

Motorists and recreational hikers may begin to notice posted signs around the east reservation cautioning them against entering areas where live fire is occurring. The designated hunting areas on base are purposely set far from east reservation residences and roadways; however, certain areas will be closed due to live fire.

"During modern firearm deer season, all other recreational activities on the undeveloped areas of the east reservation are prohibited," said Mr. Gates. "The only exceptions are the use of Harmon Lake recreational area, waterfowl hunting on the upper two-thirds of Flag Lake, fishing on Austin Lake and the lower one-third of Flag Lake, and normal use of Cullen Park and Clear Lake Park. Therefore, the main hiking trail is off limits during modern firearm deer hunt days."

Mr. Gates explains that the benefits to hunting on base far outnumber the benefits of off-base hunting.

"Barksdale's deer population is second to none in this area and many trophy bucks are harvested each year on base," he said. "Also, it's a bargain to hunt on base - I challenge hunters to find a 15,000 acre hunting lease for $30 a year, much less one that offers the quality of habitat and wildlife the east reservation has to offer. "

This year's hunting season dates are as follows: deer season dates were rifle use is authorized are Nov. 20-23, 26-28; Dec. 2-3, 9-12, 17-19, 26-27; and Jan. 7-9, 21-23. Deer season with primitive rifle use are: Nov. 6-12; Jan. 28-30 Deer season dates with bow and arrow use are: Oct. 1-Feb. 15. Small game and waterfowl follow state season dates.

Upcoming classes will be held on Oct. 14, Nov. 4, Dec. 7, Dec. 21 and Jan. 6 at 6 p.m. For more information on Barksdale hunting regulations, contact the natural resources office at 456-3353. For more information about state hunting dates and regulations, visit: http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/.