Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge

Shallow wetlands rich in emergent and submerged vegetation provide an abundant food source for thousands of migrating waterfowl. Much of the 4,416-acre refuge is closed to waterfowl hunting, but the 750-acre Hanson Unit is open two days a week throughout the waterfowl season. Permits are issued...

Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge conserves 4,416 acres of freshwater marsh and pond habitat, intersected with levees and man-made canals, and bisected by the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. The marshes provide excellent spawning and nursing habitat for many species of freshwater fish. The...

The refuge provides nesting, wintering, and breeding habitat for nearly 200 species of birds. Southeast Louisiana's marshes are key feeding and resting places for waterfowl traveling the Mississippi Flyway. Mandalay's freshwater marshes attract thousands of migratory waterfowl — including...

The ¾ mile out and back Mandalay Nature Trail west of Houma leads to an elevated boardwalk trail and ends at an observation deck over the wetlands. Look for shorebirds, waterfowl and alligators from the observation point at the end of the trail.

Take a virtual tour of the Mandalay nature...

Recreational boating is allowed in open waterways – existing canals, ditches, and trenasses. The nearest boat launch is Cannon's Landing, located on Bayou Black at 3663 Southdown Mandalay Road in Houma. There is a $5 launch fee at the landing.