Upcoming Events
Bogue Chitto Youth Fishing Rodeo
Registration for the 2025 Bogue Chitto Youth Fishing Rodeo Opens on Monday, April 14
Calling all kids ages 4 鈥 15! Get your fish on at the Youth Fishing Rodeo at Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge! This event will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at the Jim Schmidt Boardwalk Trailhead/fishing access site at exit 11 on I-59 north in Pearl River. The rodeo is great fun for both beginner and experienced anglers. If you are new to fishing, we have fishing mentors who can assist with casting and share some helpful angling tips!
Children will enjoy a morning of bank fishing at the refuge鈥檚 fishing pond with the chance to win prizes. Fishing starts at 7:30 a.m. and finishes at 11 a.m. Participating children must be between the ages of 4 鈥 15, accompanied by an adult, and be able to hold their own fishing pole. Registered children receive a t-shirt, bait, and lunch for the whole family. Fishing poles rigged with tackle are available to borrow or bring your own pole. Cost to register is $10 per child. Financial aid is available to assist with registration fee. Registration is required and closes on May 31 or when all spots are filled. Fishing spots are limited and you must register by May 14 in order to guarantee a t-shirt.
Register and pay online at . Phone registrations are not accepted. To request a registration form to be mailed to you call 985/882-2025.
The fishing rodeo is co-sponsored by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Friends of Louisiana Wildlife Refuges, Inc. For more information or to inquire about financial aid please email lwrfriends@gmail.com or 985/882-2025.
Nature Explorers, 1st & 3rd Friday of each month at 9:30 a.m.
Join refuge staff for this FREE, fun-filled educational program for young children 0 - 6 years old. Learn about native animals, create nature themed crafts, go on a short nature walk and more! Children must be accompanied by an adult through the duration of the program. Program meets at the Bayou Lacombe Visitor Center and is 45 minutes in duration. Program topics vary and meet rain, mud or shine.
Homeschool Day, 4th Friday of every month at 10 a.m.
Join refuge staff for this FREE, fun-filled educational program. Programs are geared for homeschoolers ages 12 and under (K - 8th grade) but all are welcome. Homeschool Day programs are set up to help families explore native flora, fauna, and habitats of Southeast Louisiana via hands-on activities. All students must be accompanied by an adult through the duration of the program. You do not have to be homeschooled to participate in the program. All programs are conducted rain or shine. Program length is 90 minutes. For more information email .
Service Saturdays, 1st Saturday of each month
These community work parties can include clearing trails, picking up downed limbs and general cleanup at a refuge in the the Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife Refuges Complex. If you are looking for volunteer hours for a school or organization you belong to, or just want to help make a difference, this may be for you. All tools are provided. Please wear closed-toe shoes and outdoor clothing. Beverages and light snacks are provided. Volunteers under 18 yrs. of age require a signed by parent or guardian volunteer form to participate. Under age 16 volunteers must be accompanied by an adult. To join a work party RSVP to .