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Pass a Loutre WMA general info questions
Posted on 11/29/25 at 1:27 pm
Posted on 11/29/25 at 1:27 pm
Me and a friend have decided that we are going to tent camp and duck hunt for a few days after Christmas. We are both experienced boaters and outdoorsmen, but have little experience in the river. My idea is to not be in the river at all at night and leave the camp ground at daylight to hunt in the mornings and do our hunting from 7-2. I have been taught to respect the river, and the few times I have been in Venice, I understand why.
2 general questions I would appreciate some opinions on.
1. Is there a preferred camp ground on the WMA? There seem to be a few different locations. I’m sure each have pros and cons.
2. We have extensive list of gear and we are bringing two boats. 1 23 ft bay boat to transport the majority of the gear down the river and a 17 foot bass tracker with pirogue mounts to hunt out of. Other than the basic camping gear, is there any niche gear that you would recommend bringing?
Any guidance or suggestions is appreciated.
Thanks
2 general questions I would appreciate some opinions on.
1. Is there a preferred camp ground on the WMA? There seem to be a few different locations. I’m sure each have pros and cons.
2. We have extensive list of gear and we are bringing two boats. 1 23 ft bay boat to transport the majority of the gear down the river and a 17 foot bass tracker with pirogue mounts to hunt out of. Other than the basic camping gear, is there any niche gear that you would recommend bringing?
Any guidance or suggestions is appreciated.
Thanks
Posted on 11/29/25 at 2:02 pm to Tigerbait1998
weather will make it or break it. If it’s cold/windy/rainy the ducks will love it but you won’t, you’ll be pretty exposed. So make certain you have what you need to stay dry and battened down. And if there’s a north wind stay in the channels and know when the tides run out
Not PAL but we used to camp in the wax delta before we had a houseboat and while fun included some of the most miserable days/nights of my life.
Not PAL but we used to camp in the wax delta before we had a houseboat and while fun included some of the most miserable days/nights of my life.
This post was edited on 11/29/25 at 2:04 pm
Posted on 11/29/25 at 3:40 pm to Tigerbait1998
Have a camp down there.
The south pass campground and caddro (freshwater reservoir) campground are the two most used. Loomis 1st is next most used and then Loomis 2nd is barely used. They arent staffing the wildlife camp anymore so dont know if Loomis 2nd is even kept up anymore. Last weekend, Caddro had no less than 15 boats there camping. Once you make it to the campgrounds, there is plenty of hunting where you dont have to get in the river so you can go out before daylight safely.
Only niche gear I would recommend is a set up like some guys have had the last two years at the Caddro campground. They set up a shower tent with a water pump and propane on demand water heater. Sure that makes camping a lot more enjoyable to have a hot shower. Bring your own firewood as there isnt really much to collect down there since trees are few and far between.
The south pass campground and caddro (freshwater reservoir) campground are the two most used. Loomis 1st is next most used and then Loomis 2nd is barely used. They arent staffing the wildlife camp anymore so dont know if Loomis 2nd is even kept up anymore. Last weekend, Caddro had no less than 15 boats there camping. Once you make it to the campgrounds, there is plenty of hunting where you dont have to get in the river so you can go out before daylight safely.
Only niche gear I would recommend is a set up like some guys have had the last two years at the Caddro campground. They set up a shower tent with a water pump and propane on demand water heater. Sure that makes camping a lot more enjoyable to have a hot shower. Bring your own firewood as there isnt really much to collect down there since trees are few and far between.
Posted on 11/29/25 at 3:43 pm to LSUengr
Thank you for the solid information. Much appreciated.
From map study I was leaning toward Loomis 1. Seems like it would be a shorter boat ride to some of the places I have pinned as hunting options. What is the appeal of S pass?
From map study I was leaning toward Loomis 1. Seems like it would be a shorter boat ride to some of the places I have pinned as hunting options. What is the appeal of S pass?
This post was edited on 11/29/25 at 3:50 pm
Posted on 11/29/25 at 5:08 pm to Tigerbait1998
Easier run to East Bay marsh which is where a lot of guys hunt. Campground is shaped a little better. Loomis 1 is long and not very wide. Loomis 1 is good though of that is closer to where you want to hunt.
Posted on 11/30/25 at 8:05 am to cgrand
Make sure you have an idea of how to run PAL it’s the most challenging of all the passes in Venice to run.
Once you get into Dennis/Loomis it’s easier. Just running that part of the pass isn’t too bad but be careful.
Once you get into Dennis/Loomis it’s easier. Just running that part of the pass isn’t too bad but be careful.
Posted on 12/1/25 at 8:49 am to Tigerbait1998
Camp ground on SE is tricky to get to if you dont know how to to run Pass a Loutre - lot of sandbars, but allows you to be close to the NWR if you want to hunt the Fed land as well.
On flip side - I hunted SE pass this weekend and it was empty skies. Ducks for some reason are stacking up on Baptiste (n. side) and the sanctuary (where they always are). However, the birds are not coming off sanctuary until just before dark headed north to feed.
Plenty of teal along S pass, if you want to have a good teal shoot just find a 2-4 acre pond and pirogue in. However, big ducks down river right now are not as present as normal.
Best campground is the main one-off South Pass (be careful pulling in as there is a mud flat to the north and south of the entrance. Go almost straight perpendicular if you turn in there.
If you try to go to the Freshwater Impound Campground, depending on your route, there is a large underwater rock dam that you need to watch for. It is located at the spoil canal when you turn off south pass going to the Freshwater Impound Campground.
If you want to go to the Freshwater Impound campground--i would recommend taking Dennis to it.
On flip side - I hunted SE pass this weekend and it was empty skies. Ducks for some reason are stacking up on Baptiste (n. side) and the sanctuary (where they always are). However, the birds are not coming off sanctuary until just before dark headed north to feed.
Plenty of teal along S pass, if you want to have a good teal shoot just find a 2-4 acre pond and pirogue in. However, big ducks down river right now are not as present as normal.
Best campground is the main one-off South Pass (be careful pulling in as there is a mud flat to the north and south of the entrance. Go almost straight perpendicular if you turn in there.
If you try to go to the Freshwater Impound Campground, depending on your route, there is a large underwater rock dam that you need to watch for. It is located at the spoil canal when you turn off south pass going to the Freshwater Impound Campground.
If you want to go to the Freshwater Impound campground--i would recommend taking Dennis to it.
Posted on 12/1/25 at 9:46 am to SilverPoon985
All that shite to tent camp for a duck 
Posted on 12/1/25 at 10:39 am to KemoSabe65
All that typing & shade just to think you're funny.
Posted on 12/1/25 at 10:44 am to KemoSabe65
quote:
All that shite to tent camp for a duck
Some of my best duck hunts and camping experiences were down there, but older age, a lack of ducks, and abundance of hunters kinda killed it for me. It's just not worth 6 birds.
Posted on 12/1/25 at 12:04 pm to Tigerbait1998
quote:
Make sure you have an idea of how to run PAL it’s the most challenging of all the passes in Venice to run.
To Hammer's point, when you come into Pass a Loutre from the river, favor the south side. There is a large flat on the north side. There are crab traps on the edge of the flat, so stay south of those and you are good. If going to Loomis 1, cut between the 2 islands favoring the east island. There is a large flat at the east end of the first island. Once thru there, Dennis and Loomis are pretty straight forward.
If you plan on going further down Pass A Loutre, use Google earth/google maps to get familiar with the sand bars. The first couple you can see while on the water since they have vegetation on them, but the last couple do not. You can see them on aerial imagery though. You have to cross PAL 6 times if you want to go all the way to the end of it, although I doubt you will.
Posted on 12/2/25 at 8:22 am to LSUengr
Thanks for all the information. Some good map study will be required to pick out these bars and other obstructions and we will take it slow while underway. We aren’t going for six ducks, but for the experience of spending some time in a really cool place.
Posted on 12/2/25 at 8:44 am to Tigerbait1998
Hackney has a Louisiana Sportsman episode where he tent camped with a group that do it every year...
Posted on 12/2/25 at 9:17 am to Tigerbait1998
It's certainly an awesome place down river. Bring some poles if you can fit them. Plenty of trout and redfish all in that area. It's nice to shoot ducks in the morning and catch fish in the afternoons. Another thing you may want to consider if you don't already have it is a sea tow membership. It's worth every penny down there.
Posted on 12/2/25 at 10:51 am to farad
quote:
Hackney has a Louisiana Sportsman episode where he tent camped with a group that do it every year...
That's the crew that was there weekend before Thanksgiving, same white tent. They are the ones with the hot water shower set-up.
Posted on 12/2/25 at 1:02 pm to Tigerbait1998
quote:just keep in mind...you are never more than a couple of seconds away from being wet, cold and miserable. y'all have fun
the experience of spending some time in a really cool place.
Posted on 12/2/25 at 4:12 pm to Tigerbait1998
OFF. Lots of off. I'd imagine the skeeters are rather inspired when they realize their is a blood source larger than a nutria available for dinner. I know they are quite enthusiastic at Venice marina at dusk.
Posted on 12/2/25 at 9:49 pm to Tigerbait1998
I’ve done it with my neighbor and kids. It was fun. 2 boats. One for gear. The other to hunt. Getting there and back was treacherous imo. Camping was cool. Our wood was green so that sucked. Rained for a bit one day got cold and windy quick and there was no escaping it. Lots of people around if you need help.
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