Who We Are

Louisiana Wildlife Federation (LWF) is the Bayou State's leading organization of sportsmen and conservationists with more than 10,000 members and 23 state and local affiliated organizations. It represents a broad constituency of hunters, anglers, birders, campers, boaters and other outdoor-oriented citizens. 

The mission of Louisiana Wildlife Federation is to be the voice for Louisiana's wildlife and natural resources. The vision is that Louisiana is a thriving wildlife paradise. The work relies on these principles: conserve Louisiana's natural resources with emphasis on wildlife and their habitats; engage outdoor enthusiasts who reflect the unique diversity of Louisiana; advance sound, scientifically-established resource management principles; and promote conservation management and policies through education and advocacy.

Perhaps best known for its pioneering role in the establishment of the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, and the constitutional amendment dedicating the Conservation Fund for the operation of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Louisiana Wildlife Federation has a long history of defending habitat and winning advances for conservation and the environment. A more recent achievement is advocating for the opening of Elmer's Island to the public that resulted in the State's Elmer's Island Wildlife Refuge. Louisiana Wildlife Federation also called for stronger protection for the Artificial Reef Development Fund that resulted in voters passing a constitutional amendment in 2014.

Louisiana Wildlife Federation's staff and volunteer leaders are working hard on a number of conservation fronts. Here are a few examples of these ongoing efforts:

Louisiana Wildlife Federation is the chief advocate for fish, wildlife and outdoor recreation on the State Water Policy Advisory Task Force, a body established by the Legislature to guide the development of water management policy and planning for Louisiana.

With continued Louisiana Wildlife Federation involvement and support, the state's Atchafalaya Basin Program has moved forward with projects and plans to enhance recreational opportunities and improve water quality through water management.

The Federation also played an important supporting role in convincing national conservation/environmental organizations to view the loss of the Mississippi River Coastal Delta as a national environmental issue worthy of more emphasis in their agendas.

Louisiana Wildlife Federation is addressing the negative impacts of feral hogs by calling for a coordinated, planned approach.

Louisiana Wildlife Federation is encouraging the review of forestry practices in the coastal zone to ensure the sustainability of this important element of the ecosystem that serves as a line of defense against coastal erosion.

Louisiana Wildlife Federation supports farm conservation and land management programs to reduce the runoff of nutrients responsible for the growing "Dead Zone" in the Gulf of Mexico.

Louisiana Wildlife Federation monitors legislative proposals concerning natural resources conservation and environmental quality, provides representation before the Louisiana Legislature and the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, and reports on the status of legislation to its members and the outdoor media in an effort to keep the public updated on rules, regulations and legislation that can impact the natural resources, environment and recreational opportunities in the state.

Louisiana Wildlife Federation is represented on commisions and boards pertaining to natural resources conservation and the quality of the environment including the Pesticide Advisory Commission, the Management Conference of the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program, and task forces addressing chronic wasting disease and feral hog management among others. 

Louisiana Wildlife Federation continues to be in the vanguard of conservation and environmental policy in our state. Our future enjoyment of the outdoors in the "Sportsman's Paradise" can continue only with grassroots support from citizens like you. Please JOIN US!