J. N. Turkey Kearn Memorial Wildife Area

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The J.


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Summary

N. Turkey Kearn Memorial Wildlife Area is a 9,500-acre wildlife reserve located in Louisiana, USA. The area is known for its diverse wildlife and natural beauty, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Visitors to the area can enjoy activities such as hiking, bird watching, and fishing. The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife including deer, turkey, quail, and waterfowl. There are also several ponds and waterways throughout the area that provide opportunities for fishing and boating.

One of the main points of interest in the J. N. Turkey Kearn Memorial Wildlife Area is the Big Lake Recreation Area. This area features a large lake that is stocked with fish, as well as picnic areas, a boat launch, and camping facilities. Visitors can also explore the nearby trails, which provide scenic views of the surrounding landscape.

Interesting facts about the area include the fact that it was named in honor of J. N. Turkey Kearn, a conservationist who played a key role in the establishment of the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission. Additionally, the reserve is managed by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and is part of the Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge.

The best time of year to visit the J. N. Turkey Kearn Memorial Wildlife Area depends on the visitor's interests. Spring and fall are popular times for bird watching, while summer is ideal for fishing and water activities. Hunting is also allowed in the area during specific seasons.

Overall, the J. N. Turkey Kearn Memorial Wildlife Area is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in experiencing Louisiana's natural beauty and wildlife.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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