Morel Walk - Tunica Hills, LA
Saturday-March 20, 2010
The Morel Walk in the Tunica Hills Wildlife Mgmt Area will be held Saturday, March 20th, 2010. Vice-president David Fuller will lead the Walk.
The Tunica WMA is a beautiful and rugged area of loessal bluffs with an Upland Hardwood habitat located about 20 miles by road NW of St.Francisville, LA. Those attending will have to possess either a valid LA hunting or fishing license or a WMA use permit. These must be carried on your person, and because there is a lot of poaching in this area, we will almost certainly be asked to show our permits. The permit may be purchased online from Louisiana Wildlife & Fisheries, or any place selling Hunting/Fishing licenses. Each vehicle will also have to be registered at the self-check station at the WMA entrance. There is a five (5) gallon limit per person per day for mushrooms.
David will request non-GSMS member guests to sign a waiver of liability against GSMS members, because of the many dangers in this area. These dangers include very steep, slick, and unstable slopes, timber and pygmy rattlesnakes, copperheads, water moccasins, Lyme's disease and West Nile Virus. Bears, a rare panther, and feral hogs occasionally visit the area. It is suggested that appropriate footwear, with good ankle support and traction, be worn. People with bee or other allergies should bring appropriate medication. A walking/snake stick is suggested.
St. Francisville is located on Hwy 61, about 60 miles south of Natchez, MS and about 40 miles north of Baton Rouge. St. Francisville can be approached from the south or north by Hwy 61, from the east by LA Hwy 10 or from west by means of the LA Hwy 10 ferry. Those crossing the ferry should allow an extra 30 minutes because the ferry crosses at 30 minute intervals. Those needing better travel directions should call or email the Fullers or go to www.MapQuest.com and search.There are nice motels and Bed & Breakfast's in the area for those wishing to spend the night. Go to www.stfrancisville.com/hotels/index.htm .
We will meet at M&J Grocery on LA Hwy 66, locally known as the "Angola Road". LA Hwy 66 originates at Hwy 61, about three miles north of St. Francisville, and ends at the Angola Prison Farm. LA Hwy 66 is very well marked. M&J's Grocery is located 6.2 miles from the turn onto LA Hwy 66 and is on the left side of the road. David will be there beginning at 8:30 AM and we will all leave for the site at 10:00 AM. M&J's Grocery prepares snacks and sandwiches, and may sell permits and licenses. David's cell phone number is 225-721-0409 for those lost or in trouble. We will end the walk at 4:00 PM. Lunch will be "on the hoof" so that more time can be spent hunting. See you there! David Fuller