Louisiana Hunting Seasons 2026-2027 – Dates, Tags & Game Management Zones
If you’re planning a trip afield in the Pelican State this year, getting the dates and paperwork straight before you pack the truck is the smartest move you can make. This guide walks through every major game calendar entry for the 2026–2027 Louisiana wildlife schedule — from big game to migratory birds — along with tag requirements, permit fees, zone breakdowns, and public land highlights. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor coming down from Arkansas or Mississippi, there’s something here for you.
📅 LA Quick-Reference Overview: 2026–2027 Game Calendar
Here’s a fast snapshot of what’s open and when. Specific breakdowns follow below.
| Species Group | General Window | Legal Methods |
|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer | Sept 19 – Feb 15 (area-dependent) | Archery, Primitive Firearms, Modern Firearms |
| Spring Turkey | Mar 26 – May 2 (area-dependent) | Shotgun, Archery, Primitive Firearms |
| Squirrel | Oct 3 – Feb 28 & May 3–25 | Shotgun, Rimfire, Archery |
| Rabbit | Oct 3 – Feb 28 | Shotgun, Rimfire |
| Quail | Nov 21 – Feb 28 | Shotgun |
| Dove | Sept 5 – Jan 17 (zone-dependent) | Shotgun |
| Teal (Early) | Sept 19–27 | Shotgun |
| Ducks/Coots | Nov 7 – Feb 6 (splits/zones) | Shotgun |
| Geese | Nov 14 – Mar 7 | Shotgun |
| Woodcock | Dec 18 – Jan 31 | Shotgun |
| Snipe | Oct 31 – Feb 28 (split) | Shotgun |
| Bear | Lottery-based permit required | Modern Firearms |
| Youth/Veteran Deer | Late Sept / Mid-Oct (by area) | All legal methods |
Take a few minutes to read through the relevant sections, bookmark this page, and cross-reference with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries official regulations page before you head out. Dates listed here reflect proposed and adopted 2026–2027 schedules — always verify final rule publications before each outing.
🦌 Big Game – Deer Hunting by Zone
Louisiana manages deer across 10 geographic areas, and each one has its own schedule. This is the most complicated part of the state’s wildlife calendar, so read carefully.
Archery and Primitive Firearms Dates
Areas 3, 7, 8, and 10 get an early start — archery opens September 19 and runs through January 15. Primitive firearms in those same areas runs October 10–16 and January 4–10.
Areas 1, 2, 4 have archery from October 1 through January 31, with primitive firearms dates varying slightly:
- Area 2: Oct 24–30 & Jan 18–24
- Areas 1 & 4: Nov 14–20 & Jan 25–31
Areas 5, 6, and 9 run archery from October 1–15 (bucks only), then switch to either-sex from October 16 through February 15 — one of the longer windows in the state.
Modern Firearms / Rifle Dates
| Deer Area | Still-Hunt Only (Firearms) | With/Without Dogs | Youth & Veterans |
|---|---|---|---|
| Area 1 | Nov 21–Dec 11 & Jan 4–24 | Dec 12–Jan 3 | Oct 24–30 |
| Area 2 | Oct 31–Dec 9 | Dec 10–Jan 17 | Oct 10–16 |
| Area 3 | Oct 17–Nov 29 | Nov 30–Jan 3 | Sept 26–Oct 2 |
| Area 4 | Nov 21–Dec 11 & Jan 4–24 | Dec 12–Jan 3 | Oct 24–30 |
| Area 5 | Nov 21–Dec 11 (bucks only*) | Dec 12–Jan 24 (bucks only*) | Oct 24–30 |
| Area 6 | Nov 21–Dec 11 | Dec 12–Jan 24 | Oct 24–30 |
| Area 7 | Oct 17–Nov 29 | Nov 30–Jan 3 | Sept 26–Oct 2 |
| Area 8 | Oct 17–Nov 29 | Nov 30–Jan 3 | Sept 26–Oct 2 |
| Area 9 | Nov 21–Dec 11 (bucks only*) | Dec 12–Jan 24 (bucks only*) | Oct 24–30 |
| Area 10 | Oct 17–Nov 29 | Nov 30–Jan 3 | Sept 26–Oct 2 |
*Either-sex exceptions apply on select opening weekend days in Areas 5 and 9 — check the LDWF rule book for exact dates.
Bag Limits & Tags
- Daily limit: 2 deer (1 antlered, 1 antlerless)
- Season limit (Areas 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9): 6 deer (max 3 antlered, 4 antlerless)
- Area 1: 6 deer (1 antlered, 1 either-sex, 4 antlerless)
- Area 4: 4 deer (max 2 antlered, 2 antlerless)
- Area 10: 3 deer (max 2 antlered, 2 antlerless)
Bear requires a separate permit. Daily and season limits are set by lottery tag only.
🦃 Turkey – Spring 2027 Dates
There is no fall turkey opportunity in Louisiana. The spring gobbler season is it, so mark these dates carefully.
| Turkey Area | Open Date | Close Date |
|---|---|---|
| Area A | April 3, 2027 | May 2, 2027 |
| Area B | April 3, 2027 | April 25, 2027 |
| Area C | April 3, 2027 | April 18, 2027 |
| Youth & Physically Challenged | March 26, 2027 | March 28, 2027 |
Bag limit is 3 gobblers per season, with a daily limit of 1. Only legal shooting hours apply — no night hunting. A Turkey License (in addition to Basic) is required for all turkey hunters. Hens are off-limits during spring.
🐦 Small Game – Statewide Schedule
Small game opportunities in the state are solid, particularly for squirrel and dove. Note that rabbit, squirrel, and quail apply to private lands only — WMA-specific dates are separate.
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Quail | Nov 21 – Feb 28 | 10 |
| Rabbit (Cottontail) | Oct 3 – Feb 28 | 8 |
| Squirrel (Statewide) | Oct 3 – Feb 28 & May 3–25, 2027 | 8 |
| Squirrel (Youth Weekend) | Sept 26–27 | 8 |
| Dove (South Zone) | Sept 5–20, Oct 17–Nov 29, Dec 12–Jan 10 | 15 |
| Dove (North Zone) | Sept 5–27, Oct 10–Nov 15, Dec 19–Jan 17 | 15 |
🦆 Migratory Bird & Waterfowl Schedule
Louisiana is one of the top waterfowl destinations in the country. The Mississippi Flyway funnels millions of birds directly into the state’s marshes, flooded fields, and coastal wetlands every fall. Plan accordingly — these windows go fast.
Duck, Teal & Special Seasons
| Species / Zone | Open Date | Close Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Teal (Statewide) | Sept 19 | Sept 27 | Shotgun, standard shell rules |
| Black-Bellied Whistling Duck | Oct 3 | Oct 11 | Free LDWF permit required; harvest reporting mandatory |
| Ducks/Coots – West Zone | Nov 14 | Jan 24 (split) | Youth/Veterans: Nov 7–8; Split: Dec 7–18 closed |
| Ducks/Coots – East Zone | Nov 21 | Jan 31 (split) | Youth: Nov 14; Veterans: Nov 14; Extra youth day Feb 6 |
| Mergansers | Same as duck zones | Same as duck zones | Counted in duck bag |
For the black-bellied whistling duck special season, shooting hours are sunrise to sunset. A free LDWF permit is required, and hunters must report their harvest and effort — don’t skip that step.
Geese
| Zone | Regular Season | Conservation Order |
|---|---|---|
| East & West Zones | Nov 14–Dec 6 & Dec 19–Feb 7 | Dec 7–18 & Feb 8–Mar 7 |
The conservation order (snow, blue, and Ross’ geese only) has no daily or possession limits and allows electronic calls plus unplugged shotguns. Canada geese are prohibited in certain portions of Cameron and Vermilion parishes.
Other Migratory Birds
| Species | Open Date | Close Date |
|---|---|---|
| Rails & Gallinules | Sept 19–27 & Nov 7–Jan 6 | — |
| Snipe | Oct 31–Jan 10 & Jan 25–Feb 28 | — |
| Woodcock | Dec 18 | Jan 31 |
All migratory bird hunters need a HIP certification (free) in addition to their applicable licenses.
🦝 Furbearers – Trapping & Harvest Rules
Louisiana has one of the most active trapping traditions in the South. Most furbearing animals are managed through a combination of open trapping seasons and nuisance/depredation rules.
| Species | General Notes |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Year-round on private land with landowner permission; no bag limit |
| Nutria | Year-round; depredation harvest encouraged; some WMAs have designated programs |
| Bobcat | Specific trapping seasons apply; pelt tagging required for export |
| Raccoon | Season follows general furbearer trapping regulations; night hunting allowed with proper license |
| Beaver | Open trapping on private land; check WMA-specific rules |
| Otter | Regulated trapping season; quota may apply |
A Basic Hunting License plus a Trapping License is required for most furbearers. Check individual WMA schedules if you plan to trap on public land — some areas have restricted windows or require advance registration.
🗺️ Wildlife Management Areas & Public Lands
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries administers over 1.6 million acres of public land statewide. On top of that, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages 23 national wildlife refuges covering more than 550,000 acres across 29 parishes. Add in the Kisatchie National Forest and you have a massive network of public ground available to sportsmen.
Before you head to any WMA, you need an annual WMA Access Permit ($20) or a 5-day pass ($5). These are not required for youth under 17. Camping on WMAs requires a separate WMA Camping Permit at $7 per night per party.
📌 Quick Tip: Always pull the individual WMA hunting schedule before your trip. Dates, methods, and special access rules vary significantly from one property to the next. The LDWF publishes WMA-specific schedules as part of their annual regulation booklet.
The state uses 10 deer management zones, East/West waterfowl zones, and North/South dove zones — so knowing which zone a given piece of public land falls in is just as important as knowing the statewide dates.
If you hunt neighboring states as well, you might find the Arkansas hunting season guide helpful for planning cross-border trips along the Red River and Ouachita corridors.
🎟️ Licenses, Tags & Permit Requirements
Getting your paperwork straight before the opener is non-negotiable. Here’s a clean breakdown of what you’ll need and what it costs for 2026–2027.
| License / Permit | Resident Fee | Non-Resident Fee | 5-Day Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Hunting (required for all) | $20 | $200 | $65 |
| Deer License (incl. tags & archery/primitive privileges) | $15 | $100 | $35 |
| Turkey License (incl. tags) | $12 | $50 | $35 |
| Waterfowl License | $12 | $50 | $35 |
| Bear License | $25 | N/A | N/A |
| Youth Hunting (under 18, resident & non-resident) | $5 | $5 | — |
| Senior Hunting/Fishing (age 60+) | $5 | N/A | — |
| Louisiana Sportsman’s Paradise (bundle) | $100 | $400 | $120 |
| WMA Access – Annual | $20 | $20 | — |
| WMA Access – 5-Day | $5 | $5 | — |
| Federal Duck Stamp (age 16+, required for waterfowl) | $29.79 | $29.79 | — |
| HIP Certification (migratory birds) | Free | Free | Free |
| WMA Camping Permit | $7/night | $7/night | — |
Key notes:
- The Sportsman’s Paradise license is the best value bundle — it covers Basic Fishing (saltwater included), Basic Hunting, Deer, Waterfowl, Turkey, and the WMA Access Permit in one shot.
- Non-Resident Native (born in Louisiana but no longer residing there) can purchase a 10-day license at resident rates with proof of birth certificate + photo ID.
- Military members and students qualify for the resident fee tier even if stationed elsewhere.
- Anyone born on or after September 1, 1969 must have a valid Hunter Education certificate to hunt unsupervised.
- Licenses can be purchased online, through the LA Wallet app (for digital display on a smartphone), or at LDWF headquarters and licensed retailers.
🐗 Other Available Species
A few species outside the main categories are worth noting:
| Species | Notes |
|---|---|
| Frog (Bullfrog/Pig Frog) | Night harvest allowed; gig or hand collection methods common; check WMA rules |
| Crow | Year-round depredation; electronic calls permitted |
| Sandhill Crane | No open season currently; federal migratory bird regulations apply |
| Alligator | Separate alligator lottery tag system; not part of the general hunting license structure |
Alligator harvest is managed through a highly controlled tag system administered separately by LDWF — if you’re interested, apply early through their lottery process.
❓ Louisiana Hunting Quick FAQ
Q: Do I need a license if I’m under 18?
Youth under 18 are not required to have a Basic Hunting License for most game, but they do need a Youth Hunting License ($5) if actively taking deer or turkey, trapping, or participating in a youth lottery hunt.
Q: What’s the difference between the Sportsman’s Paradise license and buying licenses individually?
The bundle covers Basic Hunting, Deer, Waterfowl, Turkey, Basic Fishing, Saltwater Fishing, and the WMA Access Permit — all for $100 resident. If you plan to pursue multiple species, it almost always saves you money.
Q: Can I hunt deer with dogs in all areas?
No. Dog hunting for deer is only permitted during specific split segments in each area, clearly labeled as “with/without dogs” windows in the schedule. Still-hunt-only periods come first in most areas.
Q: Is there a fall turkey season in Louisiana?
No. The state only has a spring gobbler season. The 2027 spring season opens April 3 in all areas, with closing dates varying by zone (Area A: May 2, Area B: April 25, Area C: April 18).
Q: Do I need anything extra for migratory birds beyond a standard waterfowl license?
Yes. You need a Federal Duck Stamp (if age 16 or older) and a free HIP certification for any migratory game bird species including ducks, geese, dove, snipe, and woodcock. Don’t skip the HIP — it’s required even for dove.
Q: What happens if I’m a Louisiana native living out of state?
You can purchase a Non-Resident Native 10-day temporary license at resident rates. You’ll need to show an original Louisiana birth certificate and valid photo ID at the time of purchase.
Q: Where do I find WMA-specific dates?
The LDWF publishes a separate WMA regulation booklet alongside the general regulation guide. WMA dates often differ from statewide dates, especially for deer and small game. Download both documents from the LDWF website before your trip.
✅ Conclusion
The 2026–2027 game calendar in Louisiana is loaded with opportunities across virtually every category — deer, turkey, migratory birds, small game, and furbearers. The structure is area-based, which means your exact dates depend heavily on which zone you’re hunting in. Get familiar with your specific deer area (1 through 10), waterfowl zone (East or West), and dove zone (North or South) before anything else.
Pick up your licenses early — especially if you want the Sportsman’s Paradise bundle or need to secure a WMA Access Permit. The Federal Duck Stamp and HIP certification trip up a lot of waterfowl hunters every year, so those are worth double-checking before the teal opener in late September.
If you’re hunting near the Texas or Mississippi borders, compare schedules with adjacent states — you may find overlapping or complementary windows. Checking the Mississippi hunting season schedule is a smart move for anyone working the eastern parishes near the Pearl River corridor.
Bookmark this page. Dates get updated every year, and having a reliable reference saves you the headache of digging through regulation PDFs. Hunt safe, report your harvest where required, and make the most of what Louisiana has to offer.