Louisiana Hunting Seasons 2025-2026 – Dates, Tags & Game Management Zones
Hey there, fellow outdoor enthusiasts! If you’re planning your next adventure in the Pelican State, you’ve come to the right place. Louisiana’s 2025-2026 game calendar is packed with incredible opportunities for both local sportsmen and visitors looking to experience some world-class hunting. From the cypress swamps to the coastal marshes, Louisiana truly lives up to its reputation as the Sportsman’s Paradise.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the upcoming schedule – including specific dates for each species, permit requirements, zones, and those all-important licensing details. Whether you’re after trophy whitetails, spring gobblers, or premier waterfowl hunting, we’ve got you covered with the most up-to-date information from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
Before you start planning those weekend trips or week-long expeditions, make sure to review all the details below. The regulations have some important updates for this year, so even experienced hunters will want to double-check the changes.
📅 Quick Highlights
Let’s start with the highlights that most hunters are eager to know:
Major Species Overview:
- Deer: Archery starts October 1st in most areas, with firearms following in late October
- Turkey: Spring gobbler action kicks off April 3rd across all areas
- Waterfowl: Duck opener is November 22nd in the East Zone, November 8th in West Zone
- Small Game: Squirrel and rabbit seasons begin October 4th
- Dove: September 1st traditional opener continues
Key Changes for 2025-2026:
- Deer Area 4 bag limit increased from 3 to 4 deer total
- Hunters 65+ can now use any legal weapon during primitive firearm periods
- Pintail daily bag limit increased to 3 birds (no more than 1 female)
- Trail cameras prohibited on WMAs during turkey periods
Big Game Overview
Louisiana’s deer populations remain strong, offering excellent opportunities across ten distinct management areas. Here’s what you need to know:
Deer Season Schedule by Area
| Area | Archery Season | Primitive Firearms | Modern Firearms (Still Hunt) | Modern Firearms (Dogs Allowed) | Youth & Veterans |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Area 1 | Oct 1 – Jan 31 | Nov 8-14, Jan 19-31 | Nov 15 – Dec 5 | Dec 6 – Jan 4 | Oct 25-31 |
| Area 2 | Oct 1 – Jan 31 | Oct 18-24, Jan 12-18 | Oct 25 – Dec 2 | Dec 3 – Jan 11 | Oct 11-17 |
| Area 3 | Sep 20 – Jan 15 | Oct 4-10, Jan 5-11 | Oct 11 – Nov 30 | Dec 1 – Jan 4 | Sep 27 – Oct 3 |
| Area 4 | Oct 1 – Jan 31 | Nov 8-14, Jan 19-31 | Nov 15 – Dec 5 | Dec 6 – Jan 4 | Oct 25-31 |
Bag Limits:
- Areas 1, 2, 3, 5-9: 6 deer per season (max 3 antlered OR 4 antlerless)
- Area 4: 4 deer per season (max 2 antlered OR 2 antlerless) – New for 2025-26
- Area 10: 3 deer per season (max 2 antlered OR 2 antlerless)
- Daily limit: 1 antlered and 1 antlerless (when legal)
Important Note: Chronic Wasting Disease regulations are in effect. Check the CWD control area map before your hunt, as baiting is prohibited in designated areas. Transport restrictions also apply for out-of-state harvests.
Turkey Season Dates
Spring gobbler hunting remains one of Louisiana’s premier outdoor experiences. The state is divided into three turkey management areas:
2026 Turkey Schedule
| Area | Season Dates | Youth & Physically Challenged |
|---|---|---|
| Area A | April 3 – May 3 | March 28 – 29 |
| Area B | April 3 – 26 | March 28 – 29 |
| Area C | April 3 – 19 | March 28 – 29 |
Regulations:
- Daily bag limit: 1 gobbler
- Season limit: 2 gobblers
- Legal methods: Archery, firearms, crossbow
- New Rule: Trail cameras are prohibited on all WMAs during turkey periods
- Only gobblers (bearded turkeys) may be harvested
Fall Turkey Season: October 4 – November 14 (archery only in most areas)
Similar to neighboring states like Arkansas, Louisiana offers excellent turkey hunting opportunities, but make sure you understand the area boundaries before heading out.
Furbearer Opportunities
Louisiana’s furbearer seasons provide year-round opportunities for trappers and hunters:
Furbearer Season Schedule
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coyote | Year-round | No limit | Firearms, archery, traps |
| Bobcat | Dec 1 – Feb 28 | No limit | Firearms, archery, traps |
| Raccoon | Oct 15 – Feb 28 | No limit | Firearms, archery, traps, dogs |
| Opossum | Year-round | No limit | Firearms, archery, traps |
| Nutria | Year-round | No limit (New change) | Firearms, archery, traps |
| Otter | Dec 20 – Jan 31 | 5/day, 10/season | Traps only |
| Mink | Dec 1 – Jan 31 | No limit | Traps only |
License Requirements: Basic hunting license required. Additional trapping license needed for trap use.
Small Game Seasons
Small game hunting kicks off the fall season and provides excellent opportunities for hunters of all skill levels:
Small Game Schedule
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag Limit | Legal Methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| Squirrel | Oct 4 – Feb 28 | 8/day | Firearms, archery |
| Rabbit | Oct 4 – Feb 28 | 8/day | Firearms, archery, dogs |
| Quail | Nov 9 – Feb 15 | 12/day | Firearms, archery, dogs |
| Dove | Sep 1-15, Oct 12 – Nov 3, Dec 20 – Jan 15 | 15/day | Firearms, archery |
Shooting Hours: 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset (dove hunting until sunset only)
Special Regulations:
- Lead shot prohibited for dove hunting over water
- Hunter education required for hunters born after September 1, 1969
- Small game emphasis areas available on select WMAs
Complete Waterfowl Calendar
Louisiana’s waterfowl hunting is legendary, with the Mississippi Flyway providing some of the continent’s best duck and goose hunting:
Waterfowl Season Dates
Ducks, Coots, and Mergansers
| Zone | Regular Season | Youth & Veterans | Special Seasons |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Zone | Nov 22 – Dec 8, Dec 20 – Jan 31 | Nov 15-16 | Falconry: Nov 22 – Jan 31 |
| West Zone | Nov 8 – Nov 24, Dec 13 – Jan 26 | Nov 1-2 | Falconry: Nov 8 – Jan 26 |
Geese
| Species | East Zone | West Zone | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada/White-fronted | Nov 22 – Jan 31 | Nov 8 – Jan 26 | 3/day |
| Light Geese | Nov 22 – Jan 31 | Nov 8 – Jan 26 | 20/day |
Special Teal Season
- Dates: September 14-29
- Bag Limit: 6 teal daily
- Both Zones: Same dates
Daily Bag Limits:
- Ducks: 6 total (species-specific restrictions apply)
- Pintails: 3 daily (max 1 female) – Increased for 2025-26
- Mallards: 4 daily
- Wood ducks: 3 daily
- Canvasback: 2 daily
Required Licenses:
- Basic hunting license
- Waterfowl hunting license
- Federal duck stamp
- HIP certification (free)
- WMA permit (if hunting WMAs)
Additional Game Species
Other Hunting Opportunities
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Limit | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frog | Year-round | 25/day | Gigging, grabbing, hook & line |
| Snapping Turtle | Year-round | 5/day | Traps, hook & line, hand capture |
| American Crow | Nov 24 – Mar 3 | No limit | Firearms, archery |
| Gallinule | Sep 1-9, Nov 9 – Jan 28 | 15/day | Same as duck hunting methods |
| Rail | Sep 1-9, Nov 9 – Jan 28 | 25/day (combined) | Shotgun, archery |
| Snipe | Nov 9 – Feb 28 | 8/day | Shotgun, archery |
| Woodcock | Dec 14 – Jan 27 | 3/day | Shotgun, archery |
Louisiana Game Management Zones
Understanding Louisiana’s management zones is crucial for compliance. The state uses different zoning systems for different species:
Deer Areas: 10 distinct zones based on habitat and population management
Turkey Areas: 3 zones (A, B, C) with varying season lengths
Waterfowl Zones: East and West zones divided roughly along the Atchafalaya Basin
Zone Resources:
- Official zone maps available at wlf.louisiana.gov
- Mobile apps provide GPS-enabled zone identification
- Local LDWF offices can provide printed maps
- Many WMAs have special regulations that supersede general zone rules
Public Land Access:
Louisiana manages over 1.5 million acres of public hunting land through its WMA system. Each area has specific regulations, so always check individual WMA schedules before hunting.
Licenses, Permits & Tags
Getting properly licensed is your first step toward a successful hunt. Here’s the complete breakdown:
2025-2026 License Fees
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident | Non-Resident 5-Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Hunting | $20 | $200 | $65 |
| Deer Hunting | $15 | $100 | $35 |
| Turkey Hunting | $12 | $50 | $35 |
| Waterfowl Hunting | $12 | $50 | $35 |
| Youth License (17 & under) | FREE | FREE | FREE |
| Sportsman’s Paradise | $100 | $400 | $120 |
WMA Access Requirements
| Permit Type | Annual | 5-Day |
|---|---|---|
| WMA Access Permit | $20 | $5 |
| Camping Permit | $7/day | $7/day |
Important Notes:
- Youth 17 and under don’t need WMA permits
- Sportsman’s Paradise license includes WMA access
- Federal duck stamp required for waterfowl ($27.72)
- All hunters need HIP certification for migratory birds
Military & Senior Discounts
- Active Military: Resident rates with valid military ID
- Senior Citizens (born before June 1, 1940): FREE hunt/fish license
- Senior Citizens (born after June 1, 1940): $5 hunt/fish license
- Disabled Veterans (50%+ service-connected): FREE licenses
- Lifetime Licenses: Available from $100 (seniors) to $500 (resident combo)
Where to Purchase
- Online: LouisianaOutdoors.com (convenience fee applies)
- Licensed vendors statewide
- LDWF offices
- Mobile apps available for smartphone purchases
❓ Louisiana Hunting Quick FAQ
Q: Do I need hunter education to hunt in Louisiana?
A: Anyone born on or after September 1, 1969, must complete an approved hunter education course, unless hunting under direct supervision of a certified adult or qualifying for military/law enforcement exemptions.
Q: Can I use lead shot for dove hunting?
A: Lead shot is prohibited when dove hunting over water. Use steel, bismuth, or other non-toxic alternatives.
Q: What’s the difference between still hunting and hunting with dogs?
A: Still hunting prohibits the use of dogs to pursue game. Many areas have specific periods for each method – check your hunting area’s regulations carefully.
Q: Are there any new regulations for 2025-2026?
A: Yes! Key changes include increased bag limits in Deer Area 4, expanded weapon privileges for seniors during primitive seasons, higher pintail limits, and trail camera restrictions on WMAs during turkey season.
Q: Do I need special permits for WMA hunting?
A: Yes, either an annual WMA Access Permit ($20) or 5-day permit ($5) is required for all LDWF-administered lands. Youth 17 and under are exempt.
Q: Can non-residents hunt the same seasons as residents?
A: Generally yes, but non-residents pay higher license fees. Some lottery hunts may have resident preference.
Q: What should I do if I harvest a deer in a CWD area?
A: Follow all CWD regulations including proper disposal of carcass parts. Carcass export from CWD control areas is restricted. Check wlf.louisiana.gov/page/cwd for current maps and guidelines.
🔗 Essential Resources & References
Official Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries:
- Main website: wlf.louisiana.gov
- Regulations hotline: 1-800-256-2749
- License purchases: LouisianaOutdoors.com
- Report violations: 1-800-442-2511
Mobile Resources:
- Louisiana Outdoors mobile app
- GPS mapping applications with property boundaries
- Weather and solunar apps for optimal timing
Additional Planning Resources:
- WMA maps and individual regulations
- Chronic Wasting Disease information
- Hunter education course schedules
- Boat launch and access point directories
If you’re planning hunts in neighboring states, you might also want to check out hunting opportunities in Alabama for additional adventures.
Conclusion
Louisiana’s 2025-2026 game calendar offers something for every type of hunter, from the novice looking to bag their first deer to the experienced waterfowler seeking that perfect mallard drake. With over 1.5 million acres of public hunting land, diverse habitats ranging from bottomland hardwoods to coastal marshes, and generous bag limits on most species, the Pelican State continues to earn its “Sportsman’s Paradise” nickname.
The key to a successful and legal hunt is preparation. Make sure you understand the specific regulations for your hunting area, purchase the appropriate licenses well before your trip, and stay updated on any regulation changes throughout the year. The small investment in proper licensing and preparation pays dividends in memorable outdoor experiences.
Remember that wildlife management is a year-round effort, and your license purchases directly support conservation programs that ensure future generations can enjoy these same opportunities. Whether you’re chasing longbeards through the cypress breaks or waiting for greenheads over the decoys, you’re participating in one of North America’s greatest conservation success stories.
Stay safe out there, respect the landowners and fellow hunters, and make memories that’ll last a lifetime. Here’s to a fantastic 2025-2026 hunting season in Louisiana!
