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Louisiana Hunting Seasons 2025-2026: New Regulations & Schedule Changes!
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has created 10 separate zones around the state (LDWF). Important dates and rules are outlined in this page. We’ll talk about where to go hunting and the many species of wildlife in Louisiana.
It doesn’t matter whether you are a novice or if you’ve been doing it for years, the information provided here will add value to your outdoor expedition this year.
Our team has compiled the following schedule for your convenience.
ðĶ Deer Hunting Seasons
ðđ Archery Season
Area
Dates
Notes
Areas 3,7,8,10
Sept 20 â Jan 15
Either-sex
Areas 1,2,4
Oct 1 â Jan 31
Either-sex
Areas 5,6,9
Oct 1-15 (Bucks only)
Either-sex: Oct 16 â Feb 15
ðŦ Primitive Firearms
Area
First Season
Second Season
Areas 1,4
Nov 8-14
Jan 19-31
Area 2
Oct 18-24
Jan 12-18
Areas 3,7,8,10
Oct 11-17
Jan 5-11
Areas 5,6,9
Nov 8-14
Jan 19-31
ðŦ Modern Firearms
ðŊ Still-Hunt Only
Area
Dates
1,4
Nov 15 â Dec 5, Jan 5-18
2
Oct 25 â Dec 2
3,7,8
Oct 18 â Nov 30
10
Oct 18 â Jan 4
ð With or Without Dogs
Area
Dates
1,4
Dec 6 â Jan 4
2
Dec 3 â Jan 11
3,7,8
Dec 1 â Jan 4
5,9
Dec 6 â Jan 18
6
Dec 6 â Jan 18
ðïļ Youth & Veterans Weekends
Area
Dates
1,4,5,9
Oct 25-31
2
Oct 11-17
3,7,8,10
Sept 27 â Oct 3
6
Oct 26-31
ðĶ Turkey Hunting (Spring 2026)
Zone
Dates
Area A
Apr 3 â May 3
Area B
Apr 3 â 26
Area C
Apr 3 â 19
Youth/Disabled
Mar 28-29 (All zones)
ð Small Game Seasons
Species
Season Dates
Rabbit & Squirrel
Oct 4 â Feb 28
Spring Squirrel
May 2-24 (Where open)
Quail
Nov 15 â Feb 28
ðĶ Waterfowl Seasons
ðĶ Ducks, Coots, Mergansers
Zone
Youth/Veterans
Regular Season
West
Nov 8-9
Nov 15 â Dec 7, Dec 20 â Jan 25
East
Nov 15-16
Nov 22 â Dec 8, Dec 20 â Jan 31
ðĶĒ Geese
Species
Zone
Season Dates
Light & White-fronted
East
Nov 15 â Dec 8, Dec 20 â Feb 7
Light & White-fronted
West
Nov 8 â Dec 7, Dec 20 â Feb 1
Canada Geese
East/West
Same as above
Conservation Order (Light Geese)
East
Dec 9-19, Feb 8 â Mar 15
Conservation Order (Light Geese)
West
Dec 8-19, Feb 2 â Mar 15
ðïļ Migratory Birds
Species
Zone
Season Dates
Doves
South
Sept 6-21, Oct 18 â Nov 30, Dec 13 â Jan 11
Doves
North
Sept 6-28, Oct 11 â Nov 16, Dec 20 â Jan 18
Woodcock
Statewide
Dec 18 â Jan 31
Teal
Statewide
Sept 20-28
Rails & Gallinules
Statewide
Sept 20-28, Nov 8 â Jan 7
Snipe
Statewide
Nov 2 â Dec 7, Dec 20 â Feb 28
Hunting Location
Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries maintains over 1.6 million acres. There are also large tracts of government maintained pursuing territory in the state.
Forests and parks: Kisatchie National Forest & Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve limit hunting. These sites may have restrictions and need permissions.
Wildlife camps: The USFWS maintains 23 national wildlife refuges in Louisiana. Many of these areas allow hunting, with certain constraints. Louisiana’s wildlife refuges cover 550,000 acres.
Wildlife-protected areas: These areas are carefully conserved because of their relevance to ecosystems and animal species.
State wildlife preserves: The state has 8 wildlife refuges. Some of these areas allow hunting, although the techniques and sorts of wildlife differ.
Protected Natural Areas: Louisiana’s Nature Reserves include White Lake and Ben Lilly. Only White Lake is allowed, although it has good waterfowl opportunities. White Lake permits are lottery-based.
Hunting License & Fees
License Type
Fee
WMA Access Annual Permit
$20.00/year
WMA Access 5-Day Permit
$5.00
WMA Camping Permit
$7.00/day
Resident Lifetime Hunt/Fish (all ages)
$500
Non-Resident Lifetime Hunt/Fish
$4,000
Lifetime Resident Senior Hunt/Fish (65 or older)
$100
License Type
Fee
Additional Tags (if any)
Basic Hunting
$20.00
Varies based on the type of hunting
Deer
$15.00
$35.00
Waterfowl
$12.00
$35.00
Turkey
$12.00
$35.00
Youth Hunting
$5.00
Included
Federal Electronic Duck Stamp
$27.72
Not applicable
Harvest Information Program (HIP)
Free
Not applicable
Hunting Preserve
$15.00
Not applicable
WMA Access Annual Permit
$20.00
Not applicable
WMA Access 5-Day Permit
$5.00
Not applicable
WMA Camping Permit
$7.00/day
Not applicable
Sportsmanâs Paradise (Combination License)
$100.00
$120.00
Senior Hunt/Fish (born before June 1, 1940)
Free
Not applicable
Senior Hunt/Fish (born between June 1, 1940 and May 31, 1962)
$5.00
Not applicable
Senior Hunt/Fish (65+ on or after June 1, 2027)
$20.00
Not applicable
Resident or Native-Born Retired Military
$20.00
Not applicable
Disabled
$4.00
Not applicable
Disabled Veteran
$4.00
Not applicable
Lifetime Hunting/Fishing Combo License (from birth to age 64)
$500.00
$4,000.00
Senior Lifetime Hunting/Fishing Combo License (65 and older)
$100.00
$4,000.00
FAQ
Does Louisiana require a hunting license?
Those born on or after September 1, 1969 who wish to hunt in Louisiana must undergo an approved hunter education course. Certification needs a 10-year-old.
John Lewis, the passionate founder of HuntingSeasons.org, is committed to promoting responsible hunting and a profound love for the wilderness. With years of expertise, his platform serves as a reliable guide for hunting enthusiasts, advocating ethical practices and nature preservation.
