Louisiana’s Hunting Horizons: Current Seasons and Locations for 2026-2027

Louisiana hunting season 2026-2027 gives hunters a long and varied calendar, from early teal and dove dates in September to winter deer, duck, quail, rabbit, squirrel, and black bear opportunities. Deer remains the headline species for many hunters, but Louisiana also draws strong interest for turkey, waterfowl, feral hogs, and small game. Because dates change by deer area, turkey area, and waterfowl zone, hunters need the right season window before they head out.

A valid hunting license is just as important as knowing opening day. In Louisiana, extra licenses or permits may be required for deer, turkey, waterfowl, bear, and Wildlife Management Area access. Rules on blaze orange, hunter education, tagging, and public-land check-in also matter. Before any trip, always confirm the latest season sheet and area rules with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

• ✔ Hunting season dates
• ✔ Bag limits
• ✔ Legal hunting hours
• ✔ Required licenses
• ✔ Weapon restrictions
• ✔ Blaze orange rules
• ✔ Public land rules
• ✔ Hunter education requirements

Quick Overview Table

Complete Hunting Dates for Louisiana Hunting Season 2026-2027

Big Game

• Deer
  • Louisiana uses 10 deer areas, so season dates vary.
  • Areas 1 and 4: Archery Oct. 1-Jan. 31; primitive firearms Nov. 14-20 and Jan. 25-31; still-hunt firearms Nov. 21-Dec. 11 and Jan. 4-24; firearms with or without dogs Dec. 12-Jan. 3; youth/veterans Oct. 31-Nov. 6.
  • Area 2: Archery Oct. 1-Jan. 31; special CWD bucks-only archery Aug. 29-Sept. 6; primitive Oct. 24-30 and Jan. 18-24; still-hunt firearms Oct. 31-Dec. 9; firearms with or without dogs Dec. 10-Jan. 17; youth Oct. 10-16.
  • Areas 3, 7, and 8: Archery Sept. 19-Jan. 15; primitive Oct. 10-16 and Jan. 4-10; still-hunt firearms Oct. 17-Nov. 29; firearms with or without dogs Nov. 30-Jan. 3; youth Sept. 26-Oct. 2.
  • Areas 5 and 9: Bucks-only archery Oct. 1-15; general archery Oct. 16-Feb. 15 unless a bucks-only firearms season is in progress; primitive Nov. 14-20 and bucks-only Jan. 25-31; still-hunt firearms either-sex Nov. 21-22 and Nov. 27-29, bucks-only Nov. 23-26 and Nov. 30-Dec. 11; firearms with or without dogs either-sex Dec. 12-13 and Dec. 19-20, bucks-only Dec. 14-18 and Dec. 21-Jan. 24; youth Oct. 31-Nov. 6.
  • Area 6: Archery Oct. 1-Jan. 31 plus special CWD bucks-only archery Sept. 12-20; primitive Nov. 14-20 and Jan. 25-31; still-hunt firearms Nov. 21-Dec. 11; firearms with or without dogs Dec. 12-Jan. 24; youth Oct. 31-Nov. 6.
  • Area 10: Archery Sept. 19-Jan. 15; primitive Oct. 10-16 and Jan. 4-10; still-hunt firearms Oct. 17-Jan. 3; youth Sept. 26-Oct. 2.
  • Notes: Deer tags are required. WMA and federal-land dates may differ from private-land dates.
• Black Bear
  • Lottery/private-land season only: Dec. 5-20, 2026
  • Still-hunt only
  • One bear per permit
  • Separate bear license and successful lottery permit required
  • Baiting is allowed under bear-lottery rules, but special restrictions apply
• Wild Hog / Feral Hog
  • Year-round during legal daylight hours where legal
  • Night take is allowed only on private land under separate rules
• Elk, Moose, Pronghorn, Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, Bison, Javelina
  • No statewide Louisiana hunting seasons

Turkey

• Area A: Apr. 3-May 2
• Area B: Apr. 3-25
• Area C: Apr. 3-18
• Youth and physically challenged hunt on private land only: Mar. 26-28
• Special seasons: WMA, refuge, and federal-land turkey schedules may differ from private-land dates

Small Game

• Rabbit: Oct. 3-Feb. 28
• Squirrel: Oct. 3-Feb. 28
• Spring squirrel where open: May 1-23
• Hare, jackrabbit, groundhog, woodchuck, prairie dog: no regular Louisiana seasons

Upland Birds

• Quail: Nov. 21-Feb. 28
• Woodcock: Dec. 18-Jan. 31
• Pheasant, chukar, grouse, partridge, ptarmigan: not standard Louisiana seasons

Waterfowl

• Dove
  • North Zone: Sept. 5-27; Oct. 10-Nov. 15; Dec. 19-Jan. 17
  • South Zone: Sept. 5-20; Oct. 17-Nov. 29; Dec. 12-Jan. 10
• Teal: Sept. 19-27
• Black-bellied whistling duck: Oct. 3-11 by special permit
• Rails and gallinules: Sept. 19-27 and Nov. 7-Jan. 6
• Snipe: Oct. 31-Jan. 10 and Jan. 25-Feb. 28
• Ducks, coots, mergansers
  • East Zone regular: Nov. 21-Dec. 6 and Dec. 19-Jan. 31
  • West Zone regular: Nov. 14-Dec. 6 and Dec. 19-Jan. 24
  • Youth/veterans: East Nov. 14 and Feb. 6; West Nov. 7 and Jan. 30
• Geese
  • East and West Zones: Nov. 14-Dec. 6 and Dec. 19-Feb. 7
• Light goose conservation order
  • East: Dec. 7-18 and Feb. 8-Mar. 7
  • West: Dec. 7-18 and Feb. 8-Mar. 7

Furbearers

• Louisiana lists beaver, bobcat, coyote, fox, mink, muskrat, nutria, opossum, river otter, raccoon, and skunk as furbearers.
• General trapping season: Nov. 20-March 31 each year
• Properly licensed hunters may take some species, including bobcat, raccoon, opossum, and nutria, outside trapping season under state rules

Predators

• Coyote: Year-round during legal shooting hours
• Fox: Managed as a furbearer; check local season methods
• Mountain lion and wolf: no Louisiana hunting season

Special Opportunities

• Youth deer seasons by deer area
• Youth turkey hunt Mar. 26-28 on private land
• Youth and veteran duck days in both waterfowl zones
• Physically challenged deer and turkey opportunities on select lands
• WMA lottery hunts and refuge-specific special hunts are available in some areas

Hunting License Fees

Important Hunting Regulations

• Adult hunters 18 and older generally need a Basic Hunting License.
• Deer hunters need a deer license in addition to the basic license.
• Turkey hunters need a turkey license in addition to the basic license.
• Waterfowl hunters need the state waterfowl license.
• Waterfowl hunters age 16 or older also need a federal duck stamp.
• HIP certification is required for migratory bird hunting.
• Youth age 17 and under need a Youth Hunting License when actively hunting deer or turkey, trapping, or joining youth lottery hunts.
• Hunting licenses run 365 days from the date of purchase.
• Deer tags are required before hunting deer.
• Hunters must carry licenses or license numbers plus ID while hunting.
• If born on or after Sept. 1, 1969, you need hunter education unless directly supervised by a qualified person.
• Louisiana requires at least 400 square inches of hunter orange or blaze pink when hunting deer with firearms.
• On private land, a hunter orange or blaze pink cap may substitute for the 400 square inches.
• Hunters walking to and from elevated stands on private land during firearm deer hunting must wear orange/pink.
• Archery deer hunters on lands where firearm hunting is not allowed are exempt from orange/pink.
• WMA users generally need both a Self-Clearing Permit and a WMA Access Permit.
• Youth 17 and under do not need a WMA Access Permit.
• Public-land hunters must check in and check out on many LDWF properties.
• Feral hogs and coyotes may be taken year-round during legal shooting hours.
• Night hunting for outlaw quadrupeds, feral hogs, nutria, and beavers is limited to private property under special rules.
• For nighttime take on private land, the landowner or agent must have written permission and notify the parish sheriff within 24 hours in advance or immediately after take.
• Night hunting methods may include artificial light, infrared, laser sights, or night vision where those private-land rules apply.
• Suppressors are allowed for those nighttime activities if the hunter has the required federal permit.
• Drone use language was updated for recovery of mortally wounded deer or bear.
• Black bear hunting is lottery-based, still-hunt only, and dogs are prohibited.
• Bear hunters must complete mandatory training if selected.
• Baiting is allowed in the black bear lottery framework, but specific bait restrictions apply.
• Trapping season for furbearers runs Nov. 20-March 31.
• Some public lands, WMAs, refuges, and federal lands have tighter weapon, access, and hour restrictions than statewide rules.
• WMA camping requires a permit for camping parties, with youth exempt.
• Always review area-specific CWD, carcass, and transport rules before moving harvested deer.

Best Hunting Places in Louisiana

Best Deer Hunting Areas

Pearl River WMA is a strong choice for white-tailed deer hunters who also want rabbit, squirrel, woodcock, and waterfowl options. It is public land, mostly bottomland habitat, and can be physically demanding when water is up.
Dewey W. Wills WMA offers deer plus rabbit, squirrel, raccoon, woodcock, and waterfowl. Hunters like the mix of timber and wet ground.
Kisatchie National Forest gives big-country access, pine hills, and still-hunt opportunities, which appeal to hunters who prefer room to roam.

Best Turkey Hunting Areas

Kisatchie National Forest is one of the better-known turkey destinations because it offers large tracts of habitat and classic walk-and-call terrain. Public access is good, but pressure can be high.
Private timber and agricultural edges in Area A also draw turkey hunters each spring.

Best Waterfowl Hunting Areas

Atchafalaya Delta WMA stands out for marsh and delta habitat, with strong duck potential and public access by boat.
Richard K. Yancey WMA is popular for deer, waterfowl, woodcock, dove, and snipe.
Russell Sage WMA is well regarded for waterfowl thanks to managed water areas and natural sloughs.

Best Small Game Areas

Kisatchie National Forest and Clear Creek-type upland habitat are classic rabbit and squirrel country.
Pearl River WMA also gives mixed small-game hunting in wet bottomland cover.

Best Public Hunting Lands

Louisiana public hunters should focus on WMAs, selected refuges, and Kisatchie. Expect check stations, self-clearing permits, and area-specific rules.

Best Wildlife Management Areas

Pearl River, Sherburne, Russell Sage, Richard K. Yancey, Dewey W. Wills, and Atchafalaya Delta are among the better-known names because they offer multi-species opportunities, public access, and a mix of deer, waterfowl, and small game.

Bag Limits

Legal Hunting Hours

General shooting hours usually follow daylight rules, but the exact species matters. Deer, rabbit, squirrel, quail, and most day hunts follow legal daylight hours. Waterfowl and dove rules are more specific, with waterfowl opening and closing windows tied to federal frameworks and conservation-order exceptions. For the light goose conservation order, shooting hours run from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Night hunting is not open across the board; it is limited mainly to outlaw quadrupeds, feral hogs, nutria, and beavers on private property under special conditions.

Hunter Education Requirements

Anyone born on or after Sept. 1, 1969 must complete an LDWF-approved hunter education course before hunting unsupervised in Louisiana. Hunters must be at least age 10 to receive certification. Youth ages 10 and 11 still need supervision while hunting, even if certified. Louisiana offers classroom courses, online plus field day, and an online-only option for ages 16 and older. Active-duty or veteran military members and POST-certified law enforcement may qualify for an exemption. Bowhunter education is available, but it is not mandatory statewide.

Public vs Private Land Hunting

Private-land hunting requires landowner permission, and written permission becomes especially important for nighttime hog or coyote activity. Public-land hunting adds more layers. On many WMAs and LDWF-administered lands, hunters need a self-clearing permit and a WMA Access Permit unless exempt. National forests, refuges, and some Corps lands may use different dates, weapon rules, or check-in systems from the statewide chart. That means a deer or turkey season that is open on private land may not be open the same day on a WMA.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does hunting season start in Louisiana?

Some migratory bird seasons, including dove and teal, begin in September. Deer archery also opens in September in some deer areas.

Do I need a hunting license in Louisiana?

Yes, most adult hunters need a Basic Hunting License, and deer, turkey, and waterfowl hunters need extra licenses or permits.

Can nonresidents hunt in Louisiana?

Yes. Louisiana offers annual, 10-day native, and 5-day nonresident hunting options, plus species-specific add-ons.

Can I hunt on Sundays in Louisiana?

Louisiana has Sunday hunting opportunities, but access depends on the species, land status, and local season framework.

Can I use a crossbow in Louisiana?

Crossbow use is generally allowed where archery equipment is legal, but hunters should confirm current area-specific rules.

Do I need hunter education?

If you were born on or after Sept. 1, 1969, you need hunter education before hunting unsupervised unless an exemption applies.

Can I bait deer in Louisiana?

Rules can vary by species and hunt type. Always verify current deer-area, bear, WMA, and CWD guidance before baiting.

Can I hunt on public land?

Yes, but many WMAs require a self-clearing permit and WMA Access Permit, and each property can have special rules.

Can I hunt at night?

Only certain animals, such as feral hogs and coyotes, may be taken at night on private land under special rules.

What is the blaze orange requirement in Louisiana?

For firearm deer hunting, hunters generally need 400 square inches of hunter orange or blaze pink, though private-land cap exceptions apply.

Final Thoughts

Louisiana Hunting Season 2026-2027 offers one of the South’s most varied calendars, with strong deer, turkey, duck, dove, rabbit, squirrel, and hog opportunities across private land, WMAs, marshes, timber, and river bottoms. The key to a legal and productive season is matching the right deer area, turkey area, or waterfowl zone to the exact dates and permit requirements.

Hunt safely, tag and report game correctly, respect landowners, and support conservation work that keeps Louisiana hunting strong. Before any hunt, double-check the current rule book and property-specific notices from LDWF, especially for WMAs, federal lands, CWD updates, and waterfowl frameworks. If you also hunt nearby states, compare season timing with our Arkansas hunting season guide.

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Eric Hale

Author & Chief Editor at AskHunting.com

Eric Hale, a veteran hunter with more than a decade of experience, imparts his knowledge via AskHunting.com. He offers guidance for hunting, adding strategies, and delivers in-depth guides for the novice and the old hand. He loves family camping sessions, watching Marvel films with his spouse, and going on thrilling road journeys.

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