Louisiana is rich in varied terrain, ripe for thrilling hunting expeditions. The state, with its lively Mississippi Delta and serene pine woods, appeals to hunters on the lookout for both big and small games, as well as waterfowl.
For both veteran and beginner sportsmen, understanding Louisiana’s hunting seasons might appear tricky. This guide makes it simple by laying out the crucial hunting periods for 2024.
LA Hunting Calendar
Big Games
Deer
Area 1:
- Archery: Oct 1 – Jan 31
- Primitive Firearms: Nov 9-15, Jan 5-12
- Still-Hunt Firearms: Nov 16-Dec 6
- Firearms (with or without dogs): Dec 7-Jan 5
- Youth/Veteran Hunt: Oct 26-Nov 1
Area 2:
- Archery: Oct 1 – Jan 31
- Primitive Firearms: Oct 19-25, Jan 12-19
- Still-Hunt Firearms: Oct 26-Dec 4
- Firearms (with or without dogs): Dec 5-Jan 12
- Youth/Veteran Hunt: Oct 12-18
Area 3:
- Archery: Sept 21 – Jan 15
- Primitive Firearms: Oct 12-18, Jan 5-12
- Still-Hunt Firearms: Oct 19-Dec 1
- Firearms (with or without dogs): Dec 2-Jan 5
- Youth/Veteran Hunt: Sept 21-27
Area 4 (Similar to Area 1):
- Follow Area 1 dates for Archery, Primitive Firearms, Still-Hunt Firearms, and Firearms (with or without dogs).
- Youth/Veteran Hunt: Oct 26-Nov 1
Areas 5 & 9 (Similar Seasons):
- Archery (Either-sex): Oct 16 – Feb 15
- Archery (Bucks Only): Oct 1-15
- Primitive Firearms: Nov 9-15
- Still-Hunt Firearms: Nov 16-17, Nov 29-Dec 1, Nov 18-28, Dec 2-6
- Firearms (with or without dogs): Dec 7-8, Dec 14-15, Dec 9-13, Dec 16-Jan 19
- Youth/Veteran Hunt: Oct 26-Nov 1
Area 6 (Similar to Areas 5 & 9):
- Follow Areas 5 & 9 dates for all seasons.
Areas 7 & 8 (Similar to Area 3):
- Follow Area 3 dates for all seasons.
Area 10:
- Archery: Sept 21 – Jan 15
- Primitive Firearms: Oct 12-18
- Still-Hunt Firearms & Firearms (with or without dogs): Oct 19-Jan 5
- Youth/Veteran Hunt: Sept 21-27
Alligator
- East Zone: August 31st to October 30th
- West Zone: September 7th to November 6th
Turkey
The turkey hunting season in Louisiana starts sooner for young hunters (those 17 and under) and those with physical challenges. They can begin hunting from March 29th to 30th, enjoying an early initiation.
The schedule shifts for the rest, based on where you are:
- Area A: April 6th to May 5th
- Area B: April 6th to April 27th
- Area C: April 6th to April 20th
Small Games
Rabbit
October 5th to February 28th
Squirrel (Fall)
October 7th to February 28th (on private lands only)
Squirrel (Spring)
May 4th to May 26th (on private lands only)
Quail
November 16th to February 28th
Resident Games Birds
Pheasant
November 16th to February 28th.
Crows
September 1st through January 1st.
Blackbirds, Cowbirds, and Grackles
September 1st to January 1st
Migratory Birds
species:
Woodcock
Season runs from December 18th to January 31st.
Snipe
East & West Zones: November 2nd to December 8th, then again from December 21st to February 28th.
Mourning and White-winged Doves
South Zone: September 7th-21st, October 19th-November 30th, and December 14th-January 14th.
North Zone: September 7th-28th, October 5th-November 9th, and December 21st-January 21st.
Waterfowls
Geese:
- Light Geese (East Zone):
Two segments – Nov 2 – Dec 8 and Dec 21 – Jan 26.
Conservation Order applies Dec 9-20 and Jan 27 – Mar 2.
- Light Geese (West Zone):
Similar to East Zone with two segments (Nov 2 – Dec 8 & Dec 21- Jan 5) but with a third segment (Jan 13- Feb 2).
Conservation Order in effect Dec 9-20, Jan 6-12, and Feb 3-Mar 2.
- Canada Geese:
Follow the same season structure as Light Geese for both East and West Zones, including the Conservation Order dates.
Teal
- Hunters can target blue-winged, green-winged, and cinnamon teal during a dedicated early season from September 14th to 29th.
Ducks, Coots, and Mergansers
- West Zone:
Offers four segments – Nov 2-3 (Youth/Veterans only), Nov 9-Dec 8, Dec 21-Jan 5, and Jan 13-26.
- East Zone:
Has three segments with Youth/Veteran opportunities on Nov 9th and Feb 1st, along with a regular season running Nov 16-Dec 8 and Dec 21-Jan 26.
Louisiana Hunting License Fees
| License Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Basic Hunting | $20.00 |
| Deer | $35.00 (Requires Basic Hunting License) |
| Waterfowl | $47.72 (Includes Federal Electronic Duck Stamp & Basic Hunting License) |
| Turkey | $47.72 (Includes Federal Electronic Duck Stamp & Basic Hunting License) |
| Youth Hunting | $5.00 |
| Sportsman’s Paradise | $220.00 (Combo License) |
| Senior Hunt/Fish (Born before 1940) | Free |
| Resident or Disabled Veteran | $20.00 |
| Lifetime Hunting/Fishing (all ages) | $500.00 |
| Lifetime Senior Hunt/Fish (65+) | $100.00 |
Regulations
Important Resources:
- The LDWF site provides a full handbook on Louisiana hunting rules, like the official Hunting and Fishing Regulations Pamphlet https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/seasons-and-regulations: This covers rules for all game species in our state.
- For any uncertainty about specific rules or hunting spots, hunters can reach out to their local LDWF branch.
Top Louisiana Hunting Locations
Big Game:
- White-tailed Deer: The expansive Kisatchie National Forest right in the heart of Louisiana is home to a plethora of healthy deer. Other areas that also deserve a mention are the Delta National Wildlife Refuge close to Monroe and the northeastern Louisiana’s Boeuf Wildlife and Fisheries Management Area (WMA).
- Wild Boar: Both Pointe Coupee and Cameron Parish’s marshlands are recognized for their wild boar communities. In the Pearl River Wildlife Management Area near Bogalusa, you can also spot them.
Small Game:
- Rabbit & Squirrel: You can find these tiny, plentiful creatures all over Louisiana. Places like Catahoula, Sabine River, and Clarkes Bluff are top spots.
- Bobcat & Fox: In the bumpy lands and woodland areas of central-north Louisiana, especially at Kisatchie Delta WMA and Homochitto WMA, these furry mammals find a home.
Waterfowl:
- Ducks & Geese: The coastal marshes of Louisiana become a safe haven for migratory waterfowl during winter seasons. Prime locations include Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge near White Lake and Cameron Prairie
- Swans: Swan Lake WMA in north Louisiana, while not as populated by ducks and geese, hosts a hunting season for Tundra Swans, providing an exciting and distinctive experience.
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