State Guide

Louisiana Hunting Guide 2026

Complete Louisiana hunting guide for 2026: seasons, license costs, draw odds, GMU boundaries, bag limits, and regulations. Compare every game species at a glance.

Wildlife Agency

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

Official Site

Hunter safety course required for first-time buyers

Louisiana Hunting Seasons

Whitetail Deer

Res: $15 Non-res: $250

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Archery	Sep 16	Feb 15
Rifle	Nov 11	Feb 15
Muzzleloader	Nov 4	Nov 10

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 6 (3 antlered)

Season dates and limits vary by deer area. Very long seasons. Dog hunting for deer is a strong tradition in parts of Louisiana.

Turkey

Res: $15 Non-res: $250

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Shotgun	Apr 1	Apr 30
Archery	Apr 1	Apr 30

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 2 (spring)

Eastern turkey. Spring gobblers only. Youth season weekend before regular opener. Turkey stamp required.

Duck/Waterfowl

Res: $15 Non-res: $250

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Shotgun	Nov 11	Jan 28

Bag limits: daily: 6, season: No season limit

Louisiana is one of the top waterfowl states. Federal duck stamp required. Split season in 3 zones. Coastal marshes and rice fields are prime habitat.

Wild Hog

Res: $15 Non-res: $250

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Rifle	Jan 1	Dec 31

Bag limits: daily: No limit, season: No limit

Year-round on private land. Nuisance species with large populations. Night hunting allowed on private land.

Quail

Res: $15 Non-res: $250

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Shotgun	Nov 18	Feb 28

Bag limits: daily: 10, season: No limit

Bobwhite quail. Wild populations low. Plantation-style hunting on managed properties more common.

Planning Tools

Tag-to-Trail Planner — interactive map: public land, harvest records, water, burns
Hunt Cost Calculator — budget your full hunt cost
Application Timeline — never miss an application deadline
Preference Point Tracker — track points across all your states

Louisiana Hunting Guides

destinations

Louisiana Deer Hunting: Bottomland Hardwoods and Public Land

Louisiana Hunting FAQ

Do I need a hunting license in Louisiana?

Yes. All hunters in Louisiana must hold a valid hunting license from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Non-residents typically pay higher fees. A hunter safety course is required for first-time license buyers.

What is the hunting license cost in Louisiana?

Louisiana license costs vary by species. Whitetail Deer: resident $15, non-resident $250. Turkey: resident $15, non-resident $250.

When is deer season in Louisiana?

Louisiana deer seasons: Archery: Sep 16 - Feb 15, Rifle: Nov 11 - Feb 15, Muzzleloader: Nov 4 - Nov 10.

Does Louisiana require a hunter safety course?

Yes, Louisiana requires hunter education certification for all first-time hunters. The course covers firearm safety, hunting laws, wildlife conservation, and ethical hunting practices.

Who manages hunting regulations in Louisiana?

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries manages all hunting licenses, regulations, and wildlife management in Louisiana. Their website (https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov) has current season dates, license purchasing, and regulation booklets.