Louisiana 2025-2026 Game Calendar – Hunting Dates, Areas & Harvest Info

Are you preparing for your next outdoor adventure in the Pelican State? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the 2025-2026 Louisiana game seasons. We’ve gathered the official dates, licensing information, and wildlife zone details to help both newcomers and experienced outdoorsmen plan their excursions with confidence. From white-tailed deer and wild turkey to waterfowl and small game, Louisiana offers diverse wildlife opportunities across its beautiful landscapes.

Louisiana Hunting Season Overview

Louisiana’s rich ecosystems support a variety of game species, making it a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has established specific timeframes for various game pursuits, carefully balancing wildlife conservation with recreational opportunities. Here’s a quick summary of key seasons for the 2025-2026 period:

Species	Season Dates	Method
Deer	Sept. 20 – Feb. 15 (varies by area)	Archery, Primitive Firearms, Modern Firearms
Turkey	Mar. 28 – May 3 (varies by area)	Shotgun, Archery
Quail	Nov. 15 – Feb. 28	Shotgun, Archery
Rabbit & Squirrel	Oct. 4 – Feb. 28	Shotgun, Rimfire, Archery
Waterfowl	Varies by zone	Shotgun
Dove	Sept. 6 – Jan. 18 (varies by zone)	Shotgun

🦌 Big Game Seasons: Deer Hunting in Louisiana

Louisiana divides deer hunting into 10 distinct management areas, each with customized regulations designed to maintain healthy populations while providing quality experiences for sportsmen.

Archery Season

Archery enthusiasts get the earliest and longest access to white-tailed deer, with seasons starting as early as September 20 in some areas and extending until February 15 in others. Here’s a breakdown by area:

• Areas 3, 7, 8, 10: Sept. 20 – Jan. 15
• Areas 1, 2, 4: Oct. 1 – Jan. 31
• Areas 5, 6, 9: Oct. 1 – Feb. 15 (either-sex Oct. 16 – Feb. 15, bucks only Oct. 1-15)

Primitive Firearms Season

For those who appreciate traditional hunting methods, primitive firearms seasons offer a special challenge:

• Areas 1, 4: Nov. 8-14 and Jan. 19-31
• Area 2: Oct. 18-24 and Jan. 12-18
• Areas 3, 7, 8, 10: Oct. 11-17 and Jan. 5-11
• Areas 5, 6, 9: Nov. 8-14 and Jan. 19-31

Modern Firearms Season

The most popular hunting method has specific timeframes, divided between “still-hunt only” and “with or without dogs” periods:

Still-Hunt Only:

• Areas 1, 4: Nov. 15 – Dec. 5 and Jan. 5-18
• Area 2: Oct. 25 – Dec. 2
• Areas 3, 7, 8: Oct. 18 – Nov. 30
• Area 10: Oct. 18 – Jan. 4

With or Without Dogs:

• Areas 1, 4: Dec. 6 – Jan. 4
• Area 2: Dec. 3 – Jan. 11
• Areas 3, 7, 8: Dec. 1 – Jan. 4
• Areas 5, 9: Various dates between Dec. 6 – Jan. 18 (both either-sex and bucks-only periods)
• Area 6: Dec. 6 – Jan. 18

Youth and Veterans Hunting Weekends 🎖️

Louisiana honors its young hunters and veterans with special early access opportunities:

• Areas 1, 4, 5, 9: Oct. 25-31
• Area 2: Oct. 11-17
• Areas 3, 7, 8, 10: Sept. 27 – Oct. 3
• Area 6: Oct. 26-31

🦃 Turkey Season: Spring Opportunities

The 2026 spring turkey season is divided into three zones with varying season lengths to accommodate different population densities:

• Area A: April 3 – May 3
• Area B: April 3 – 26
• Area C: April 3 – 19
• Youth and Physically Challenged: March 28-29 (all areas)

🐰 Small Game Opportunities

Small game pursuits provide accessible options for beginners and seasoned hunters alike:

• Quail: Nov. 15 – Feb. 28
• Rabbit and Squirrel: Oct. 4 – Feb. 28
• Spring Squirrel (where open): May 2-24

🦆 Waterfowl Seasons

Louisiana’s reputation as a waterfowl paradise is well-deserved, with specific seasons set for various species:

Ducks, Coots, and Mergansers

West Zone:

• Youth only: Nov. 8-9
• Regular season: Nov. 15 – Dec. 7 and Dec. 20 – Jan. 25
• Veterans only: Jan. 31 – Feb. 1

East Zone:

• Youth and Veterans only: Nov. 15-16
• Regular season: Nov. 22 – Dec. 8 and Dec. 20 – Jan. 31

Geese

Light Geese (Snow, Blue, and Ross’) and White-fronted Geese:

• East Zone: Nov. 15 – Dec. 8 and Dec. 20 – Feb. 7
• West Zone: Nov. 8 – Dec. 7 and Dec. 20 – Feb. 1

Canada Geese:

• East Zone: Nov. 15 – Dec. 8 and Dec. 20 – Feb. 7
• West Zone: Nov. 8 – Dec. 7 and Dec. 20 – Feb. 1

Conservation Order for Light Geese:

• East Zone: Dec. 9-19 and Feb. 8 – Mar. 15
• West Zone: Dec. 8-19 and Feb. 2 – Mar. 15

🕊️ Migratory Bird Seasons

Doves

South Zone:

• Sept. 6-21
• Oct. 18 – Nov. 30
• Dec. 13 – Jan. 11

North Zone:

• Sept. 6-28
• Oct. 11 – Nov. 16
• Dec. 20 – Jan. 18

Other Migratory Birds

• Woodcock: Dec. 18 – Jan. 31
• Teal (Blue-winged, Green-winged, and Cinnamon): Sept. 20-28
• Rails (King, Clapper, Sora, and Virginia): Sept. 20-28 and Nov. 8 – Jan. 7
• Gallinules: Sept. 20-28 and Nov. 8 – Jan. 7
• Snipe (both East and West zones): Nov. 2 – Dec. 7 and Dec. 20 – Feb. 28

🗺️ Louisiana Hunting Zones

Understanding Louisiana’s wildlife management areas is crucial for successful outings. The state divides its territory into different zones for deer, turkey, and waterfowl management. For detailed maps of these zones, visit the official LDWF website.

🎟️ Licensing Requirements

Before heading into the field, ensure you have the proper licensing:

Resident Licenses:

• Basic Hunting License
• Big Game License (for deer and turkey)
• Waterfowl License (plus Federal Duck Stamp)
• Wildlife Management Area Permit (if applicable)

Non-Resident Options:

• Season-long licenses
• 5-day trip licenses
• Single-day options

Youth and Senior Discounts:

• Special rates for hunters under 16 and over 65

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need separate tags for deer hunting in Louisiana?

A: Yes, deer tags come with your Big Game License and must be validated immediately upon harvest.

Q: Can I hunt on public lands in Louisiana?

A: Yes, Louisiana offers numerous Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and National Wildlife Refuges, each with specific regulations.

Q: Is night hunting allowed in Louisiana?

A: In general, hunting at night is not allowed, but some animals, like raccoons, opossums, and nutria, can be hunted at night under certain conditions.

Q: What’s the difference between primitive firearms and modern firearms seasons?

A: Primitive firearms season allows only specific muzzleloaders and other traditional weapons as defined in the LDWF regulations.

Q: How many deer can I harvest in Louisiana?

A: Season limits vary by deer area. Check the complete regulations for specific antlered and antlerless limits in your hunting zone.

Related Resources

For more detailed information, check out these helpful resources:

• Mississippi Hunting Seasons
• Texas Hunting Seasons
• Arkansas Hunting Seasons

Final Thoughts

Louisiana’s diverse ecosystems offer exceptional opportunities for sportsmen and women of all experience levels. From the cypress swamps teeming with waterfowl to the hardwood forests harboring white-tailed deer, the Pelican State provides memorable outdoor adventures throughout the year. Remember to always verify current regulations before your trip, as wildlife management decisions may adapt to changing conditions. Secure your licenses early, respect bag limits, and embrace the conservation ethic that ensures these traditions continue for generations to come.

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