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Hunting in Louisiana
Louisiana Hunting at Glance
Louisiana has a lot of great things going for it when it comes to hunting. If you like waterfowl, you won’t be disappointed by the Mississippi Flyway. In fact, the state has the reputation of being on of the best places to hunt duck in the whole country.
Aside from waterfowl, you can find some good deer hunting, thanks to the presence of older bucks. These more mature deer are in plentiful supply and are known for giving hunters and interesting experience. These whitetails can be found mostly in the bottomland along the Mississippi River.
Louisiana’s unique geography enables hunting for interesting species. Alligators, for example, can be taken by hook and line, bow and arrow, or gun in Louisiana (although not Shotguns). Additionally you can hunt species that they refer to as “Outlaw Quadripeds”. These include armadillos, coyotes, and feral hogs and the state will allow you to hunt these animals anytime as long as you possess a valid Louisiana hunting license.
Louisiana ranks #17 in the nation for hunting license per capita and has a strong hunting culture with over 9.1% of the population classified as registered hunters.
Key Insights
- Louisiana is a good place to hunt waterfowl, particularly ducks.
- There is good deer hunting in Louisiana, particularly for older bucks.
- Alligators, armadillos, coyotes, and feral hogs can be hunted in Louisiana with a valid hunting license.
- The most common big game animals hunted in Louisiana are white-tailed deer, black bear, and wild hogs.
- The most common small game animals hunted in Louisiana are squirrels, rabbits, and doves.
Table of Contents
Hunters (Based on Hunting Licenses)
| Population: | 4,657,757 |
|---|---|
| Hunters | 423,856 |
| Hunter % | 9.10% |
| Hunters Rank | 17 |
Land Types (Acres)
| Acres | % | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 27,882,200 | ||
| Huntable Public | 1,349,000 | 4.84% | 32 |
| Private Land | 25,750,100 | 92.35% | 21 |
| Tribal Land | 400 | 0.00% | no tribal land |
Louisiana ranks #21 for the percentage of private land vs total acres and doesn’t have any tribal land.
Louisiana Hunting Seasons & Requirements
For the most accurate information on Louisiana Hunting Seasons, along with the state’s requirements for tag and bag limits, it’s a good idea to check with the Louisiana DNR. We’ve provided their contact information below, along with links to helpful resources, including licensing.
Louisiana DNR
P.O. Box 98000
#1 Sportsmans Lane
Baton Rouge, LA 70898
- (225) 765-2800
Popular Game to Hunt in Louisiana
The most common types of big game animals that are hunted in Louisiana are white-tailed deer, black bear, and wild hogs. For small game, the most common animals that are hunted are squirrels, rabbits, and doves.The state is also home to many alligators.
Small Game Hunting in Louisiana
Louisiana has some great small game hunting and common targets include. squirrels, rabbits, doves, quail, and woodcock.. Squirrels are agile creatures that can be difficult to track, while rabbits tend to be more timid and may require extra patience to stalk. Doves are fast and elusive, making them a test for even the most experienced hunter. Quail are often found in groups, but they can be tricky to flush out of the brush. Woodcock are perhaps the most challenging of all, as they spend most of their time hidden in dense cover. Regardless of which species you’re after, small game hunting in Louisiana is sure to provide an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
Big Game Hunting in Louisiana
Out of all the big game animals that Louisiana has to offer, the most popular are white-tailed deer, mule deer, black bear, wild hogs, and alligators. Each one provides its own unique challenge, and there’s nothing quite like the feeling of success after taking down a big game animal. White-tailed deer are by far the most popular, as they are relatively plentiful and can be found in nearly every part of the state. Mule deer are a close second, as they offer a slightly different hunting experience. Black bear are also popular among hunters, although they are not as prevalent as the other two. Wild hogs and alligators round out the top five, as both provide a true test of skill and strength.
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Where are the Best Areas to Hunt in Louisiana
Louisiana offers great hunting opportunities across the state, both on public and private land. We’ve included some of the best areas for public hunting below and as we have access we’ll be adding more private land too.
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Popular Public Hunting Land in Louisiana
Louisiana is home to a wealth of wildlife, and the state’s public lands offer some of the best hunting opportunities in the country.The Kisatchie National Forest spans nearly 600,000 acres and is home to a variety of game species, including deer, turkey, and hogs. The Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge is one of the largest refuges in the country, spanning over 15,000 acres. It is a prime destination for hunting waterfowl, as well as deer, squirrel, and rabbit. The Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area is another popular hunting spot, offering over 122,098 acres acres of swamp and forest habitat. Other popular hunting areas in Louisiana include the Sherburne Wildlife Management Area and the Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge.
1. Kisatchie National Forest
2. Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge
3. Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area
4. Sherburne Wildlife Management Area
5. Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge
Hunting Private Land in Louisiana
Since the majority of Louisiana is private land getting access for hunting can be very appealing. When you hunt private land, it’s not only less crowded, the animals also tend to be less skittish and this means you’ll have a better day out in the field. Traditionally, accessing private land for hunting has been complicated and expensive. You either needed to join a club, hire a guide, or start knocking on doors.
Fortunately Wing It is simplifying this for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts of all types. We’re adding new land every day and if we have some in your area, you’ll see some options great below.
[1] https://www.louisianasportsman.com/category/hunting/
[2] https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/subhome/deer