HUNTING LICENSES

A Hunting License is required in the state of Louisiana to hunt any game animal. There are a variety of license types available depending on your age, residency status, and what type of game you plan to hunt. Some of the hunting license types in Louisiana include:   

Basic Hunting License

All residents and nonresidents 16 years of age or older, who hunt within the state of Louisiana, are required to obtain the Basic Hunting License. The license is required to hunt, take, possess, or transport any wild bird or quadruped that may be legally hunted. Hunters must then obtain additional licenses to hunt, take, transport, or possess specific species including deer, turkey, migratory game birds, etc.

Big Game License

This license type is required in addition to the Basic Hunting License and is required to hunt, take, possess, or transport deer, turkey, or bobcat. The Big Game License is available to both residents and non-residents, however fees may vary depending on residency status. 

Louisiana Wild Turkey

This license type is required to hunt turkey within the state of Louisiana, and is required in addition to both the Basic Hunting License and Big Game License. This license type is available to both residents and nonresidents, however fees may vary depending on residency status. 

WMA Permit

The WMA Permit is required to hunt on any land that is managed by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Including Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), and habitat and conservation areas. The license is required for hunters who are ages 18-59, and is available to both residents and non-residents.

GAME SPECIES

Louisiana offers a wide variety of game species for all types of hunters. The states varied geography, expansive swamps, and marshes, and coastal areas result in a number of game opportunities for hunters. Some of the states game animals include: 

• Big game including white-tailed deer and turkey.
• Small game including rabbit, squirrel, crow, and grackles. 
• Waterfowl and other migratory game birds including ducks, geese, and dove.
• Furbearers including raccoon, bobcat, and opossums.

NON-GAME SPECIES

Nongame species within Louisiana make up a majority of the state’s wildlife and include mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates which typically may not be hunted, are considered a nuisance, or are protected, endangered, or at risk. There is, unfortunately, a lengthy list of endangered, protected, and threatened species within the state. For more information on nongame, and endangered species within the state visit the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries website.

INVASIVE SPECIES

Invasive animals and other pests have been introduced to the United States, including the State or Louisiana, and have become a threat to native wildlife. These animals, plants, fish, and invertebrates typically have no natural predators which can result in rapid spread and population growth. This in turn can seriously harm the state’s lands and waters, and can be detrimental to the health and population numbers of a variety of the state’s native plants and animals. Some common Invasive species in Louisiana include Asian Tiger Mosquito, Zebra Mussel, Water Hyacinth, Red Imported Fire Ant, as well as the Feral Hogs – one of the most destructive and notable of the state’s pests. 

In order to protect Louisiana’s native plants and animals, invasive species must be controlled and eradicated. Anyone who encounters or suspects that they have encountered an invasive species within the state is encouraged to report the sighting so that it can be monitored and controlled. For information on how to report various types of invasive species in Louisiana visit the US Department of Agriculture, National Invasive Species Information Center.

PRIVATE LAND

Much of the land in Louisiana is privately owned. Hunters can typically freely take game animals hunted on their own private property or may seek permission from a landowner to hunt on private property. Hunters who wish to take game on privately owned land must follow state hunting regulations as well as any regulations specified by the landowner. Hunters must ensure they respect the rights and property of the landowner at all times. 

PUBLIC LAND

There are more than 1.6 million acres of public lands within the state of Louisiana, that are managed by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, including Wildlife Management Areas, Conservation Areas, and Wildlife Refuges. Many of these lands are open to public hunting, and offer a wide variety of opportunities to anyone hunting within the state.

Public lands within the state also encompass a variety of different habitats and ecosystems including soft and hardwood treed spaces and expansive marshlands – all of which are home to a wide variety of game species. 

Hunters taking game within state-managed lands should note that special regulations may apply within these areas, including take method restrictions or additional required permits. Hunters should note that regulations that apply within the area they plan to hunt and abide by these regulations at all times. 

Hunting in Louisiana Wildlife Management Areas

Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) within the state of Louisiana are managed by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. These lands are managed for conservation purposes, fish, and wildlife resources management,  and are open to the public multiple outdoor recreational opportunities including hunting, angling, ATVing, wildlife watching, and bird watching, among others.  

Hunters should note that special permits may be required to participate in certain recreational activities within WMAs, including hunting permits. Hunters who plan to take game on WMAs are responsible for determining which permits are required and obtaining them. 

WMA Regulations

Certain additional regulations and restrictions may apply to hunters who take game within WMAs. Some of these regulations may include:

• Check-in hunt requirements
• Restrictions on certain recreational activities
• Hunter orange requirements
• Camping restrictions
• Vehicle use restrictions