La. Admin. Code tit. 76, § XIX-111 - General and Wildlife Management Area Hunting Rules and Regulations

A. Hunting Seasons and Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Regulations
1. The rules and regulations contained within this digest have been officially approved and adopted by the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission under authority vested by sections 115 of title 56 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950 and are in full force and effect in conjunction with all applicable statutory laws. The secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has the authority to close or alter seasons in emergency situations in order to protect fish and wildlife resources.
2. Pursuant to section 40.1 of title 56 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission has adopted monetary values which are assigned to all illegally taken, possessed, injured or destroyed fish, wild birds, wild quadrupeds and other wildlife and aquatic life. Anyone taking, possessing, injuring or destroying fish, wild birds, wild quadrupeds and other wildlife and aquatic life shall be required to reimburse the LDWF a sum of money equal to the value of the wildlife illegally taken, possessed, injured or destroyed. This monetary reimbursement shall be in addition to any and all criminal penalties imposed for the illegal act.
B. Resident Game Birds and Animals
1. Shooting hours: one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.
C. Other Season Dates
1. Turkey. Please refer to turkey regulations.
2. Raccoon and Opossum. No closed season. Raccoon and opossum can be taken at night by one or more licensed hunters with one or more dogs and one .22 caliber or smaller rimfire firearm. A licensed hunter may take raccoon or opossum with .22 caliber or smaller rimfire firearm, .36 caliber or smaller muzzleloader rifle, archery gear, air rifle or shotgun during daylight hours. Hunting from boats or motor vehicles is prohibited. No bag limit for nighttime or daytime raccoon or opossum hunting during the open trapping season except on certain WMAs as listed. The remainder of the year, the raccoon and opossum bag limit for daytime or nighttime is two per person per day or night. No one who hunts raccoons or opossums as prescribed above shall pelt during the closed trapping season nor sell skins or carcasses of raccoons and opossums taken during the open trapping season unless he is the holder of a valid trapping license which shall be required in addition to his basic hunting license. Pelting or selling carcasses is illegal during closed trapping season.
3. Nutria. On WMAs and private property nutria may be taken recreationally by licensed hunters from September 1 through the last day of February, during legal shooting hours by any legal hunting method with no daily limit. Except nutria may be taken on Atchafalaya Delta, Salvador/Timken, Pointe-Aux-Chenes and Pass-a-Loutre WMAs from September 1 to March 31. When taken with a shotgun, non-toxic shot must be used. On WMAs during waterfowl seasons, nutria may be taken only with the use of shotguns with shot no larger than F steel, and during gun deer seasons, anyone taking nutria must display 400 square inches of "hunter orange" and wear a "hunter orange" cap or hat. Recreational nutria hunters must remove each nutria carcass in whole condition from the hunting area, except that nutria may be gutted. Possession of detached nutria parts, including nutria tails, by recreational hunters is illegal. Nutria harvested recreationally may not be pelted nor may such nutria or any nutria parts from recreationally taken nutria be sold, including the tail. Trespassing upon private property for the purpose of taking nutria or other furbearing animals is punishable by fines and possible jail time (R.S. 56:265). The Coastwide Nutria Control Program is a separate program and is in no way related to the nutria recreational season. For questions on the Coastwide Nutria Control Program, call the Lafayette Field Office, (337) 735-8672.
4. Crows. The season for crows shall be September 1 through January 1 with no limit.
5. Pheasant. Open concurrently with the quail season; no limit.
6. Falconry. Special permit required. Resident and migratory game species may be taken except turkeys. Seasons and bag limits are the same as for statewide and WMA regulations. Refer to LAC 76:V.301 for specific falconry rules.
7. Licensed Hunting Preserve, October 1-April 30, Pen-Raised Birds Only. No limit entire season. Refer to LAC 76:V.305 for specific hunting preserve rules.
8. Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP). Refer to LAC 76:V.111 for specific DMAP rules. Deer management assistance tags must be in the possession of the hunter in order to harvest an antlerless deer. The tag shall be attached through the hock in such a manner that it cannot be removed before the deer is transported (including those taken on either-sex days and those taken with approved archery equipment or primitive firearms). Failure to do so is a violation of R.S. 56:115. Deer harvested on property enrolled in DMAP do not count in the season or daily bag limit for hunters when legally tagged with DMAP tags. DMAP participants must follow the deer season schedule established for their respective areas, except antlerless deer may be harvested any day of the deer season on property enrolled in DMAP provided that a DMAP tag is possessed by the hunter at the time of harvest. Failing to follow DMAP rules and regulations may result in suspension and cancellation of the program on those lands involved.
9. Farm Raised White-tailed Deer and Exotics on Licensed Supplemented Shooting Preserves
a. Definitions

Exotics-for purposes of this Section means any animal of the family Bovidae (except the tribe Bovini [cattle]) or Cervidae which is not indigenous to Louisiana and which is confined on a supplemented hunting preserve. Exotics shall include, but are not limited to, fallow deer, red deer, elk, sika deer, axis deer, and black buck antelope.

Hunting-in its different tenses and for purposes of this Section means to take or attempt to take, in accordance with R.S. 56:8.

Same as Outside-for purposes of this Section means hunting on a supplemented hunting preserve must conform to applicable statutes and rules governing hunting and deer hunting, as provided for in title 56 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes and as established annually by the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission.

Supplemented Hunting Preserve-for purposes of this Section means any enclosure for which a current farm-raising license has been issued by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) with concurrence of the LDWF and is authorized in writing by the LDAF and LDWF to permit hunting.

White-Tailed Deer-for purposes of this Rule means any animal of the species Odocoileus virginianus which is confined on a supplemented hunting preserve.

b. Seasons:
i. farm-raised white-tailed deer: consult the regulations pamphlet;
ii. exotics: year-round.
c. Methods of take:
i. white-tailed deer: same as outside;
ii. exotics: exotics may be taken with traditional bow, compound bow and crossbow or any bow drawn, held or released by mechanical means; shotguns not larger than 10 gauge, loaded with buckshot or rifled slug; centerfire handguns and rifles no smaller than .22 caliber, rimfire no smaller than .30 caliber, pre-charged pneumatic devices no smaller than .30 caliber and at least 150 grains in weight with a minimum muzzle velocity of 800 feet per second or any combination of bullet weight and muzzle velocity that produces muzzle energy of at least 215 foot pounds of energy or muzzleloading rifles or pistols, .44 caliber minimum, or shotguns 10 gauge or smaller, all of which are designed to have projectiles, ball, shot, or bullet, including saboted bullets, loaded exclusively through the muzzle, or the muzzle end of the cylinder chamber, and is fired by wheel lock, flintlock, percussion cap, or centerfire primer, and other approved primitive firearms.
d. Shooting hours:
i. white-tailed deer: same as outside;
ii. exotics: one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.
e. Bag limit:
i. farm-raised white-tailed deer: same as outside;
ii. exotics: no limit.
f. Hunting licenses:
i. white-tailed deer: same as outside;
ii. exotics: no person shall hunt any exotic without possessing a valid basic and deer hunting license.
g. Tagging. White-tailed deer and exotics: each animal shall be tagged in the left ear or left antler immediately upon being killed and before being moved from the site of the kill with a tag provided by the LDAF. The tag shall remain with the carcass at all times.
10. Bobcat. No person other than the holder of a valid basic hunting license may take or possess bobcat, except licensed trappers who may take or possess bobcat during the open trapping season. A basic hunting licensee shall only take bobcat during the time period from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset with approved archery equipment, shotgun, muzzleloader or centerfire firearm. A basic hunting licensee shall not take more than one bobcat per calendar year. This regulation applies only to property that is privately owned, state WMAs, Kisatchie National Forest, and the Bayou des Ourses, Bodcau, Bonnet Carré, and Indian Bayou tracts owned by the Corps of Engineers, but does not apply to state wildlife refuges, or other federally owned refuges and lands. On state WMAs and Kisatchie National Forest, the take of bobcat is restricted to those open seasons on the WMAs which require the respective legal weapons noted above.
D. Hunting-General Provisions
1. A basic resident or non-resident hunting license is required of all persons to hunt, take, possess or cause to be transported by any other person any wild bird or quadruped. See information below for exceptions.
2. No person born on or after September 1, 1969, shall hunt unless that person has first been issued a certificate of satisfactory completion of a firearm and hunter education course approved by the department, except any active or veteran member of the United States armed services or any POST-certified law enforcement officer Application for the exemption shall be filed in person at the LDWF main office building in the city of Baton Rouge. A person under 16 years of age may hunt without such certificate if he/she is accompanied by and is under the direct supervision of a person who was born before September 1, 1969, and has a valid hunting license or who is 18 years of age or older and has proof of successful completion of a firearm and hunter education course approved by the department. A person who has not completed the firearm and hunter safety course may be issued a valid hunting license by the department. Such license shall be issued with a restriction that requires that person be accompanied by and under the direct supervision of a person who was born before September 1, 1969 and has a valid hunting license or who is 18 years of age or older and has proof of successful completion of a firearm and hunter education course approved by the department.
3. A deer or turkey license, whichever is appropriate, is required in addition to the basic hunting license to hunt, take, possess or cause to be transported any deer or turkey. Additionally, any person younger than 18 years of age engaged in an activity that necessitates the use of deer tags or turkey tags, or involves participation in a youth lottery hunt shall have in their immediate possession a valid, original youth license.
4. A hunting guide license is required for any person or entity who publicly represents himself to be a hunting guide or who transports, aids or provides assistance to another individuals(s) in the act of taking, or attempting to take, any wildlife species for compensation on a transactional or for-hire basis. For purposes of this rule, a hunting guide license is not required for any person or entity employed or contracted by a private hunting club to provide hunting guide services exclusively for the club's private members and its invited guests.
5. Taking game quadrupeds or birds from aircraft or participating in the taking of deer with the aid of aircraft or from automobiles or other moving land vehicles is prohibited.
6. Methods of Taking Resident Game Birds and Quadrupeds
a. It is illegal to intentionally feed, deposit, place, distribute, expose, scatter, or cause to be fed, deposited, placed, distributed, exposed, or scattered raw sweet potatoes to wild game quadrupeds.
b. Use of a traditional bow, compound bow and crossbow or any bow drawn, held or released by mechanical means or a shotgun not larger than a 10 gauge fired from the shoulder shall be legal for taking all resident game birds and quadrupeds. Also, the use of a handgun, rifle and falconry (special permit required) shall be legal for taking all game species except turkey. It shall be illegal to hunt or take squirrels or rabbits at any time with a breech-loaded rifle or handgun larger than .22 caliber, any centerfire firearm, or a muzzleloading firearm larger than .36 caliber. It shall be legal to hunt or take squirrels, rabbits, and outlaw quadrupeds with air rifles.
c. Still hunting is defined as stalking or stationary stand hunting without the use of dog(s). Pursuing, driving or hunting deer with dogs is prohibited when or where a still hunting season or area is designated, and will be strictly enforced. Shotguns larger than 10 gauge or capable of holding more than three shells shall be prohibited. Plugs used in shotguns must be incapable of being removed without disassembly. Refer to game schedules contained within these regulations for specific restrictions on the use of firearms and other devices.
d. No person shall take or kill any game bird or wild quadruped with a firearm fitted with an infrared sight, laser sight, or except as provided in R.S. 56:116(A)(8) any sighting device which projects a beam of light to the target or otherwise electronically illuminates the target, or device specifically designed to enhance vision at night [R.S. 56:116.1(B)(3)(a-b)].
7. Nuisance Animals. Landowners or their designees may remove beaver and nutria causing damage to their property without a special permit. Water set traps and firearms may be used to remove beaver; nutria may be removed by any means except that nutria cannot be taken by the use of headlight and gun between the hours of sunset and sunrise. Any nuisance beaver or nutria trapped or shot outside open trapping season cannot be pelted or sold. A trapping license is required to sell or pelt nuisance beavers or nutria taken during open trapping season. Squirrels found depredating commercial crops of pecans may be taken year-round by permit issued by the LDWF. This permit shall be valid for 30 days from the date of issuance. Contact the local region office for details.
8. Threatened and endangered species. Taking or harassment of any of these species is a violation of state and federal laws. (LAC 76:I.317)

1. Invertebrates

Pink Mucket

Lampsilis abrupta

E

Louisiana Pearlshell

Margaritifera hembeli

T

Fat Pocketbook

Potamilus capax

E

Inflated Heelsplitter

Potamilus inflatus

T

Rabbitsfoot

Quadrula cylindrica

T

2. Fish

Gulf Sturgeon

Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi

T

Pallid Sturgeon

Scaphirhynchus albus

E

Smalltooth Sawfish

Pristis pectinata

E

3. Amphibians

Dusky Gopher Frog

Lithobates sevosus

E

4. Reptiles (including eggs)

Loggerhead Sea Turtle

Caretta caretta

T

Green Sea Turtle

Chelonia mydas

T

Hawksbill Sea Turtle

Eretmochelys imbricata

E

Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle

Lepidochelys kempii

E

Leatherback Sea Turtle

Dermochelys coriacea

E

Ringed Map Turtle

Graptemys oculifera

T

Gopher Tortoise

Gopherus polyphemus

T

Black Pinesnake

Pituophis melanoleucus lodingi

T

Louisiana Pinesnake

Pituophis ruthveni

T

5. Birds (including eggs)

Whooping Crane

Grus americana

E

Piping Plover

Charadrius melodus

T

Red Knot

Calidris canutus rufa

T

Interior Least Tern

Sternula antillarum athalassos

E

Red-cockaded Woodpecker

Picoides borealis

E

6. Mammals

West Indian Manatee

Trichechus manatus

T

Northern Long-eared Bat

Myotis septentrionalis

T

Sperm Whale

Physeter macrocephalus

E

Florida Panther

Felis concolor coryi

E

7. Plants

American Chaffseed

Schwalbea americana

E

Earth-fruit

Geocarpon minimum

T

Louisiana Quillwort

Isoetes louisianensis

E

Pondberry

Lindera melissifolia

E

E = Endangered; T = Threatened
9. Outlaw Quadrupeds. Holders of a legal hunting license may take coyotes, feral hogs, and armadillos year-round during legal daylight shooting hours. The running of coyotes with dogs is prohibited in all turkey hunting areas during the open turkey season. Coyote hunting is restricted to chase only when using dogs during still hunting segments of the firearm and archery only seasons for deer. Foxes are protected quadrupeds and may be taken only with traps by licensed trappers during the trapping season. Remainder of the year "chase only" allowed by licensed hunters. On private property, outlaw quadrupeds may be taken with or by means of an automatic-loading or hand-operated repeating shotgun capable of holding more than three shells when using buckshot or rifled slug ammunition and may be taken while riding or standing in or upon a moving land vehicle.
10. Nighttime Take of Nuisance Animals and Outlaw Quadrupeds. On private property, the landowner, or his lessee or agent with written permission from the landowner and the landowner's contact information in his possession, may take outlaw quadrupeds (coyotes, armadillos and feral hogs), nutria, or beaver during nighttime hours. However, no person shall be allowed to participate or be present during the nighttime hunting activities if convicted of a Class 3 or greater wildlife violation within the previous five years or if he has any other prohibition which would prevent the legal use of a firearm or participation in a hunting activity. Such taking may be with or without the aid of artificial light, infrared or laser sighting devices, or night vision devices. In addition, pursuant to R.S. 56:116(D)(3) any person who is authorized to possess a firearm suppressor may use a firearm fitted with a sound suppressor when taking outlaw quadrupeds, nutria, or beaver. Any person attempting to take outlaw quadrupeds, nutria, or beaver under the provisions of the Paragraph, shall notify the Sheriff of the Parish in which the property is located of his intention to attempt to take outlaw quadrupeds, nutria or beaver within twenty-four hours prior to the attempted taking or immediately upon taking the animal.
11. Hunting and/or Discharging Firearms on Public Roads. Hunting, standing, loitering or shooting game quadrupeds or game birds while on a public road or public road right-of-way is prohibited. Hunting or discharging a firearm on or across an open LMV road or LMV road right-of-way is prohibited. Spot lighting or shining from public roads is prohibited by state law. Hunting from all public roads and public road rights-of-way is prohibited.
12. Tags. Any part of the deer or wild turkey divided shall have affixed thereto the name, date, address and deer or turkey or youth license number, whichever is the appropriate license, of the person killing the deer or wild turkey and the sex of that animal. This information shall be legibly written in pen or pencil, on any piece of paper or cardboard or any material, which is attached or secured to or enclosing the part or parts. See DMAP Regulations (LAC 76:V.111) for deer management assistance tagging requirements on lands enrolled in DMAP.
13. Sex Identification. Positive evidence of sex identification, including the head or sex organs, shall remain on any deer taken or killed within the state of Louisiana, or on all turkeys taken or killed so long as such deer or turkey is kept in camp or field, or is in route to the domicile of its possessor, or until a deer has been appropriately tagged and validated, and proof of electronic tagging or the carcass tag remains with the carcass, or until such deer or turkey has been stored at the domicile of its possessor or divided at a cold storage facility and has become identifiable as food rather than as wild game. Possessors of any portion of a deer or wild turkey, which has been divided in camp or field, without evidence of positive sex identification shall affix a tag in accordance with LAC 76:XIX.111.D.12 identifying the sex of the animal.
14. Use of Drones for the Recovery of Wounded Deer or Bear. The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) (commonly referred to as a drone) to aid in the recovery of a wounded deer or bear is prohibited.
E. General Deer Hunting Regulations
1. Prior to hunting deer, all deer hunters, regardless of age or license status, must obtain carcass or electronic deer tags and have in possession when hunting deer. Immediately upon harvesting a deer, the hunter must tag the deer with the appropriate carcass or electronic tag. Deer tags may only be used by the hunter to whom the tag was issued. Hunters who allow their deer tags to be used by another person, or who use tags issued to another person, are in violation of this Rule and are subject to fines and other administrative penalties, including, but not limited to, the automatic forfeiture of any remaining deer tags for the season for which they are issued. If using physical tag, the parish and date of kill must be documented on the deer tag and the hunter must validate the harvest by calling the validation toll free number or by utilizing the department's website within 72 hours of the kill. Hunters utilizing electronic tags shall electronically tag and validate their harvest before moving the deer. Hunters harvesting deer on DMAP lands can validate deer per instructions by LDWF using the DMAP harvest data sheets.
2. 2025 -2026 Season. One antlered and one antlerless deer per day (when legal) except on Kisatchie National Forest, Indian Bayou Area owned by the US Army Corps of Engineers, and some federal refuges (check refuge regulations) where the daily limit shall be one deer per day. Antlerless deer may be harvested during entire deer season on private lands (all seasons included) except as specified in deer hunting schedule. This does not apply to public lands (WMAs, national forest lands, and federal refuges) which will have specified either-sex days. Deer harvested on property enrolled in DMAP may not count in the season or daily bag limit for hunters. See DMAP Regulations (LAC 76:V.111) for more information.
3. 2026 -2027 Season. One antlered and one antlerless deer per day (when legal) except on Kisatchie National Forest, Indian Bayou Area owned by the US Army Corps of Engineers, and some federal refuges (check refuge regulations) where the daily limit shall be one deer per day. Antlerless deer may be harvested during entire deer season on private lands (all seasons included) except as specified in deer hunting schedule. This does not apply to public lands (WMAs, national forest lands, and federal refuges) which will have specified either-sex days. Deer harvested on property enrolled in DMAP may not count in the season or daily bag limit for hunters. See DMAP Regulations (LAC 76:V.111) for more information.
4. Bucks Only and Legal Antlered Deer are defined as a deer with at least one visible antler of hardened bony material, broken naturally through the skin. Killing antlerless deer is prohibited except where specifically allowed.
5. Either-Sex deer is defined as male or female deer. Taking or possessing spotted fawns is prohibited.
6. It is illegal to hunt or shoot deer with centerfire firearms smaller than .22 caliber, rimfire firearms smaller than .30 caliber, or a shotgun loaded with anything other than buckshot or slug. Pre-charged pneumatic devices may be used during the modern firearm season for deer provided that they fire a projectile of at least .30 caliber in diameter and at least 150 grains in weight with a minimum muzzle velocity of 800 feet per second or any combination of bullet weight and muzzle velocity that produces muzzle energy of at least 215 foot pounds of energy. Arrows or bolts used with a pre-charged pneumatic device shall only be used with well sharpened broadhead points and may be used to hunt deer only during modern firearm deer season. Handguns may be used for hunting.
7. Taking game quadrupeds or birds from aircraft, participating in the taking of deer with the aid of aircraft or from automobiles or other moving land vehicles is prohibited.
8. Still hunting is defined as stalking or stationary stand hunting without the use of dog(s). Pursuing, driving or hunting deer with dogs or moving vehicles, including ATVs, when or where a still hunting season or area is designated, is prohibited and will be strictly enforced. The training of deer dogs is prohibited in all still hunting areas during the gun still hunting and archery only season. Deer hunting with dogs is allowed in all other areas having open deer seasons that are not specifically designated as still hunting only. A dog may be used to trail and retrieve mortally wounded deer. Except in Wildlife Management Areas, a licensed hunter or tracker may pursue a deer that was legally shot and mortally wounded during legal hunting hours, after legal hunting hours, and to dispatch the deer if the deer is found alive. The licensed hunter or tracker pursuing the mortally wounded deer may utilize lights and a blood-trailing or tracking dog. No more than one dog may be used per tracking party in pursuit of the wounded deer. A second dog may be utilized for the purpose of deer retrieval training. Tracking dogs shall be on a handheld leash or utilize a GPS tracking collar. Any wounded deer, discovered alive, may be dispatched by the licensed hunter or tracker using a centerfire handgun with a barrel no longer than six inches, caliber no larger than .45 or smaller than .25.
9. It is illegal to take deer while deer are swimming or while the hunter is in a boat with motor attached in operating position; however the restriction in this Paragraph shall not apply to any person who has lost one or more limbs.
10. Areas not specifically designated as open are closed.
11. It is unlawful to import, sell, use or possess scents or lures that contain natural deer urine or other bodily fluids, except natural deer urine products produced by manufacturers or entities that are actively enrolled and participating in either the Responsible Hunting Scent Association (RHSA) or Archery Trade Association Deer Protection Program, which has been tested using real-time quaking induced conversion (RT-QuIC) and certified that no detectable levels of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) are present and is clearly labeled as such.
12. Primitive Firearms Season: Still Hunt Only. Specific WMAs will also be open, check WMA schedule for specific details. A deer or senior license, whichever is appropriate, is required for all hunters 18 years of age and older. Additionally, any person younger than 18 years of age hunting the primitive firearms season shall have in their immediate possession a valid, original youth license. Either-sex deer may be taken in all areas open for deer hunting except when a Bucks Only season is in progress. In such cases, hunters must conform to the bucks only regulations except antlerless deer may be harvested any day of the deer season on property enrolled in DMAP provided that a DMAP tag is possessed by the hunter at the time of harvest.
a. Legal Firearms for Primitive Firearms Season
i. Rifles or pistols, .44 caliber minimum, or shotguns 10 gauge or smaller, all of which are designed to have projectiles, ball, shot, or bullet, including saboted bullets, loaded exclusively through the muzzle, or the muzzle end of the cylinder chamber and is fired by wheel lock, flintlock, percussion cap or centerfire primer and may be fitted with magnified scopes.
ii. Single shot, breech loading rifles or single shot, breech loading pistols, .35 caliber or larger, having an exposed hammer, that use metallic cartridges loaded either with black powder or modern smokeless powder, and may be fitted with magnified scopes.
iii. Single shot, breech loading shotguns, 10 gauge or smaller, having an exposed hammer, loaded with buckshot or slug.
iv. Youths 17 or younger or individuals 65 or older may hunt deer with any legal weapon during the primitive firearms season in each deer hunting area.
13. Archery Season. A deer or senior license, whichever is appropriate, is required for all bow hunters 18 years of age and older. Additionally, any person younger than 18 years of age archery deer hunting shall have in their immediate possession a valid, original youth license. Either-sex deer may be taken in all areas open for deer hunting except when a buck's only season is in progress for gun hunting, and except in areas 5, 6 and 9 from October 1-15. Archers must conform to the bucks only regulations except antlerless deer may be harvested any day of the deer season on property enrolled in DMAP provided that a DMAP tag is possessed by the hunter at the time of harvest. Either-sex deer may be taken on WMAs at any time during archery season except when bucks only seasons are in progress on the respective WMA.
a. Bow and Arrow Regulations. Traditional bow, compound bow and crossbow or any bow drawn, held or released by mechanical means will be a legal means of take for all properly licensed hunters. Hunting arrows for deer must have well-sharpened broadhead points. Bow and arrow fishermen must have a sport fishing license and may not carry any arrows with broadhead points unless a deer or turkey season is in progress.
i. It is unlawful:
(a). to have in possession or use any poisoned or drugged arrow or arrows with explosive tips;
(b). to hunt deer with a bow having a pull less than 30 pounds;
(c). to hunt with a bow or crossbow equipped with an infrared or laser sight (does not include non-projecting red dot sights) or any sighting device which projects a beam of light to the target or otherwise electronically illuminates the target [R.S. 56:116.1.B.(4)].
14. Hunter Orange or Blaze Pink. Any person hunting any wildlife during the open gun deer hunting season and possessing buckshot, slugs, a primitive firearm, or a centerfire rifle shall display on his head, chest and/or back a total of not less than 400 square inches of "hunter orange" or "blaze pink". Persons hunting on privately owned land may wear a "hunter orange" or "blaze pink" cap or hat in lieu of the 400 square inches. These provisions shall not apply to persons hunting deer from elevated stands on property that is privately owned or to archery deer hunters hunting on lands where firearm hunting is not allowed by agreement of the landowner or lessee. However, anyone hunting deer on such lands where hunting with firearms is allowed shall be required to display the 400 square inches or a "hunter orange" or "blaze pink" cap or hat while walking to and from elevated stands. While a person is hunting from an elevated stand, the 400 square inches or cap or hat may be concealed. Warning: deer hunters are cautioned to watch for persons hunting other game or engaged in activities not requiring "hunter orange" or "blaze pink".
15. Physically Challenged Firearms Season on Private Lands (Either-Sex): first Saturday of October for two days. Restricted to individuals with physically challenged hunter permit.
16. Youth and Honorably Discharged Veterans Season on Private Lands (Either-Sex). Areas 1, 4, 5, 6 and 9: last Saturday of October for seven days; Area 2: second Saturday of October for seven days; and Areas 3, 7, 8 and 10: fourth Saturday of September for seven days. Youths 17 or younger only. Youths must be accompanied by an adult 18 years of age or older. Youths must possess a hunter safety certification or proof of successful completion of a hunter safety course. If the accompanying adult is in possession of hunter safety certification, a valid hunting license or proof of successful completion of a hunter safety course, this requirement is waived for the youth. Additionally, any person younger than 18 years of age shall have in their immediate possession a valid, original youth license. Adults may not possess a firearm. Youths may possess only one firearm while hunting. Legal firearms are the same as described for deer hunting. The supervising adult shall maintain visual and voice contact with the youth at all times. Except youths 12 years old or older who have successfully completed a hunter safety course may hunt without a supervising adult. One of the following must be carried by veterans while hunting:
a. Louisiana OMV issued U.S. Veterans Driver's License; or
b. U.S. Department of Defense Form 214 or one of the following DD_214 equivalents:
i. pre DD 214 era documents (1941_1950):
(a). WE AGO (war department adjutant general) forms, to include WD AGO 53, WD AGO 55, WD AGO 53_55;
(b). JAVPERS (naval personnel) discharge documents, to include NAVPERS 553, NAVMC78PD, NAVCG 553;
ii. National Personnel Records Center NPRC "statement of service," issued as a result of a destroyed discharge record during the 1973 National Archives fire;
iii. National Guard/Air National Guard must have NGB_22 with 6 or more years of service.
F. Description of Areas
1. Area 1
a. All of the following parishes are open: Concordia, East Carroll, Franklin, Madison, Richland, Tensas, West Carroll.
i. High water benchmark closure. Deer hunting in that portion of Madison Parish, east of US-65 and north of the Port Elevator Road, and all lands east of US-65 in East Carroll Parish, will be archery hunting only once the Mississippi River water level at Vicksburg reaches 43.0 feet MSL (flood stage) and will reopen once level recedes below 41.0 feet MSL.
b. Portions of the following parishes are also open:
i. Catahoula-east of Boeuf River to Ouachita River, east of Ouachita River from its confluence with Boeuf River to LA 8, south and east of LA 8 southwesterly to parish line;
ii. Grant-east of US 165 and south of LA 8;
iii. LaSalle-south of a line beginning where Little River enters Catahoula Lake following the center of the lake eastward to Old River then to US 84, east of US 84 northward to LA 8, south of LA 8 eastward to parish line;
iv. Ouachita-south of US 80 and east of Ouachita River, east of LA 139 from Sicard to junction of LA 134, south of LA 134 to Morehouse line at Wham Brake;
v. Rapides-east of US 165 and north of Red River
c. Still hunting only in all or portions of the following parishes:
i. Catahoula-south of Deer Creek to Boeuf River, east of Boeuf and Ouachita Rivers to LA 8 at Harrisonburg, west of LA 8 to LA 913, west of LA 913 and LA 15 to Deer Creek;
ii. East Carroll-all;
iii. Franklin-all;
iv. Morehouse-east of US 165 (from Arkansas state line) to Bonita, south and east of LA 140 to junction of LA 830-4 (Cooper Lake Road), east of LA 830-4 to Bastrop, east of LA 139 at Bastrop to junction of LA 593, east and north of LA 593 to Collinston, east of LA 138 to junction of LA 134 and south of LA 134 to Ouachita line at Wham Brake;
v. Ouachita-south of US 80 and east of Ouachita River, east of LA 139 from Sicard to junction of LA 134, south of LA 134 to Morehouse line at Wham Brake;
vi. Richland-all;
vii. West Carroll-all.
2. Area 2
a. All of the following parishes are open:
i. Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Caldwell, Claiborne, DeSoto, Jackson, Lincoln, Natchitoches, Red River, Sabine, Union, Webster, Winn;
ii. except: Kisatchie National Forest which has special regulations. Caney, Corney, Middlefork tracts of Kisatchie have the same regulations as area 2, except still hunting only for deer
b. Portions of the following parishes are also open:
i. Allen-north of US 190 from parish line westward to Kinder, east of US 165 from Kinder northward to LA 10 at Oakdale, north of LA 10 from Oakdale westward to the parish line;
ii. Avoyelles-that portion west of I-49;
iii. Catahoula-west of Boeuf River to Ouachita River, west of Ouachita River from its confluence with Boeuf River to LA 8, north and west of LA 8 southwesterly to parish line;
iv. Evangeline-all except the following portions: east of I-49 to junction of LA 29, east of LA 29 south of I-49 to Ville Platte, and north of US 167 east of Ville Platte;
v. Grant-all except that portion south of LA 8 and east of US 165;
vi. Jefferson Davis-north of US 190;
vii. LaSalle-north of a line beginning where Little River enters Catahoula Lake, following the center of the lake eastward to Old River then to US 84, west of US 84 northward to LA 8, north of LA 8 eastward to parish line;
viii. Morehouse-west of US 165 (from Arkansas state line) to Bonita, north and west of LA 140 to junction of LA 830-4 (Cooper Lake Road), west of LA 830-4 to Bastrop, west of LA 139 to junction of LA 593, west and south of LA 593 to Collinston, west of LA 138 to junction of LA 134 and north of LA 134 to Ouachita Parish line at Wham Brake;
ix. Ouachita-all except south of US 80 and east of Ouachita River, east of LA 139 from Sicard to junction of LA 134, south of LA 134 to Morehouse Parish line at Wham Brake;
x. Rapides-all except north of Red River and east of US 165, south of LA 465 to junction of LA 121, west of LA 121 and LA 112 to Union Hill, and north of LA 113 from Union Hill to Vernon Parish line, and that portion south of Alexandria between Red River and US 167 to junction of US 167 with I-49 at Turkey Creek exit, east of I-49 southward to parish line;
xi. Vernon-north of LA 10 from the parish line westward to LA 113, south of LA 113 eastward to parish line. Also the portion north of LA 465 west of LA 117 from Kurthwood to Leesville and north of LA 8 from Leesville to Texas state line.
c. Still hunting only in all or portions of the following parishes:
i. Claiborne and Webster-Caney, Corney and Middlefork tracts of Kisatchie National Forest (see Kisatchie National Forest regulations);
ii. Ouachita-east of Ouachita River;
iii. Rapides-west of US 167 from Alexandria southward to I-49 at Turkey Creek exit, west of I-49 southward to parish line, north of parish line westward to US 165, east of US 165 northward to US 167 at Alexandria. North of LA 465 from Vernon Parish line to LA 121, west of LA 121 to I-49, west of I-49 to LA 8, south and east of LA 8 to LA 118 (Mora Road), south and west of LA 118 to Natchitoches Parish line;
iv. Vernon-east of Mora-Hutton Road from Natchitoches Parish line to Hillman Loop Road, south and east of Hillman Loop Road to Comrade Road, south of Comrade Road to LA 465, east and north of LA 465 to Rapides Parish line.
3. Area 3
a. Portions of the following parishes are open:
i. Acadia-north of I-10;
ii. Allen-south of LA 10 eastward to US 165 at Oakdale, west of US 165 at Oakdale southward to US 190 at Kinder, south of US 190 at Kinder eastward to parish line;
iii. Beauregard-east of LA 27 from the parish line northward to DeRidder and north of US 190 westward from DeRidder to Texas state line;
iv. Calcasieu-east of LA 27 from Sulphur northward to the parish line, and north of I-10;
v. Jefferson Davis-north of I-10 and south of US 190;
vi. Lafayette-west of I-49 and north of I-10;
vii. Rapides-south of LA 465 to junction of LA 121, west of LA 121 and LA 112 to Union Hill and north of LA 113 from Union Hill to Vernon Parish line;
viii. St. Landry-west of US 167;
ix. Vernon-east of LA 113 to Pitkin, south of LA 10 to Allen Parish line, west and north of LA 113, south of LA 465, east of LA 117 from Kurthwood to Leesville, and south of LA 8 from Leesville to Texas state line.
b. Still hunting only for portions of the following parishes:
i. Acadia-north of I-10;
ii. Allen-south of US 190 and west of LA 113;
iii. Beauregard-west of LA 113 and east of LA 27 from the parish line northward to DeRidder and north of US 190 westward from DeRidder to Texas state line;
iv. Calcasieu-east of LA 27 from Sulphur northward to the parish line, and north of I-10;
v. Jefferson Davis-north of I-10 and south of US 190;
vi. Lafayette-west of I-49 and north of I-10;
vii. Rapides-south of LA 465 to junction of LA 121, west of LA 121 and LA 112 to Union Hill and north of LA 113 from Union Hill to Vernon Parish line;
viii. St. Landry-west of US 167;
ix. Vernon-west and north of LA 113, south of LA 465, east of LA 117 from Kurthwood to Leesville, and south of LA 8 from Leesville to Texas state line.
4. Area 4
a. All of St. Helena and Washington Parishes are open
b. Portions of the following parishes are also open:
i. East Baton Rouge-all except that portion west of I-110 and west of US 61;
ii. East Feliciana-east of US 61;
iii. Livingston-north of I-12;
iv. Tangipahoa-north of I-12;
v. St. Tammany-all except that portion south of I-12, west of LA 1077 to LA 22, south of LA 22 to Tchefuncte River, west of Tchefuncte River southward to Lake Pontchartrain
c. Still hunting only in all or portions of the following parishes:
i. East Feliciana and East Baton Rouge-east of Thompson Creek from the Mississippi state line to LA 10, north of LA 10 from Thompson Creek to LA 67 at Clinton, west of LA 67 from Clinton to Mississippi state line, south of Mississippi state line from LA 67 to Thompson Creek. Also that portion of East Baton Rouge Parish east of LA 67 from LA 64 north to Parish Line, south of Parish Line from LA 64 eastward to Amite River, west of Amite River southward to LA 64, north of LA 64 to LA 37 at Magnolia, east of LA 37 northward to LA 64 at Indian Mound, north of LA 64 from Indian Mound to LA 67. Also, that portion of East Feliciana Parish east of LA 67 from parish line north to LA 959, south of LA 959 east to LA 63, west of LA 63 to Amite River, west of Amite River southward to parish line, north of parish line westward to LA 67;
ii. St. Helena-north of LA 16 from Tickfaw River at Montpelier westward to LA 449, east and south of LA 449 from LA 16 at Pine Grove northward to Rohner Road, south of Rohner Road to LA 1045, south of LA 1045 to the Tickfaw River, west of the Tickfaw River from LA 1045 southward to LA 16 at Montpelier;
iii. Tangipahoa-that portion of Tangipahoa Parish north of LA 10 from the Tchefuncte River to LA 1061 at Wilmer, east of LA 1061 to LA 440 at Bolivar, south of LA 440 to the Tchefuncte River, west of the Tchefuncte River from LA 440 southward to LA 10;
iv. Washington and St. Tammany-east of LA 21 from the Mississippi state line southward to the Bogue Chitto River, north of the Bogue Chitto River from LA 21 eastward to the Pearl River Navigation Canal, east of the Pearl River Navigation Canal southward to the West Pearl River, north of the West Pearl River from the Pearl River Navigation Canal to Holmes Bayou, west of Holmes Bayou from the West Pearl River northward to the Pearl River, west of the Pearl River from Holmes Bayou northward to the Mississippi state line, south of the Mississippi state line from the Pearl River westward to LA 21. Also, that portion of Washington Parish west of LA 25 from the Mississippi state line southward to the Bogue Chitto River, then west of the Bogue Chitto River to its junction with the St. Tammany Parish line, north of the St. Tammany Parish line to the Tangipahoa Parish line, east of the Tangipahoa Parish line to the Mississippi state line, south of the Mississippi state line to its junction with LA 25.
5. Area 5
a. Portions of the following parishes are open:
i. St. Martin-south of I-10 and east of the West Atchafalaya Basin Protection Levee and west of the East Atchafalaya Basin Protection Levee;
ii. Iberville-south of I-10 and west of the East Atchafalaya Basin Protection Levee;
iii. Iberia-east of the West Atchafalaya Basin Protection Levee and west of the East Atchafalaya Basin Protection Levee;
iv. St. Mary-east of the West Atchafalaya Basin Protection Levee;
v. High water benchmark closure. Deer hunting in those portions of Iberville and St. Martin parishes south of I-10, west of the East Atchafalaya Basin Protection Levee, east of the West Atchafalaya Basin Protection Levee, and north of Alligator Bayou and Bayou Sorrel will be closed when the river stage of the Atchafalaya River reaches 18 feet msl at Butte LaRose, and will reopen when the river stage recedes to 17 feet msl at Butte LaRose. Deer hunting in those portions of Iberville, St. Martin, St. Mary and Iberia parishes west of the East Atchafalaya Basin Protection Levee, east of the West Atchafalaya Basin Protection Levee and south of Alligator Bayou and Bayou Sorrel will be closed when the river stage of the Atchafalaya River reaches 15 feet msl at Butte LaRose, and will reopen when the river stage recedes to 14 feet msl at Butte LaRose.
6. Area 6
a. All of West Feliciana and Pointe Coupee Parishes are open.
b. Portions of the following parishes are also open:
i. Avoyelles-all except that portion west of I-49;
ii. East Baton Rouge-that portion west of I-1 10 and west of US 61;
iii. East Feliciana-west of US 61;
iv. Evangeline-that portion east of I-49 to junction of LA 29, east of LA 29 south of I-49 to Ville Platte and north of US 167 east of Ville Platte;
v. Iberville-all north of I-10, and that portion south of I-10 at the Atchafalaya Basin protection levee south to Upper Grand River, then north of Upper Grand River to the Intracoastal Canal at Jack Miller, then west of the Intracoastal Canal northward to Bayou Plaquemine, then north of Bayou Plaquemine to the Mississippi River;
vi. Lafayette-north of I-10 and east of I-49;
vii. Rapides-south of Alexandria between Red River and US 167 to the junction of US 167 with I-49 at Turkey Creek Exit, east of I-49 southward to parish line;
viii. St. Landry-east of US 167;
ix. St. Martin-north of I-10;
x. West Baton Rouge-north of I-10.
c. Still hunting only in all or portions of the following parishes:
i. Avoyelles-north of LA 1 from Simmesport westward to LA 115 at Marksville, east of LA 115 from Marksville northward to the Red River near Moncla, south and west of the Red River to LA 1 at Simmesport;
ii. Rapides-south of Alexandria between Red River and US 167 to the junction of US 167 with I-49 at Turkey Creek Exit, east of I-49 southward to parish line;
iii. West Feliciana-west of Thompson Creek to Illinois-Central Railroad, north of Illinois-Central Railroad to LA 964, east of LA 964 northward to US 61, north of US 61 westward to the junction of US 61 and LA 966, east of LA 966 from US 61 to Chaney Creek, south of Chaney Creek to Thompson Creek.
7. Area 7
a. Portions of the following parishes are open:
i. Iberia-south of LA 14 and west of US 90;
ii. St. Mary-all except that portion north of US 90 from Iberia Parish line eastward to Wax Lake Outlet, east of Wax Lake Outlet southward to Intracoastal Waterway, north of Intracoastal Waterway eastward to the Atchafalaya River, east of the Atchafalaya River
8. Area 8
a. Portions of the following parishes are open:
i. Beauregard-that portion west of LA 27 from parish line northward to DeRidder, south of US 190 from DeRidder to Texas state line;
ii. Calcasieu-that portion west of LA 27 from the parish line southward to Sulphur and north of I-10 from Sulphur to the Texas state line.
9. Area 9
a. All of the following parishes are open: Ascension, Assumption, Jefferson, Lafourche, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. James, St. John, Terrebonne.
b. Portions of the following parishes are open:
i. Iberia-east of US 90 and west of the West Atchafalaya Basin Protection Levee and east of the East Atchafalaya Basin Protection Levee;
ii. Iberville-east of the East Atchafalaya Basin Protection Levee and south of Upper Grand River to the Intracoastal Canal to Bayou Plaquemines, then south of Bayou Plaquemines to the Mississippi River;
iii. Lafayette-south of I-10 and east of US 90;
iv. Livingston-south of I-12;
v. St. Martin-west of the Atchafalaya Basin Protection Levee and south of I-10. East of the East Atchafalaya Basin Protection Levee and south of I-10;
vi. St. Mary-east of US 90 from Iberia Parish line to the Wax Lake Outlet, east of Wax Lake Outlet southward to Intracoastal Waterway, north of Intracoastal Waterway eastward to the Atchafalaya River, east of the Atchafalaya River except for portion within the East and West Atchafalaya Basin Protection Levees;
vii. St. Tammany-that portion south of I-12, west of LA 1077 to LA 22, south of LA 22 to Tchefuncte River, west of Tchefuncte River southward to Lake Pontchartrain;
viii. Tangipahoa-south of I-12.
c. Still hunting only in all or portions of the following parishes:
i. Iberville-east of the Mississippi River;
ii. Plaquemines-east of the Mississippi River;
iii. St. Bernard-all of the parish shall be still hunting only except that portion of St. Bernard known as the spoil area between the MRGO on the east and Access Canal on the west, south of Bayou Bienvenue and north of Bayou la Loutre;
iv. St. John-south of Pass Manchac from Lake Pontchartrain to US 51, east of US 51 from Pass Manchac to LA 638 (Frenier Beach Road). North of LA 638 from US 51 to Lake Pontchartrain, west of Lake Pontchartrain from LA 638 to Pass Manchac.
10. Area 10
a. All of Cameron and Vermillion Parishes are open.
b. Portions of the following parishes are open:
i. Acadia-south of I-10;
ii. Calcasieu-south of I-10;
iii. Iberia-west of US 90 and north of LA 14;
iv. Jefferson Davis-south of I-10;
v. Lafayette-south of I-10 and west of Hwy 90.
G. WMA Regulations
1. General
a. The following rules and regulations concerning the management, protection and harvest of wildlife have been officially approved and adopted by the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission in accordance with the authority provided in Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, section 109 of title 56. Failure to comply with these regulations will subject individual to citation and/or expulsion from the management area.
b. Citizens are cautioned that by entering a WMA managed by the LDWF they may be subjecting themselves and/or their vehicles to game and/or license checks, inspections and searches.
c. WMA seasons may be altered or closed anytime by the LDWF secretary in emergency situations (floods, fire or other critical circumstances).
d. Hunters may enter the WMA no earlier than 4 a.m. unless otherwise specified. Hunters must check out and exit the WMA no later than two hours after sunset, or as otherwise specified.
e. All privately owned property which is completely surrounded by a wildlife management area shall be subject to all state hunting and fishing provisions, including those provisions regarding seasons. Such private property shall not be subject to the special hunting and fishing provisions which govern the wildlife management area, except that deer may not be taken with the aid of dogs. However, the owner or lessee of such property shall be required to participate in the deer management assistance program provided for in R.S. 56:110. In addition, the owner or lessee of such property shall not be allowed to hunt, trap or take resident game by the aid of baiting or placing bait intended to attract or entice the resident game to the area where hunters are attempting to take them.
f. Dumping garbage or trash on WMAs is prohibited. Garbage and trash may be properly disposed of in designated locations if provided.
g. Disorderly conduct or hunting under influence of alcoholic beverages, chemicals and other similar substances is prohibited.
h. Damage to or removal of trees, shrubs, hard mast (including but not limited to acorns and pecans), wild plants, non-game wildlife (including reptiles and amphibians) or any species of butterflies, skippers or moths is prohibited without a permit from the LDWF. Gathering and/or removal of American lotus (grande volèe, Nelumbo lutea) seeds and pods, soft fruits, mushrooms and berries shall be limited to five gallons per person per day.
i. Burning of marshes is prohibited. Hunting actively burning marsh is prohibited.
j. Nature Trails. Trails shall be limited to pedestrians only. No vehicles, ATVs, horses, mules, bicycles, etc. allowed. Removal of vegetation (standing or down) or other natural material prohibited.
k. Deer seasons are for legal antlered deer unless otherwise specified.
l. Small game, when listed under the WMA regulations may include both resident game animals and game birds as well as migratory species of birds.
m. Oysters may not be harvested from any WMA, except that oysters may be harvested from private oyster leases and state seed grounds located within a WMA, when authorized by the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission and upon approval by the Department of Health.
n. Free ranging livestock prohibited.
o. Operation of drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) on WMAs is prohibited.
p. Operating, modifying, tampering with or altering any water control structures on WMAs is prohibited.
q. Limited Access Areas (LAA): Operation of internal combustion powered vessels prohibited September through January. Operation of trolling motors allowed. A trolling motor is defined as a self-contained unit that includes a completely submerged electric motor at the end of the shaft, propeller and controls, and is affixed to a vessel, either at the bow or stern. Vehicles prohibited November through January. Limited access areas are on Atchafalaya Delta, Boeuf, Dewey W. Wills, Joyce, Manchac, Pass-a-Loutre, Pointe-aux-Chenes, Pomme de Terre and Russell Sage WMAs. See WMA maps for specific locations.
r. Trail cameras are prohibited during turkey hunting season.
s. Any person entering or utilizing a LDWF designated shooting range must comply with posted range rules and Range Safety Officer (if present) commands.
2. Permits
a. A valid WMA access permit shall be required for use of department-administered lands including wildlife refuges, Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) and Wildlife Conservation Areas (WCA). Persons under 18 years of age are exempt from this requirement. WMA access permits are not required for persons only traveling through the department-administered lands provided that the most direct route is taken and no activities or stops take place.
b. Self-Clearing Permits. A self-clearing permit is required for all activities (hunting, fishing, hiking, bird watching, sightseeing, etc.) on WMAs. The self-clearing permit will consist of two portions: check in, check out. All persons must either check in/check out electronically through the LDWF WMA Self-Clearing Permit app/Internet Web Portal or obtain a WMA self-clearing permit from an information station. Users may check in one day in advance of use. Users that check in by electronic means are required to possess proof of check in and must check out within 24 hours. If utilizing paper self-clearing permit from an information station, check in portion must be completed and put in a permit box before each day's activity. The check-out portion must be carried by each person while on the WMA and must be completed and put in a permit box immediately upon exiting the WMA. No permit is required of fishers and boaters who do not travel on a WMA road and/or launch on the WMA as long as they do not get out of the boat and onto the WMA. When mandatory deer checks are specified on WMAs, hunters must check deer at a check station. When mandatory check in for deer seasons is specified on WMAs, hunters must check in at designated locations, and obtain a daily hunt permit. Self-clearing permits are not required for persons only traveling through the WMA provided that the most direct route is taken and no activities or stops take place.
3. Special Seasons
a. Youth Deer Hunt. Youths 17 or younger only. Youths must be accompanied by an adult 18 years of age or older. Youths must possess a hunter safety certification or proof of successful completion of a hunter safety course. If the accompanying adult was born before September 1, 1969 and has a valid hunting license or who is 18 years of age or older and has proof of successful completion of a firearm and hunter education course approved by the department, this requirement is waived for the youth. Additionally, any youth participating in the hunt shall have in their immediate possession a valid, original youth license. Adults may not possess a firearm. Youths may possess only one firearm while hunting. Legal firearms are the same as described for deer hunting. The supervising adult shall maintain visual and voice contact with the youth at all times, except properly licensed youths and youths 12 years old or older who have successfully completed a hunter safety course may hunt without a supervising adult. Contact the appropriate region office for maps of specific hunting areas. Either-sex deer may be taken on WMAs with youth hunts. Consult the regulations pamphlet for WMAs offering youth hunts.

NOTE: Some hunts may be by pre-application lottery.

b. Youth Squirrel Hunt (on selected WMAs only). Only youths 17 or younger may hunt. Squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, hogs and opossum may be taken. No dogs allowed. All other seasons will remain open to other hunters. Youths must possess a hunter safety certification or proof of successful completion of a hunter safety course. Youths must be accompanied by one adult 18 years of age or older If the accompanying adult was born before September 1, 1969 and has a valid hunting license or who is 18 years of age or older and has proof of successful completion of a firearm and hunter education course approved by the department, this requirement is waived for the youth Adults may not possess a firearm. Youths may possess only one firearm while hunting. The supervising adult shall maintain visual and voice contact with the youth at all times, except properly licensed youths and youths 12 years old or older who have successfully completed a hunter safety course may hunt without a supervising adult. Self-clearing permits are required. Consult the regulations pamphlet for WMAs offering youth squirrel hunts.
c. Youth Mourning Dove Hunt. A youth mourning dove hunt will be conducted on specific WMAs and will follow the same regulations provided for youth deer hunts on the first or second weekend of the mourning dove season (Saturday and/or Sunday only). Consult the regulations pamphlet for WMAs offering youth mourning dove hunts.
d. Physically Challenged Season. An either-sex deer season will be held for hunters possessing a physically challenged hunter permit on WMAs during the dates specified under the individual WMA. Participants must possess a physically challenged hunter permit. Contact region office for permit application and map of specific hunting area. Consult the regulations pamphlet for WMAs offering physically challenged seasons.
e. Turkey Lottery Hunts. Hunts restricted to those persons selected by lottery. Consult the regulations pamphlet for deadlines. Contact region offices for more details.
f. Waterfowl Lottery Hunts. Hunts restricted to those persons selected by lottery. Consult the regulations pamphlet for deadline. Consult regulations pamphlet for individual WMA schedules or contact any Wildlife Division office for more details.
g. Mourning Dove Lottery Hunts. Consult regulations pamphlet for individual WMA schedules or contact any Wildlife Division office for more details.
h. Trapping. Consult annual trapping regulations for specific dates. All traps must be run daily. Traps with teeth are illegal. Hunter orange required when a deer gun season is in progress.
i. Raccoon Hunting. A licensed hunter may take raccoon or opossum, two per person per day, during daylight hours only, during the open hunting season in progress on WMAs.

Nighttime Experimental-all nighttime raccoon hunting where allowed is with dogs only. There is no bag limit. Self-clearing permit required.

j. Sport Fishing. Sport fishing, crawfishing and frogging are allowed on WMAs when in compliance with current laws and regulations except as otherwise specified under individual WMA listings.
k. Small Game Emphasis Areas. Specially designated areas on certain WMAs will allow small game hunting with dogs, confined to that specific area when the remainder of the WMA is restricted to still hunt only. Additionally, off season training of rabbit and bird dogs may be allowed on some of the small game emphasis areas. Small game emphasis areas are offered on Big Colewa Bayou, Bayou Macon, Bodcau, Boeuf, Dewey W. Wills, John Franks, Marsh Bayou, Pomme de Terre, Richard K. Yancey, Russell Sage, Sandy Hollow, Sherburne, Tunica Hills and Walnut Hill WMAs.
4. Firearms
a. Firearms having live ammunition in the chamber and crossbows cocked in the ready position are not allowed in or on vehicles, boats under power, motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, ATCs, WMA check stations, or in camping areas on WMAs.
b. Rifles, shotguns, pre-charged pneumatic devices, and bows and arrows are not allowed on WMAs during closed seasons except on designated shooting ranges or as permitted for trapping and except as allowed pursuant to R.S. 56:109(C) and for purposes of transport pursuant to R.S. 56:1691. Bows and broadhead arrows are not allowed on WMAs except during deer archery season, turkey season or as permitted for bowfishing. Any person who meets the qualification of R.S. 14:95(M) may possess handguns on WMAs provided these firearms are not used for any hunting purpose.
c. Hunting with the following firearms or ammunition on any WMA is prohibited, except during modern or primitive firearm deer seasons, or a firearm season established on any WMA for feral hogs:
i. centerfire rifles;
ii. centerfire break-action and centerfire bolt-action handguns;
iii. centerfire scoped handguns;
iv. shotgun slugs or shot larger than BB lead or F steel. Possession of such ammunition in the presence of a shotgun during closed season shall create a rebuttable presumption of hunting activity.
d. Target shooting and other forms of practice shooting are prohibited on WMAs except as otherwise specified.
e. Discharging of firearms on or across, or hunting from designated roads, ATV/UTV trails, nature trails, hiking trails, and their rights-of-way is prohibited during the modern firearms and primitive firearms deer seasons.
5. Methods of Taking Game
a. Moving deer or hogs on a WMA with organized drives and standers, drivers or making use of noises or noise-making devices is prohibited.
b. On WMAs, except Floy McElroy WMA, the daily limit shall be one antlered deer and one antlerless deer (when legal) per day, not to exceed the Deer Area limit for the Deer Area that a WMA is contained within (all segments included) by all methods of take.
c. Baiting, hunting over bait, or possession of bait is prohibited on all WMAs, except bait may be kept in a vehicle traversing a WMA road or parked on a WMA road. Bait is defined as any substance used to attract game via ingestion.
d. During mandatory deer check hunts, deer may not be skinned nor have any external body parts removed including but not limited to feet, legs, tail, head or ears before being checked out.
e. Deer hunting on WMAs is restricted to still hunting only.
f. Construction of and/or hunting from permanent tree stands or permanent blinds on WMAs is prohibited. Any permanent stand or permanent blind will be removed and destroyed. A permanent blind is any blind using non-natural materials or having a frame which is not dismantled within two hours after the end of legal shooting time each day. Blinds with frames of wood, plastic, metal poles, wire, mesh, webbing or other materials may be used but must be removed from the WMA within two hours after the end of legal shooting time each day. Blinds made solely of natural vegetation and not held together by nails or other metallic fasteners may be left in place but cannot be used to reserve hunting locations. Natural vegetation (including any material used as corner posts) is defined as natural branches that are 2 inches or less in diameter. All decoys must be removed from the WMA daily. Permanent tree stands are any stands that use nails, screws, spikes, etc., to attach to trees and are strictly prohibited. Deer stands may not be left on WMAs unless the stands are removed from trees, placed flat on the ground, and left in a non-hunting position (a non-hunting position is one in which a hunter could not hunt from the stand in its present position). Also, all stands left must be legibly tagged with the user's LDWF ID number. No stand may be left on any WMA prior to the day before deer season opens on that WMA and all stands must be removed from the WMA within one day after the close of deer hunting on that WMA. Free standing blinds must be disassembled when not in use. Stands left will not reserve hunting sites for the owner or user. All portable stands, blinds, tripods, etc., found unattended in a hunting position, not placed flat on the ground, or untagged will be confiscated and disposed of by the LDWF. LDWF is not responsible for unattended stands left on an area.
g. Physically Challenged Wheelchair Confined Deer and Waterfowl Hunting Areas: special deer and waterfowl hunting areas, blinds and stands identified with LDWF logos, have been established for physically challenged hunter permit (PCHP) wheelchair confined hunters on WMAs. Hunters must obtain a PCHP permit and are required to make reservations to use blinds and stands. PCHP wheelchair hunting areas are available on Alexander State Forest, Bayou Pierre, Big Colewa Bayou, Buckhorn, Clear Creek, Floy McElroy, Fort Johnson-Vernon, Sandy Hollow, Sherburne, and West Bay WMAs. Check WMA hunting schedules or call the LDWF field offices in Pineville, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Minden, Monroe or Hammond for information.
h. Hunting from utility poles and structures, and oil and gas exploration facilities or platforms is prohibited.
i. It is illegal to save or reserve hunting locations using permanent stands or blinds. Stands or blinds attached to trees with screws, nails, spikes, etc. are illegal.
j. Tree climbing spurs, spikes or screw-in steps are prohibited.
k. Unattended decoys will be confiscated and forfeited to the LDWF and disposed of by the LDWF. This action is necessary to prevent preemption of hunting space.
l. Spot lighting (shining) from vehicles is prohibited on all WMAs.
m. Horses and mules may be ridden on WMAs except where prohibited and except during gun seasons for deer and turkey. Riding is restricted to designated roads and trails depicted on WMA map, self-clearing permit is required. Organized trail rides prohibited except allowed by permit only on Esler Field. Hunting and trapping from horses and mules is prohibited except for quail hunting or as otherwise specified. Horse-drawn conveyances are prohibited.
n. All hunters (including archers and small game hunters) except waterfowl hunters and mourning dove hunters on WMAs must display 400 square inches of "hunter orange" or "blaze pink" and wear a "hunter orange" or "blaze pink" cap during open gun season for deer. Quail and woodcock hunters and hunters participating in special dog seasons for rabbit, squirrel and feral hogs are required to wear a minimum of a "hunter orange" or "blaze pink" cap. All other hunters and archers (while on the ground) except waterfowl hunters also must wear a minimum of a "hunter orange" or "blaze pink" cap during special dog seasons for rabbit and squirrel and feral hogs. Also all persons afield during hunting seasons are encouraged to display "hunter orange" or "blaze pink". Hunters participating in special shotgun season for feral hogs on Atchafalaya Delta, Pass-a-Loutre, Pointe-aux-Chenes and Salvador/Timken WMAs must display 400 square inches of "hunter orange" or "blaze pink" and wear a "hunter orange" or "blaze pink" cap.
o. Deer hunters hunting from concealed ground blinds must display a minimum of 400 square inches of "hunter orange" or "blaze pink" above or around their blinds which is visible from 360 degrees.
p. Archery Season for Deer. The archery season on WMAs is the same as outside and is open for either-sex deer except as otherwise specified on individual WMAs. Archery season restricted on Atchafalaya Delta and closed on certain WMAs when special seasons for youth or physically challenged hunts are in progress. Consult regulations pamphlet for specific seasons.
q. Either-sex deer may be taken on WMAs at any time during archery season except when bucks only seasons are in progress on the respective WMAs. Archers must abide by bucks only regulations and other restrictions when such seasons are in progress.
r. Primitive Firearms Season for Deer. Either-sex unless otherwise specified. See WMA deer schedule. Except youths 17 or younger may use any legal weapon during the primitive firearm season.
6. Camping
a. A WMA camping permit is required for all persons camping on LDWF operated campgrounds on WMAs. Camping on WMAs, including trailers, houseboats, vessels, recreational vehicles and tents, is allowed only in designated areas and for a period not to exceed 16 consecutive days, regardless if the camp is attended or unattended. At the end of the 16-day period, camps must be removed from the area for at least 48 hours. Camping area use limited exclusively to outdoor recreational activities. Camping is available on a first-come, first-serve basis unless otherwise specified.
b. Houseboats and vessels utilized for recreational activities are prohibited from overnight mooring within WMAs except on stream banks adjacent to designated camping areas. Overnight mooring of vessels that provide lodging for hire are prohibited on WMAs. Houseboats and vessels shall not impede navigation. On Atchafalaya Delta WMA houseboats may be moored by permit only in designated areas during hunting season. Permits are available by lottery annually or by five-year lease through a bid program.
c. Discharge of human waste onto lands or waters of any WMA is strictly prohibited by state and federal law. In the event public restroom facilities are not available at a WMA, the following is required. Anyone camping on a WMA in a camper, trailer, or other unit (other than a houseboat or tent) shall have and shall utilize an operational disposal system attached to the unit. Tent campers shall have and shall utilize portable waste disposal units and shall remove all human waste from the WMA upon leaving. Houseboats moored on a WMA shall have a permit or letter of certification from the Health Unit (Department of Health) of the parish within which the WMA occurs verifying that it has an approved sewerage disposal system on board. Further, that system shall be utilized by occupants of the houseboats when on the WMA.
d. No refuse or garbage may be dumped from these boats.
e. Firearms may not be kept loaded or discharged in a camping area unless otherwise specified.
f. Campsites must be cleaned by occupants prior to leaving and all refuse placed in designated locations when provided or carried off by campers.
g. Trash must be contained at all times while camping.
h. Burning of trash is prohibited.
i. Glass containers prohibited on campgrounds.
j. Non-compliance with camping regulations will subject occupant to immediate expulsion and/or citation, including restitution for damages.
k. Swimming is prohibited within 100 yards of boat launching ramps.
7. Restricted Areas
a. For your safety, all oil and gas production facilities (wells, pumping stations and storage facilities) are off limits.
b. No unauthorized entry or unauthorized hunting in restricted areas, refuges, or limited use areas unless otherwise specified.
8. Dogs. All use of dogs on WMAs, except for bird hunting and duck hunting, is experimental as required by law. Having or using dogs on any WMA is prohibited except for nighttime experimental raccoon hunting, squirrel hunting, rabbit hunting, bird hunting, duck hunting, hog hunting and bird dog training when allowed; see individual WMA season listings for WMAs that allow dogs. Dogs running at large are prohibited on WMAs. The owner or handler of said dogs shall be liable. Only recognizable breeds of bird dogs and retrievers are allowed for quail and migratory bird hunting. Only beagle hounds which do not exceed 15 inches at the front shoulders and which have recognizable characteristics of the breed may be used on WMAs having experimental rabbit seasons. A leashed dog may be used to trail and retrieve wounded or unrecovered deer during legal hunting hours. Any dog used to trail or retrieve wounded or unrecovered deer shall have on a collar with owner's name, address and phone number In addition, a dog may be used to trail and retrieve unrecovered deer after legal hunting hours; however, no person accompanying a dog after legal hunting hours may carry a firearm of any sort. Only hunting dogs are allowed in WMA camping areas.
9. Vehicles
a. An all-terrain vehicle is a wheeled or tracked off-road vehicle (not legal for highway use) with specifications not to exceed the following: weight-750 pounds, length-85", and width-48". ATV tires are restricted to those no larger than 26 x 12 with a maximum l" lug height and a maximum allowable tire pressure of 12 psi. as indicated on the tire by the manufacturer Use of all other ATVs or ATV tires are prohibited on a WMA.
b. Utility Type Vehicle (UTV, also Utility Terrain Vehicle)-any recreational motor vehicle other than an ATV, wheeled or tracked, not legal for highway use, designed for and capable of travel over designated unpaved roads, traveling on four or more low-pressure tires or tracks, with specifications not to exceed the following: weight-1900 pounds, length-128" and width-68". UTV tires are restricted to those no larger than 27 x 12 with a maximum 1" lug height and a maximum allowable tire pressure of 12 psi. UTV's are commonly referred to as side by sides and may include golf carts.
c. Vehicles having wheels with a wheel-tire combination radius of 17 inches or more measured from the center of the hub and horizontal to ground are prohibited.
d. The testing, racing, speeding or unusual maneuvering of any type of vehicle is prohibited within WMAs due to property damages resulting in high maintenance costs, disturbance of wildlife and destruction of forest reproduction.
e. Tractor or implement tires with farm tread designs Rl, R2 and R4 known commonly as spade or lug grip types are prohibited on all vehicles.
f. Airboats, aircraft, personal water craft, "mud crawling vessels" (commonly referred to as crawfish combines which use paddle wheels for locomotion) and hover craft are prohibited on all WMAs and refuges, except type A personal water craft, model year 2003 and beyond, which are eight feet in length and greater, may be operated within WMAs except Bussey Brake WMA from April 1 until the Monday of Labor Day weekend, from sunrise to sunset only, and except personal water craft allowed on designated portions of Alexander State Forest WMA year-round, and except airboats allowed on Maurepas Swamp WMA on designated trails. See WMA map for details. Personal water craft are defined as a vessel which uses an inboard motor powering a water jet pump as its primary source of propulsion and is designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing or kneeling on the vessel rather than in the conventional manner of sitting or standing inside the vessel. No person shall operate such water craft at a speed greater than slow/no wake within 100 feet of an anchored or moored vessel, shoreline, dock, pier, or persons engaged in angling or any other manually powered vessel.
g. Driving or parking vehicles on food or cover plots and strips is prohibited.
h. Blocking the entrance to roads and trails is prohibited.
i. Licensed motorized vehicles (LMVs) legal for highway use, including motorcycles, are restricted entirely to designated roads as indicated on WMA maps. UTVs are restricted to marked UTV trails only, except that those UTVs in which the manufacturer's specifications do not exceed the weight, length, width, and tire restrictions for ATVs are allowed on ATV trails. ATVs are restricted to marked ATV trails only. When WMA roads are closed to LMVs, ATVs and UTVs may then use those roads when allowed. This restriction does not apply to bicycles.

NOTE: Only ATV and UTV trails marked with signs and/or paint, and depicted on WMA maps are open for use.

j. Use of special ATV trails for physically challenged persons is restricted to ATV physically challenged permittees. Physically challenged ATV permittees are restricted to physically challenged ATV trails or other ATV trails only as indicated on WMA maps or as marked by sign and/or paint. Persons 60 years of age and older, with proof of age, are also allowed to use special physically challenged trails and need not obtain a permit. However, these persons must abide by all rules in place for these trails. Physically challenged persons under the age of 60 must apply for and obtain a physically challenged hunter program permit from the LDWF.
k. Entrances to ATV trails will be marked with peach colored paint. Entrances to physically challenged-only ATV trails will be marked with blue colored paint. Entrances to ATV trails that are open year-round will be marked with purple paint. The end of all ATV trails will be marked by red paint. WMA maps serve only as a general guide to the route of most ATV trails, therefore all signage and paint marking as previously described will be used to determine compliance.
l. Roads and trails may be closed due to poor condition, construction or wet weather.
m. ATVs, and motorcycles cannot be left overnight on WMAs except on designated camping areas. ATVs are prohibited from two hours after sunset to 4 a.m., except raccoon hunters may use ATVs during nighttime raccoon take seasons only. ATVs are prohibited from March 1 through August 31 except squirrel hunters are allowed to use ATV trails during the spring squirrel season on the WMA and except certain trails may be open during this time period to provide access for fishing or other purposes and some ATV trails will be open all year long on certain WMAs.
n. Caution. Many LDWF-maintained roadways on WMAs are unimproved and substandard. A maximum 20 mph speed limit is recommended for all land vehicles using these roads, unless specific signage otherwise allows or restricts.
o. Hunters are allowed to retrieve their own downed deer and hogs with the aid of an ATV or electric bicycle except on Thistlethwaite, Sherburne, Atchafalaya Delta, Pass-a-Loutre, Pointe-aux-Chenes, Salvador/Timken, Lake Boeuf, Biloxi, and the Crusel Tract of Maurepas Swamp WMAs under the following conditions:
i. no firearms or archery equipment is in possession of the retrieval party or on the ATV;
ii. the retrieval party may consist of no more than one ATV and one helper;
iii. ATVs may not be used to locate or search for wounded game or for any other purpose than retrieval of deer and hogs once they have been legally harvested and located;
iv. UTV's may not be used to retrieve downed deer or hogs.
p. No wake zones. Operation of vessels beyond bare steerage speed (the slowest speed a vessel can travel while allowing the operator to maintain directional control of the vessel) in posted no wake zones is prohibited.
q. Electric bicycles are restricted to designated roads and ATV/UTV trails.
r. Factory OEM installed or OEM equivalent exhausts are required for all boat/powercraft motors. No person shall operate or allow to be operated a powercraft with an altered muffler or muffler cutout or in a manner that bypasses or reduces the effectiveness of the muffler system.
10. Commercial Activities
a. Hunting Guides/Outfitters. No person or group may act as a hunting guide, outfitter or in any other capacity for which they are paid or promised to be paid directly or indirectly by any other individual or individuals for services rendered to any other person or persons hunting on any WMA, regardless of whether such payment is for guiding, outfitting, lodging or club memberships.
b. Except for licensed activities otherwise allowed by law, commercial activities are prohibited without a permit issued by the secretary of the LDWF.
c. Commercial Fishing. Permits are required of all commercial fishermen using Grassy Lake, Pomme de Terre and Spring Bayou WMAs. Drag seines (except minnow and bait seines) are prohibited except experimental bait seines allowed on Dewey Wills WMA north of LA 28 in Diversion Canal. Commercial fishing is prohibited during regular waterfowl seasons on Grand Bay, Silver Lake and Lower Sunk Lake on Richard K. Yancey WMA. Commercial fishing is prohibited on Salvador/Timken, Pointe-aux-Chenes, and Russell Sage WMAs except commercial fishing on Pointe-aux-Chenes is allowed in Cut Off Canal. No commercial fishing activity shall impede navigation and no unattended vessels or barges will be allowed. Non-compliance with permit regulations will result in revocation of commercial fishing privileges for the period the license is issued and one year thereafter. Commercial fishing is allowed on Pass-a-Loutre and Atchafalaya Delta WMAs. See Pass-a-Loutre for additional commercial fishing regulations on mullet.
11. WMAs Basic Season Structure. For season dates, bag limits, shooting hours, special seasons and other information consult the annual regulations pamphlet for specific details.
12. Resident Small Game (squirrel, rabbit, quail, mourning dove, woodcock, snipe, rail and gallinule). Same as outside except closed during modern firearm either-sex deer seasons on certain WMAs (see WMA schedule) and except non-toxic shot, size 6 or smaller must be used for dove, rail, snipe, and gallinule. Unless otherwise specified under a specific WMA hunting schedule, the use of dogs for rabbit and squirrel hunting is prohibited. Spring squirrel season with or without dogs: first Saturday of May for nine days. Consult regulations pamphlet for specific WMAs.
13. Waterfowl (ducks, geese and coots). Consult regulations pamphlet. Hunting after 2 p.m. prohibited on all WMAs except for Atchafalaya Delta and Pass-a-Loutre. Consult specific WMA regulations for shooting hours on these WMAs.
14. Archery. Consult regulations pamphlet.
15. Hogs. Feral hogs may be taken during any open hunting season on WMAs by properly licensed and/or permitted hunters using only guns or bow and arrow legal for specified seasons in progress, except take of hogs is prohibited during nighttime raccoon seasons. Hogs may not be taken with the aid of dogs, except feral hogs may be taken with the aid of dogs during the month of February on Attakapas, Bodcau, Clear Creek, Little River, Pearl River, Sabine, Sabine Island, and West Bay and that portion of Dewey W. Wills north of the Catahoula Lake Diversion Canal by self-clearing permit. All hogs must be killed immediately and may not be transported live under any conditions. During the February dog season hunters may use centerfire handguns in addition to using guns allowed for season in progress. Additionally, feral hogs may be taken on Atchafalaya Delta, Pass-a-Loutre, Pointe-aux-Chenes and Salvador/Timken WMAs from February 16 through March 31 with archery equipment, shotguns loaded with buckshot or slugs or rimfire rifles no larger than .22 caliber. Additional requirements may be specified under individual WMAs, see regulation pamphlet.
16. Outlaw Quadrupeds and Birds. Consult regulations pamphlet. During hunting seasons specified on WMAs, except the turkey and spring squirrel seasons, take of outlaw quadrupeds and birds, with or without the use of electronic calls, is allowed by properly licensed hunters and only with guns or bows and arrows legal for season in progress on WMA.
17. WMAs Hunting Schedule and Regulations
a. Acadiana Conservation Corridor. Self-clearing permit required for all activities.
i. Archery only: Oct. 1-15 bucks only, Oct. 16-Feb. 15, either-sex.
ii. All other seasons closed. No motorized vehicles allowed and no access via I-49 right-of-way.
b. Alexander State Forest. From December through February all hunters must check daily with the Office of Forestry for scheduled burning activity. No hunting or other activity will be permitted in burn units the day of the burning. Call 318-487-5172 or 318-487-5058 for information on burning schedules. Attaching stands to Red Cockaded Woodpecker cavity trees is prohibited. Cavity trees are marked with painted, double white bands. Self-clearing permits required for hunters only. Vehicles restricted to paved and graveled roads. No parking on or fishing or swimming from bridges. No open fires except in recreational areas. Physically Challenged Wheelchair Confined Deer Hunting Area: Access restricted. Check WMA map for location and call Pineville or Baton Rouge Offices for details and applications. PCHP blind hunting by reservation for Class I, III and IV PCHP permittees only.
i. Deer
(a). Archery: Oct. 1-Jan. 31, either-sex.
(b). Firearms: first Sat. of Nov. for 2 days, either-sex. Mandatory deer check; Fri. after Thanksgiving Day for 3 days, bucks only.
(c). Primitive Firearms: second Sat. of Oct. for 2 days. Mandatory deer check.
(d). Youth Lottery: last Sat. of Oct. for 2 days, Fri. after Thanksgiving for 3 days, third Sat. in Dec. for 2 days, either-sex.
(e). PCHP Blinds: first Sat. of Nov. for 2 days, mandatory deer check, second Sat. in Dec. for 2 days.
ii. Small Game: Same as outside except closed during deer primitive firearms (either-sex), deer firearms (either-sex) and deer firearms (bucks only) and open to squirrel hunting during the spring season, first Sat. of May for 9 days. Beagles allowed for rabbits and dogs allowed for squirrel hunting Sat. before Christmas to the last day of Feb.
iii. Waterfowl: Same as outside. (Certain areas may be closed as posted).
c. Atchafalaya Delta. Self-clearing permit required for all activities. All persons must either check in/check out electronically through the LDWF WMA Self-Clearing Permit app/Internet Web Portal or obtain a WMA Self-Clearing Permit from an information station located at Main Delta campground, Wax Delta Campground, Cul-de-sac on Big Island, and Berwick Public Boat Launch (Jesse Fontenot Boat Launch). Camping and houseboat mooring allowed ONLY in designated campgrounds. Houseboat mooring allowed by permit only during hunting season (see Subparagraph G. 6. Camping b. for details) and by normal means during remainder of the year. Vessels/Vehicles: Mudboats or air-cooled propulsion vessels powered by more than 36 total horsepower are prohibited on the WMA. All ATVs/UTVs, motorcycles, horses and mules prohibited except as permitted for authorized WMA trappers. Big Island: Except for youth deer hunting (provided for below), all other hunting closed from October 1 through the last day of youth deer seasons. Main Delta area closed to all hunting except for youth deer hunting during youth deer seasons. Limited Use Area: Access prohibited Mar. 1-Jan. 31. Hunting restricted to rabbit with shotgun only from first day of Feb. through last day of Feb. non-toxic (maximum size #6) shot only, without beagles only. See WMA map for specific location.
i. Deer Archery (either-sex): Oct. 1 - Jan. 31 on Main Delta only; no deer hunting on Wax Lake Delta.
ii. Deer Youth Shotgun (buckshot only, either-sex) and Archery (either-sex): first Sat. of Oct. for 2 days; second Sat. of Oct. for 2 days on Main Delta only; no deer hunting on Wax Lake Delta.
iii. Small Game: same as outside except Rabbit Only:
(a). Wax Lake Delta: first Sat. of Oct. through last day of Feb. Beagles prohibited November through January.
(b). Main Delta: first day of Feb. through last day of Feb. with or without beagles. Closed October through January.
iv. Waterfowl: same as outside, except shooting hours shall be 1/2 hour before sunrise to 2 p.m. during opening weekends of teal and duck season and 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset the remainder of the season, and except shooting hours are the same as outside for the Youth Hunt weekend.
v. Feral Hogs: may be taken by properly licensed hunters Oct. 1 to the last day of February. In addition, hunters may hunt feral hogs with archery equipment, shotguns loaded with buckshot or slugs or rimfire rifles no larger than .22 caliber from Feb. 16 - March 31. Hunters must also display 400 square inches of "hunter orange" or "blaze pink" and wear a "hunter orange" or "blaze pink" cap during special shotgun season for feral hogs.
d. Attakapas. Area closed to all except Youth Deer Hunters when the Youth deer season is open.
i. Deer
(a). Deer hunting will be closed when the river stage of the Atchafalaya River reaches 15 feet msl at Butte LaRose and will reopen when the river stage recedes to 14 feet msl at Butte LaRose.
(b). Archery: Oct. 1-15 bucks only, Oct. 16-Feb. 15, either-sex.
(c). Youth: last Sat. of Oct. for 2 days, either-sex.
(d). Firearms Either-Sex: Fri. after Thanksgiving Day for 3 days and the second Sat. of Dec. for 2 days except when there are 5 Sats. in Nov., then it will open on the first Sat. of Dec. for 2 days.
(e). Firearms Bucks Only: fourth Sat. of Dec. for 9 days.
(f). Primitive Firearms (Bucks only): third Sat. of Jan. for 2 days.
ii. Turkey: closed.
iii. Small Game and Waterfowl: same as outside except small game hunting closed during either-sex modern firearms seasons closed during youth deer seasons and open to squirrel hunting during the spring season, first Sat. of May for 9 days, with or without dogs. Beagles allowed for rabbits and dogs allowed for squirrel hunting the day after primitive firearms season ends to the last day of Feb.
iv. Raccoon (Nighttime): second Sat. of Sept. for 16 days and the day after the last deer firearms season (bucks only or primitive) to the last day of Feb.
e. Bayou Macon. Area Closed: To all except Youth Deer Hunters last Sat. of Oct. for 2 days. All night activities prohibited except as otherwise provided.
i. Deer
(a). Archery: Oct. 1-Jan. 31, either-sex.
(b). Youth: last Sat. of Oct. for 2 days, either-sex.
(c). Firearms: Either-sex: Fri. after Thanksgiving Day for 3 days, Fri. and Sat. mandatory deer check, Sun. self-clearing permit.
(d). Primitive Firearms: third Sat. of Dec. for 9 days.
ii. Turkey: closed.
iii. Small Game and Waterfowl: same as outside except closed during either-sex modern firearms season and open to squirrel hunting during the spring season, first Sat. of May for 9 days, with or without dogs. Beagles allowed for rabbits and dogs allowed for squirrel hunting the day after the last deer firearms season (bucks only or primitive) to the last day of Feb. On that portion designated as Small Game Emphasis Area, beagles are allowed for rabbit and dogs are allowed for squirrel Mon. after third Sat. of Oct.-Sun. prior to firearms either-sex deer, and training of beagles for rabbit and dogs for squirrel allowed June 1 - August 31.
iv. Raccoon: (Nighttime): Sept. 1 for 16 days and first Sat. of Jan. to the last day of Feb.
f. Bayou Pierre. Waterfowl Refuge is closed to all hunting, trapping and fishing except for archery hunting for deer, which is allowed on the entire area. Refuge is marked with "Waterfowl Refuge" signs.
i. Deer
(a). Archery only: Oct. 1-Jan. 31, either-sex. Archery hunting is allowed in the waterfowl refuge.
ii. Waterfowl: Desoto Tract same as outside. Remainder of the WMA closed to waterfowl hunting.
iii. Other Small Game: same as outside and open to squirrel hunting during the spring season, first Sat. of May for 9 days, with or without dogs. Beagles allowed for rabbits and dogs allowed for squirrel hunting Sat. before Christmas to last day of Feb.
iv. Raccoon (Nighttime): Sat. before Christmas to last day of Feb.
g. Big Colewa Bayou. Physically Challenged Wheelchair Confined Deer Hunting Area: Access restricted. Check WMA map for location and call Monroe or Baton Rouge Offices for details and applications. Hunting by reservation for wheelchair confined PCHP permittees only. Fri. after Thanksgiving for 3 days, either-sex and second Sat. of Dec. for 16 days, bucks only.
i. Deer
(a). Archery only: Oct. 1-Jan. 31, either-sex.
ii. Small Game and Waterfowl: same as outside and open to squirrel hunting during the spring season, first Sat. of May for 9 days, with or without dogs. Beagles allowed for rabbit hunting Jan. 1 to last day of Feb. On that portion designated as Small Game Emphasis Area, beagles are allowed for rabbit and dogs are allowed for squirrel Mon. after third Sat. of Oct.-Sun. prior to Thanksgiving, and training of beagles for rabbit and dogs for squirrel allowed June 1-August 31.
iii. All nighttime activities prohibited.
h. Big Lake. Area closed to all south of Big Lake and Crystal Roads when youth deer season is open. North of Big Lake and Crystal Roads open to all activities.
i. Deer
(a). Archery: Oct. 1-Jan. 31, either-sex.
(b). Youth: last Sat. of Oct. for 2 days, either-sex. Youth hunt on designated portion. See WMA map for specific location.
(c). Firearms Either-sex: Fri. after Thanksgiving Day for 3 days, Fri. and Sat. mandatory deer check, Sun. self-clearing permit.
(d). Firearms Bucks Only: second Sat. of Dec. for 14 days.
(e). Primitive Firearms: day after firearms bucks only season closes for 14 days.
ii. Turkey: opening day of statewide season for 9 days, except season will open for 10 days when statewide season opens on Good Friday.
(a). Youth: Sat. before opening day of statewide season for 2 days, except when that Sat. falls on Easter weekend then season will open on Good Friday for 3 days.
iii. Small Game: same as outside except closed during either-sex firearms seasons and open to squirrel hunting during the spring season, first Sat. of May for 9 days, with or without dogs. Beagles allowed for rabbits and dogs allowed for squirrel hunting the day after primitive firearms season ends to the last day of Feb.
iv. Waterfowl: same as outside except closed during either-sex modern firearms seasons.
v. Raccoon (Nighttime): the day after primitive firearms season ends to the last day of Feb.
vi. Sport Fishing: yoyos, limblines and trotlines prohibited on Big and Chain Lakes.
vii. Commercial fishing: commercial fishing is prohibited.
i. Biloxi. Self-clearing permits required for all activities. Vessels/Vehicles: All airboats, mud boats, vessels powered by air-cooled engines, ATVs/UTVs, motorcycles, horses, and mules are prohibited. All types of mud boats, "long-tail", air cooled propulsion vessels, etc., including "surface-drive" boats, are prohibited. Overnight mooring of vessels 50 feet in length or less is only allowed at the designated camping area (see WMA map for location), vessels greater than 50 feet in length are prohibited from mooring overnight. Dogs are prohibited except retrievers allowed for waterfowl hunting. No structures may be erected including fixed or permanent blinds of any type. All nighttime activities are prohibited EXCEPT hunters may enter the WMA no earlier than 4 a.m. during hunting season. Fish may only be taken by rod and reel, and/or hook and line. Bowfishing is prohibited.
i. Deer
(a). Archery (bucks only): Oct. 1-15.
(b). Deer Archery (either-sex): Oct. 16-Jan. 31.
ii. Small Game and Waterfowl: same as outside except waterfowl closed after 2 p.m. and except closed to squirrel hunting during the spring season.
j. Bodcau. Area closed to all except Youth deer hunters during the Youth Deer Hunt on designated portion. Limited Use Area: Small game and waterfowl same as rest of WMA. Deer hunting archery only. See WMA map for specific location.
i. Deer
(a). Archery: Oct. 1-Jan. 31, either-sex.
(b). Youth: Sat. after second Fri. of Oct. for 2 days, either-sex on designated portion.
(c). Firearms either-sex: last Sat. of Oct. to the Sun. after Thanksgiving Day. Last Sat. of Oct. and Sun. after last Sat. of Oct., mandatory deer check.
(d). Primitive Firearms: Mon. after Thanksgiving Day for 7 days.
ii. Turkey
(a). Opening day of statewide season for 16 days, except season will open for 17 days when statewide season opens Good Friday.
(b). Youth: Sat. before opening day of statewide season for 2 days except when that Sat. falls on Easter weekend, then season will open on Good Friday for 3 days. Fourth Sat. of April for 2 days.
iii. Small Game and Waterfowl: same as outside except closed during the youth deer hunt on designated portion and entire area first 2 days of modern firearms deer season except spring squirrel season will be open the first Sat. of May for 9 days only, with or without dogs. Beagles allowed for rabbits and dogs allowed for squirrel hunting day after primitive firearms deer season ends to the last day of Feb. On that portion designated as Small Game Emphasis Area, beagles allowed for rabbit and dogs allowed for squirrel from the first Sat. of Oct. through the Fri. immediately prior to the opening day of firearms deer season, and training of beagles for rabbit and dogs for squirrel allowed June 1-Sept. 30.
(a). Youth Squirrel Hunt: fourth Sat. of Sept. for 2 days.
iv. Raccoon (Nighttime): day after primitive firearms deer season ends to the last day of Feb. and May 1-Sept. 30.
v. Bird Dog Training Area: open all year except closed during WMA Turkey Season. Contact Minden Office for information.
vi. Fishing: nets and traps prohibited on Ivan Lake.
k. Boeuf. Area Closed to all south of LA 4 except Youth Deer Hunters when youth deer season is open. North of LA 4 open to all activities. Internal combustion engines and craft limited to 10 hp rating or less in the Greentree Reservoir.
i. Deer
(a). Archery: Oct. 1-Jan. 31, either-sex.
(b). Youth: second Sat. of Oct. for 2 days, either-sex.
(c). Firearms Either-sex: Fri. after Thanksgiving Day for 3 days, self-clearing permit.
(d). Firearms Bucks Only: first Sat. of Dec. for 14 days.
(e). Primitive Firearms: day after the close of Firearms Bucks Only for 14 days. Second Sat. of Nov. for 7 days, Sat. and Sun. - mandatory deer check.
ii. Turkey: closed.
iii. Small Game and Waterfowl: same as outside except closed during Deer Either-sex modern firearms season, and except spring squirrel season will be open the first Sat. of May for 9 days only, with or without dogs. Beagles allowed for rabbits and dogs allowed for squirrel hunting the day after the last deer firearms season (bucks only or primitive) to the last day of Feb. Youth Squirrel Hunt: fourth Sat. of Sept. for 2 days. On that portion designated as Small Game Emphasis Area, beagles are allowed for rabbit and dogs are allowed for squirrel Mon. after third Sat. of Oct.-Sun. prior to Thanksgiving, and training of beagles for rabbit and dogs for squirrel allowed June 1-August 31.
iv. Raccoon (Nighttime): second Sat. of Sept. for 16 days and the day after the last deer firearms season (bucks only or primitive) to the last day of Feb.
l. Buckhorn. Area Closed: last Sat. of Oct. for 2 days to all except Youth and Physically Challenged Deer hunters.
i. Deer
(a). Archery: Oct. 1-Jan. 31, either-sex.
(b). Youth and Physically Challenged: last Sat. of Oct. for 2 days, either-sex.
(c). Firearms Either-sex: Fri. after Thanksgiving Day for 3 days, self-clearing permit; and second Sat. of Dec. for 2 days, mandatory deer check.
(d). Firearms Bucks Only: third Sat. of Dec. for 14 days.
(e). Primitive Firearms: day after firearms bucks only season ends for 14 days.
(f). Youth and Physically Challenged Wheelchair Confined Deer Hunting Area: check map for location. Access restricted. Call Monroe or Baton Rouge Offices for further details.
(g). Youth Lottery: second weekend and last consecutive Sat. and Sun. of Dec. except when either of those days falls on Dec. 24 or 25, then it will be the third weekend of Dec. and first consecutive Sat. and Sun. in Jan. Either-sex. Hunting by pre-application lottery only.
(h). Physically Challenged Wheelchair Confined: second weekend and last consecutive Sat. and Sun. of Dec. except when either of those days falls on Dec. 24 or 25, then it will be the third weekend of Dec. and first consecutive Sat. and Sun. in Jan. Either-sex. Hunting by reservation for wheelchair confined. PCHP permittees only.
ii. Small Game and Waterfowl: same as outside except closed during either-sex modern firearm season and open to squirrel hunting during the spring season, first Sat. of May for 9 days, with or without dogs. Beagles allowed for rabbits and dogs allowed for squirrel hunting the day after primitive firearms season ends to the last day of Feb.
iii. Raccoon (Nighttime): day after primitive firearms season ends to the last day of Feb.
m. Bussey Brake. Area closed to all hunting and trapping activity. Area closed to all activities between two hours after sunset until 4 a.m. with the exception of rod and reel or cane pole fishing. Fishing may take place between these hours at the north fishing pier or by boat. Access to all other areas are prohibited between these hours. Recreational fishing and all other allowed non-consumptive uses only. No personal watercraft or water skiing. No camping. No ATVs/UTVs or electric bicycles allowed. No motorized vehicles of any type allowed on reservoir levee except at boat launch for purpose of launching boat or to access fishing pier. Pulling boats over levees or any other activities that cause detriment to the levees is prohibited. Horseback riding and non-motorized bicycles are allowed only on the designated trail named Levee Trail (see map at boat launch kiosk). Access is granted at two marked locations, adjacent to the boat launch and just beyond the boat launch parking area. No tying boats to channel marker poles. A No-Wake Zone is in effect in the harbor inside the wave break. No boats allowed within 30 feet of fishing piers.
i. Fishing: fish may be taken only by rod and reel or cane pole for recreational purposes. Tournament fishing allowed by Special Use Permit only. All types of nets, including but not limited to gill nets, trammel nets, hoop nets, wire nets, fyke nets and fish seines are prohibited. Trotlines, yo-yos, limb lines, stump lines, slat traps, jugs, cans, and pipes are prohibited. Shoreline (non-boat) fishing only allowed at designated locations. No fishing or lake access from rocks along interior of reservoir levee.
(a). Black Bass (Micropterus spp.)
(i). Daily limit: recreational daily creel limit shall be five fish, in the aggregate;
(ii). Possession limit: possession limit shall be five fish while on water and ten fish while off water, in the aggregate;
(iii). Length: the maximum total length limit shall be 16 inches, with the exception that one fish over 16 inches may be kept.
(b). Crappie (Pomoxis spp.)
(i). Daily limit: recreational daily limit shall be 25 fish in the aggregate;
(ii). Possession limit: possession limit shall be 25 fish while on water and 50 fish while off water, in the aggregate;
(iii). Length: the minimum total length shall be 10 inches.
(c). Bream (Lepomis spp.)
(i). Daily limit: recreational daily creel limit shall be 50 fish, in the aggregate;
(ii). Possession limit: possession limit shall be 50 fish while on the water and 100 while off the water in the aggregate;
(iii). Length: no minimum length.
n. Clear Creek. Area Closed to all except Youth Deer Hunters when the Youth Deer Season is open. Physically Challenged Wheelchair Confined Deer Hunting Area: Access restricted. Check WMA map for location and call Lake Charles or Baton Rouge Offices for details and applications. Hunting blind reservations for wheelchair confined PCHP permittees only. Same deer seasons listed below.
i. Deer
(a). Archery: third Sat. of Sept. to Jan. 15, either-sex.
(b). Youth Deer Hunt: next to last Sat. of Oct. for 2 days, either-sex.
(c). Firearms Either-sex: last Sat. of Oct. for 2 days, mandatory deer check and Fri. after Thanksgiving for 3 days, self-clearing permit.
(d). Firearms Bucks Only: Mon. after close of Primitive Season to Thanksgiving Day, and second Sat. of Dec. to Jan. 1.
(e). Primitive Firearms: Mon. after first either-sex firearms weekend for 7 days.
ii. Turkey
(a). Mon. after second Sat. of April for 21 days.
(b). General Lottery: opening day of statewide season for 2 days, second Sat. of April for 2 days.
(c). Youth Lottery: Sat. before opening day of statewide season for 2 days.
iii. Small Game and Waterfowl: same as outside except closed during either-sex gun hunts and except spring squirrel season will be open first Sat. of May for 9 days only, with or without dogs. Beagles allowed for rabbits and dogs allowed for squirrel hunting the day after firearms bucks only season closes to the last day of Feb.
(a). Youth Squirrel Hunt: fourth Sat. of Sept. for 2 days.
iv. Raccoon (Nighttime): day after firearms bucks only season closes to the last day of Feb.
o. Dewey Wills. Area Closed: to all except Youth and Physically Challenged Deer Hunters during the Physically Challenged and Youth Deer Hunt only on that portion of the area north of the Diversion Canal. High Water Benchmark Road Closures: Hunt Road (South of the Catahoula Lake Diversion Canal) and Muddy Bayou Road east of Nolan Bayou Road will be closed when water levels at the Larto Lake gauge reaches 45.0 ft. msl, and will reopen when water levels recede to 43.0 ft. msl, and Muddy Bayou Road west of the intersection of Nolan Bayou Road and Sandy Bayou Road will be closed when water levels at the Larto Lake gauge reaches 42.0 ft. msl and will reopen when water levels recede to 40.0 ft. msl.
i. Deer
(a). Archery: Oct. 1-Jan. 31, either-sex.
(b). Physically Challenged and Youth: last Sat. of Oct. for 2 days, either-sex. Only that portion of the area north of the Diversion Canal shall be open only to Physically Challenged and youth deer hunters. The remainder of the area is open to all.
(c). Youth Lottery: first Sat. of Dec. for 2 days, first Sat. of Jan. for 2 days except when Jan. 1 falls on one of those days, then there will be no hunt that weekend, second Sat. of Jan. for 2 days, and third Sat. of Jan. for 2 days, either-sex. Contact Pineville Office (318-487-5885) for details and applications.
(d). Firearms Either-sex: Fri. after Thanksgiving Day for 3 days, Fri. and Sat. mandatory deer check, Sun. self-clearing permit. No hunting allowed in the greentree impoundment or within 100 feet of the greentree levee if duck season is in progress.
(e). Firearms Bucks Only: fourth Sat. of Dec. for 16 days.
(f). Primitive Firearms (Bucks Only): second Sat. of Dec. for 2 days.
ii. Turkey: closed.
iii. Small Game and Waterfowl: same as outside except closed during Physically Challenged and Youth Deer Season north of the Diversion Canal and the entire area during the either-sex firearm hunt except waterfowl hunting will be allowed in the greentree impoundment and Catahoula Basin during the firearm either-sex season and open to squirrel hunting during the spring season first Sat. of May for 9 days, with or without dogs. Beagles allowed for rabbits and dogs allowed for squirrel hunting day after Firearms Bucks-Only season ends to the last day of Feb. On that portion designated as Small Game Emphasis Area, beagles are allowed for rabbit and dogs are allowed for squirrel first Sat. of Oct. to the third Sun. of Nov., and training of beagles for rabbit and dogs for squirrel allowed June 1-August 31. Catahoula Basin: Nov. 1-Jan. 31, all motorized vessels prohibited 2 p.m. to 4 a.m., and all nighttime activities prohibited during open waterfowl season except for the Catahoula Basin buffer zone, which will remain open to motorized vessels year-round for recreation and navigation.
iv. Raccoon
(a). Nighttime: day after primitive firearms season ends to the last day of Feb.
(b). Nighttime Chase only: May 1-Sept. 25, Tuesdays and Thursdays only. Raccoon hunters may use ATVs on designated trails during take season only.
v. Crawfish: limited to 100 pounds per person per day.
vi. Larto Tracts: all season dates on Larto Tracts (see WMA map) same as outside, except deer hunting restricted to archery only. All vehicles, including ATVs, are prohibited.
p. Elbow Slough
i. Mourning Dove: Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesdays only during first and second split of the outside season, and except by lottery only opening Sat. and second Sat. of first 8 days of first split. Applications available at Pineville office and online. Contact Pineville office for details.
ii. Rabbit: Feb. 1 to the last day of Feb. Beagles allowed.
iii. Crawfish: March-July. Limit: 100 lbs. per person per day. Recreational crawfishing only. No traps or nets left overnight.
iv. Woodcock: same as outside.
v. All other seasons closed. Non-toxic (minimum size #6) shot only for all hunting. All motorized vehicles prohibited.
q. Elm Hall. ATVs/UTVs prohibited.
i. Deer
(a). Archery: Oct. 1-15 bucks only, Oct. 16-Feb. 15, either-sex.
(b). Firearms Either-sex: Fri. after Thanksgiving Day for 2 days.
(c). Firearms Bucks Only: Sun. after Thanksgiving Day and the fourth Sat. of Dec. for 9 days.
(d). Primitive Firearms: next to last Sat. in Jan. for 2 days.
ii. Small Game and Waterfowl: same as outside except closed during either-sex firearm seasons for deer, beagles allowed for rabbits and dogs allowed for squirrel hunting the day after the close of primitive firearms to the end of Feb. and open to squirrel hunting during the spring season, first Sat. of May for 9 days, with or without dogs.
r. Esler Field. All or portions of the area may be closed daily due to military activities. All game harvested must be reported on self-clearing checkout permit. No hunting in Restricted Areas. Swimming in Twin Lakes prohibited. Retriever training allowed on selected portions of the WMA. Area closed: to all except youth deer hunters second full weekend in November.
i. Deer
(a). Archery: Oct. 1-Jan. 31, either-sex.
(b). Youth Deer Hunt: second full weekend in Nov., either-sex on designated portion of the WMA.
(c). Firearms Bucks Only: Dec. 26-Jan. 1.
(d). Primitive Firearms: Fri. after Thanksgiving Day for 3 days, Fri. and Sat. mandatory deer check, Sun. self-clearing permit. All deer harvested must be brought to Rifle Range Road Weigh Station. Second Sat. of Dec. for 2 days, self-clearing permit.
ii. Turkey: opening day of statewide season for 9 days, except season will open for 10 days when statewide season opens Good Friday.
iii. Small Game and Waterfowl: same as outside, except closed during either-sex gun hunts for deer and except closed to squirrel hunting during the spring season. Beagles allowed for rabbits and dogs allowed for squirrel hunting Sat. after Jan. 1 to the last day of Feb.
iv. Raccoon (Nighttime): last consecutive Sat. and Sun. in Jan. to last day of Feb.
v. Fishing: special regulations to be posted at Twin Lakes.
s. Floy Ward McElroy. Access restricted. Contact Monroe Wildlife Field Office at 318-343-4045 for information.
i. Deer: limit 1 deer per participant per weekend for all hunts.
(a). Youth Lottery: second weekend and last consecutive Sat. and Sun. of Dec. except when either of those days falls on Dec. 24 or 25, then it will be the third weekend of Dec., and second consecutive Sat. and Sun. in Jan., either-sex. Restricted to those selected as a result of the pre-application lottery.
(b). Beyond Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) Lottery Deer Hunt: first weekend in Dec. Hunt restricted to those that have successfully completed the Becoming an Outdoors Woman Deer Management Course. Must be Hunter Education certified. Contact LDWF Education Section, 318-343-1241, for more information.
t. Fort Johnson North. Self-clearing permit required daily for all activities. All or portions of the area may be closed daily due to military activities. Check LDWF Hunting Pamphlet for information on open areas and special ATV regulations. Hunters are cautioned not to pick up any foreign material or objects while hunting on the WMA. Also, it is mandatory for hunters to check the open area maps, located at check stations, daily for sudden closures. Magnet fishing is prohibited.
i. Deer
(a). Archery: third Sat. of Sept. to Jan. 15, either-sex except restricted to bucks only when bucks only gun season is in progress.
(b). Primitive Firearms: second Sat. of Oct. for 7 days, self-clearing permit required.
(c). Firearms Either-Sex: last Sat. of Oct. for 2 days, self-clearing permit, and Fri. after Thanksgiving Day for 3 days, Fri. and Sat. mandatory deer check, Sun. self-clearing permit.
(d). Firearms Bucks Only: Mon. after last Sat. of Oct. to Thanksgiving Day, second Sat. of Dec. to Jan. 1.
ii. Turkey: same as outside.
(a). Youth Lottery: Sat. before opening day of statewide season.
iii. Small Game and Waterfowl: same as outside except closed during either-sex firearms hunts for deer and except closed to squirrel hunting during the spring season. "Hunter orange" or "blaze pink" must be worn when bucks only gun hunts for deer are in progress. Squirrel hunting with dogs allowed Mon. after Thanksgiving Day for 12 days and Jan. 2 to last day of Feb.
iv. Feral Hogs: may be taken by properly licensed hunters from beginning of Archery Season to Jan. 1. Hunters may hunt feral hogs with shotguns loaded with buckshot or slugs from Jan. 2 to the end of Feb. Hunters must also display 400 square inches of "hunter orange" or "blaze pink" and wear a "hunter orange" or "blaze pink" cap during special shotgun season for hogs.
u. Fort Johnson-Vernon. Self-clearing permit required daily for all activities. All or portions of the area may be closed daily due to military activities. Check LDWF Hunting Pamphlet for information on open areas and special ATV regulations. Hunters are cautioned not to pick up any foreign material or objects while hunting on the WMA. Also, it is mandatory for hunters to check the open area maps, located at check stations, daily for sudden closures. Physically Challenged Wheelchair Confined Deer Hunting Area: Access restricted. Check WMA map for location and call Lake Charles Office for details and applications. Hunting blind reservations for wheelchair confined PCHP permittees only. Same deer seasons listed below. Magnet fishing is prohibited.
i. Deer
(a). Archery: third Sat. of Sept. to Jan. 15, either-sex. Special Archery regulations for Archery Only Area, check locally at Building 2396 on 22nd St., either-sex deer legal the entire season. Remainder of WMA restricted to bucks only when bucks only gun season is in progress.
(b). Primitive Firearms: second Sat. of Oct. for 7 days, self-clearing permit required.
(c). Firearms Either-sex: last Sat. of Oct. for 2 days self-clearing permit, and Fri. after Thanksgiving Day for 3 days, Fri. and Sat. mandatory deer check, Sun. self-clearing permit.
(d). Firearms Bucks Only: Mon. after last Sat. of Oct. to Thanksgiving Day, second Sat. of Dec. to Jan. 1.
ii. Turkey: same as outside.
(a). Youth Lottery: Sat. before opening day of statewide season.
iii. Small Game and Waterfowl: same as outside except closed during either-sex firearms hunts for deer and except closed to squirrel hunting during the spring season. "Hunter orange" or "blaze pink" must be worn when bucks only gun hunts for deer are in progress. Squirrel hunting with dogs allowed Mon. after Thanksgiving Day for 12 days and Jan. 2 to the last day of Feb.
iv. Feral Hogs: may be taken by properly licensed hunters from beginning of Archery Season to Jan. 1. Hunters may hunt feral hogs with shotguns loaded with buckshot or slugs from Jan. 2 to the end of Feb. Hunters must also display 400 square inches of "hunter orange" or "blaze pink" and wear a "hunter orange" or "blaze pink" cap during special shotgun season for hogs.
v. Fishing: special regulations pertaining to fishing are posted at specific lakes.
v. Grassy Lake. Area Closed: To all except Youth Deer Hunters during Youth Deer Hunt.
i. Deer
(a). Archery: Oct. 1-15 bucks only, Oct. 16-Feb. 15 either-sex.
(b). Youth: last Sat. of Oct. for 2 days.
(c). Firearms Either-sex: Fri. after Thanksgiving Day for 3 days, Fri. and Sat. mandatory deer check, Sun. self-clearing Permit.
(d). Firearms Bucks Only: fourth Sat. of Dec. for 9 days.
(e). Primitive Firearms (either-sex): second Sat. of Dec. for 2 days.
ii. Turkey: closed.
iii. Small Game and Waterfowl: same as outside except closed during either-sex firearms hunts for deer and open to squirrel hunting during the spring season first Sat. of May for 9 days, with or without dogs. Beagles allowed for rabbits and dogs allowed for squirrel hunting day after primitive firearms season ends for 12 days and Monday after firearms buck only season ends to last day of Feb.
(a). Youth Squirrel Hunt: fourth Sat. of Sept. for 2 days.
iv. Sport Fishing: same as outside except allowed after 2 p.m. during waterfowl season, and except allowed after 10 a.m. during early Teal Season on Smith Bay, Red River Bay and Grassy Lake proper.
v. Commercial Fishing: permitted except on Smith Bay, Red River Bay and Grassy Lake proper on Saturday and Sunday and during waterfowl season. Permits available from area supervisor Spring Bayou Headquarters or Lafayette Field Office.
vi. Raccoon (Nighttime): second Sat. of Sept. for 16 days, day after primitive firearms season ends for 12 days, and day after bucks only firearm season ends to the last day of Feb.
vii. Crawfish: March 15-July 31. Recreational only. 100 pounds per person daily. No nets or traps may be left overnight.
w. Hutchinson Creek
i. Deer: same as outside, Archery Only, Either-sex.
ii. Turkey: same as outside.
iii. Small Game and Waterfowl: same as outside. Open to squirrel hunting during the spring season first Sat. of May for 9 days. Beagles allowed for rabbits and dogs allowed for squirrel hunting first Sat. of Jan to the last day of Feb.
iv. Raccoon: second Sat. of Sept. for 16 days and first Sat. of Jan to the last day of Feb.
x. J. C. Sonny Gilbert. Area Closed: last Sat. of Oct. for 2 days to all except Youth Deer Hunters.
i. Deer
(a). Archery: Oct. 1-Jan. 31, either-sex.
(b). Youth: last Sat. of Oct. for 2 days, either-sex.
(c). Firearms Either-sex: Fri. after Thanksgiving Day for 3 days, self-clearing permit.
(d). Firearms Bucks Only: first Sat. of Dec. for 14 days.
(e). Primitive Firearms: day after close of Firearms Bucks Only for 14 days.
ii. Turkey
(a). General Lottery: opening day of statewide season for 9 days, with 3 consecutive 3 day hunts.
(b). Youth Lottery: Sat. before opening day of statewide season for 2 days, except when that Sat. falls on Easter weekend, then season will open on Good Friday for 3 days.
iii. Small Game and Waterfowl: same as outside except closed during either-sex modern firearms seasons for deer and open to squirrel hunting during the spring season, first Sat. of May for 9 days, with or without dogs. Beagles allowed for rabbits and dogs allowed for squirrel hunting the day after the last deer firearms season (bucks only or primitive) to the last day of Feb.
iv. Raccoon (Nighttime): the day after the last deer firearms season (bucks only or primitive) to last day of Feb.
v. Sport Fishing: restricted to rod and reel, and pole fishing only. All other gear prohibited.
y. John Franks
i. Deer
(a). Archery Only: Oct. 1-Jan. 31, either-sex.
ii. Small Game and Waterfowl: same as outside. Beagles allowed for rabbits and dogs allowed for squirrel Sat. before Christmas to end of Feb. Open to squirrel hunting during the spring season, first Sat. of May for 9 days, with or without dogs.
z. Joyce. Swamp Walk: closed from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise. No loaded firearms or hunting allowed within 100 yards of walkways. Check hunting schedule and use walkway at your own risk.
i. Deer
(a). Archery: Oct. 1-15 bucks only, Oct. 16-Feb. 15 either-sex.
(b). Youth: first Sat. of Nov. for 2 days, either-sex.
(c). Firearms Either-sex: Fri. after Thanksgiving Day for 3 days, self-clearing permit.
(d). Firearms bucks only: third Sat. of Dec. for 16 days.
(e). Primitive Firearms (either-sex): second Sat. of Jan. for 2 days and Mon. after the next to last Sun. of Jan. for 7 days.
ii. Small Game and Waterfowl: same as outside and open to squirrel hunting during the spring season, first Sat. of May for 9 days, with or without dogs. Beagles allowed for rabbits and dogs allowed for squirrel hunting day after primitive firearms ends to the last day of Feb.
(a). Youth Squirrel Hunt: fourth Sat. of Sept. for 2 days.
iii. Raccoon (Nighttime): day after primitive firearms ends to last day of Feb.
iv. Crawfish: limited to 100 pounds per person per day.
aa. Lake Boeuf. Self-clearing permit required for all activities. Self-clearing permit available at Theriot Canal boat landing off LA 308. All nighttime activities prohibited except that hunters may enter the WMA no earlier than 4 a.m. and must check out and exit the WMA no later than two hours after sunset, or as otherwise specified. ATVs/UTVs, motorcycles, horses and mules are prohibited.
i. Deer
(a). Archery (bucks only): Oct. 1-15
(b). Archery (either-sex): Oct. 16 - Jan. 31
ii. Waterfowl: same as outside.
iii. Small Game: first day of Nov. to the last day of Feb. and open to squirrel hunting during the spring season from the first Sat. of May for 9 days, with or without dogs. Beagles prohibited November and December.
bb. Lake Ramsey. All vehicles restricted to Parish Roads and designated parking areas.
i. Deer
(a). Archery only, Oct. 1-Jan. 31, either-sex.
ii. Turkey: opening day of statewide season for 16 days, except season will open for 17 days when statewide season opens Good Friday.
iii. Small Game and Waterfowl: same as outside and open to squirrel hunting during the spring season, first Sat. of May for 9 days, with or without dogs. Beagles allowed for rabbits and dogs allowed for squirrel hunting Sat. after Jan. 1 to last day of Feb.
iv. Foot traffic only-all vehicles restricted to Parish Roads, except ATVs allowed for hunters retrieving downed deer or feral hogs.
v. Bird Dog Training Area: open all year except closed during WMA Turkey Season. Contact Hammond Office (985-543-4777) for information.
cc. Little River
i. Deer
(a). Archery: Oct. 1-Jan. 31, either-sex.
(b). Firearms Bucks Only: last Sat. of Oct. for 16 days.
(c). Firearms Either-sex: Fri. after Thanksgiving Day for 3 days, and second Sat. of Dec. for 2 days.
ii. Turkey: opening day of statewide season for 16 days, except season will open for 17 days when statewide season opens Good Friday.
iii. Raccoon
(a). Nighttime: Mon. after second Sat. of Jan. to last day of Feb.
(b). Nighttime Chase Only: May 1-Sept. 25, Tuesdays and Thursdays only. Raccoon hunters may use ATVs on designated trails during take seasons only.
iv. Small Game and Waterfowl: same as outside except spring squirrel season will be open the first Sat. of May for 9 days only, with or without dogs. Beagles allowed for rabbits and dogs allowed for squirrel hunting Sat. before Christmas to the last day of Feb.
(a). Youth Squirrel Hunt: fourth Sat. of Sept. for 2 days.
v. Crawfish: March-July. Limit: 100 pounds per person per day. Recreational crawfishing only. No traps or nets left overnight.
dd. Loggy Bayou. Limited Use Area: small game and waterfowl same as rest of WMA. Deer hunting archery only. See WMA map for specific location.
i. Deer
(a). Archery: Oct. 1-Jan. 31, either-sex.
(b). Firearms Either-sex: Fri. after Thanksgiving Day for 3 days, Fri. and Sat. mandatory deer check, Sun. self-clearing permit.
(c). Primitive Firearms: Mon. after Thanksgiving Day for 7 days.
ii. Small Game and Waterfowl: same as outside except closed during either-sex firearms seasons for deer and open to squirrel hunting during the spring season, first Sat. of May for 9 days, with or without dogs. Beagles allowed for rabbits and dogs allowed for squirrel hunting Sat. before Christmas to the last day of Feb.
iii. Raccoon (Nighttime): Sat. before Christmas to the last day of Feb.
ee. Manchac
i. Deer
(a). Archery: Oct. 1-15 bucks only; Oct. 16-Feb. 15 either-sex.
ii. Small Game and Waterfowl: same as outside except steel shot required for rails, snipe and gallinules and open to squirrel hunting during the spring season, first Sat. of May for 9 days, with or without dogs. Beagles allowed for rabbits and dogs allowed for squirrel hunting Feb. 1 to the last day of Feb.
iii. Raccoon (Nighttime): Feb. 1 to the last day of Feb.
iv. Crabs: no crab traps allowed. Attended lift nets are allowed.
ff. Marsh Bayou
i. Deer: same as outside, Archery Only, either-sex.
ii. Small Game: same as outside. Open to squirrel hunting during the spring season first Sat. of May for 9 days. Beagles allowed for rabbits and dogs allowed for squirrel hunting first Sat. of Jan. to the last day of Feb. On that portion designated as Small Game Emphasis Area, training of beagles for rabbit and dogs for squirrel allowed June 1-August 31.
iii. Raccoon: second Sat. of Sept. for 16 days and first Sat. of Jan. to the last day of Feb.
gg. Maurepas Swamp. Camping limited to tent camping in designated areas. See WMA map for locations. No loaded firearms or hunting allowed within 100 yards of Nature Trail. Benchmark Closure: Area Closed to all deer hunting when USGS water level gauge CRMS 5373, available at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/la/nwis/rt is at or above 3.0 ft. gage height and reopens to deer hunting when water levels recede to 2.5 ft. gage height following a closure. Motorized vehicles prohibited on Crusel Tract (see WMA map for Crusel Tract). Limited Use Area: small game same as outside except shotgun only. Deer hunting archery only. See WMA map for specific location. Area Closed to all hunters except Youth Deer Hunters during Youth Deer Season.
i. Deer
(a). Archery: Oct. 1-15 bucks only; Oct. 16-Feb. 15 either-sex.
(b). Youth: first Sat. of Nov. for 2 days, either-sex.
(c). Firearms Either-sex: Fri. after Thanksgiving Day for 3 days, Fri. and Sat. mandatory deer check, and Sun. self-clearing permit
(d). Firearms Bucks Only: third Sat. of Dec. for 16 days.
(e). Primitive Firearms (either-sex): second Sat. of Jan. for 2 days and Mon. after the next to last Sun. of Jan. for 7 days.
ii. Small Game and Waterfowl: same as outside except closed Friday after Thanksgiving Day for 3 days during either-sex firearms hunts and closed during youth deer season and except spring squirrel season will be open the first Sat. of May for 9 days, with or without dogs. Beagles allowed for rabbits and dogs allowed for squirrel hunting day after primitive firearms ends to the last day of Feb.
(a). Youth Squirrel Hunt: fourth Sat. of Sept. for 2 days.
iii. Raccoon (Nighttime): day after primitive firearms ends to last day of Feb.
iv. Crawfish: limited to 100 pounds per person per day.
hh. Pass-A-Loutre. Self-clearing permit required for all activities. Permits available at Pass-a-Loutre Headquarters, Camp Canal and all designated camping areas. Oyster harvesting is prohibited. Camping allowed ONLY in designated areas. See self-clearing permit station at headquarters and WMA map for designated camping areas. Vessels/Vehicles: All ATVs/UTVs, motorcycles, horses and mules are prohibited. Mud boats or air-cooled propulsion vessels powered by more than 36 total horsepower prohibited. Operation of mud boats and air-cooled propulsion engines prohibited after 2 p.m. Sept. 1-Jan. 31, except allowed after 2 p.m. in South Pass, Pass-a-Loutre, Southeast Pass, Loomis Pass, Dennis Pass, and Cadro Pass.
i. Deer
(a). Archery (bucks only): Oct. 1 - Feb.15.
(b). Youth Shotgun bucks only: second to last Sat. in Oct. for 2 days.
(c). Deer Shotgun: bucks only may be taken with shotguns with either slugs or buckshot for seven days starting the day after the closure of the first split of duck season.
ii. Small Game and Waterfowl: same as outside. Beagles prohibited October through last day of waterfowl season.
iii. Feral Hogs: may be taken by properly licensed hunters from Oct. 1 to the last day of February. In addition, hunters may hunt feral hogs with archery equipment, shotguns loaded with buckshot or slugs, or rimfire rifles no larger than .22 caliber from Feb. 16-March 31. Hogs may be taken with the aid of dogs Feb. 16-March 15. Hunters must also display 400 square inches of "hunter orange" or "blaze pink" and wear a "hunter orange" or "blaze pink" cap during special shotgun season for feral hogs.
iv. Commercial Fishing: same as outside. Commercial mullet fishing open only in: South Pass, Pass-a-Loutre, North Pass, Southeast Pass, Northeast Pass, Dennis Pass, Johnson Pass, Loomis Pass, Cadro Pass, Wright Pass, Viveats Pass, Cognevich Pass, Blind Bay, Redfish Bay, Garden Island Bay, Northshore Bay, East Bay (west of barrier islands) and oil and gas canals as described on the LDWF Pass-a-Loutre WMA map.
ii. Pearl River. Shooting range: Self-clearing permit not required but all range users must obtain a daily check in validation slip at the range upon sign-in at the range. For dates, time or more information call 985-643-3938 or www.honeyisland.org. No loaded firearms or hunting within 100 yards of Boardwalk. Old Hwy. 11 will be closed when river gauge at Pearl River, Louisiana, reaches 16.5 feet. All hunting except waterfowl hunting south of Hwy. 90 will be closed when the river stage at Pearl River reaches 16.5 feet. No hunting in the vicinity of the Nature Trail. Observe "No Hunting" signs. Area Closed to all hunters except Youth Hunters during Youth deer hunt.
i. Deer
(a). Archery: Oct. 1-Jan. 31, either-sex.
(b). Youth Deer Hunt: first Sat. of Nov. for 2 days, either-sex.
(c). Firearms Either-Sex: Fri. after Thanksgiving Day for 3 days.
(d). Firearms Bucks Only: first Sat. of Dec. for 16 days.
(e). Primitive Firearms: two Sats. prior to Thanksgiving for 7 days and day after firearms bucks only season closes for 14 days.
ii. Turkey
(a). General Lottery: opening day of statewide season for 2 days.
(b). Youth: Sat. and Sun. before opening day of statewide season.
iii. Small Game: same as outside except closed the Friday after Thanksgiving Day for 3 days during either-sex firearms hunts for deer, and closed during youth deer hunt, and open to squirrel hunting during the spring season, first Sat. of May for 9 days, with or without dogs. Beagles allowed for rabbits and dogs allowed for squirrel hunting day after primitive firearms season ends to last day of Feb.
(a). Youth Squirrel Hunt: fourth Sat. of Sept. for 2 days.
iv. Waterfowl: same as outside except no hunting in Waterfowl Refuge Area and except closed Fri. after Thanksgiving for 3 days, and during youth deer hunt north of U.S. Hwy. 90.
v. Raccoon (Nighttime): second Sat. of Sept. for 16 days and day after primitive firearms season ends to last day of Feb.
vi. Crawfish: commercial crawfishing prohibited. Limited to 100 pounds per person per day.
jj. Pointe-Aux-Chenes. All nighttime activities prohibited except that hunters may enter the WMA no earlier than 4 a.m. and must check out and exit the WMA no later than two hours after sunset, or as otherwise specified. Possession of more than one daily limit of fish/crab/shrimp while on the WMA is prohibited. Self-clearing permits available at Island Road Boat Launch, Grand Bayou Boat Launch and at Point Farm gate behind Montegut Middle School. Parking of vehicles on levees prohibited. Vessels/Vehicles: All boats powered by internal combustion engines having total horsepower above 25 Hp are not allowed in the Grand Bayou, Montegut and Pointe-aux-Chenes water management units. Public is permitted to travel anytime through the WMA for access purposes only, in the waterways known as Grand Bayou, Humble Canal, Little Bayou Blue, Grand Bayou Blue, St. Louis Canal, and Bayou Pointe-aux-Chenes unless authorized by LDWF. All ATVs/UTVs, motorcycles, horses and mules are prohibited. Fishing, crabbing, cast netting or any other activities or trespassing on water control structures are prohibited.
i. Feral Hogs: may be taken by properly licensed hunters from Oct. 1 to the last day of February. In addition, hunters may hunt feral hogs with archery equipment, shotguns loaded with buckshot or slugs, or rimfire rifles no larger than .22 caliber from Feb. 16-March 31. Hunters must also display 400 square inches of "hunter orange" or "blaze pink" and wear a "hunter orange" or "blaze pink" cap during special shotgun season for feral hogs. All Point-aux-Chenes Property except Point Farm Unit and Restricted Areas
ii. Deer
(a). Archery (bucks only): Oct. 1-15.
(b). Archery (either-sex): Oct. 16-Feb. 15.
(c). Firearms (bucks only): Fri. after

Thanksgiving Day for 3 days and second Sat. of Dec. for 7 days.

iii. Waterfowl: same as outside.
iv. Small Game: same as outside except closed during bucks only firearms season and open to squirrel hunting during the spring season from the first Sat. of May for 9 days, with or without dogs. Beagles prohibited October through December.
v. Recreational Fishing: the harvest of all fish, shrimp, crabs and crawfish is for recreational purposes only and any commercial use is prohibited. All cast net contents shall be contained and bycatch returned to the water immediately.
vi. Shrimp may be taken by the use of cast nets only. During the inside open shrimp season, 25 lbs. per boat or vehicle per day (heads on) maximum shall be permitted. Size count to conform with open season requirements. During the inside closed season, 10 lbs. per boat or vehicle per day (heads on) may be taken for bait.
vii. Oyster Harvesting Prohibited.
viii. Fish may be taken only by rod and reel or hand lines for recreational purposes only.
ix. Crabs may be taken only through the use of hand lines or nets; however, none are to remain set overnight. No drop net is allowed to be left unattended at any time. A maximum of 12 drop nets may be possessed/attended per boat or vehicle. Twelve dozen crabs maximum are allowed per boat or vehicle per day.
x. Crawfish: may be harvested in unrestricted portions of the WMA and shall be limited to 100 lbs. per person per day. Gear used to catch crawfish shall not remain set overnight.
xi. Point Farm Unit (Pointe-aux-Chenes). An approximately 1300-acre area inside the Pointe-aux-Chenes WMA which is generally bounded on the west by the double gates behind the Montegut Middle School, the Point Farm levee and the WMA boundary, and on the north by the WMA boundary, and is bounded on the east and south by the Point Farm ridge levee. The boundary of Point Farm is more accurately marked with signs. Point Farm gate will be open all Saturdays during the month of February, weather permitting. Parking in designated areas required for mourning dove hunting. No motorized vessels allowed in the drainage ditches. Except for mourning dove hunting, (provided for below) all other hunting closed until after the last day of youth deer hunts. Area closed to all except Youth Deer Hunters when the Youth Deer Season is open. Limited Use Area: archery only, firearms prohibited. See WMA map for specific location.
(a). Deer
(i). Youth Lottery (either-sex): first Sat. of Oct. for 2 days, second Sat. of Oct. for 2 days, daily youth hunt permit required. Call the Lafayette Field Office, Coastal WMAs, 337-735-8667 for details.
(ii). Archery (either-sex): Oct. 16-Jan. 14.
(b). Waterfowl: closed.
(c). Small Game: same as outside, except closed until the day after the last youth deer hunt day and open to squirrel hunting during the spring season from the first Sat. of May for 9 days, with or without dogs. Beagles prohibited October and November. Non-toxic shot only south of the dove field gate.
(d). Mourning Dove: hunting will be permitted each day during the September split and each day of the second and third splits (AFTER the last youth deer hunt day). Gates will be opened on Saturdays during the first and second segments, weather permitting, except during waterfowl season and Youth Deer Hunt weekends. Parking will be allowed in designated areas only. Non-toxic shot only south of the dove field gate.
kk. Pomme de Terre. Area Closed: to all except Youth Deer Hunters during Youth Deer Hunt.
i. Deer
(a). Archery: Oct. 1-15 bucks only, Oct. 16-Feb. 15 either-sex.
(b). Youth: last Sat. of Oct. for 2 days, either-sex.
(c). Firearms Either-sex: Fri. after Thanksgiving Day for 3 days, Fri. and Sat. mandatory deer check, Sun. self-clearing permit.
(d). Firearms Bucks Only: fourth Sat. of Dec. for 9 days.
(e). Primitive Firearms: second Sat. of Dec. for 2 days.
ii. Turkey: fourth Sat. of April for 9 days.
(a). Youth: third Sat. of April for 2 days.
iii. Small Game and Waterfowl: same as outside except closed during either-sex firearms hunt for deer and open to squirrel hunting during the spring season, first Sat. of May for 9 days, with or without dogs. Beagles allowed for rabbits and dogs allowed for squirrel hunting day after primitive firearms season ends for 12 days and Monday after firearms bucks only season ends to last day of Feb. On that portion designated as Small Game Emphasis Area, beagles are allowed for rabbit and dogs are allowed for squirrel first Sat. of Oct.-day before last Sat. of Oct., Mon. after Thanksgiving for 12 days, and Mon. after primitive firearms season for 12 days and training of beagles for rabbit and dogs for squirrel allowed June 1-August 31.
(a). Youth Squirrel Hunt: fourth Sat. of Sept. for 2 days.
iv. Raccoon (Nighttime): second Sat. of Sept. for 16 days and day after firearms bucks only season ends to last day of Feb.
v. Commercial Fishing: permitted Monday through Friday except closed during duck season. Commercial Fishing Permits available from area supervisor, Lafayette Wildlife Field Office or Spring Bayou Headquarters.
vi. Sport Fishing: same as outside except allowed after 2 p.m. during waterfowl season, and except allowed after 10 a.m. during early Teal Season.
vii. Crawfish: March 15-July 31. Recreational only. 100 lbs. per person daily. No nets or traps may be left overnight.
ll. Richard K. Yancey. Area closed on that portion of the area south of Black Hawk Acme Levee Road, west of LA Hwy. 15, southward to Old River Control Structure, thence south to Sugar Mill Chute, last Sat. of Oct. for 2 days to all except Youth and Physically Challenged Deer Hunters. The remainder of the WMA is open to all users.
i. Deer
(a). Archery: Oct. 1-Jan. 31, either-sex.
(b). Youth Lottery: third and fourth Sat. of Dec. except if the fourth Sat. is Christmas Day, then the hunt will be the second and third Sat. of Dec. and the first and second Sat. in Jan. except when the first Sat. of Jan. is New Year's Day then the hunt will be the second and third Sat. of Jan., either-sex.
(c). Youth and Physically Challenged: last Sat. of Oct. for 2 days, either-sex.
(d). Firearms Either-sex: Fri. after Thanksgiving Day for 3 days, Fri. and Sat. mandatory deer check, Sun. self-clearing permit.
(e). Firearms Bucks Only: last Sat. of Dec. for 9 days.
(f). Primitive Firearms (Either-Sex): second Saturday in December for 2 days.
ii. Turkey: closed.
iii. Small Game and Waterfowl: same as outside except closed during the either-sex firearms season and open to squirrel hunting during the spring season, first Sat. of May for 9 days, with or without dogs. Beagles allowed for rabbits and dogs allowed for squirrel hunting day after primitive firearms season ends for 12 days and Monday after firearms bucks only season ends to last day of Feb. On that portion designated as Small Game Emphasis Area, beagles are allowed for rabbit and dogs are allowed for squirrel first Sat. of Oct.-Oct. 31, and Mon. after Thanksgiving for 12 days, and training of beagles for rabbit and dogs for squirrel allowed June 1-August 31.
iv. Quail: closed.
v. Raccoon (Nighttime): second Sat. of Sept. for 16 days and day after firearms bucks only season ends to last day of Feb.
vi. Crawfish: recreational crawfishing allowed west of the Mississippi River Levee only Mar. 15 to July 31, recreational crawfishing only. Crawfish harvested limited to 100 pounds per person per day. No traps left overnight. No motorized watercraft allowed.
vii. Sport Fishing and Commercial Fishing: same as outside except closed from 30 minutes before sunrise until 2 p.m. on: Grand Bay, Silver Lake, Lower Sunk Lake, Lac A' Sostien, and Moreau Lake during open waterfowl seasons, except during early Teal Season, recreational fishing allowed after 10 a.m.
mm. Russell Sage. Area Closed: last Sat. of Oct. for 2 days South of I-20 only to all except Youth and Physically Challenged Deer Hunters. North of I-20 open to all other allowable activities. Wham Brake: closed to all motorized vessels 14 days prior to opening day of duck and teal seasons, excluding youth and Veteran days. Also closed to all motorized vessels during waterfowl season splits, and September 1-Jan. 31, all motorized vessels prohibited 2 p.m. to 4 a.m., and all nighttime activities prohibited during open waterfowl season. Waterfowl Refuge: North of LA Highway 15 closed to all hunting, fishing, trapping and ATV use during duck season including early teal season, except hunting allowed during Falconry Waterfowl Season. Transporting trash or garbage on WMA roads is prohibited. All nighttime activities prohibited except as otherwise provided. Chauvin Tract: All season dates on Chauvin Tract (US 165 North) same as outside, except still hunt only, except deer hunting restricted to archery only, and except small game shotgun only. All vehicles including ATVs prohibited. Wham Brake Area: Waterfowl hunting open during either-sex deer season.
i. Deer
(a). Archery: Oct. 1-Jan. 31, either-sex.
(b). Youth and Physically Challenged: last Sat. of Oct. for 2 days, either-sex, south of I-20 only.
(c). Firearms Either-sex: Fri. after Thanksgiving Day for 3 days, Fri. and Sat. mandatory deer check, Sun. self-clearing permit.
(d). Firearms Bucks Only: second Sat. of Dec. for 14 days.
(e) Primitive Firearms: second Sat. of Nov. for 7 days.
ii. Small Game and Waterfowl: same as outside except closed during either-sex firearms deer seasons, except Wham Brake area, South Bosco Tract and Pintail Alley area will remain open during either-sex firearms deer seasons, and except spring squirrel season will be open the first Sat. of May for 9 days only, with or without dogs. Beagles allowed for rabbits and dogs allowed for squirrel hunting the day after the last deer firearms season (bucks only or primitive) to last day of Feb. On that portion designated as Small Game Emphasis Area, beagles are allowed for rabbit and dogs are allowed for squirrel Mon. after third Sat. of Oct.-Sun. prior to Thanksgiving, and training of beagles for rabbit and dogs for squirrel allowed June 1-August 31. Snipe hunting after 2 p.m. prohibited during duck season.
(a). Youth Squirrel Hunt: fourth Sat. of Sept. for 2 days.
iii. Raccoon (Nighttime): first Sat. of Sept. for 16 days and the day after the last deer firearms season (bucks only or primitive) to last day of Feb.
iv. Crawfish: 100 pounds per person per day limit.
nn. Sabine. Area Closed: to all activities third Sat. of Oct. for 2 days to all but Youth Deer Hunters.
i. Deer
(a). Archery: Oct. 1-Jan. 31, either-sex.
(b). Youth and Physically Challenged: third Sat. of Oct. for 2 days, either-sex.
(c). Firearms Either-Sex: fourth Sat. of Oct. for 2 days, Fri. after Thanksgiving Day for 3 days, self-clearing permit.
(d). Firearms Bucks Only: day after primitive firearm season to day before Thanksgiving Day. First Sat. of December for 9 days.
(e). Primitive Firearms: Mon. after the fourth Sat. in Oct. for 7 days.
ii. Turkey
(a). General Lottery: second Fri. of April for 3 days, fourth Fri. of April for 3 days.
iii. Small Game and Waterfowl: same as outside except closed during either-sex firearms hunts for deer and open to squirrel hunting during the spring season, first Sat. of May for 9 days, with or without dogs. Beagles allowed for rabbits and dogs allowed for squirrel hunting Sat. before Christmas to last day of Feb.
iv. Raccoon (Nighttime): Sat. before Christmas to last day of Feb.
oo. Sabine Island. Sabine Island boundaries are Sabine River on the west, Cut-Off Bayou on the north, and Old River and Big Bayou on the south and east. Self-clearing permits required for hunters only. Area Closed: fourth Sat. of Sept. for 2 days to all except Youth Deer Hunters.
i. Deer
(a). Same as Area 8 Deer Season except still hunt only.
(b). Archery: third Sat. of Sept. to Jan. 15, either-sex.
(c). Youth: fourth Sat. of Sept. for 2 days, either-sex.
ii. Small Game and Waterfowl: same as outside except closed fourth Sat. of Sept. for 2 days and open to squirrel hunting during the spring season, first Sat. of May for 9 days, with or without dogs. Squirrel hunting with dogs allowed day after Area 8 deer season ends to last day of Feb.
iii. Raccoon (Nighttime): day after Area 8 deer season ends to last day of Feb.
iv. Feral Hogs: may be taken by properly licensed hunters from third Sat. of Sept. to last day of Feb. Hogs may be taken with the aid of dogs Feb. 1 to last day of Feb.
pp. Salvador/Timken. Self-clearing permit required for all activities. Permits available at Pier 90, Bayou Gauche, Bayou Segnette State Park landings, and at Airboat Adventures in Lafitte. Vessels/Vehicles: All ATVs/UTVs, motorcycles, horses and mules prohibited. Use of mud boats powered by internal combustion engines with more than four cylinders is prohibited. Pulling boats over levees, dams or water control structures or any other activities which cause detriment to the integrity of levees, dams and water control structures is prohibited. AREA Closed: During the month of October to all activities except fishing, Youth Deer Hunters and Youth Waterfowl Hunters, if the latter is provided for.
i. Deer
(a). Archery (either-sex): Nov. 1-Jan. 31.
(b). Youth (either-sex): Last 4 Sats. of Oct. for 2 days each except when the last Sat. is the 31st in which case the season will be the first four Sats. of Oct. for 2 days each, either-sex.
(c). Firearms (either-sex): Fri. before Thanksgiving for 3 days.
(d). Firearms (bucks only): Mon. before Thanksgiving Day for 28 days.
(e). Deer Primitive Firearms (either-sex): day after Firearms Bucks Only for 7 days.
ii. Waterfowl: same as outside.
iii. Small Game: same as outside except closed October through December. Beagles allowed for rabbits Jan. through last day of Feb.
iv. Feral Hogs: may be taken by properly licensed hunters from Oct. 1 to the last day of February. In addition, hunters may hunt feral hogs with archery equipment, shotguns loaded with buckshot or slugs, or rimfire rifles no larger than .22 caliber from Feb. 16-March 31. Hunters must also display 400 square inches of "hunter orange" or "blaze pink" and wear a "hunter orange" or "blaze pink" cap during special shotgun season for feral hogs.
v. Recreational Fishing: the harvest of all fish, shrimp, crabs and crawfish are for recreational purposes only and any commercial use is prohibited.
vi. Shrimp: may be taken by the use of cast nets only. During the inside open shrimp season, 25 lbs. per boat per day (heads on) maximum shall be permitted. Size count to conform with open season requirements. During the inside closed season, 10 lbs. per boat per day (heads on) maximum may be taken for bait. All cast net contents shall be contained and bycatch returned to the water immediately.
vii. Fish: may be taken only by rod and reel or hand lines for recreational purposes.
viii. Crabs: may be taken only through the use of hand lines or nets; however, none are to remain set overnight. Twelve dozen crabs maximum are allowed per boat or vehicle per day.
ix. Crawfish: may be harvested in unrestricted portions of the WMA and shall be limited to 100 lbs. per person per day. Fishing gear used to catch crawfish shall not remain set overnight.
x. Experimental Nighttime Activity Season
(a). 12 a.m., June 1 through official sunrise Aug. 15. Nighttime activities LIMITED to the take of frogs and fishing with a rod and reel. All other nighttime activities prohibited. Daily limit of 50 frogs per vessel in aggregate (bull frogs/pig frogs). If engaged in frogging on or while traversing the WMA, all frogs in possession will be deemed to have been taken from the WMA. At no time may anyone possess more than one daily limit of frogs while on the water.
(b). Size Limit: (Measured from the tip of the muzzle to the posterior end of the body between the hind legs). Bull frogs harvested must be 5 inches or larger. Pig frogs harvested must be 3 inches or larger.
(c). Check out portion of self-clearing permit must include boat registration number under the comments section. Possession of firearms while participation in any experimental nighttime activity is prohibited.
qq. Sandy Hollow. No hunting with any firearm south of Jackson Road, except school board tract, on days of scheduled field trials. Dates of field trials are listed on the check stations or can be obtained from the Hammond office (985-543-4777). Area Closed: North tract closed to all hunters first Sat. of Nov. for 2 days, except Youth and Physically Challenged Deer Hunters. Physically Challenged Wheelchair Confined Deer Hunting Blind: Access restricted. Check WMA map for location and call Hammond Office for details and applications. Hunting by reservation for wheelchair confined PCHP permittees only. Same deer seasons listed below.
i. Deer
(a). Youth/Physically Challenged: first Sat. of Nov. for 2 days, either-sex.
(b). Archery: Oct. 1-Jan. 31, either-sex.
(c). Firearms Either-sex: Fri. after Thanksgiving Day for 3 days, and third Sat. of Dec. for 2 days.
(d). Primitive Firearms: second Sat. of Dec. for 7 days, fourth Sat. of Dec. for 7 days, and the first Sat. of Jan. for 2 days.
ii. Turkey: opening day of statewide season for 16 days, except season will open for 17 days when statewide season opens Good Friday.
(a). Youth Lottery: Sat. and Sun. before opening day of statewide season.
iii. Small Game and Waterfowl: same as outside except closed Fri. after Thanksgiving for 3 days and Youth/Physically Challenged hunt, and open to squirrel hunting during the spring season, first Sat. of May for 9 days, with or without dogs. Beagles allowed for rabbits and dogs allowed for squirrel hunting day after primitive firearms season ends to last day of Feb.
(a). Youth Squirrel Hunt: fourth Sat. of Sept. for 2 days. On that portion designated as Small Game Emphasis Area, training of beagles for rabbit and dogs for squirrel allowed June 1-August 31.
iv. Raccoon (Nighttime): day after primitive firearms season ends to last day of Feb.
v. Mourning Dove: first day and second Sat. through end of first split. Closed remainder of first split. Second and third splits are same as outside except Youth Hunt on Northern tract during the opening day of the first segment. Hunt restricted to youths younger than 18 years of age and supervising adult who must be 18 years of age or older. The supervising adult must maintain visual and voice contact with the youth at all times.
vi. Bird Dog Training: Mon. after opening day of Mourning Dove Season to the Sun. before opening of Quail Season and Feb. 1 to last day of Feb., except restricted to that portion north of Verberne Road, and east of Atherton Road (see WMA map), and except blank pistols only. Wild birds only (use of pen-raised birds prohibited).
vii. Bird Dog Training Area: an area has been designated to allow use of released birds for dog training purposes. Open all year except closed during either-sex modern firearm hunts for deer, WMA turkey season and opening weekend of the first segment of dove season. Contact Hammond Office (985-543-4777) for information.
viii. Bird Dog Field Trials: permit required from Hammond Office.
ix. Horseback Riding: Self-clearing permit required. Organized trail rides prohibited. Riding allowed only on designated roads and trails (see WMA map). Horses and mules are specifically prohibited during turkey and gun season for deer except as allowed for bird dog field trials. No horses and mules on green planted areas. Horse-drawn conveyances prohibited.
rr. Sherburne. Area Closed: Last Sat. of Oct. for 2 days to all hunters except to Youth and Physically Challenged Deer Hunters and South Farm closed to all hunters except youth lottery deer hunters. Physically Challenged Wheelchair Confined Deer Hunting Restricted Area: Access restricted. Check WMA map for location and call Lafayette or Baton Rouge Offices for details and applications. Hunting by reservation for wheelchair confined PCHP permittees only. Same deer seasons as listed below. Physically Challenged Wheelchair Confined Waterfowl Hunting Restricted Area: Access restricted. Call Lafayette or Baton Rouge Offices for further details. Hunting by reservation for wheelchair confined PCHP permittees only. The area known as the South Farm is located on the East Side of Sherburne WMA as depicted on the WMA map. No hunting will be allowed on South Farm except specified lottery hunts, and except open migratory game bird hunting will be allowed during early teal season, statewide youth and veteran waterfowl seasons, and any open goose seasons that occur after the close of duck season.
i. Deer
(a). Archery: Oct. 1-15 bucks only, Oct. 16-Feb. 15 either-sex.
(b). Youth and Physically Challenged: last Sat. of Oct. for 2 days, either-sex, all other seasons closed, self-clearing permit.
(c). Youth Lottery: last Sat. and Sun. of Oct., fourth Mon. of Dec., and first and second Sun. of Jan. except no hunt on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve, either-sex. Contact Lafayette office, 337-262-2080 for details and applications.
(d). Firearms Either-sex: Fri. after Thanksgiving Day for 2 days, mandatory deer check and Sun. after Thanksgiving, self-clearing permit, and second Sat. after Thanksgiving for 2 days, self-clearing permit.
(e). Firearms Bucks Only: fourth Sat. of Dec. for 9 days.
(f). Primitive Firearms: Fri. after close of Firearms Bucks only for 3 days.
ii. Turkey: closed.
iii. Small Game: same as outside except closed during Firearms Either-Sex Deer and except spring squirrel season will be open the first Sat. of May for 9 days only, with or without dogs. Beagles allowed for rabbits and dogs allowed for squirrel hunting day after primitive firearms season ends to last day of Feb.
(a). Youth Squirrel Hunt: fourth Sat. of Sept. for 2 days.
(b). On that portion designated as Small Game Emphasis Area, beagles are allowed for rabbit and dogs are allowed for squirrel first Sat. of Oct.-Oct. 31, and Mon. after close of second firearms either-sex deer season for 9 days, except closed last Sat. of Oct. for 2 days, and training of beagles for rabbit and dogs for squirrel allowed June 1-August 31.
iv. Waterfowl, Snipe, Rail, and Gallinules: same as outside except closed during Firearms Either-Sex Deer and except hunting after 2 p.m. prohibited except no hunting in Restricted Area.
(a). Youth Waterfowl Lottery: hunting by pre-application lottery only.
(b). General Waterfowl Lottery: hunting by pre-application lottery only.
v. Quail: closed.
vi. Raccoon (Nighttime): second Sat. of Sept. for 16 days and day after primitive firearms season ends to last day of Feb.
vii. Crawfish: March 15-July 31, Recreational crawfishing only. Crawfish harvest limited to 100 pounds per person per day. No traps or nets left overnight. No motorized watercraft allowed on farm complexes. Retriever training allowed on selected portions of the WMA. Contact the Wildlife Field office for specific details.
viii. Vehicular traffic prohibited on East Atchafalaya River levee within Sherburne WMA boundaries.
ix. Rifle and Pistol/Handgun Range open Tuesday-Sunday. Skeet ranges: manual thrower range open Tuesday through Sunday. High and low house open by appointment only, contact Lafayette office, 337-262-2080. No trespassing in restricted areas.
x. Bird Dog Training Area: Open to bird dog training all year except closed during either-sex modern firearm hunts for deer, WMA turkey season, and opening weekend of first and second segments of dove season.

Note: Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers land holdings within/adjacent to the Sherburne Wildlife Management Area will have the same rules and regulations as Sherburne WMA. No hunting or trapping in restricted area.

ss. Soda Lake
i. Deer
(a). Archery Only, Oct. 1-Jan. 31, either-sex.
ii. Small Game and Waterfowl: portion west of Twelve Mile Bayou same as outside, falconry only and open to squirrel hunting during the spring season, first Sat. of May for 9 days, Falconry only. Portion east of Twelve Mile Bayou open same as outside. Beagles allowed for rabbits and dogs allowed for squirrel Sat. before Christmas to end of Feb. Open to squirrel hunting during the spring season, first Sat. of May for 9 days, with or without dogs.
tt. Spring Bayou. Area Closed: last Sat. of Oct. for 2 days to all except Youth Deer Hunters. No hunting allowed in Headquarters area. Only overnight campers allowed in the improved Boggy Bayou Camping area. Rules and Regulations posted at campsite. Water skiing permitted only in Old River and Grand Lac.
i. Deer
(a). Archery: Oct. 1-15 bucks only, Oct. 16-Feb. 15 either-sex.
(b). Youth: last Sat. of Oct. for 2 days, either-sex.
(c). Firearms Either-sex: Fri. after Thanksgiving Day for 3 days, self-clearing permit.
(d). Firearms Bucks Only: fourth Sat. of Dec. for 16 days.
(e). Primitive Firearms: Mon. after close of Firearms Bucks only for 7 days.
ii. Turkey
(a). Youth: third Sat. of April for 2 days.
iii. Small Game and Waterfowl: same as outside except small game closed during either-sex firearms hunts for deer. Waterfowl to remain open during either-sex firearms hunts for deer. Open to squirrel hunting during the spring season, first Sat. of May for 9 days, with or without dogs. Beagles allowed for rabbits and dogs allowed for squirrel hunting day after primitive firearms season ends to last day of Feb.
(a). Youth Squirrel Hunt: fourth Sat. of Sept. for 2 days.
iv. Raccoon (Nighttime): second Sat. of Sept. for 16 days and day after primitive firearms season ends to last day of Feb.
v. Commercial Fishing: gill nets and trammel nets 3.5 inches and greater permitted from close of waterfowl seasons to last day of Feb., via permit only, issued from the Lafayette Field Office.
vi. Sport Fishing: same as outside except only allowed after 2 p.m. during waterfowl season, except during early Teal Season, recreational fishing allowed after 10 a.m.
vii. Crawfish: March 15-July 31. Recreational only, 100 lbs. per person per day.
uu. Tangipahoa Parish School Board. Self-clearing permits required for all activities. No horseback riding during gun season for deer or turkey. ATVs are not allowed except as otherwise specified.
i. Deer: same as outside.
ii. Turkey: same as outside.
iii. Small Game and Waterfowl: same as outside and open to squirrel hunting during the spring season, first Sat. of May for 9 days, with or without dogs. Beagles allowed for rabbits and dogs allowed for squirrel hunting day after primitive firearms season ends to the last day of Feb.
iv. Raccoon (Nighttime): day after primitive firearms season ends to last day of Feb.
vv. Thistlethwaite. Restricted Area: small game hunting allowed with shotgun only loaded with shot no larger than BB lead or F steel. Deer hunting allowed by archery only. Area Closed: Last Sat. of Oct. for 2 days, except to Youth Deer Hunters. All motorized vehicles restricted to improved roads only. All users must enter and leave through Main Gate only.
i. Deer
(a). Archery: Oct. 1-15 bucks only, Oct. 16-Feb. 15 either-sex.
(b). Youth Deer Hunt: last. Sat. of Oct. for 2 days, either-sex.
(c). Firearms Either-Sex: Fri. after Thanksgiving Day for 3 days, first Saturday of Dec. for 9 days, and fourth Saturday of Dec. for 2 days.
(d). Firearms Bucks Only: Mon. after the last Either-Sex Firearm hunt in Dec. for 14 days.
(e). Primitive Firearms: second Sat. in Nov. for 2 days and Mon. after close of Firearms Bucks Only for 7 days.
ii. Small Game and Waterfowl: same as outside except closed during either-sex firearms hunts for deer and open to squirrel hunting during the spring season, first Sat. of May for 9 days. Beagles allowed for rabbits and dogs allowed for squirrel hunting February 1-28.
ww. Tunica Hills. Area Closed Fri. through Sun. before opening day of statewide turkey season except youth turkey hunters and remain closed through the first nine days of the statewide turkey season except for turkey hunters. Area Closed: first Sat. of Nov. for 2 days to all except Youth Deer Hunters. Camping limited to tents only in designated areas.
i. Deer
(a). Archery: Oct. 1-15, bucks only, Oct. 16-Jan. 31, either-sex, Feb. 1-15, bucks only.
(b). Youth Hunt: first Sat. of Nov. for 2 days, either-sex.
(c). Primitive Firearms: Fri. after Thanksgiving Day for 3 days, self-clearing permit, either-sex, second Sat. of Dec. for 9 days, except when there are 5 Sats. in Dec. then it will open on the third Sat. of Dec., the initial Sat. and Sun. either-sex, the remaining 7 days bucks only, self-clearing permit.
ii. Turkey: opening day of statewide season for 9 days.
(a). Youth Lottery: Sat. and Sun. before opening day of statewide season.
iii. Small Game and Waterfowl: same as outside except closed during Youth Deer Hunt and Primitive Firearms Deer Hunt and open to squirrel hunting during the spring season, first Sat. of May for 9 days, with or without dogs, South Tract only. Beagles allowed for rabbits and dogs allowed for squirrel hunting third Saturday of Oct. for 7 days and Feb. 1 to last day of Feb. on South Tract only. On that portion designated as Small Game Emphasis Area (South Tract Only), training of beagles for rabbit and dogs for squirrel allowed June 1-August 31.
iv. Raccoon (Nighttime): Feb. 1 to last day of Feb. on South Tract only.
xx. Walnut Hill
i. Deer: same as outside, Archery Only, Either-sex.
ii. Turkey: same as outside.
iii. Small Game: same as outside. Open to squirrel hunting during the spring season first Sat. of May for 9 days. Beagles allowed for rabbits and dogs allowed for squirrel hunting first Sat. of Jan. to the last day of Feb. On that portion designated as Small Game Emphasis Area, beagles are allowed for rabbit and dogs are allowed for squirrel first Sat. of Oct.-Feb. 28, and training of beagles for rabbit and dogs for squirrel allowed June 1-August 31.
iv. Raccoon: second Sat. of Sept. for 16 days and first Sat. of Jan. to the last day of Feb.
yy. West Bay. Area Closed: next to last Sat. of Oct. for 2 days to all except Youth and Physically Challenged Deer Hunters. Limited Use Area: small game same as outside except shotgun only and deer hunting-Archery only. See WMA map for specific location. PCHP Limited Use Area (PCHP Wheelchair Bound Hunting Area): Access restricted. Check WMA map for location and call Lake Charles or Baton Rouge offices for details and applications. Hunting by reservation for wheelchair confined PCHP permittees only. Same deer season listed below.
i. Deer
(a). Archery: third Sat. of Sept. to Jan. 15, either-sex.
(b). Youth and Physically Challenged: next to last Sat. of Oct. for 2 days, either-sex, for physically challenged and youth hunters only.
(c). Firearms Either-sex: last Sat. of Oct. for 2 days, mandatory deer check and Fri. after Thanksgiving Day for 3 days, self-clearing.
(d). Firearms Bucks Only: Mon. after close of Primitive Season to Thanksgiving Day, and second Sat. of Dec. to Jan. 1.
(e). Primitive Firearms: Mon. after first either-sex firearms weekend for 7 days.
ii. Turkey
(a). General Lottery: opening day of statewide season for 2 days, second Sat. of April for 2 days, third Sat. of April for 2 days.
(b). Youth Lottery: Sat. before opening day of statewide season for 2 days.
iii. Small Game and Waterfowl: same as outside except closed during either-sex firearms hunts and open to squirrel hunting during the spring season, first Sat. of May for 9 days, with or without dogs. Beagles allowed for rabbits and dogs allowed for squirrel hunting day after firearms bucks only season closes to last day of Feb.
(a). Youth Squirrel Hunt: fourth Sat. of Sept. for 2 days.
iv. Raccoon (Nighttime): day after firearms bucks only season closes to last day of Feb.
18. Other Areas
a. Camp Avondale Scout Reservation
i. Deer
(a). Firearms Either-sex: second Sat. in Nov. for 3 days. Restricted to scout program.
19. U.S. Forest Service Areas
a. Kisatchie National Forest (KNF)
i. Vehicles
(a). Motorized travel off designated roads and trails and outside designated areas is prohibited on the entire KNF. Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) showing designated roads and trails and associated vehicles and travel seasons are available in all Forest Service offices and on the Kisatchie website (www.fs.usda.gov/kisatchie).
(b). ATV/UTV (50" maximum width); operation is prohibited on public roads and road right of way. Use is allowed on Forest roads designated as open seasonally to ATV/UTV use. Use is prohibited in some campsites and recreation areas; see bulletin boards for additional information. (Also see MVUM)
(c). Nighttime ATV/UTV travel is prohibited. ATV/UTV travel is allowed between one hour before sunrise and one hour after sunset.
(d). Game retrieval with an ATV/UTV is only allowed along specifically designated 300-foot corridors (see MVUM).
(e). Camping corridors for highway legal vehicles to drive within 100 feet of the road and camp are designated on the Caney District and in the National Red Dirt Wildlife Management Preserve.
ii. Firearms
(a). Hunting or discharging a firearm is prohibited as follows:
(i). In or within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site or occupied area;
(ii). Across/on/from a National Forest System Road (NFSR) legally open to motorized use;
(iii). Across a body of water where any person/property is exposed to injury/damage as a result of such a discharge;
(iv). Hunting within 50 feet of any NFSR.
(b). It is prohibited to possess a firearm having live ammunition in the chamber, magazine, cylinder or clip (when attached to a firearm), or crossbow cocked and in the ready position in or on any type vehicle while on KNF.
(c). All deer must be tagged as required by LDWF regulations.
(d). Active and retired law enforcement officers in compliance with POST requirements, Federal Law Enforcement Officers, holders of Louisiana concealed handgun permits or permit holders from a reciprocal state, who are in compliance with all other state and federal firearms regulations, may possess firearms while on KNF lands, provided these firearms are not used for any hunting purposes.
(e). The following cannot be carried while hunting on KNF lands except during modern and primitive deer seasons.
(i). centerfire rifles;
(ii). break-action centerfire and bolt-action centerfire handguns;
(iii). scoped centerfire handguns;
(iv). shotgun slugs or shot larger than BB lead or F steel.
iii. Hunter Orange: LDWF WMA regulations for hunter orange and blaze pink apply.
iv. General: Hunting or discharging a firearm in or within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site or occupied area, across/on a NFSR legally open to motorized use, across a body of water where any person/property is exposed to injury/damage as a result of such discharge, is prohibited.
v. Hunting General
(a). Deer Bag Limit: 1 per day up to the statewide seasonal limit.
(b). All deer hunting is still-hunting only.
(c). All deer must be tagged as required by LDWF regulations.
(d). Hunting stand, blind, tripod, baiting, spotlighting, etc. regulations applicable to LDWF WMAs are in effect on KNF (unless otherwise specified, refer to "Methods of Taking Game" section of the LDWF WMA Regulations) excluding the "Bag Limit" section and "Horses and Mules" section.
(e). Hunting from a permanent stand prohibited. Placing or leaving a temporary stand limited to 24 hours.
(f). The training of deer dogs is prohibited year-round.
(g). LDWF Youth Deer Hunt regulations apply for all KNF lands except that archery and open season small game hunting is allowed (excluding those portions of the Vernon Unit within Fort Johnson-Vernon WMA).
(h). LDWF WMA regulations for using dogs on leash to recover downed deer are in effect on KNF (unless otherwise specified, refer to "Dogs" section of the LDWF WMA Regulations). No dogs allowed to hunt deer or hogs.
vi. Archery Deer Hunting
(a). Either-sex deer may be taken at any time by archers during the archery season except when bucks-only firearms seasons are in progress on KNF (archers must hunt only bucks during bucks-only firearm seasons).
(b). Archers must adhere to the full hunter orange requirements during any firearm season for deer.
(c). Vernon Unit of the Calcasieu Ranger District (Vernon Parish, excluding Fort Johnson-Vernon WMA): Same as outside.
(d). Catahoula (Grant and Rapides Parishes), Winn (Winn, Grant and Natchitoches Parishes), Kisatchie Ranger Districts (Natchitoches Parish), Evangeline Unit of the Calcasieu Ranger District (Rapides Parish), and Caney Range District (Webster and Claiborne Parishes): same as outside (including Catahoula and Red Dirt National Wildlife Management Preserves).
vii. Firearms for Deer Hunting (excludes the Catahoula and Red Dirt National Wildlife Management Preserves)
(a). Catahoula (Grant and Rapides Parishes), Winn (Winn, Grant and Natchitoches Parishes), Kisatchie Ranger Districts (Natchitoches Parish), Evangeline Unit of the Calcasieu Ranger District (Rapides Parish), and the Vernon Unit of the Calcasieu Ranger District (Vernon Parish, excluding Fort Johnson-Vernon WMA).
(b). Youth only, either-sex, same as outside, still hunt only; LDWF regulations for hunter orange apply.
(c). Primitive Firearms, either-sex: next to last Sat. of Oct. through Sun. after the next to last Sat. of Oct., Sat. after close of Dec. firearms bucks only hunt for 2 days, still hunt only.
(d). Firearms, either-sex: last Sat. of Oct. through Sun. after the last Sat. of Oct., Fri. after Thanksgiving, still hunt only.
(e). Firearms, bucks only: Sat. after the last Sat. of Oct. through Thanksgiving, Sat. after Thanksgiving through Sun. after Thanksgiving, second Sat. of Dec. for 16 days, still hunt only.
viii. Caney Ranger District (Webster and Claiborne Parishes): same as outside including Youth Only Hunt and Primitive Firearms (Area 2) except still hunt only. Either-sex entire season.
ix. Turkey: opening day of statewide season for 23 days except season will open for 24 days when statewide season opens Good Friday (on all ranger districts except the Caney Ranger District); Caney Ranger District: opening day of statewide season for 16 days except season will open for 17 days when statewide season opens Good Friday.
x. Turkey Youth: Sat. before opening day of statewide season for 2 days except when that Sat. falls on Easter weekend, then season will open on Good Friday for 3 days (on all Ranger Districts except Vernon Unit lands within Fort Johnson-Vernon WMA).
xi. Other seasons on entire KNF (See Catahoula/Red Dirt National Wildlife Management Preserve section for additional information)
(a). Rabbit, Squirrel, Quail and Migratory Game Birds: same dates and bag limits as outside except closed to squirrel hunting during the spring season. Youth squirrel: fourth Sat. of Sept. for 2 days.
(b). Waterfowl: same as outside except waterfowl hunting ceases at 2 p.m. If hunting on Corney Lake (Caney Ranger District), a permit (free of charge) is required for the use of a duck blind on the lake.
(c). Feral Hogs, Coyotes, Armadillos and Beavers: may be taken during daylight hours only, on any KNF hunt by properly licensed hunters with weapons legal for that hunt.
(d). Fox (chase only), Raccoons, Opossums (nighttime, chase only): may be hunted during daylight or nighttime from Oct. 1 through Feb. 28 unless otherwise stated. A licensed hunter may take raccoon or opossum, two per person per day, except during the trapping season when there shall be no limit. (Please see Louisiana Trapping Regulations pamphlet for additional information. Also please see "Hunting-dog usage during deer firearm seasons" section below for exceptions).
(e). Bobcat and Nutria: LDWF regulations apply.
(f). Crows: may be taken Sept. 1 through Jan. 1 only.
(g). Fishing: LDWF state creel limits apply (See Louisiana Fishing Regulations pamphlet for additional information).
(h). Trapping: see LDWF Trapping Regulations pamphlet for additional information.
(i). Hunting Dog Usage: Hunting dog usage during deer firearm seasons (only for KNF areas outside the Catahoula and Red Dirt National Wildlife Management Preserves): hunting dogs that are legal for hunting species other than deer, and that stay within voice-command distance of handler are allowed during deer gun hunts. Hunting dogs that range beyond voice-command distance of handler are prohibited during deer gun hunts. The training of deer or hog dogs is prohibited year-round. Hunting with recognized bird-hunting dogs during quail and woodcock seasons, recognized raccoon-hunting dogs during raccoon hunting season and recognized pointer/retriever dogs during migratory bird season is permissible. Only beagles which do not exceed 15 inches at the front shoulder may be used for rabbit hunting. All dogs must be collared with owner's name and phone number attached. Dogs running at large are prohibited. The owner/handler shall be liable.
(j). Hunting-dog training: March 1 through Sept. 30 (except all dogs prohibited during turkey hunting season), allowed only in the following circumstances: dogs are within voice-command distance of handler; dogs are participating in nighttime raccoon chases mentioned above; dogs are participating in licensed events conducted by nationally recognized kennel clubs (KNF permit required-contact Forest Supervisor's office); dogs are under close control of hikers; and any dog on a leash. No firearms allowed while training dogs. Hunting-dog training prohibited in Catahoula and Red Dirt National Wildlife Management Preserves.
(k). Bird Dog Training Area: only that portion of the Vernon Unit known as the "dove field". Bird dogs may be trained year-round except closed during turkey season. Permit required from LDWF to use pen-raised quail.
(l). Hunting-Dog Nighttime Chase Only: (All breeds allowed, no deer dogs or hog dogs). May 1 through Sept. 30, Tuesdays and Fridays only. No firearms allowed. Nighttime ATV/UTV travel is prohibited. Hunting-dog nighttime chase is prohibited in the Catahoula and Red Dirt National Wildlife Management Preserves during this period.
xii. Catahoula and Red Dirt National Wildlife Management Preserves (NWMP). Owner: U.S. Forest Service: Catahoula NWMP - 36,000 acres in Grant and Winn Parishes; Red Dirt NWMP - 38,000 acres in Natchitoches Parish.
(a). Season Permit required for hunting, fishing and/or trapping on the preserve; for a permit or to get additional information contact the Forest Supervisor's Office, Winn, Catahoula or Kisatchie Ranger District offices or https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/kisatchie/recreation/hunting. In addition to the Season Permit, a Self-Clearing Daily Permit is required for all hunters during all deer gun hunts and turkey hunts. The Self-Clearing Daily Permits will be available at the main check stations, hunter-camps within the NWMPs, Kisatchie, Winn and Catahoula district offices, and at the Forest Supervisor's Office. Permits are free of charge. The self-clearing permit consists of two portions: check-in and check-out. The check-in portion must be completed and put in the permit box before each hunt on the day of the hunt. The check-out portion must be carried by each person while on the NWMP and must be completed and put in the permit box immediately at the end of the day's hunt. Hunters can also check in/check out electronically through the LDWF WMA Self-Clearing Permit app/Internet Web Portal. Users that check in by electronic means are required to possess proof of check in and must check out within 24 hours.

Note: When mandatory deer checks are specified (see below), all hunters must check deer at the NWMPs main check stations.

(b). Hunting with Dogs: hunting with recognized bird-hunting dogs during quail and woodcock seasons, recognized raccoon-hunting dogs during raccoon hunting season, and recognized pointer/retriever dogs during migratory bird season is permissible. Only beagles which do not exceed 15 inches at the front shoulder may be used for rabbit hunting. All dogs must be collared with owner's name and phone number attached. Dogs running at large are prohibited. The owner/handler shall be liable. No training of dogs in the NWMPs outside of pertinent seasons.
(c). Select Prohibitions: additional information and prohibitions are provided on Season Permit for the NWMPs.
(d). Deer
(i). Archery Season: same as Area 2. Archers are required to check harvested deer at the main check station during the mandatory deer check days, see dates below.
(ii). Youth Only Hunt, Either-Sex: same as outside, still hunt only. Self-clearing daily permit required.
(iii). Physically Challenged Hunt, Either-Sex: second Sat. of Oct. through Sun. after the second Sat. of Oct., still hunt only, self-clearing daily permit required; hunters must also have in possession a LDWF Physically Challenged Hunters Permit.
(iv). Primitive Firearms, Either-Sex: next to last Sat. of Oct. through Sun. after the next to last Sat. of Oct., still-hunt only, self-clearing daily permit required. Mandatory deer check at main check stations.
(v). Firearms, Either-Sex: last Sat. of Oct. through Sun. after the last Sat. of Oct., and Fri. after Thanksgiving, still-hunt only, self-clearing daily permit required. Mandatory deer check at main check stations.
(vi). Firearms, Bucks Only: Sat. after Thanksgiving through Sun. after Thanksgiving, still-hunt only, self-clearing daily permit required.
(e). Turkey
(i). Opening day of statewide season for 23 days except season will open for 24 days when statewide season opens Good Friday.
(ii). Youth: Sat. before opening day of statewide season for 2 days except when that Sat. falls on Easter weekend, then season will open on Good Friday for 3 days.
(f). Squirrel, Rabbit, Quail, Dove, Woodcock and Waterfowl (without dogs): all seasons same as outside (unless otherwise stated) except closed during deer firearm hunts. Consult LDWF hunting pamphlet for additional information. No spring squirrel season.
(g). Youth Squirrel: fourth Sat. of Sept. for 2 days.
(h). Squirrel/Rabbit (with dogs): first Sat. of Jan. through last day of Feb.
(i). Quail (with dogs): same as outside.
(j). Raccoon/Opossum (non-dog season/daylight hours): may be taken by properly licensed hunter as incidental take with gear legal for the season in progress.
(k). Raccoon (nighttime, with dogs): first Sat. of Jan. through last day of Feb.
(l). Fishing: closed to fishing during deer gun hunts.
20. Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge: Owned by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 9,028 acres within St. Mary Parish
a. Deer
i. Archery: same as outside, except closed during youth and firearms deer seasons, limit one deer per day.
ii. Youth Firearms: last Sat. of Oct. for 2 days, either-sex, limit one deer per day; Mitigation Unit closed.
iii. Firearms: last full weekend including Fri. in Nov., either-sex, limit one deer per day; Mitigation Unit closed.
b. Small Game: same as outside, except closed during youth and firearms deer seasons; Franklin Unit closed.
c. Waterfowl: same as outside except closed after 12 noon, and except closed during firearms deer season; Franklin Unit closed.
21. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Areas
a. Bonnet Carre' Spillway: The use and/or possession of firearms is prohibited in the ARCHERY-ONLY area. Baiting or hunting over bait for any species is prohibited. The use and/or possession of alcoholic beverages is prohibited while in possession of a firearm.
i. Vehicles. Motorized Vehicles and All-Terrain Vehicles: all motorized vehicles, including automobiles, ATVs and motorcycles are restricted to designated roads and trails. ATVs must be operated under a valid permit from Spillway Office, be brought in to the area by vehicle or trailer, off loaded in parking areas and may only be operated on designated trails. Vehicles must park in designated parking areas. Blocking gates or roads with a vehicle or ATV is prohibited. ATVs are not allowed off designated trails. The use of ATVs outside of the ATV area without a permit is strictly prohibited, No Exceptions! Designated trails are open from 5 a.m. until two hours after sunset.
ii. Firearms. The possession of firearms, ammunition, loaded projectile firing devices, bows and arrows, crossbows, or other weapons are prohibited except during designated area hunts. Hunters must have firearms unloaded at all times while traveling within the area by motor vehicle, ATV, horse, bicycle and while in a vessel under mechanical power. Loaded weapons are not allowed within 100 feet of designated ATV trails, foot trails, and roads; or within 100 yards of designated parking areas. Loaded is defined as shells or cartridges in the gun's chamber, magazine, cylinder or clip when attached to firearms or crossbows cocked and in the ready position, or caps on muzzleloader.
iii. Deer: All users except waterfowl hunters must display a total of 400 square inches of "Hunter Orange" and wear a "Hunter Orange" cap during the open gun hunts for deer. Hunter orange must be worn the entire time while in the field.
(a). Archery (bucks only): Oct. 1-15.
(b). Archery (either-sex): Oct. 16-Feb. 15, UNLESS a bucks only season is in progress.
(c). Shotgun (either-sex): Fri. after Thanksgiving Day for 3 days.
(d). Shotgun (bucks only): Sat. before Christmas for 16 days.
(e). Youth (either-sex): last Sat. in Oct. for 2 days. Additional permit required from Spillway office.
iv. Small Game, Migratory Game Birds and Waterfowl: same as outside. Shotgun only. Hunting waterfowl after 12 p.m. (noon) prohibited. During shotgun deer season, use of dogs allowed for waterfowl hunting only. Dove hunting zone is the South Zone. Waterfowl hunting zone is the East Zone. Squirrel and Rabbit: hunting with dogs not allowed north of US 61 during shotgun season for deer.
v. Armadillos, Beaver, Feral Hogs, Nutria, and Coyote: may be taken incidental to any Spillway hunt with weapons legal for that hunt.
b. Indian Bayou Area. Additional Permit required and posted restrictions apply for all persons regardless of age. Permits must be signed prior to hunting any game and must be carried at all times while in the field. To obtain a permit, see bulletin boards on-site, visit the Atchafalaya Basin Floodway System Project Office, 112 Speck Lane, Port Barre, LA 70577, phone (337) 585-0853 or visit the project website https://www.mvn.usace.army.mil/recreation/ (then click on Atchafalaya Basin). All hunting shall be still hunting only, except as otherwise specified.
i. Deer: daily limit on deer is one per day. Antler Deer Point Restriction: A legal buck shall be defined as a deer with at least 4 points on one side or a deer with unbranched antlers commonly referred to as spikes (no minimum length). To be counted as a point, a projection must be at least one inch long and its length must exceed the length of its base. The beam tip is counted as a point but not measured as a point.
(a). Archery: Oct. 1-15 bucks only. Oct. 16-Feb. 15, either-sex.
(b). Youth and Physically Challenged Deer Hunt: fourth Sat. of Oct. for 2 days, first Sat. of Nov. for 2 days, either-sex, no antler restrictions, mandatory deer check. All other seasons CLOSED.
(c). Firearms Either-sex: Fri. after Thanksgiving for 3 days, first Sat. of Dec. for 2 days. Mandatory deer check.
(d). Primitive Firearms Either-sex: second Fri. of Dec. for 3 days.
(e). Firearms Bucks Only: last Sat. of Dec. for 9 days, mandatory deer check.
(f). Deer Youth Lottery: third Sat. of Nov., third Sat. of Dec., Tues. after third Sat. of Dec.
ii. Turkey: closed.
iii. Small Game, Migratory Game Birds and Waterfowl: same as outside except CLOSED during Youth and Physically Challenged Deer Hunt, and during Firearms Either-sex deer season (except waterfowl season will remain open during all deer gun hunts). Hunting waterfowl after 2 p.m. prohibited. Squirrel and rabbit hunting with dogs allowed second Sat. of Jan. to last day of Feb. Youth squirrel hunt fourth Sat. of Sept. for 2 days. Raccoon (Nighttime): second Sat. of Sept. for 16 days, Mon. after second Sat. of Jan. to last day of Feb. Special use permit required.
iv. Hogs, Coyote, Beaver, and Armadillos: may be taken incidental to any hunt with weapons legal for that hunt. All visitors except waterfowl hunters must display a total of 400 square inches "hunter orange" or "blaze pink" and wear a "hunter orange" or "blaze pink" cap during the open gun and primitive weapons season for deer. Hunters participating in dog seasons for rabbit, squirrels and woodcock must wear a minimum of "hunter orange" or "blaze pink" cap. All hunters and archers (while on the ground), except waterfowl hunters, also must wear a minimum of a "hunter orange" or "blaze pink" cap during the special dog season for rabbits and squirrels. Consult U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' "Hunting Guide to Indian Bayou" brochure for additional posted restrictions.
v. Crawfishing: Commercial and recreational crawfishing is permitted from Oct. 1-Jan. 31 starting at 12 p.m. each day and all day from Feb. 1-July 31 with an additional annual permit required. A maximum limit of 500 traps for Commercial Crawfishing. All equipment left on the area (including traps) must also be tagged with the permit number issued. The permit is available Jan. 1. Call USACE Port Barre Office for more details, 337-585-0853 or visit www.mvn.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/AtchafalayaBasin.aspx.
vi. Prohibited Activities:
(a). Possessing a loaded firearm while traveling within the area by motor vehicle, ATV, UTV, horse, bicycle and while in a vessel under mechanical power. Possessing a loaded weapon within 100 feet of a parking area or designated trail. Hunting or possessing loaded weapons within 100 feet of pipelines during deer gun and primitive weapon hunts. Hunting, possessing weapons, in any No Hunting Areas, except registered Wheelchair Bound Hunters within that designated area. See project map for locations. Loaded is defined as a firearm having live ammunition in the chamber, magazine, cylinder or clip when attached to the firearm or crossbow cocked and in the ready position. Target practicing or skeet shooting.
(b). Operation of motorized vehicles, which includes automobiles, ATVs, UTVs, electronic bicycles and motorcycles off specifically designated roads and trails as indicated on area map. Operating motorized vehicles on Physically Challenged trails while being under the age of 60 or without a Physically Challenged Hunter Permit issued by Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Operating an ATV or UTV with a tire lug greater than one inch. Use of airboats.
(c). Camping, parking or mooring houseboats overnight.
(d). Hunting from a permanent blind or stand constructed of non-natural vegetation or held together by metallic fasteners. Natural vegetation is defined as natural branches that are two inches or less in diameter. Leaving personal property on project property overnight including tree stands, blinds, decoys and trail cameras, etc.
(e). Baiting, hunting over bait, or possession of bait, salt or ingestible attractant while on project property. Feeding of any wildlife including alligators.
(f). Moving deer or hogs with organized drivers, standers and/or noise-making devices.
(g). Cutting trees, limbs or brush.
c. Old River Control and Lock Area: Additional permit required and posted restrictions apply for all persons regardless of age. Permits must be signed prior to hunting any game and must be carried at all times while in the field. To obtain a permit: see brown box in front of Old River campground for Old River Hunting and Trail Guide or visit the Old River website www.mvn.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Old-River-Control or call phone 225-492-2169. All hunters must have in their possession a picture ID and valid State Hunting License and a signed Corps of Engineers hunting permit. Use of DOGS is RESTRICTED during the deer season, except for duck hunting. Raccoon, rabbit and squirrel hunting with dogs are permitted after deer season, unless otherwise specified. Baiting or hunting over bait for any species is prohibited. The possession of loaded weapons and the discharging of firearms are prohibited within 100 feet of designated roads, levees, and parking areas and 200 feet of water control structures and navigational locks.
i. Deer: all deer hunting shall be STILL HUNTING ONLY. Moving deer or hogs on Corps land with organized drivers and standers, or making use of noises or noise making devices is prohibited.
(a). Archery (either-sex): Oct. 1-Jan. 31.
(b). Muzzleloader (blackpowder only): second Sat. in December for 2 days. During the Muzzleloader season you may only use black powder weapons or archery equipment. Black powder weapons must use black powder or approved substitute only and must be loaded from the muzzle.
(c). Shotgun (either-sex): Fri. after Thanksgiving Day for 3 days.
(d). Shotgun (bucks only): last Sat. of Dec. for 9 days.
(e). Youth (either-sex): 17 years and under: last Sat. of Oct. for 2 days.
ii. Turkey: closed.
iii. Small Game, Migratory Game Birds and Waterfowl: same as outside, except hunting waterfowl after 2 p.m. prohibited, no firearms larger than .22 caliber rimfire and except beagles are allowed for rabbit and dogs are allowed for squirrel Mon. after Thanksgiving for 12 days and end of Shotgun bucks only to last day of Feb.
iv. Woodcock: same as outside except hunting with dogs prohibited.
v. Raccoon: day after Shotgun bucks only season ends to last day of Feb.
vi. Hogs, Coyote, Beaver, and Nutria: may be taken incidental to any hunt with weapons legal for that hunt. 56:115 and R.S. 56:116.

Notes

La. Admin. Code tit. 76, § XIX-111
Promulgated by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, LR 25:1279 (July 1999), amended LR 26:1494 (July 2000), LR 27:1049 (July 2001), LR 28:1603 (July 2002), LR 29:1124 (July 2003), repromulgated LR 29:1522 (August 2003), amended LR 30:1495 (July 2004), LR 31:1611 (July 2005), LR 32:1251 (July 2006), LR 33:1382 (July 2007), LR 34:1429 (July 2008), LR 35:1264 (July 2009), LR 36:1566 (July 2010), LR 37:2190 (July 2011), LR 38:1732 (July 2012), LR 39:2292 (August 2013), LR 40:1540 (August 2014), Amended by LR 41963 (5/1/2015), Amended LR 421112 (7/1/2016), Amended LR 431423 (7/1/2017), Amended LR 441277 (7/1/2018), Amended LR 45938 (7/1/2019), Amended LR 46961 (7/1/2020), Amended LR 47904 (7/1/2021), Amended LR 48511 (3/1/2022), Amended LR 481867 (7/1/2022), Amended LR 491235 (7/1/2023), Amended LR 50794 (6/1/2024), Amended LR 51829 (6/1/2025).
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.

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