The duck hunting season in Louisiana is a highly anticipated time for outdoor enthusiasts. Louisiana’s vast wetlands, marshes, and numerous waterfowl make hunting fun. Mallards, teal, and pintails thrive in the state’s various environments. Duck hunting season runs from early November until late January, although dates vary. Hunters gather in marshes and bayous, putting up decoys, hiding in blinds, and waiting for the ideal shot. Louisiana’s duck hunting season offers exhilarating moments, stunning landscapes, and a special connection with nature.
Duck hunting season in Louisiana
East Zone Hunting Season Dates
| Species | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Ducks | 19-Nov | 4-Dec |
| Ducks | 17-Dec | 29-Jan |
| Coots | 19-Nov | 4-Dec |
| Coots | 17-Dec | 29-Jan |
| Mergansers | 19-Nov | 4-Dec |
| Mergansers | 17-Dec | 29-Jan |
| Blue Teal | 10-Sep | 25-Sep |
| Green Teal | 10-Sep | 25-Sep |
| Cinnamon Teal | 10-Sep | 25-Sep |
| Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days | 12-Nov | 12-Nov |
| Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days | 4-Feb | 4-Feb |
| Veteran Waterfowl Hunt Days | 12-Nov | 12-Nov |
| Veteran Waterfowl Hunt Days | 4-Feb | 4-Feb |
| Falconry for Ducks | 3-Nov | 31-Jan |
West Zone Hunting Season Dates
| Species | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Ducks | 12-Nov | 4-Dec |
| Ducks | 17-Dec | 1-Jan |
| Ducks | 9-Jan | 29-Jan |
| Coots | 12-Nov | 4-Dec |
| Coots | 17-Dec | 1-Jan |
| Coots | 9-Jan | 29-Jan |
| Mergansers | 12-Nov | 4-Dec |
| Mergansers | 17-Dec | 1-Jan |
| Mergansers | 9-Jan | 29-Jan |
| Blue Teal | 10-Sep | 25-Sep |
| Green Teal | 10-Sep | 25-Sep |
| Cinnamon Teal | 10-Sep | 25-Sep |
| Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days | 5-Nov | 6-Nov |
| Veteran Waterfowl Hunt Days | 5-Nov | 6-Nov |
| Falconry for Ducks | 3-Nov | 31-Jan |
Bag Limits
| Species | Bag Limit |
|---|---|
| Mallards | No more than 4 (no more than 2 of which may be female) |
| Wood Ducks | 3 |
| Canvasback | 2 |
| Redheads | 2 |
| Mottled Duck | 1 |
| Black Duck | 1 |
| Pintail | 1 |
| Scaup (first 15 days of the season) | 1 |
| Scaup (remainder of the season) | 2 per day |
Common Ducks in Louisiana
| Gadwall Species | |
|---|---|
| Coloration | Mix of brown/tan/gray |
| Beak Color | Black |
| Tail Feather Color | Black |
| Wing Tips | White |
| Blue-winged Teal Species | |
| Coloration | Mix of light blue/gray feathers |
| Wing Color | Green stripe |
| Head | Crescent-shaped white band behind the eyes |
| Green-winged Teal Species | |
| Coloration | Overall brown with green accents |
| Wing Color | Green stripe on lower wing |
| Eye Patch | Green patch flowing backward from the eye |
Types of Ducks Hunting in Louisiana
| Mallards | Hooded Mergansers |
|---|---|
| Wood Duck | American Widgeon |
| Black Duck | Gadwalls |
| Blue-winged Teals | Northern Pintail |
| Green-winged Teals | Sea Ducks (Scoter, Eiders, and Long-tailed) |
| Mergansers |
Hunting Locations in Louisiana
| Location | Description |
|---|---|
| Mississippi River Marsh | This region, which stretches along the Mississippi River and ends at the Gulf of Mexico, is well known for its outstanding duck hunting chances. |
| Pass-a-Loutre Wildlife Management Area (WMA) | This WMA, which is situated near the mouth of the Mississippi River, provides great waterfowl hunting opportunities. |
| Russel Sage WMA | This WMA in Louisiana offers a variety of conditions and habitats for duck hunting. |
| Atchafalaya Delta WMA | Another significant WMA in Louisiana that provides top-notch opportunities for duck hunting. |
Hunting Zones in Louisiana
| Zone | Description |
|---|---|
| West Zone | This zone of Louisiana has locations for hunting in the water along the shore and provides special hunting chances. |
| East Zone | The second hunting zone in Louisiana offers a range of hunting grounds and ecosystems. |
Louisiana Duck Hunting Licenses
| License Types | Resident Cost | Nonresident Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Annual waterfowl | $20 | $200 |
| Daily waterfowl | $10 | $100 |
| Youth waterfowl | $5 | $50 |
| Senior waterfowl | $10 | $100 |
Please be aware that hunters may also be required to pay a $25 Federal Duck Stamp in addition to these licensing fees. The Federal Duck Stamp is available online and at most sports goods retailers.
Key Elements for Successful Duck Hunting in Louisiana
1. A shotgun (12 gauge or 20 gauge), gun case or bag, shells (often 3″ rounds), and proper camouflage attire that matches the hunting surroundings are all necessary items for duck hunting.
2. Depending on the hunting site, you could require a boat blind, a duck blind, and lightweight, lifelike decoys. To choose the optimal decoy spread, try out a few different ones.
3. Hunting from a kayak, canoe, or duck boat requires a life jacket or PFD.
4. Duck callers are crucial for luring ducks, so choose the proper one for the species you’re trying to attract and practice your calling techniques.
5. Waders are essential for hunting in muddy areas. Choose between separate waders with open feet or one-piece waders with connected boots while considering extra features like reinforced knees or zip-in liners.
6. Using a well-trained dog when hunting may improve the experience. Be sure to bring supplies for your dog, such as food, water, a leash, and a towel. Take hunting dogs’ safety jackets into consideration.
7. While hunting, have a first aid package nearby in case of any accidents or emergencies.
8. The location and style of blind people are important considerations while duck hunting. For optimum outcomes, do your research and investigate the finest areas.
9. Try using several decoys spreads to entice ducks. A dozen ducks spaced out may be helpful, but bigger spreads would be better for groups of hunters.
10. The weather has an important impact on duck hunting. While some wind might be advantageous, hunters often prefer colder, gloomy days.
LO Duck Hunting Regulations
1. A valid hunting license and waterfowl stamp are requirements for all hunters.
2. A maximum of two mallards, three wood ducks, two canvasbacks, two redheads, one mottled duck, one black duck, and one pintail may be taken daily.
3. For the first 15 days of the season, only one scaup may be taken; afterward, two may be taken each day.
4. The number of coots is unlimited.
5. There can be up to two hooded mergansers daily and a maximum of five.
6. A state-issued duck stamp must be used to tag every duck.
7. In any marshes or other locations where ducks are present, hunters are prohibited from using lead shots.
8. Hunters are forbidden from using electronic calls or other tools that imitate waterfowl cries.
9. Hunters are not allowed to hunt within 50 yards of a building, other structure, or 100 yards of a public road.
10. Hunting from a moving vehicle is prohibited.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the duck hunting season start in Louisiana?
The East and West zones are the two hunting seasons for ducks in Louisiana. The duck, coot, and merganser seasons in the East Zone begin on November 19 and go through December 4. From December 17 to January 29, there is a second phase for ducks, coots, and mergansers in the East Zone. For ducks, coots, and mergansers in the West Zone, the season begins on November 12 and finishes on December 4. Ducks and coots have their portion from December 17 to January 1, and ducks, coots, and mergansers have their segment from January 9 to January 29.
Where in Louisiana can you go duck hunting the most successfully?
There are many significant areas to go duck hunting in Louisiana. Still, some of the greatest ones include Pass-a-Loutre Wildlife Management Area (WMA), Atchafalaya Delta, Pointe au Chene, Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge, Sabine NWR, and Russell Sage. These sites provide a diversity of wetlands and habitats, attracting a broad range of waterfowl species and creating the ideal environment for effective duck hunting. The best duck hunting locations in Louisiana are likely to satiate the needs of enthusiastic duck hunters looking for life-changing experiences, whether you enjoy hunting in broad deltas, tranquil wildlife refuges, or coastal marshes.
How much does a duck hunting license cost for residents in Louisiana?
The price of a Louisiana duck hunting license varies based on the kind. A senior waterfowl license (age 65 and over) costs $10, a daily waterfowl license costs $10, a youngster waterfowl license costs $5, and an annual waterfowl license costs $20.
Can nonresidents hunt ducks in Louisiana?
Yes, duck hunting is legal in Louisiana for nonresidents. They must, however, get the necessary waterfowl license. Compared to resident licenses, nonresident licenses are more expensive.
Are there any specific bag limits for duck hunting in Louisiana?
Ducks are subject to bag limitations in Louisiana, yes. The same regulations may change seasonally; nonetheless, there are generally at most six ducks each day in the bag, with certain species having a maximum number that may be taken. It is crucial to consult the official rules for the most recent bag restrictions.
What are some popular duck hunting locations in Louisiana?
There are several great places to go duck hunting in Louisiana. Russel Sage Wildlife Management Area, Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge, Atchafalaya Delta, Pointe au Chene, Pass-a-Loutre Wildlife Management Area, and Sabine National Wildlife Refuge are a few well-known locations. These regions provide a variety of wetlands and habitats, drawing a variety of waterfowl.
Do I need a Federal Duck Stamp to hunt ducks in Louisiana?
Yes, in addition to their state hunting license, sportsmen in Louisiana are required to get a Federal Duck Stamp. The federal duck stamp is available separately and is good anywhere in the country. A Federal Duck Stamp will set you back $25 in 2023.
