Louisiana Turkey Season 2026: LA Turkey Hunting [Dates, Regulations, Licenses & More]

If you’re gearing up for turkey hunting in the Bayou State, you’ve landed in the right spot. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about Louisiana’s 2026-2027 turkey season—from exact opener and closer dates to zone breakdowns, tag limits, and licensing costs. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just getting your boots muddy for the first time, we’ve got the details that’ll help you plan your spring gobbler chase (and maybe snag that trophy tom you’ve been dreaming about).

Louisiana offers some of the most exciting wild turkey opportunities in the South, with prime habitats ranging from pine forests to hardwood bottomlands. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty so you can focus on perfecting your calls and scouting those strut zones.

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🗓️ Quick Season Overview: Key Turkey Types & Dates

Here’s a snapshot of what Louisiana’s 2026-2027 turkey hunting calendar looks like. Mark these dates in your calendar and start planning your hunts!

Turkey Type	Season Opens	Season Closes	Legal Methods
Spring Gobbler (Youth)	March 13, 2027	March 14, 2027	Shotgun, Archery, Crossbow
Spring Gobbler (General)	March 20, 2027	April 25, 2027	Shotgun, Archery, Crossbow
Fall Either-Sex	November 7, 2026	January 31, 2027	Shotgun, Archery, Crossbow

Note: Dates are accurate as of publication for the 2026-2027 period. Always verify with official sources before heading out.

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🏹 All Louisiana Turkey Seasons: Detailed Dates, Tags & Zone Info

Louisiana divides its wild turkey hunting into spring and fall frameworks, each with distinct rules and opportunities. Here’s the full breakdown:

Spring Youth Hunt

• Dates: March 13–14, 2027 (Weekend only)
• Eligible Hunters: Youth ages 15 and under, accompanied by a non-hunting adult (21+ years)
• Bag Limit: One bearded bird per day, two total for spring season
• Zones: Statewide
• Notes: This is a fantastic way to introduce young hunters to the sport. I remember my first youth hunt in the pines—nothing beats hearing that first gobble echo through the woods at dawn.

Spring General Season

• Dates: March 20 – April 25, 2027
• Bag Limit: One bearded bird per day; two bearded birds total for the entire spring season
• Legal Hours: 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset
• Zones: All Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and private lands statewide
• Methods: Shotguns (no larger than 10-gauge), archery equipment, and crossbows are all fair game
• Tags Required: Basic hunting license plus either a Wild Turkey Hunting License or a Big Game Hunting License

Fall Either-Sex Season

• Dates: November 7, 2026 – January 31, 2027
• Bag Limit: One bird per day; three birds total for fall season (either sex—gobblers, jakes, or hens)
• Legal Hours: 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset
• Zones: Statewide
• Methods: Same as spring (shotgun, bow, crossbow)
• Tags Required: Same licensing structure as spring

Season Type	Opens	Closes	Daily Bag	Season Bag	Zones
Youth Spring	March 13, 2027	March 14, 2027	1 bearded bird	2 bearded birds	Statewide
General Spring	March 20, 2027	April 25, 2027	1 bearded bird	2 bearded birds	Statewide
Fall Either-Sex	Nov 7, 2026	Jan 31, 2027	1 bird (any sex)	3 birds (any sex)	Statewide

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🕊️ Related Bird Hunting Opportunities in Louisiana

While you’re out there working your turkey calls, Louisiana offers other bird hunting options that overlap or run adjacent to turkey seasons:

• Waterfowl Seasons: Duck and goose seasons typically run through late January, so fall turkey hunters can sometimes double up on species (just check WMA-specific rules).
• Dove Season: Mourning dove hunting has multiple splits throughout fall and winter—great for keeping your shotgun skills sharp between gobbler pursuits.
• Quail & Woodcock: These upland birds share similar habitats with turkeys in some regions. Woodcock migration peaks in December and January, overlapping nicely with the fall either-sex framework.
• Crow Hunting: Legal year-round in Louisiana (with some restrictions), crows can be a fun challenge and help you practice calling techniques.

If you’re exploring hunting opportunities in neighboring states, check out Alabama’s turkey season or Arkansas turkey hunting for cross-border adventures.

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📋 Louisiana Turkey Hunting Regulations: What You Need to Know

Staying legal isn’t just about dates and tags—Louisiana has specific rules to ensure fair chase and conservation. Here’s what every hunter must follow:

General Rules:

• No electronic calls: Only mouth-operated or hand-operated calls are legal. Leave the smartphone speakers at home.
• No rifles or pistols: Shotguns (10-gauge or smaller), bows, and crossbows only.
• No baiting: Hunting over bait (corn, grain, etc.) is prohibited. Spot-and-stalk or calling setups are the name of the game.
• Tagging requirement: All harvested birds must be tagged immediately with your Big Game Tag or Wild Turkey Tag.
• Hunter orange for fall: During fall seasons, wearing hunter orange is strongly recommended (and required on some WMAs during concurrent deer seasons).
• Shooting hours: Strictly 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset. No night hunting.

WMA-Specific Rules:

Some Wildlife Management Areas have additional restrictions—like quota hunts, check-in requirements, or specific dates. For example, areas like Sherburne WMA or Atchafalaya Delta WMA may have special regulations. Always grab the current WMA guidebook or check the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries before hunting public land.

Transportation & Possession:

• Keep one wing or the head attached to the carcass until you reach your final destination (or a commercial processing facility).
• Report your harvest through Louisiana’s electronic tagging system as required.

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🎟️ Louisiana Turkey License & Tag Fees (2026-2027)

Here’s what you’ll pay to legally chase gobblers in Louisiana. Prices are set for the current licensing year:

License/Tag Type	Resident Cost	Non-Resident Cost
Basic Hunting License	$15.00	$100.00
Big Game Hunting License	$23.00	$150.00
Wild Turkey Hunting License*	$11.50	$50.00
Youth Hunting License (under 16)	$5.00	$5.00
Senior Hunting License (60+)	$5.00	N/A
Lifetime Hunting License	Varies by age	N/A

Important: You need either a Big Game Hunting License or a Wild Turkey Hunting License (plus your basic license) to hunt turkeys. The Big Game option is better value if you’re also chasing deer or other big game species.

Prices subject to change—verify at official LDWF site.

Consider investing in quality hunting gear like camouflage suited to Louisiana’s mixed forests and wetlands, and don’t overlook firearms safety training if you’re new to shotgun sports. Some hunters also opt for guided hunts on private land, which can run $300–$600 per day but offer expert knowledge of local bird patterns.

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📝 Louisiana Turkey License Requirements

Before you hit the woods, make sure you meet these legal requirements:

For Residents:

• Age 16+: Must possess a valid Louisiana Basic Hunting License plus either a Big Game or Wild Turkey License.
• Ages 10-15: Youth Hunting License required; must be accompanied by an adult (18+) while hunting.
• Under 10: May hunt without a license but must be directly supervised by a licensed adult.
• Hunter Education: Required for anyone born after September 1, 1969. You’ll need to complete an approved hunter safety course (available online and in-person).

For Non-Residents:

• Same age and education requirements as residents.
• Must purchase non-resident licenses (significantly higher fees).
• Reciprocal agreements: Louisiana honors some out-of-state hunter education certifications—check LDWF for details.

Where to Buy:

• Online at the LDWF License Sales Portal
• Sporting goods retailers (Academy Sports, Bass Pro Shops, Walmart, local shops)
• LDWF regional offices

Pro tip: Buy your licenses early. Some WMAs have quota systems that fill up fast, especially for popular spring dates. Securing your public land access permits ahead of time can save headaches later.

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❓ Louisiana Turkey Hunting FAQs

Q: Can I use a rifle for turkey hunting in Louisiana?

Nope. Shotguns (10-gauge or smaller), bows, and crossbows only. Rifles and pistols are off-limits for turkeys.

Q: Is baiting legal for turkey hunting?

No. Hunting over bait—including corn, wheat, or other grains—is illegal for turkeys in Louisiana. Stick to calling and ambush setups near natural food sources.

Q: How many turkeys can I harvest in a season?

• Spring: Two bearded birds total (one per day).
• Fall: Three birds total (any sex, one per day).

Q: Do I need hunter orange for spring turkey hunts?

Not specifically required for spring turkey-only seasons, but highly recommended for safety—especially on public lands where other hunters are present. During fall, when deer and other game overlap, orange is often mandatory on WMAs.

Q: Can I hunt turkeys on Sundays?

Yes! Louisiana allows Sunday hunting on most private and public lands. However, some WMAs or parishes may have local restrictions, so double-check area-specific rules.

Q: What’s the best public land for turkey hunting?

Popular spots include Kisatchie National Forest, Spring Bayou WMA, Fort Polk WMA, and Sherburne WMA. Each offers different terrain and bird densities—scout ahead or consult hunting forums for recent reports.

Q: Do I need a federal duck stamp to hunt turkeys?

No, but if you’re hunting waterfowl during overlapping fall dates, you’ll need one. It’s not required for turkey-only pursuits.

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🌾 Wrapping It Up

Louisiana’s 2026-2027 wild turkey seasons offer something for everyone—from youth introducing themselves to the sport in mid-March to seasoned hunters chasing spring thunder through April, and fall opportunities stretching nearly three months. With statewide access, reasonable bag limits, and diverse habitats from piney hills to swampy bottomlands, the Bayou State is a gem for gobbler enthusiasts.

Make sure you’ve got your licenses squared away, respect the regulations (no bait, no e-calls, proper tagging), and scout your spots early. Whether you’re bowhunting hardwoods or patterning birds on a WMA, preparation and persistence pay off. And hey, even if the toms stay quiet, there’s nothing quite like a Louisiana sunrise filtering through the oaks while you sip coffee from your thermos and listen to the woods wake up.

Good luck out there, and may your calls be sweet and your aim be true! 🦃🏹

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Always confirm current regulations, season dates, and licensing requirements with the official source: 🔗 Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries – Hunting Regulations

Hunt safe, hunt legal, and respect the resource. Happy hunting!