The Louisiana archery season offers you a wide variety of game experiences. The “Bayou State” is one of the best regions in the country for migratory birds, and there is plenty of prize whitetail deer across the state. Alligator hunting is tremendous and a great option for a different hunting experience.
Louisiana (LA) Archery Season, 2022-2023
If you want to visit “the Jewel of the South” for your hunting trip, check detailed maps about the 13 hunting zones with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
When does Archery Season Start in LA?
Louisiana Alligator Season
- Eastern Louisiana Alligator Last Wednesday of August for 60 days
- Western Louisiana Alligator First Wednesday in September for 60 days
*Louisiana has two hunting zones for alligators, with designated areas for residents and non-residents. All alligator hunts are by permit only. Hunters may only harvest alligators between sunrise and sunset. There is no option for night hunting.
Louisiana Deer Seasons
- Archery September 17-February 15*
- Youth and Honorably Discharged Veterans October 9 to November 5*
*Season dates vary greatly by area. Louisiana offers ten hunting areas, with dates and regulations ranging by each region. Hunters must register their harvest within 72 hours of taking the animal.
Louisiana Wild Turkey Seasons
- General Season April 1-30*
- Youth And Physically Challenged Hunt March 25-26
*Season dates vary by region. Louisiana offers three turkey hunting zones. Open turkey hunting seasons are only available on private lands.
Louisiana Small Game Seasons
- Raccoon, Opossum, Bobcat Open Season
- Squirrel October 1-February 28 / May 6-28
- Rabbit October 1-February 28
- Quail November 19-February 28
Small game bag limits vary, depending on the species. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries controls all Louisiana hunting seasons.
What are the Legal Hunting Hours in Louisiana?
Hunting is allowed from 30-minutes before sunrise to 30-minutes before sunset.
Hunting Licenses and Permits in LA
All hunters born on or after September 1, 1969, must take a hunter education certification course to qualify to hunt in Louisiana. Visit the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website for further information on hunting permits for disabled persons.
Louisiana Resident
Residents are people living in Louisiana for a minimum of six months. Louisiana residents aged 16 or older must purchase a resident hunting license.
Non-Resident
Non-residents aged 16 or older must buy a non-resident hunting license. Persons born in Louisiana but no longer a resident may buy the Louisiana Native License. This license is valid for five consecutive days.
Youth Hunting License
Louisiana residents and non-residents under 16 do not need a hunting license.
Senior Hunting License
Louisiana residents turning 60 before June 1, 2000, who are residents for at least two years, don’t need licenses for the following: basic hunting, bow, Louisiana duck, or turkey stamps.
Disability License
Permanently disabled residents are eligible for a reduced-fee Resident Disabled Hunting License or a free hunting license.
Veteran and Military License
Active-duty military personnel can buy their hunting license for the same cost as a resident hunting license.
Migratory Waterfowl Requirements
Hunters aged 16 or older must buy a Federal Duck Stamp and Louisiana Duck License when hunting migratory waterfowl. Additionally, hunters must prove their participation in the Harvest Information Program (HIP).
License Expiration
Hunting licenses are available from June 1 and expire on June 30 of the following year. Louisiana residents and non-residents can purchase lifetime hunting licenses.
Check out our guide 30+ Hunting Rules to Keep You Safe while bowhunting in the wild.
