2026-27 WMA Deer Forecast

FEATURES

Preparing for Louisiana’s special black-bellied whistling duck season

October 1, 2026

On Oct. 3-11, hunters can hit the sheer variety of habitat that black-bellied whistling ducks have taken over all around the state.

Fall patterns for slab sac-a-lait

September 25, 2026

Ray Miller of Madisonville fishes sac-a-lait year-round and knows the fish won’t be in the same stage of their fall transition every October.

HUNTING

Deer season underway in Louisiana; Hunters reminded of new deer Area 1 limits

October 21, 2026

Deer season is underway across Louisiana, and the LDWF reminds hunters to check season dates and limits for the deer area they plan to hunt.

BASS FISHING

Mister Twister’s 7-inch RT Slug SI

October 20, 2026

Mister Twister’s 7-inch RT Slug SI soft plastic just hit the market in late summer, but Greg Yates got his hands on it 5 ½ months ago.

FRESHWATER FISHING

Fall patterns for slab sac-a-lait

September 25, 2026

Ray Miller of Madisonville fishes sac-a-lait year-round and knows the fish won’t be in the same stage of their fall transition every October.

OFFSHORE FISHING

LDWF announces recreational greater amberjack season to close on Oct. 14, 2026

October 13, 2026

The LDWF issued a Declaration of Emergency to close the recreational greater amberjack season in Louisiana waters on October 14, 2026.

INSHORE FISHING

Running of the bull reds

September 25, 2026

In Louisiana, redfish generally spawn from mid-August through mid-November with the peak in September and October.

Reminder: Flounder season set to close Oct. 15 through Nov. 30

October 7, 2026

The annual closed season for the recreational and commercial harvest of Southern Flounder is from Oct. 15 through Nov. 30 of each year.

Load the boat at Calcasieu Lake

October 4, 2026

Fall fishing is excellent for all species at Calcasieu Lake. Everything is getting prepared for winter and feeding ferociously.

PHOTO CONTEST
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NEWS BREAKERS

Deer season underway in Louisiana; Hunters reminded of new deer Area 1 limits

October 21, 2026

Deer season is underway across Louisiana, and the LDWF reminds hunters to check season dates and limits for the deer area they plan to hunt.

RECIPES

Dove Piccata

October 11, 2026

The dove breasts are lightly dredged in ranch-seasoned flour and quickly seared before being finished in a bright lemon-caper piccata sauce.

FIELD NOTES

Left-handed bow is game changer for high school archer

October 15, 2026

Hollan Hicks, now entering his sophomore year at Benton High School, has the goal of a perfect score as he approaches archery competitions.