New residents can purchase hunting and fishing licenses sooner, LDWF says

Effective Aug. 1, Act 429 reduces wait time from one year to six months

New state residents will qualify to purchase recreational hunting and fishing licenses after six months in the state effective Aug. 1, according to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Act 429, which was signed by Gov. Bobby Jindal following the most recent legislative session, reduces the wait time required for new residents from one year to six months.

“We hope more new residents will purchase their resident recreational hunting and fishing licenses sooner as the result of this legislation,” LDWF secretary Robert Barham said. “There will no longer be a need to wait a full year to enjoy the state’s fish and game opportunities as a resident license holder.”

‘Bona fide resident’ means any person who is a United States citizen or resident alien who has resided in the state continuously during the six months immediately prior to the date on which he applies for any such license, according to a press release.

For more information on Louisiana hunting and fishing residency requirements, click here.