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.

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.

HUNTING

LDWF reminds waterfowl hunters to report black-bellied whistling duck harvest and effort

October 14, 2026

Even if you did not hunt, but obtained the black-bellied whistling duck permit, you are required to complete a report.

BASS FISHING

Mister Twister’s 7-inch RT Slug SI

September 25, 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

Duckett Fishing’s Crappie Slayer Rod

October 14, 2026

The updated Crappie Slayer includes two all new models in 7-foot-5 and 7-foot-6, capitalizing on the newest trends in crappie fishing.

OFFSHORE FISHING

Final Louisiana red snapper landing estimates for 2026

September 21, 2026

The LDWF estimates that 934,367 pounds of red snapper were landed during the 2026 private recreational season.

INSHORE FISHING

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.

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.

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.

PHOTO CONTEST
01/01

NEWS BREAKERS

LDWF Geaux Play Outdoors to hold hiking, birding, nature photography class on Oct. 24 in Woodworth

October 15, 2026

The LDWF Geaux Play Outdoors program will hold an introductory class on hiking, birding and nature photography Oct. 24.

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

Essential bowhunting gear

September 20, 2026

These hunting items are as compact and lightweight as possible. It is essential when public land hunting to be able to pack up quickly.