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.

5 tactics for marsh deer

September 25, 2026

Marsh deer hunting is some of hardest deer hunting you’ll ever do. If you kill a deer in the marsh, you’ve done something special.

HUNTING

Hunters, don’t leave home without a rangefinder

October 18, 2026

Comparing three of the top-rated laser rangefinders. The Vortex Crossfire HD 1400, the Maven RF.1 and the Vortex Razor HD 4000 GB.

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

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.

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.

The world’s largest kayak tournament celebrates its 15th year

September 21, 2026

Brandi Sauce caught a 32.50-pound bull redfish which won her first place in the 2026 Ride the Bull kayak tournament held in Grand Isle.

PHOTO CONTEST
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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

Emergency on the water

September 21, 2026

Sixteen-year-old Brody Martin had an alligator gar slash open his left forearm. A trip to the emergency room resulted in eight stitches.