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

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

Hit Toledo Bend’s creeks for fall fishing

September 29, 2026

October is when the fall bite for bass usually gets pretty hot and heavy at Toledo Bend. Crappie fishing ought to improve considerably.

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

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.

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.

CCA Louisiana, RFRI and LDWF release 150,000 redfish in Louisiana’s first redfish restocking

September 21, 2026

More than 150,000 hatchery-raised red drum have been released into Louisiana waters in the first redfish restocking effort in state history.

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

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.