The 2025-26 Louisiana duck hunting season begins in the West Zone with a youth-only hunt (Nov. 8-9), followed by the first split of the regular season a week later (Nov. 15), the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced.
The East Zone’s youth & veterans hunt will be Nov. 15-16 with the first split of the regular season beginning Nov. 22.
To see a map of the zone boundaries and complete season dates for both zones, go to https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/assets/Resources/Publications/Regulations/25-26-LDWF-Hunting-Regs-sm.pdf.
All waterfowl hunters 16 years and older, even those who are not otherwise required to purchase a license, must have a Federal Duck Stamp. Go to https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/federal-duck-stamps for more information.
Those 18 and older duck hunting are required to have a basic hunting license and be Harvest Information Program (HIP) certified. Youth 17 and under do not need a hunting license or HIP certification to duck hunt. To purchase a hunting license, go to https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/hunting-licenses-permits-tags.
Many LDWF Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) throughout the state offer duck hunting opportunities. The most popular include: Pass-a-Loutre WMA, Atchafalaya Delta WMA, Pointe-aux-Chenes WMA, Sherburne WMA, Dewey Wills WMA and Russell Sage WMA. For a complete list of WMAs open to duck hunting and more information on WMA duck hunting, go to https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/seasons-and-regulations.
All visitors to LDWF WMAs must have either a WMA Access Permit, Senior Hunting/Fishing License, Louisiana Sportsman’s Paradise License or Lifetime Hunting/Fishing License, except those 17 years of age and younger. Go to https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/wmarefugeconservation-area-licenses-and-permits for more information.
For more information on duck hunting in Louisiana, go to https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/subhome/waterfowl.
