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 or contact Jason Olszak at jolszak@wlf.la.gov.
About Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation’s 2025 Conservation Raffle:
The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation (LAWFF), in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), is hosting its inaugural raffle. Supporting ongoing LDWF conservation efforts, the raffle offers outdoor enthusiasts and conservation supporters of Louisiana the chance to win a brand-new Chevy Silverado from your Super Chevy Dealers, valued at $60,000.
Proceeds directly benefit programs led by LDWF, including habitat restoration, wildlife and fisheries research, public access enhancements, and education initiatives.
To purchase your ticket, visit: https://www.lawff.org/la-conservation-raffle.
Open to legal residents of the U.S. who are 18 years of age or older. Void where prohibited. Contest ends 1/8/26. Click here to view the official rules page.