Louisiana Black Bear Hunting Lottery Now Open, LDWF Announces

The Louisiana Black Bear Hunting Lottery is now open to hunters through Aug. 28. The hunt, administered by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), will be held in all Louisiana Black Bear Management Areas Dec. 5-20, 2026.

Bear Area specific population estimates and vital rate data were used to determine the number of bear harvest permits to be issued. A total of 42 tags will be issued through the lottery. Bear Management Area 4 will have 19 permits, Area 1 eight permits, areas 2 and 3 four permits each and areas 5, 6 and 7 two each. There will also be a LDWF Secretary’s permit to be auctioned.

Successful applicants will be required to attend an LDWF bear hunter training course prior to hunting on either Oct. 16, 17, 22 or 23. Individuals not attending one of these courses may be disqualified and forfeit their bear hunting permit.

Lottery applications are available only on the LDWF licensing website. Those interested in applying should update or create their customer details similar to purchasing a license and then submit an application. Possession of a valid black bear hunting license is required prior to applying for the WMA and the general Black Bear Lotteries. A $50 non-refundable application fee will be charged to each applicant. All applicants will be notified of their results via email as well as at the licensing website.

Bear harvest permits will consist of three types: Wildlife Management Area (WMA), Private Landowner and General. For instructions to apply visit the Louisiana Black Bear Hunting Lottery webpage.

For more information on the lottery application process, contact David Hayden at dhayden@wlf.la.gov. For more information on the Louisiana black bear and this year’s hunt, contact John Hanks at jhanks@wlf.la.gov.