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Resources for Non-Resident Waterfowl Hunters
Planning Your Trip to Louisiana
What to Expect
Early season action awaits Louisiana waterfowl hunters. Centered on the Mississippi Flyway, Louisiana features high volume and species diversity across rich habitats. Early teal in September kicks off hunting season, with the new opportunity at whistling ducks in October, and goose and duck seasons winding out the opportunity into the winter.
Louisiana’s habitats include coastal marshes, flooded timber, and agricultural fields. Made challenging by the amount of water around, don’t miss your chance to hunt the “Duck Capital of America”.
Flooded timber hunts offer unique opportunities for waterfowl hunters.
Get a head start on hunting season with Louisiana teal (September 19-27 teal season)
Coastal waterfowl hunts can include great fishing opportunities after your hunt!
Regulations
Louisiana Hunting & WMA Regulations are easily accessible online in multiple formats. Waterfowl-specific regulations can be found on our LDWF quick-reference regulation page.
Pay close attention to bag, possession, season dates, and shooting light hours as these can vary by species and location.
As waterfowl are a migratory species, federal restrictions apply. All rules apply, and it is the hunter’s responsibility to acknowledge and follow these regulations.
Licenses
If you're age 18 and older, you need a Basic Hunting License as well as special stamps including the Federal Duck Stamp and Mandatory Harvest Information Program (HIP).
You also must complete an LDWF-approved hunter education course and earn your Hunter Education Certification (exception for those born before September 1, 1969).
5-day licenses or a full season license can be purchased online through a pay and print system or at a designated license site. Louisiana hunting licenses are good for 365 days after purchase (duck stamps and HIP have separate expiration dates).
More information on waterfowl hunting specific licensing can be found here.
Access
1.6 million acres are available for public hunting. Areas may have special processes, restrictions and dates. Wildlife management areas (WMAs), refuges, and conservation areas require additional WMA access and self-clearing permits.
Lottery hunts on our WMAs are also available for non-resident hunters.
View an interactive access map to find your next hunting location.
Travel & Lodging
Hunters can find accommodations in nearby state parks or through hotels. For those arriving by plane, Louisiana has several regional airports help you get to your honey hole destination!