Visiting LDWF’s Public Lands - Hunting, Fishing, Trapping, & Shooting On LDWF’s Public Lands

1. Hold a Current Hunting, Fishing, or Trapping  License (excludes shooting ranges)

There are a variety of licenses available to engage in consumptive activities on LDWF properties. Below is a list of licenses categorized by activity. Special, commercial, and miscellaneous licenses are included as well. No hunting, fishing, or trapping license is required to use LDWF shooting ranges, only a WMA Access permit and Self-Clearing permit.

HUNTING: 

PLEASE NOTE: No person born on or after September 1, 1969, shall hunt unsupervised unless that person has been issued a certificate of satisfactory completion of a Hunter Education course approved by LDWF. View and enroll in an upcoming LDWF Hunter Ed course.

Use the links below for additional information:

HUNTING:

Hunting Licenses, Permits, and Tags.

FISHING:

Recreational Fishing Licenses and Permits. 

For-Hire or Charter Fishing Licenses and Permits

TRAPPING:

Trapping Licenses.

SHOOTING RANGES:

No hunting license is required to use LDWF shooting ranges, however individuals must still obtain a WMA Access Permit and a Self-Clearing Permit to use these facilities (see below). 

LDWF Designtated Shooting Range Locations

Commercial Use:

Commercial Licenses and Permits

Special and Miscellaneous Licenses and Permits:

Special Licenses and Permits (including Lifetime, Disability, Military, and Student).

Miscellaneous Permits and Licenses

2. Obtain a WMA Access Permit (only for individuals 18 years or older)

Anyone 18 or older* must have a WMA Access Permit to enter WMAs, refuges, or conservation areas. 

Cost: Annual permit to access LDFW lands is $20 for both residents and nonresidents; 5-day permit good for 5 consecutive days and is $5 for both residents and nonresidents

If you have a Louisiana Sportsman’s Paradise License, Senior Hunting/Fishing License, or Lifetime License, the WMA Access Permit is included, so no separate purchase is needed.

*There are some exemptions to this regulation. Please check the WMA Access Permit page for these exemptions.

3. Complete a Self-Clearing Permit

A Self-Clearing Permit is required for ALL ACTIVITIES on WMAs, refuges, and conservation areas. The permit consists of two portions: check-in and check-out.

Cost: Free

All visitors must obtain a Self-Clearing Permit before entering a Wildlife Management Area. There are three ways to do this:

1. Paper Permit – Available at on-site Self-Clearing Permit Stations. Complete the check-in portion and place it in the permit box before starting your activity. Keep the check-out portion with you and submit it in the box when leaving.
2. LDWF Check-In/Check-Out App –  Apple download or Google Play download to check in and out electronically.
3. LDWF Check in/Check out Web Portal – Use the online system to check in and out conveniently.

If using a Self-Clearing Permit Station, you may check in one day in advance, but you must check out immediately upon leaving.

4. Be Aware of Other Activities & Seasons

You’re welcome to visit LDWF-managed properties year-round, but please stay aware of individuals engaging in other WMA activities (like hiking, birding, or camping) during your visit. Find LDWF WMA maps and LDWF's seasons and regulations online here or at any LDWF field office. 

Additional information pertaining to non-consumptive activities may be obtained by contacting the appropriate field office that administers the area you may be interested in or visiting. 

Interested in engaging in non-consumptive activities on LDWF properties? Visit the “Know Before You Geaux” webpage for information on the easy process.