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Turkey
Hunting, Research, and Management
The eastern wild turkey is the largest game bird native to Louisiana. Up to 20,000 hunters pursue wild turkeys in Louisiana each year.
Turkey Tags
Prior to hunting turkey, all turkey hunters, regardless of age or license status, must obtain turkey tags. They must have the tags in their possession while hunting turkey, and immediately after harvesting a turkey, tag the turkey before moving it from where it was killed. Hunters must record the required information for tagged turkeys and validate tags within 72 hours of harvesting a turkey.
LDWF Wild Turkey Population Survey
LDWF is seeking additional input from hunters, landowners, and citizens throughout Louisiana to participate in this expanded Wild Turkey Population Survey. This survey provides important information with regard to wild turkey reproduction and recruitment. Please enter each observation made throughout the year at the link below. On the “LA Turkey Survey Data Entry” tab, you will be asked to provide your name, date, location, and the number of males(adults or juveniles), females, and/or poults seen. If you are interested in keeping up with observations as they come in, check out the “Turkey Survey Dashboard” tab.
Lottery Hunts
LDWF’s wildlife management areas offer lottery hunts for youth hunters, physically challenged hunters, disabled veterans, and the general public to hunt alligator, deer, dove, turkey, and waterfowl. There are also lottery hunts at White Lake Wetlands Conservation Area.
Research, Management, and Reports
LDWF is responsible for balancing the needs of wild turkeys and those who hunt them—monitoring the state’s wild turkey population and harvests and conducting other research as well as managing the population through periodic restocking, recommending hunting seasons and regulations, and improving habitat.
Big Game Records
The Louisiana Big Game Records Program documents all-time record white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and black bears harvested in the state that meet or exceed minimum antler or spur measurements, respectively, as well as deer and turkeys that meet minimum recognition requirements over a three-year span.
Did You Know?
LDWF offers technical assistance to interested landowners and managers to improve turkey habitat on private lands to benefit wild turkey populations.