Louisiana Hunting Seasons & Prices
2026 big-game season dates and license/tag prices.
Louisiana offers 2026 hunting seasons for whitetail across archery, muzzleloader, and firearm methods. Seasons run from October 1, 2026 through January 31, 2027. A basic hunting license costs $27.50 for residents and $207.50 for nonresidents.
Planning reference only — always confirm dates and prices with the state wildlife agency before applying, buying a license, or hunting.
Season dates
Whitetail
| Season | Method | Opens | Closes | Notes | Track |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide (most areas) | Archery | Oct 1, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | Areas 3/7/8/9/10 open in September; velvet buck seasons run Aug–Sept in some areas | 🔔 |
| Primitive Firearms (Area 2) | Muzzleloader | Oct 24, 2026 | Oct 30, 2026 | Dates vary by Deer Area — see LDWF | 🔔 |
| Firearms, Still-Hunt (Area 2) | Firearm | Oct 31, 2026 | Dec 9, 2026 | Dates vary by Deer Area — see LDWF | 🔔 |
| Firearms, With or Without Dogs (Area 2) | Firearm | Dec 10, 2026 | Jan 17, 2027 | Dates vary by Deer Area — see LDWF | 🔔 |
License & tag prices
| License | Resident | Nonresident | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Hunting License | $27.50 | $207.50 | Deer License add-on required for deer |
Deer hunters need the Basic Hunting License plus a Deer License (includes archery/primitive privileges and tags).
Source: Louisiana Dept. of Wildlife & Fisheries license & permit fee list (wlf.louisiana.gov)
Louisiana hunting FAQ
- When does whitetail season open in Louisiana in 2026?
- Louisiana's 2026 whitetail archery season opens October 1 and runs through January 31. Always confirm exact dates with the state wildlife agency before hunting.
- What big-game species can you hunt in Louisiana?
- In 2026, Louisiana has hunting seasons for whitetail.
- How much is a Louisiana hunting license for nonresidents?
- A basic hunting license in Louisiana is $207.50 for nonresidents and $27.50 for residents.