The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has released the official dates and details for the 2025–2026 Louisiana duck hunting season, marking the start of another highly anticipated year for waterfowl enthusiasts across the state.

The season will open in mid-November, with youth and veteran hunts scheduled in both the East and West Zones prior to the general season.

Season Overview:

West Zone: Youth-only hunt set for Nov. 8–9; the first split of the regular season begins November 15.

East Zone: Youth and veterans hunt scheduled for Nov. 15–16; the first split of the regular season opens Nov. 22.

Hunters will once again have access to some of Louisiana’s most popular Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) for duck hunting, including Pass-a-Loutre, Atchafalaya Delta, Pointe-aux-Chenes, Sherburne, Dewey Wills, and Russell Sage, among others. A full list of WMAs open to duck hunting is available on the LDWF website.

License and Permit Requirements:

• Hunters 16 and older must have a Federal Duck Stamp.
• Those 18 and older must also possess a Louisiana hunting license and HIP certification.
• Hunters 17 and under are exempt from license and HIP requirements.
• All WMA visitors ages 18 and older must hold either a WMA Access Permit, Senior Hunting/Fishing License, Sportsman’s Paradise License, or Lifetime Hunting/Fishing License.

LDWF officials encourage hunters to review all season dates, zone maps, and regulations before heading into the field.