On January 4, the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC) made some significant decisions that could have an impact on the upcoming hunting seasons. These decisions, known as Notices of Intent (NOIs), cover a range of topics, including hunting seasons, rules, and regulations for the years 2024-25 and 2025-26. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know.

Proposed Changes

The NOIs put forward by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) contain several proposed changes aimed at enhancing hunting practices while ensuring wildlife conservation. Some of the key proposed changes include:

1. Prohibition of UAVs (Drones) for Deer and Bear Recovery
In a move to promote ethical hunting, the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones) for the recovery of deer and bears that are not mortally wounded may be prohibited. This change emphasizes the importance of fair chase and responsible hunting.

2. Closure of Turkey Season for Bayou Macon and Boeuf WMAs
There’s a proposed closure of turkey season for Bayou Macon and Boeuf Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). Be sure to check the updated regulations to plan your hunting trips accordingly.

3. Restrictions on Motorized Vessels
For those who enjoy hunting in waterfowl-rich areas, there are proposed restrictions on motorized vessels. Little River (Catahoula) Basin on Dewey W. Wills WMA may have restricted hours of vessel use. Additionally, there may be limitations on motorized vessels during waterfowl season splits for Wham Brake on Russell Sage WMA.

4. Changes in Waterfowl Draw Lottery
Hunters who frequent Sherburne WMA will want to take note of this change. The daily waterfowl draw lottery may be removed, transitioning to an online-only system. Stay informed to ensure you’re up to date with the latest procedures.

Have Your Say

Your input matters! The public is invited to provide comments on these proposed changes until March 7. This is your opportunity to voice your opinions and contribute to the decision-making process. You can share your thoughts directly with Tommy Tuna from the LDWF Wildlife Division via phone at (225) 765-2349 or by emailing ttuma@wlf.la.gov. Alternatively, you can send your comments by mail to:

Tommy Tuna, LDWF Wildlife Division
P.O. Box 98000
Baton Rouge, LA 70898-9000

Get More Information

For a deeper dive into Louisiana’s hunting laws and regulations, visit all of Louisiana’s up-to-date hunting regulations for comprehensive details. You can also explore Louisiana’s General Hunting Laws and Regulations for general regulations.