BATON ROUGE — The 2026–27 Louisiana duck hunting season kicks off this November, beginning with special hunts for youth and military veterans before opening to all hunters statewide, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced.

Hunting in the West Zone opens Saturday, Nov. 7, with a youth and veterans-only hunt. The regular season will begin a week later on Nov. 14. 

The East Zone will host its youth and veterans hunt on Saturday, Nov. 14, followed by their regular season start on Nov. 21.

Hunters can view zone boundary maps and full season dates on the LDWF's hunting regulations page. 

LDWF is reminding hunters to ensure their credentials are up to date before heading out. A Federal Duck Stamp is mandatory for all waterfowl hunters aged 16 and older, regardless of other licensing exemptions.

Hunters 18 and older must hold a basic hunting license and obtain Harvest Information Program certification. Hunters 17 and younger do not need a state hunting license or HIP certification.

Anyone 18 and older visiting LDWF Wildlife Management Areas must carry a valid Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Access Permit, Senior Hunting/Fishing License, Sportsman’s Paradise License, or Lifetime License.

Public hunting is available across several top state WMAs, including Pass-a-Loutre, Atchafalaya Delta, Pointe-aux-Chenes, Sherburne, Dewey Wills and Russell Sage.

For licensing, permits and season details, visit wlf.louisiana.gov or contact LDWF Waterfowl Program Manager Jason Olszak at jolszak@wlf.la.gov.