# Louisiana hunting season developments

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/louisiana-hunting-season-developments
> Updated: 2026-10-20T00:00:00.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 4.

Hunting seasons in Louisiana have commenced, beginning with the squirrel season in early October. Following this, a special deer season for youth and veterans in Area 2 of Northwest Louisiana ran from October 10 through October 16.

To participate in the special deer week, youth hunters must possess hunter safety certification and be accompanied by an adult 18 or older, unless they are at least 12 and have completed a safety course. Veterans must be properly licensed and provide proof of honorable discharge, such as a U.S. Veterans Driver’s License or Department of Defense Form 214.

Local authorities in Bienville Parish continue to address littering concerns, specifically regarding empty deer corn sacks being left on roadsides near areas like the Bodcau WMA. The Bienville Parish Sheriff has requested that hunters use dumpsters for disposal rather than leaving bags in truck beds where they can blow onto roadways.

As the broader deer season approaches, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is advising hunters to verify season dates and harvest limits. Louisiana is divided into 10 distinct deer areas, each governed by specific regulations. A primary regulatory change affects Deer Area 1, where hunters are now restricted to a maximum of two antlered deer and up to five antlerless deer. While individual area rules vary, the statewide season limit is capped at six deer. To assist with these regulations, licensed hunters will receive six tags: one antlered tag, two either-sex tags, and three antlerless tags.

Looking ahead, the Primitive Weapons season is set to begin on Saturday, October 24, followed by the opening of the general deer season on October 31.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-20: Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries issues deer season reminders

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries reminds hunters to check specific dates and bag limits across the state's 10 deer areas, noting new restrictions for Deer Area 1.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/louisiana-department-of-wildlife-and-fisheries-issues-deer-season-reminders

### 2026-10-12: Louisiana deer hunting season begins

Deer hunting season is underway in Louisiana, with special seasons for veterans and children active through October 16, followed by primitive weapons and general seasons.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/louisiana-deer-hunting-season-begins

### 2026-10-06: Louisiana begins Youth and Veterans deer season amid litter concerns

Louisiana's Youth and Veterans deer season begins October 10, while local officials urge hunters to prevent roadside littering caused by empty corn sacks.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/louisiana-begins-youth-and-veterans-deer-season-amid-litter-concerns

### 2026-09-30: Louisiana squirrel hunting season begins in October

Louisiana's squirrel hunting season begins the first Saturday of October, offering a way for youth to learn outdoor skills and access public hunting lands.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/louisiana-squirrel-hunting-season-begins-in-october

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Cite as: Louisiana hunting season developments. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/louisiana-hunting-season-developments