Resident deer tag or permit entry cost.
LA
Deer Hunting in Louisiana: Tags, Seasons & Regulations (2026)
Deer hunting in Louisiana starts with the current deer cost entries, season dates, bag limits, and CWD rules.
Resident Tag $35 Deer tag/permit
Non-Resident Tag $300 Non-resident deer tag
Primary Season Sep 20 – Jan 15 Archery
Draw Required? No (OTC) Over-the-counter tags
DEER QUICK ANSWER
Louisiana Deer Tag Cost, Season & Rules: Quick Answer
Start here for Louisiana deer tag cost, primary season timing, draw status, and CWD planning before using the full tables below.
Use this before adding the base license and trip permits.
Most hunters can start from the state license portal and available deer permits.
Archery; also check Firearms (varies by area).
For Louisiana deer hunting, use the listed resident and non-resident deer cost entries together with the note: Basic Hunting plus Deer Hunting License is the minimum deer access path; Sportsman's Paradise bundles both. Because this page lists over-the-counter access, the main risk is choosing the correct weapon season, zone, and add-on permit. CWD has been detected in Louisiana, so carcass movement and testing rules deserve an early check.
OVERVIEW
Deer Hunting in Louisiana
Louisiana deer access is built on a bundled license structure, but it is not included with the base hunting license alone. Adult residents generally need the $20 Basic Hunting license plus the $15 Deer Hunting License, while non-residents generally need the $200 Basic Hunting license plus the $100 Deer Hunting License. Hunters who buy the Sportsman's Paradise bundle already cover those deer privileges inside that package. Louisiana focuses deer regulation on total season limits rather than statewide point rules: hunters can take up to 6 deer total, including up to 3 antlered deer, and a legal antlered deer must show at least one visible hardened antler. LDWF also posts CWD Control Area rules for baiting, feeding, testing access, and carcass movement, so hunters should confirm the current parish-level restrictions before traveling with a harvested deer.
Species present: White-tailed Deer
SEASONS
Louisiana Deer Season Dates (2026)
All archery, firearm, and muzzleloader season dates.
Multiple Seasons
Louisiana offers 3 distinct deer seasons. Check specific zone dates with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries — dates and bag limits may vary by management unit.
COSTS
Louisiana Deer Tag Fees
Resident vs. non-resident tag and permit costs.
Resident
$35
Deer tag / permit
Non-Resident
$300
Over-the-counter tag available
Basic Hunting plus Deer Hunting License is the minimum deer access path; Sportsman's Paradise bundles both
PLAN YOUR NEXT STEP
Choose the right Louisiana deer planning path
Jump into the state hub, shortlist pages, and deer-planning tools before you work through every remaining section.
Check the full Louisiana license setup
Move back to the main state hub when you need the base license, non-resident options, or add-on permits outside deer tags.
Use deer-planning tools next
Shift from deer-tag detail into season timing, trip budgeting, and cross-state deer planning helpers.
Add a wider 2026 cost view
Check benchmark and non-resident premium reports before you commit to one deer state or trip budget.
REGULATIONS
CWD & Deer Hunting Regulations in Louisiana
Chronic Wasting Disease status, antler restrictions, and weapon rules.
CWD Status
Detected
CWD Control Areas: Tensas, East Carroll, Madison, Franklin, Concordia, Caldwell, Richland, La Salle, Catahoula
CWD Testing / Transport
CWD detected
Zones: CWD Control Areas: Tensas, East Carroll, Madison, Franklin, Concordia, Caldwell, Richland, La Salle, Catahoula
Strict carcass transport restrictions apply. Whole carcasses generally cannot leave CWD zones or be imported from positive states.
Bag Limit
Daily: 1 · Season: 6
6 total; 3 antlered bucks (1 must be 4+ points on one side). Tags must be validated within 72 hours via text-to-tag, LDWF web portal, LA Wallet, or toll-free number
Allowed Weapons
Bow, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader
Official Source
Always verify current regulations with the official source: Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries . Season dates, bag limits, and CWD regulations may change annually.
FAQ
Deer Hunting in Louisiana — FAQ
Is CWD testing mandatory in Louisiana?
Louisiana uses testing access and control-area rules rather than a blanket statewide testing mandate. LDWF encourages sampling in and around the CWD Control Areas and provides drop-off options in affected regions.
What are the antler restrictions?
There are no minimum point restrictions statewide. A legal antlered deer must have at least one visible antler of hardened bony material.
Are there baiting restrictions?
Yes. Louisiana restricts baiting and supplemental feeding inside designated CWD Control Areas, so hunters should confirm the current parish list before the season.
What deer species can I hunt in Louisiana?
Louisiana is home to White-tailed Deer. Allowed weapons include bow, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader.
Can non-residents hunt deer in Louisiana?
Yes, non-residents can hunt deer in Louisiana. A typical adult non-resident deer setup is the $200 Basic Hunting license plus the $100 Deer Hunting License, for $300 before any WMA or waterfowl add-ons. The Sportsman's Paradise bundle is the broader all-in package.