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Louisiana

Louisiana Hunting License: Cost, Requirements & How to Apply (2026)

Complete guide to Louisiana hunting license costs, requirements, seasons, and regulations for the 365 days from purchase season.

Last updated: March 2026
Resident License $20 General hunting
Non-Resident License $200 General hunting
Hunter Education Required Born after 1969-09-01
Online Purchase Yes 365 days from purchase
LICENSE FEES

Louisiana Hunting License Fees 2026

Current hunting license costs for residents and non-residents. License year: 365 days from purchase.

Resident Licenses

License Type Resident Non-Resident
Resident Basic Hunting $20
Resident Deer Hunting License $15
Resident Turkey Hunting License $12
Resident Sportsman's Paradise $100
Resident Youth Hunting (17 and under) $5

Non-Resident Licenses

License Type Resident Non-Resident
Non-Resident Basic Hunting $200
Non-Resident Deer Hunting License $100
Non-Resident Turkey Hunting License $50
Non-Resident 5-Day Basic Hunting $65
Non-Resident Sportsman's Paradise $400

Tags & Permits

License Type Resident Non-Resident
Deer Free Free
Turkey Free Free
Alligator $25 $150

Endorsements & Stamps

Louisiana Waterfowl License $15.50 Required for waterfowl hunting; included in Sportsman's Paradise
WMA Access Permit $15 Required for hunting on WMAs; included in Sportsman's Paradise
Federal Duck Stamp $25 Required nationwide for waterfowl
HIP Certification Free Free, required for migratory birds
PURCHASE

How to Buy a Louisiana Hunting License

Multiple convenient options to get your license quickly.

1

Buy Online (Recommended)

Visit la.outdoorssales.com. Create an account or sign in. Select Basic Hunting + Deer/Turkey licenses or Sportsman's Paradise. Add WMA Access Permit if needed. Pay with credit/debit card. Print or save your digital license

2

Buy In Person

Walmart stores statewide, Bass Pro Shops / Cabela's, Academy Sports + Outdoors, LDWF regional offices, Local sporting goods stores

3

Buy By Phone

Call 225-765-2800. Service fee may apply

Pro Tip

The easiest way to buy your Louisiana hunting license is online through the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries. You'll get your license instantly and can start hunting right away.

EDUCATION

Hunter Education Requirements in Louisiana

Who needs it: All hunters born on or after September 1, 1969
Online course: Available — Cost: Free
Field day required: Yes, in-person field day required
Minimum age: 10 years old
Apprentice/deferral program: Available — hunt under supervision while completing education
Military exemption: Yes, active duty military may be exempt
EXEMPTIONS

Who Can Hunt for Free (or at a Discount) in Louisiana?

Category Benefit Details
Youth (Under 16) Free with adult Children under 16 can hunt with a licensed adult at no cost; youth license ($5) for deer/turkey
Senior (60+) Free Louisiana residents 60+ receive a free Senior Hunting/Fishing license
Disabled Veteran Free Louisiana residents with 100% service-connected disability get free licenses
Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in Louisiana hunt at resident rates
Landowner Exempt on own property Louisiana landowners may hunt on their own property without a license
SEASONS

Louisiana Hunting Seasons 2026-2027

Key hunting season dates and weapon restrictions.

Species Season Dates Weapon
White-tailed Deer Archery Sep 20 – Jan 15 Bow and crossbow
White-tailed Deer Firearms (varies by area) Nov 8 – Feb 15 Rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader
White-tailed Deer Primitive Firearms Oct 18 – Nov 7 Muzzleloader, bow
Turkey (Spring) Spring Mar 27 – Apr 20 Shotgun, bow
Dove Regular Sep 6 – Nov 2 Shotgun
Duck/Waterfowl Regular Nov 8 – Jan 25 Shotgun (non-toxic shot)
Alligator Regular Sep 3 – Oct 1 Lines, hooks, bows, firearms
BAG LIMITS

Louisiana Bag Limits

Daily and seasonal harvest limits for major game species.

Species Daily Limit Season Limit Notes
White-tailed Deer 1 6 6 total; 3 antlered bucks (1 must be 4+ points on one side)
Turkey (Spring) 1 2 Gobblers only
Dove 15 No season limit Mourning and white-winged
Duck 6 No season limit Species-specific limits apply; Louisiana is a top waterfowl destination
Alligator Per tags Per lottery allocation Tags per harvested alligator
COMPARE

How Louisiana Compares to Neighboring States

See how hunting license costs stack up in the region.

State Resident License Non-Resident License
Louisiana $20 $200
Arkansas $25 $410 Mississippi $25 $300 Texas $25 $315
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana Hunting Licenses

How much is a hunting license in Louisiana?

A resident Basic Hunting license costs $20, plus $15 deer tag and $12 turkey tag. The Sportsman's Paradise bundle ($100) includes ALL hunting, fishing, deer, turkey, waterfowl, and WMA privileges — best value by far.

What is the Sportsman's Paradise license?

The Sportsman's Paradise ($100 resident) bundles basic hunting, big game, fishing, saltwater, WMA, turkey, waterfowl, and archery privileges. Buying everything separately costs over $150, so this saves significantly.

How many deer can you harvest in Louisiana?

Louisiana allows 6 deer per season with a 1-per-day limit. Of the 6, up to 3 can be antlered bucks, and at least 1 buck must have 4 or more points on one side. Limits vary slightly by deer management area.

Can I hunt alligators in Louisiana?

Yes, Louisiana has a public alligator harvest season (typically September). You must win a lottery for harvest tags ($25 res / $150 NR). Louisiana is the top alligator hunting destination in the US with about 300,000 wild alligators.

Do seniors hunt free in Louisiana?

Yes, Louisiana residents 60+ receive a free Senior Hunting/Fishing license. No purchase necessary — just bring valid ID with your date of birth. This is one of the youngest free-license ages in the country.

What is a WMA permit?

A Wildlife Management Area (WMA) permit is required for hunting on Louisiana's public WMAs. It costs $15 individually but is included free with the Sportsman's Paradise license. WMAs provide some of the best public land hunting in the state.

Do I need hunter education in Louisiana?

Yes, anyone born on or after September 1, 1969 must complete hunter education. Louisiana offers a free online course with a required field day. An apprentice program allows first-time hunters to hunt supervised.

Can I buy a Louisiana hunting license online?

Yes, at la.outdoorssales.com. Licenses are valid for 365 days from purchase, not a fixed season. Also available at Walmart and sporting goods stores statewide.

Ready to Get Your Louisiana Hunting License?

Visit the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries website to purchase your license online today.