Louisiana hunting seasons begin, including one special opportunity

Three Louisiana hunting seasons start Saturday, Oct. 3, including one special nine-day window for black-bellied whistling ducks, the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) announced. The squirrel and rabbit seasons run from Oct. 3 through Feb. 28, 2027, across all parts of Louisiana. The black-bellied whistling duck season runs from Oct. 3 to Oct. 11, with a daily bag limit of four and a possession limit of 12. Hunters need the appropriate basic hunting license if they’re 18 or older, plus additional WMA access rules—such as a WMA access permit and check-in/check-out. For the duck season, shooting hours are sunrise to sunset.