Louisiana Hunting License: Cost, Requirements & How to Apply
Complete guide to Louisiana hunting licenses — costs, seasons, and how to buy through LDWF.
Louisiana Hunting License — Quick Facts
- Resident: from $20.00 — Non-Resident: from $200.00
- Managed by: Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
- License year: 2026-2027 (valid for dates within this period)
- Hunter education required for first-time buyers — verify with the state agency
- Discounts available for: senior, youth, disabled veteran, active military, landowner
- Buy online through the agency-linked portal at https://louisianaoutdoors.com/
Louisiana Hunting License Fees (2026-2027)
Louisiana is a legendary hunting destination, managed by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF). The Sportsman's Paradise lives up to its nickname, offering world-class waterfowl hunting in the Mississippi Flyway, excellent white-tailed deer hunting, and outstanding opportunities for turkey, rabbit, and alligator. The state's unique bayou country, bottomland hardwood forests, and coastal marshes create some of the most diverse waterfowl habitat in North America. Hunting licenses are valid from July 1 through June 30 of the following year. Louisiana has a modular licensing system — the Basic Hunting License ($20) is the entry point, with separate add-on licenses for deer ($15), waterfowl ($12), and turkey ($12). The Sportsman's Paradise License ($100) bundles everything together. Residents aged 60+ born before June 1, 1940 hunt for free, while the senior license is just $5. Non-residents pay $200 for the basic hunting license with additional species-specific fees. Hunter education is not universally required if born before September 1, 1969.
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Basic Hunting | $20.00 | — | 1 year | |
| NR Basic Hunting | — | $200.00 | 1 year | |
| Resident Deer License | $15.00 | — | 1 year | Includes archery and primitive weapon |
| NR Deer License | — | $100.00 | 1 year | |
| Resident Turkey License | $12.00 | — | 1 year | |
| NR Turkey License | — | $50.00 | 1 year | |
| Resident Waterfowl License | $12.00 | — | 1 year | |
| NR Waterfowl License | — | $50.00 | 1 year | |
| Resident Sportsman's Paradise | $100.00 | — | 1 year | All hunting + fishing privileges |
| NR Sportsman's Paradise | — | $400.00 | 1 year | |
| NR 5-Day Basic Hunting | — | $65.00 | 5 days | |
| Youth Hunting (17 and under) | $5.00 | $5.00 | 1 year | |
| WMA Access Annual Permit | $20.00 | $20.00 | 1 year | |
| Federal Duck Stamp | $29.79 | $29.79 | 1 year |
Prices from Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Last verified: 2026-04-01. Always confirm current fees with the official state agency before purchase.
When does your Louisiana license expire? See our license validity guide →
Hunter Education Requirements
Required for anyone born on or after September 1, 1969
How to Buy a Louisiana Hunting License
- 1
Complete Hunter Education
If required, complete a state-approved hunter education course before purchasing your license.
- 2
Gather Required Documents
Have your government-issued photo ID, Social Security Number, and proof of residency (if applicable) ready.
- 3
Visit the Official Portal
Go to Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries or an authorized retail agent listed by the state agency.
- 4
Select License Type & Pay
Choose the appropriate license type for your needs, add any required endorsements or tags, and complete payment.
- 5
Print or Save Your License
Print your license or save a digital copy. You must carry your valid license while hunting in Louisiana.
Need help? Call Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries at 225-765-2887
Not sure what you need? Use our License Cost Calculator to get a personalized estimate →
Step-by-step: How to buy your hunting license online for any state →
Louisiana Hunting Seasons (2026-2027)
| Species | Method | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer | Archery | October 1 | January 31, 2027 | Varies by zone |
| White-tailed Deer | Firearms | October 24 | January 10, 2027 | Varies significantly by zone |
| White-tailed Deer | Primitive Firearms | October 10 | October 16 | Zone-specific splits |
| Turkey | Spring | April 3 | May 2 | Area A/B/C varies |
| Duck | General | November 14 | January 31, 2027 | Dates vary by zone |
| Dove | General | September 5 | January 10 | |
| Rabbit | General | October 3 | February 28 | |
| Alligator | Lottery | August 26 | October 4 | Estimated lottery dates |
View full Louisiana season regulations on LDWF
Compare deer tag costs and season dates across all 50 states →
Compare turkey license costs and season dates across all states →
Discounts & Exemptions
| Group | Benefit | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Senior | Free or $5 | Born before June 1, 1940: free. Born June 1940–May 1962: $5 Senior Hunt/Fish License |
| Youth | Reduced ($5) | Youth hunters aged 17 and under |
| Disabled Veteran | Free | Veterans with 50%+ service-connected disability |
| Active Military | Resident rates | Active duty military stationed in Louisiana |
| Landowner | Exempt on own land | Resident landowners hunting on their own property of 40+ acres |
Louisiana Hunting Regulations Overview
Bag Limits
Check species-specific bag limits in the Louisiana official regulations. Limits vary by species, management unit, and season.
Legal Methods
Approved hunting methods include firearm, archery, and muzzleloader. Crossbows are legal. Specific rules apply to each method.
Safety Requirements
Blaze orange is required during firearms deer season.
Shooting Hours
Hunting is generally permitted from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Check local variations.
- 400 square inches of daylight fluorescent orange above the waist required during firearm deer season.
- Louisiana offers split duck seasons — one of the most popular waterfowl states.
- HIP certification required for all migratory bird hunting (free).
- WMA Access Permit ($20) required for hunting on all state Wildlife Management Areas.
Read full Louisiana regulations on LDWF
Not sure if you qualify for a discount? Take the Eligibility Quiz →
Louisiana Proof Checklist
Use official owner pages for license, access, education, season, and transport decisions before entering the field.
Use the official portal
Confirm the state agency, product year, cart items, receipt, and field-proof rules before buying.
Open guideVerify access owner
Check public-land, WMA, refuge, road, closure, parking, camping, and private-boundary rules at the source.
Open guideSolve transport early
Save CWD, carcass, meat, head, cape, waterfowl, transit-state, processor, and proof requirements.
Open guide
Louisiana Hunting License FAQ
How much does a hunting license cost in Louisiana?
A resident basic hunting license costs $20 with separate add-ons for deer ($15), turkey ($12), and waterfowl ($12). The Sportsman's Paradise License ($100) includes everything. Non-residents pay $200 for the basic license.
Do I need hunter education to hunt in Louisiana?
Yes, hunter education is required for anyone born on or after September 1, 1969. Louisiana accepts certificates from other states.
Can non-residents hunt in Louisiana?
Yes. Non-residents need a Basic Hunting License ($200) plus species-specific licenses: deer ($100), turkey ($50), waterfowl ($50). A 5-day basic option is available for $65.
What is the deer season in Louisiana?
Archery runs from early September through January. Primitive firearms in October. General firearms from November through early February, with dates varying by area.
Are there free hunting licenses in Louisiana?
Yes. Residents born before June 1, 1940 hunt for free. Residents born 1940–1962 pay only $5 for the Senior Hunt/Fish License. Veterans with 50%+ disability qualify for free licenses.
Can I buy a Louisiana hunting license online?
Yes, at LouisianaOutdoors.com, at LDWF headquarters in Baton Rouge, or at local retailers throughout the state.