field notes: on 2017-2018 changes
Emily Degan
Winter is coming and, thankfully, so too is hunting season.
We’ve all eagerly awaited it and can finally rejoice that it is, at last, in sight. But in our excitement, we need to keep in mind this year’s changes to the rules and regulations, so that we can all enjoy a fun and fruitful fall and winter.
Louisiana updates are summarized below.
Migratory birds
- Teal: season now spans the last 16 days of September
- Duck: daily bag limit of 1 pintail
- Dove: shot has been restricted to non-toxic size 6 or smaller
Deer
- Reporting time decreased to 72 hours after harvest
- Restrictions on the weapons that private land hunters can carry for personal protection during primitive seasons have been removed
- In areas 4 and 10, entire season is now either-sex harvest with a limit of 3
- In area 5, water level re-open benchmark has been lowered to 14-17 feet, depending on specific location
- In area 7, entire season is now either-sex harvest
- Experimental quality deer seasons have been eliminated on all WMAs
- Adjustments to season dates for Bayou Machon, Bodcau, Boeuf, and Dewey W. Wills WMAs
Turkey
- Season now opens on the first Saturday of April
- Reporting time decreased to 72 hours after harvest
Youth
- Age to hunt waterfowl has increased to 17 years or older
- Squirrel hunting days have been added to the Grassy Lake and Pomme de Terre WMAs
- Squirrel and deer hunting days have been added to the Kisatchie National Forest
Other
- Live transport permit requirements for feral hogs have been eliminated during February hog days on WMAs
- Additional hunting days have been added to the Richard K. Yancey and Sherburne WMAs
Happy hunting!
Emily