When Can You Go Turkey Hunting in Louisiana? Your Guide to Turkey Seasons and Regulations

Gobble gobble! Are you ready to test your turkey-calling skills and bag a bird in Louisiana? This guide will help you navigate the 2024 Turkey Seasons and Regulations in the Pelican State ensuring you have a successful and legal hunt.

Key Information:

  • Season Dates:
    • Area A: April 6 – May 5
    • Area B: April 6 – 28
    • Area C: April 6 – 21
    • Youth & Physically Challenged Hunt: March 29-31 (Areas A, B, and C on private land only)
  • Shooting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset
  • Bag Limits:
    • Daily: 1 turkey (either sex)
    • Possession: 2 turkeys (either sex)
  • Hunting Areas:
    • Area A: Detailed description provided in the document.
    • Area B: Detailed description provided in the document.
    • Area C: Detailed description provided in the document.

Important Notes:

  • Seasons are open on private lands only.
  • Refer to separate WMA, National Wildlife Refuge, and Federal Lands Schedules for season dates on those areas.
  • Check the 2023-2024 Louisiana Hunting Schedules for additional regulations and details.

Additional Resources:

Now let’s dive deeper into the specifics of each area:

Area A: This area encompasses a large portion of northern and central Louisiana, including parishes like Beauregard, Bienville, Bossier, and Winn. Check the detailed description for specific boundaries and exclusions.

Area B: This smaller area covers the northwestern parishes of Caddo, DeSoto, and Red River.

Area C: Ascension, Concordia, and Iberville parishes are included in this area, which covers the southeast part of the state. Check the detailed description for specific boundaries and exclusions.

Young people It takes place on private lands only and covers all three areas.

Always follow hunting regulations, wear blaze orange during the appropriate seasons, and be aware of your surroundings—safety is your top priority!

Happy turkey hunting!

P. S. We would love to hear about your hunting experiences in the Louisiana woods, so don’t forget to send us your stories and pictures!

Turkey Hunting Schedules

Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.

when is turkey season in louisiana

2024 National Wildlife Refuge Schedules

Contact U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for information regarding NWR hunts:

  • Bayou Cocodrie NWR: – March 29-31 (Youth Lottery Only)
  • Lake Ophelia NWR: March 30 (youth lottery only) and April 6–21
  • Tensas NWR: – – March 29–31 (youth only) and April 6–14
  • Upper Ouachita NWR: – March 30 (Youth Lottery Only)

Turkey Tour Day 20 – Hunting TRAVELING Gobblers – Louisiana Opening Weekend

FAQ

What turkeys are in Louisiana?

The eastern wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) is the largest game bird native to Louisiana. Prior to 1880, the wild turkey population in Louisiana was estimated to be as high as one million birds.

When can you hunt turkey in Louisiana?

TURKEY: Area A: April 6-May 5. Area B: April 6-28. Area C: April 6-21. Youth/Physically Challenged weekend: March 29-31.

Can you run dogs during turkey season in Louisiana?

If you are able to hunt with your dog, obey all leash laws during hunting season, including: Dogs running at large are prohibited in Louisiana’s Wildlife Management Areas.

What are the hunting seasons in Louisiana?

Season
Dates
Daily Bag Limit
Snipe
November 2 – December 3 December 16 – February 28
8
Woodcock
December 18 – January 31 Extended Falconry*: November 4 – January 31
3
Teal (Blue, Green, and Cinnamon)
September 15-30
6

When is turkey hunting in Louisiana?

Turkey hunting in Area A runs from April 6-May 5, Area B from April 6-28 and Area C from April 6-21. The Louisiana turkey harvest in 2023 was higher than average and, in fact, the second best since 2009. Turkey hunters took 2,833 birds in 2023, only down 13 from 2022 (2,846), based on tag validation data.

How many turkeys are hunted in Louisiana a year?

According to the agency, up to 20,000 hunters chase wild turkeys in Louisiana each year, and harvest data shows that 9,100 birds were captured during the most recent season. Throughout the season, Hunters must carry a carcass or electronic tag. Before leaving the kill site, the hunter must tag the turkey with the proper carcass or electronic tag.

Do you have to tag a Turkey in Louisiana?

Up to 20,000 hunters pursue wild turkeys in Louisiana each year. Prior to hunting turkey, all turkey hunters, regardless of age or license status, must obtain turkey tags. They must have the tags in their possession while hunting turkey, and immediately after harvesting a turkey, tag the turkey before moving it from where it was killed.

When does the 2024 turkey hunting season start?

The 2024 turkey hunting season begins Friday (March 29) for youth (17 or younger) and physically challenged hunters then opens for all April 6 in all three areas, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) announced. The youth/physically challenged opening runs from March 29-31.

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