The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has announced the official opening dates for the 2025-2026 deer hunting season. Hunters across the state will soon prepare for another year in the field, with archery season leading the way.
Archery hunting will open as early as Saturday, September 20, 2025, in Deer Areas 3, 7, 8, and 10. These areas primarily cover southwest Louisiana. The rest of the state will follow shortly after, with archery season opening on October 1, 2025, in the other designated deer areas.
LDWF reminds all hunters that proper licensing is mandatory:
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Basic Hunting License and Deer License are required for all deer hunters.
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Youth Hunters (17 and younger) must carry a Youth Hunting License.
In addition, deer tags are required for every hunter. Tags must be in a hunter’s possession while in the field. Once a deer is harvested, it must be tagged immediately before being moved from the site of harvest.
Hunters are also required to validate their tags and record the necessary harvest information within 72 hours.
These rules are part of LDWF’s ongoing efforts to ensure responsible wildlife management and conservation across Louisiana. Hunters are encouraged to review the full LDWF regulations before the season begins to avoid penalties and to promote sustainable hunting practices.
LDWF information can be found here
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