Image: cottontail

Louisiana hunters will have additional time to pursue a variety of species across the state due to harsh winter conditions that limited hunting opportunities. (Photo by Helen J. Davies)

Louisiana has extended a number of hunting seasons for residents due to the historic winter storm event that plagued the state in January.

According to Webster Parish Journal, the storm closed roads in most areas of the state and prevented many hunters from engaging in recreational hunting opportunities for several days during the open season.

In an effort to help maximize the hunting opportunities, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission and the Secretary of LDWF, Madison Sheahan has extended quail season from February 28 to close on March 2, 2025. This extension includes all Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) where quail hunting is not closed or otherwise restricted.

Rabbit and squirrel season is extended from February 28 to close on March 2, 2025. This extension includes all WMAs where small game hunting is not closed or otherwise restricted.

Nutria season is extended from February 28 to close on March 2, 2025. This extension includes all WMAs where nutria hunting is allowed, except nutria may be taken on Atchafalaya Delta, Salvador/Timken, Pointe-Aux-Chenes and Pass-a-Loutre through March 31.

Archery season for deer is extended from February 15 to close on February 17, 2025, in Deer Areas 5, 6 and 9, and on the following WMAs: Acadiana Conservation Corridor, Attakapas Island, Elm Hall, Grassy Lake, Joyce, Manchac, Maurepas Swamp, Pass-a-Loutre, Pointe-aux-Chenes, Pomme de Terre, Sherburne, Spring Bayou, Thistlethwaite, and Tunica Hills.

Feral hog season on the following WMAs is extended from February 28 to close March 2, 2025: Atchafalaya Delta, Fort Johnson (North and Vernon), Pass-a-Loutre, Pointe-aux-Chenes, and Salvador/Timken.

Deer season for properties enrolled in Tier 1 Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) in Deer Areas 1, 4, 5, 6, and 9 is extended from February 15 to close on February 17, 2025.

Nighttime raccoon season on the following WMAs is extended from February 28 to close on March 2, 2025: Attakapas, Bayou Macon, Bayou Pierre, Big Lake, Bodcau, Boeuf, Buckhorn, Clear Creek, Dewey Wills, Esler Field, Grassy Lake, Hutchinson Creek, J.C. “Sonny” Gilbert, Joyce, Little River, Loggy Bayou, Manchac, Marsh Bayou, Maurepas Swamp, Pearl River, Pomme de Terre, Richard K. Yancy, Russell Sage, Sabine Island, Sabine, Sandy Hollow, Sherburne, Spring Bayou, Tangipahoa Parish School Board, Tunica Hills, Walnut Hill, and West Bay.

For a detailed list of the season extensions by game type, WMA, and Deer Area, click here https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov.

The season extension shall only apply to season dates and does not increase or otherwise affect the annual bag limit.