Louisiana – In response to a historic winter storm that disrupted hunting opportunities across Louisiana, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has announced extensions for various hunting seasons. The decision, approved by the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission and LDWF Secretary Madison Sheahan, prioritizes maximizing opportunities for hunters affected by road closures and extreme weather conditions.
The extended hunting seasons are as follows:
– **Quail Season**: Extended to March 2, 2025, including all Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) where quail hunting remains open.
– **Rabbit and Squirrel Season**: Extended to March 2, 2025, on WMAs with open small game hunting.
– **Nutria Season**: Extended to March 2, 2025, except on specific WMAs (Atchafalaya Delta, Salvador/Timken, Pointe-Aux-Chenes, and Pass-a-Loutre) where hunting is allowed through March 31.
– **Archery Deer Season**:
– For Deer Areas 1, 2, and 4, extended to February 2, 2025, on specified WMAs, including Bayou Macon, Richard K. Yancey, and others.
– For Deer Areas 5, 6, and 9, extended to February 17, 2025, on WMAs such as Joyce, Sherburne, and Tunica Hills.
– **Primitive Firearms Deer Season**:
– Extended to February 2, 2025, for Deer Areas 1, 4, 5, 6, and 9, with additional opportunities in Joyce and Maurepas Swamp WMAs on February 1-2.
– Areas 5 and 9 remain restricted to bucks only.
– **Feral Hog Season**: Extended to March 2, 2025, for specific WMAs, including Atchafalaya Delta and Pass-a-Loutre.
– **DMAP Properties Deer Season**: Tier 1 properties in Deer Areas 1, 4, 5, 6, and 9 have an extended season until February 17, 2025.
– **Nighttime Raccoon Season**: Extended to March 2, 2025, on WMAs such as Attakapas, Buckhorn, and Russell Sage.
These adjustments aim to provide hunters additional time to engage in recreational activities after significant weather disruptions. LDWF continues to monitor conditions and encourages all hunters to follow established regulations during the extended seasons.