Turkey hunting is a popular outdoor recreational activity in Louisiana. The turkey season dates in Louisiana vary based on geographical location and type of weapon used for hunting. Knowing when and where you can hunt turkeys legally is crucial. This article provides a complete guide on turkey seasons in Louisiana.
Overview of Turkey Seasons in Louisiana
There are three main turkey hunting areas in Louisiana – Area A, Area B, and Area C The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) sets the season dates and bag limits for each area Some key points
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Turkey season runs from early April to early May generally The 2025 dates are April 5 – May 4 for Area A, April 5 – April 27 for Area B, and April 5 – April 20 for Area C.
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There is a special 2 day youth and physically challenged season prior to the main season. For 2025, these dates are March 29 – 30.
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The season dates are for hunting on private lands only. Separate dates exist for Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), National Wildlife Refuges, and Federal Lands.
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Legal shooting hours are half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset.
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The daily bag limit is 2 gobblers with visible beards per day. The possession limit is 4.
Detailed Turkey Season Dates for 2025
Here are the specific turkey hunting season dates for 2025 in Louisiana broken down by area and land type
Youth and Physically Challenged Season (Area A, B, & C private lands only): March 29 – 30
Area A (Private Lands): April 5 – May 4
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WMAs: Varies, opens April 5, 12, or 17 depending on specific WMA. See WMA schedule.
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National Wildlife Refuges: March 29 (youth lottery), April 5 – 20
Area B (Private Lands): April 5 – April 27
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WMAs: Varies, opens April 5 or 12 depending on specific WMA. See WMA schedule.
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National Wildlife Refuges: March 29 (youth lottery), April 5 – April 20
Area C (Private Lands): April 5 – April 20
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WMAs: Varies, opens April 5, 11, or 12 depending on specific WMA. See WMA schedule.
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National Wildlife Refuges: March 29 – 30 (youth only), April 5 – April 13
Turkey Hunting Permit Requirements
To hunt turkeys in Louisiana, you need:
- Basic Hunting License
- Turkey Stamp/Tag
- Harvest Report Card
- WMA Permit if hunting public lands
All these can be purchased online through the LDWF licensing system. Turkey tags are also available from select vendors.
Turkey Hunting Areas and Rules in Louisiana
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Area A – North and Central Louisiana. Open parishes are Beauregard, Bienville, Bossier, Claiborne, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Grant, Jackson, LaSalle, Lincoln, Livingston, Natchitoches, Sabine, St. Helena, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Union, Vernon, Washington, Webster, West Feliciana, and Winn. Portions of some other parishes are also open. See full description on LDWF website.
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Area B – Southwest Louisiana. Vernon, Rapides, Avoyelles, Pointe Coupee, West Feliciana, and East Feliciana parishes. Portions of some other parishes are also open. See full description on LDWF website.
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Area C – Southeast Louisiana. Remainder of state not included in Areas A or B.
Some key regulations:
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Only gobblers (male turkeys) with visible beards can be harvested. Taking hens (female turkeys) is prohibited.
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Legal weapons include shotguns 10 gauge or smaller loaded with #2 lead shot or smaller. Some areas prohibit rifles and pistols.
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Use of electronic calling devices is legal.
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Turkeys must be tagged immediately upon harvesting and reported on harvest card.
Apply for Lottery Hunts on WMAs and Refuges
Many public lands like WMAs and National Wildlife Refuges offer special lottery turkey hunts. You need to apply in advance online or by mail to enter these lotteries. Application deadlines are typically in early January. Check the LDWF or specific WMA/refuge website for details on availability and how to apply.
Following the turkey season dates and understanding hunting area boundaries and rules is critical to stay legal and ethical when turkey hunting in Louisiana. Be sure to get your proper licenses, tags, and permits well before the season opens. Check regulations for any changes each year. With good preparation, you can have an enjoyable and successful turkey hunt in Louisiana.
2025 Turkey Area Schedules
Area A: – April 5 – May 4*
Area B: – April 5-27*
Area C: – April 5-20*
Youth & Physically Challenged Hunt (restricted to youth and wheelchair confined physically challenged hunters – Areas A, B and C on private land only): March 29-30
*Seasons Open in Areas A, B and C, on private lands only. See separate WMA Schedules, National Wildlife Refuge Schedules, and Federal Lands Schedules for season dates on those areas.
Turkey Hunting – Area A Description
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All of the following parishes are open |
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Beauregard, Bienville, Bossier, Claiborne, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Grant, Jackson, LaSalle, Lincoln, Livingston, Natchitoches, Sabine, St. Helena, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Union, Vernon, Washington, Webster, West Feliciana, and Winn |
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Portions of the following parishes are open |
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Allen |
North of US 190 east of Kinder, west of US 165 south of Kinder. |
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Calcasieu |
North of I-10. |
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Caldwell |
West of Ouachita River southward to Catahoula Parish line. |
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Catahoula |
South and west of the Ouachita River from the Caldwell Parish line southward to LA 8 at Harrisonburg, north and west of LA 8 from Harrisonburg to the LaSalle Parish line. ALSO that portion lying east of LA 15. |
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East Carroll |
That portion east of the main channel of the Mississippi River. |
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Evangeline |
North and west of LA 115, north of LA 106 west of LA 115 to US 167, west of US 167 south to LA 10, north of LA 10 west of US 167 to LA 13, west of LA 13 south of LA 10 to Mamou and north of LA 104 west of Mamou. |
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Jefferson Davis |
North of US 190 from junction with LA 26 to Kinder, west of US 165 and north of I-10 west from junction of US 165. |
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Madison |
That portion east of the main channel of the Mississippi River. |
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Morehouse |
West of US 165 from the Arkansas line to the junction of LA 140 at Bonita, north and west of LA 140 to junction of LA 830-4 (Cooper Lake Road), west of LA 830-4 to US 165 at Bastrop, south of US 165 to junction of LA 3051 (Grabault Road) south of LA 3051 to junction of LA 138, west of LA 138 to junction of LA 134, north of LA 134 to the Ouachita Parish line. |
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Ouachita |
All west of the Ouachita River. That portion east of the Ouachita River lying north of US 80. |
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Rapides |
All west of Red River and north of LA 28 from Pineville, LA east to LaSalle Parish line. |
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Tensas |
That portion east of the main channel of the Mississippi River. |
Turkey Tour Day 19 – LOUISIANA Turkey Hunting!!! (Public Land Opening Day)
FAQ
How long does turkey season last in Louisiana?
Regular season: November 16 – December 1 and December 14 – January 26. Youth and veterans only: November 9 and February 1.
How many turkeys can you shoot in Louisiana?
Season Limit
Two gobblers (male turkey) per season.
Where to turkey hunt in Louisiana?
- Fort Polk WMA is 10 miles south of Leesville in Vernon Parish;
- Peason Ridge WMA is 14 miles north of Leesville in Natchitoches, Sabine and Vernon parishes;
- Clear Creek WMA is 20 miles west of Leesville in Vernon Parish;
- Big Lake WMA is 12 miles west of Gilbert in Franklin, Tensas and Madison parishes;
Can you hunt turkeys over corn in Louisiana?
(b) The taking of turkey, on or over any lands where shelled, shucked, or unshucked corn, wheat or other grain, salt, or other feed has been distributed or scattered as the result of bona fide agricultural operations or procedures, or as a result of manipulation of a crop or other feed on the land where grown for …
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 need a permit to hunt a Turkey in Louisiana?
Each small game species has its own rules and seasons, so studying those before heading out is essential. Wild Turkey Hunting: Spring is synonymous with turkey hunting in Louisiana. Hunters can challenge themselves by tracking and calling these elusive birds from March to April. Specific tags and permits are required for this activity.
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.
When is turkey hunting open?
The youth/physically challenged opening runs from March 29-31. Physically challenged hunters are those wheelchair confined. Turkey hunting in Area A runs from April 6-May 5, Area B from April 6-28 and Area C from April 6-21.
How do you tag a Turkey in Louisiana?
Keep the turkey’s tag on while at camp or transporting it to the hunter’s home or cold storage facility. The hunter must confirm the kill within 72 hours using text-to-tag, the LDWF online portal, the toll-free hotline, or the validation website. Hunters must comply with Louisiana hunting rules by following tagging requirements.
Is Louisiana a good place to hunt a white tailed deer?
Deer Hunting: Louisiana’s deer hunting is prevalent, with designated seasons for archery, primitive firearms, and modern firearms. This allows hunters to experience different methods and techniques to pursue white-tailed deer. Waterfowl Hunting: Known for its extensive marshlands, Louisiana is a prime destination for waterfowl hunting.