Public Hunting Land in Louisiana

Louisiana offers a wide variety of public land hunting options, from flooded timber duck hunts to bottomland hardwood whitetail and turkey spots. With over 1.4 million acres of public land available, the state is a hotspot for waterfowl hunters and deer hunters alike.

Types of Public Land Available in Louisiana:

• Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs): Managed by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), WMAs provide hunting for deer, ducks, turkey, and small game with season-specific rules.

• Federal Lands: Includes Kisatchie National Forest and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Refuges with designated hunting units.

• Maurepas Swamp, Atchafalaya Basin, and coastal WMAs: These areas offer unique swamp and marsh hunting environments.

• Lottery & Youth Hunts: Some WMAs and National Wildlife Refuges require drawn permits for specific hunts.

Seasons & Access Info

Louisiana hunting seasons vary by area and species. Most WMAs require a WMA Access Permit in addition to a standard hunting license.

Key Resources:

• Hunting Seasons & Regulations

• Licenses & WMA Access Permits

• Lottery Hunts & Special Draws

Pro Tip: If you’re hunting ducks, arrive early and bring your waders — Louisiana’s flooded marshes and swamps are legendary but demanding.

Explore Louisiana’s Hunting Areas

LDWF provides digital and printable maps for all WMAs and public land hunting areas:

• Interactive WMA Map Viewer

• WMA PDFs & Regulations by Area

Whether you're chasing deer in the hardwoods or ducks in the marsh, Louisiana’s public lands offer rich habitat and generous access for well-prepared hunters.