Turkey hunting is a popular sport in Louisiana that allows hunters to harvest wild turkeys during specific seasons throughout the year. With turkey populations thriving across much of the state Louisiana offers ample opportunities for hunters to bag these challenging birds. But when exactly is turkey season in Louisiana? This guide will overview the 2024 turkey season dates and regulations to help you plan your next hunt.
Turkey Season Dates in Louisiana
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) divides the state into three turkey hunting zones – Areas A B and C. The 2024 turkey seasons in each area are as follows
- Area A: April 6 – May 5
- Area B: April 6 – April 28
- Area C: April 6 – April 21
These seasons apply to most public and private lands in each zone, however some wildlife management areas (WMAs), national forests, and federal refuges may have different dates. Be sure to consult the LDWF regulations for those specific areas.
There is also a special youth and physically challenged season that runs March 29-31 on private lands in Areas A, B, and C. This allows young hunters and hunters with disabilities an early opportunity to pursue turkeys.
Turkey Tagging and Limits
All turkey hunters in Louisiana are required to purchase a wild turkey license and tag each bird they harvest. The cost of a resident turkey tag is around $5.50 while non-resident tags cost $36.50. Multiple tags can be purchased each season.
The daily bag limit for turkeys in Louisiana is one gobbler (male turkey) per day. The possession limit is two gobblers. Hunters may take only one bird per tag and each harvested turkey must be tagged immediately upon killing and before being transported.
Legal Hunting Methods
The following methods may be used to hunt wild turkeys in Louisiana:
- Shotguns no larger than 10 gauge, firing shot no larger than #2 fine shot
- Bows and arrows
- Primitive firearms such as muzzleloaders
- Falconry
Decoys and manual or mouth-operated turkey calls are also permitted. It’s important to note the use of electronic calling devices is prohibited.
Turkey Hunting License Requirements
To hunt turkeys in Louisiana, all hunters age 16 and older must possess:
- A Louisiana hunting license
- Basic and turkey hunting season licenses
- Wild turkey license and tags
Hunter education certification is also required of anyone born after September 1, 1969. Out-of-state hunters will need a non-resident hunting license and wild turkey license as well.
Youth under age 16 can hunt turkeys with an adult without needing a license, provided they remain together at all times. See the LDWF regulations for complete license details.
Where to Hunt Turkeys in Louisiana
There are ample opportunities to hunt turkeys across public and private lands in Louisiana. Some areas that offer excellent turkey hunting include:
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Kisatchie National Forest – Over 600,000 acres across north and central Louisiana holding high turkey densities.
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Fort Polk-Vernon Unit – Nearly 115,000 acres offering great habitat and hunting access through lottery hunts.
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Sherburne WMA – Managed timber lands with quality food sources for turkeys.
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Jackson-Bienville WMA – Almost 36,000 acres with good turkey populations and habitat.
Be sure to scout any public land well before the season to locate active turkey areas. Seeking access to hunt private timber company and agricultural lands can also offer fantastic turkey hunting.
Turkey Hunting Tips and Techniques
Here are a few tips to help you bag a turkey in Louisiana:
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Scout early – Locate flocks and identify areas turkeys frequent well before opening day.
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Use decoys strategically – Place hen or gobbler decoys where you expect birds to approach from. Avoid over-using decoys.
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Pick a good spot – Set up near roosting sites and travel corridors between feeding and bedding areas.
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Remain still and silent – Moving and making excess noise will alert turkeys to your presence.
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Be patient – Calling takes patience. Avoid over-calling, and let the birds come to you.
Louisiana Offers Excellent Turkey Hunting
With quality habitat, large public land access, and well-managed populations, Louisiana provides turkey hunters with diverse opportunities across the state. Just be sure to obtain proper licenses, follow the season dates for your zone, and use smart hunting strategies, and your odds of bagging a tom in Louisiana are excellent. Plan your next turkey hunt using the 2024 dates and tips provided in this guide. Good luck this season!
2025 National Wildlife Refuge Schedules
Contact U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for information regarding NWR hunts:
- Bayou Cocodrie NWR: – March 29-30 (Youth Lottery Only)
- Lake Ophelia NWR: – March 29 (Youth Lottery Only) and April 5-20
- Tensas NWR: – – March 29-30 (Youth Only) and April 5-13
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. |
How to QUICKLY Find and Pattern Turkeys | Turkey Hunting
FAQ
What is in season to hunt in Louisiana?
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Season
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Dates
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Daily Bag Limit
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Snipe
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November 2 – December 8 December 21 – February 28
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8
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Woodcock
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December 18 – January 31 Extended Falconry*: November 4 – January 31
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3
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Teal (Blue, Green, and Cinnamon)
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September 14-29
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6
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How long is turkey season in Louisiana?
Can you hunt turkeys over corn in Louisiana?
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.
When is turkey hunting in New York State?
There are three areas for turkey hunting on private lands in the state. The agency said hunting in Area A runs from April 6 to May 5, Area B from April 6-28 and Area C from April 6-21. Click here to see which parishes fall under each area.
Do you have to tag a Turkey in Louisiana?
Up to 20,000 hunters pursue wild turkeys in Louisiana each year. Prior to hunting turkey, all turkey hunters, regardless of age or license status, must obtain turkey tags. They must have the tags in their possession while hunting turkey, and immediately after harvesting a turkey, tag the turkey before moving it from where it was killed.
Do you need a license to hunt a Turkey?
All hunters who are 18 years of age or older must possess both Turkey Tags and a Basic Hunting and Wild Turkey License (or an equivalent combo license). A Youth Hunting License and Tags are necessary for hunters who are 17 years old or younger. These rules have certain exceptions and exemptions, listed on page 8 of the regulations.