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Parish hunting guide, 2026-27
Beauregard Parish Hunting
Beauregard Parish for 2026-27: Deer Area 3 and Deer Area 8, the parish season table, no public hunting area of its own, LDWF harvest figures where the parish is listed, and the LDWF staff and businesses around DeRidder.
Photo: USDAgov (Public domain)
Beauregard Parish: size, people and LDWF office
In LDWF terms Beauregard Parish sits in the Lake Charles field office area, which reaches across the southwest: coastal marsh and chenier ridges, rice and crawfish prairie, and the longleaf pine flats of Beauregard and Allen. About 36,695 people lived here in 2024 by the Census estimate (0.4% up from the 2020 base of 36,556); the seat is DeRidder.
Of its total area, 1,157 square miles are land and 8 are water, roughly 1% wet. Bordering parishes: Allen Parish, Calcasieu Parish, Jefferson Davis Parish and Vernon Parish. Out of state the line meets Newton (TX).
Population from the Census Vintage 2024 estimates; area from the 2024 Census gazetteer; neighbours from Census adjacency; seat from the list of Louisiana parishes; LDWF offices from the LDWF Contact Us page. Checked November 4, 2026.
Deer Areas covering Beauregard Parish
Deer Area lines cross Beauregard Parish; the pamphlet lists it in Deer Area 3 (part, about 62% by the LDWF layer) and Deer Area 8 (part, about 38% by the LDWF layer). Area edges here trace roads and river channels described in the regulations; the LDWF Deer Area map shows exactly where they fall. GIS shares use the LDWF Deer Management Areas layer, last edited November 2021; the regulation text governs.
| Area page | Whole or part | Layer share | Deer per season | Antlered cap | Antlerless cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Area 3 | Part | 62% | 6 | 3 | 4 |
| Area 8 | Part | 38% | 6 | 3 | 4 |
Beauregard Parish deer windows, 2026-27
| Area | Bowhunting | Primitive | Firearms, still | Firearms, dogs | Youth, veterans |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Area 3 | Sep 19–Jan 15 | Oct 10–Oct 16 Jan 4–Jan 10 | Oct 17–Nov 29 | Nov 30–Jan 3 | Sep 26–Oct 2 |
| Area 8 | Sep 19–Jan 15 | Oct 10–Oct 16 Jan 4–Jan 10 | Oct 17–Nov 29 | Nov 30–Jan 3 | Sep 26–Oct 2 |
Plan on 6 deer for the whole season, split no more than 3 antlered and 4 antlerless, and one of each kind per day. The 2026-27 definition adds velvet antler three inches or longer to the usual visible hard antler. Hunters have 72 hours to validate a deer tag, which must be attached before the carcass is moved. Seniors 65+ and qualifying disabled hunters join youths in being allowed any legal weapon during primitive dates this season. Any WMA deer is charged to the area season limit.
Areas and limits from the 2026-2027 Louisiana Hunting & WMA Regulations, deer and the LDWF Deer Area map; segment dates from the area schedules (Area 3, Area 8); shares from the LDWF Deer Management Areas layer; tag and weapon rules from pamphlet p. 22 and p. 23. Checked November 4, 2026.
Beauregard Parish WMAs, refuges and nearby areas
Beauregard Parish is one of nine parishes with no public hunting acres on these layers; the closest areas are below. These are GIS measures of map polygons, not official acreages; each area page gives the LDWF or federal figure.
Beauregard Parish neighbours with public ground
- Flatwoods Savanna WMA23 miles, WMA, Allen Parish
- Clear Creek WMA25 miles, WMA, Vernon Parish
WMA hunting means two permits: the WMA Access Permit for anyone 18 and up ($20 or $5) and the free Self-Clearing Permit. On WMAs, bait is illegal, entry waits until 4 a.m., and duck hunting quits at noon.
Acres from the LDWF WMA layer, USFS ownership, USFWS refuge layer and LDWF federal layers; areas from the LDWF WMA, refuge and conservation area list and each area page; permits from pamphlet p. 6 and WMA rules. Checked November 4, 2026.
Beauregard Parish season dates for 2026-27
29 species and 62 dated windows cover Beauregard Parish this season; the last column compares each one with today.
| Species | Window | Coverage | From | Until | Today? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed deer | Archery | Area 3 | Sep 19, 2026 | Jan 15, 2027 | |
| White-tailed deer | Youth and veterans | Area 3 | Sep 26, 2026 | Oct 2, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Primitive Firearms | Area 3 | Oct 10, 2026 | Oct 16, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Still-hunt firearms | Area 3 | Oct 17, 2026 | Nov 29, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Firearms, dogs allowed | Area 3 | Nov 30, 2026 | Jan 3, 2027 | |
| White-tailed deer | Primitive Firearms | Area 3 | Jan 4, 2027 | Jan 10, 2027 | |
| White-tailed deer | Archery | Area 8 | Sep 19, 2026 | Jan 15, 2027 | |
| White-tailed deer | Youth and veterans | Area 8 | Sep 26, 2026 | Oct 2, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Primitive Firearms | Area 8 | Oct 10, 2026 | Oct 16, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Still-hunt firearms | Area 8 | Oct 17, 2026 | Nov 29, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Firearms, dogs allowed | Area 8 | Nov 30, 2026 | Jan 3, 2027 | |
| White-tailed deer | Primitive Firearms | Area 8 | Jan 4, 2027 | Jan 10, 2027 | |
| White-tailed deer | Challenged hunters | Statewide | Oct 3, 2026 | Oct 4, 2026 | |
| Black bear | Lottery permit hunt | Bear Area 6 | Dec 5, 2026 | Dec 20, 2026 | |
| Wild turkey | Youth and challenged | Turkey A, B, C | Mar 26, 2027 | Mar 28, 2027 | |
| Wild turkey | Spring | Turkey Area A | Apr 3, 2027 | May 2, 2027 | |
| Feral hogs | Night take, private land | Private land | Jul 1, 2026 | Jun 30, 2027 | |
| Feral hogs | Year-round, daylight | Statewide | Jul 1, 2026 | Jun 30, 2027 | |
| Alligator | Recreational lottery | Zones A-H | Oct 1, 2026 | Oct 31, 2026 | |
| Squirrels | Youth (private lands only) | Statewide | Sep 26, 2026 | Sep 27, 2026 | |
| Squirrels | Fall | Statewide | Oct 3, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Squirrels | Spring | Statewide | May 1, 2027 | May 23, 2027 | |
| Rabbits | Season | Statewide | Oct 3, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Quail | Season | Statewide | Nov 21, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Pheasant | Season | Statewide | Nov 21, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Doves | Segment 1 | North zone | Sep 5, 2026 | Sep 27, 2026 | |
| Doves | Segment 2 | North zone | Oct 10, 2026 | Nov 15, 2026 | |
| Doves | Segment 3 | North zone | Dec 19, 2026 | Jan 17, 2027 | |
| Doves | Segment 1 | South zone | Sep 5, 2026 | Sep 20, 2026 | |
| Doves | Segment 2 | South zone | Oct 17, 2026 | Nov 29, 2026 | |
| Doves | Segment 3 | South zone | Dec 12, 2026 | Jan 10, 2027 | |
| Teal | September teal | Statewide | Sep 19, 2026 | Sep 27, 2026 | |
| Whistling ducks | Special season | Statewide | Oct 3, 2026 | Oct 11, 2026 | |
| Ducks and coots | Youth and veteran day | West zone | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 7, 2026 | |
| Ducks and coots | Split 1 | West zone | Nov 14, 2026 | Dec 6, 2026 | |
| Ducks and coots | Split 2 | West zone | Dec 19, 2026 | Jan 24, 2027 | |
| Ducks and coots | Youth and veteran day | West zone | Jan 30, 2027 | Jan 30, 2027 | |
| Snow and blue geese | Regular season | West zone | Nov 14, 2026 | Dec 6, 2026 | |
| Snow and blue geese | Conservation Order | West zone | Dec 7, 2026 | Dec 18, 2026 | |
| Snow and blue geese | Regular season | West zone | Dec 19, 2026 | Feb 7, 2027 | |
| Snow and blue geese | Conservation Order | West zone | Feb 8, 2027 | Mar 7, 2027 | |
| Specklebellies | Regular season | West zone | Nov 14, 2026 | Dec 6, 2026 | |
| Specklebellies | Regular season | West zone | Dec 19, 2026 | Feb 7, 2027 | |
| Canada geese | Regular season | West zone | Nov 14, 2026 | Dec 6, 2026 | |
| Canada geese | Regular season | West zone | Dec 19, 2026 | Feb 7, 2027 | |
| King and clapper rails | Season | Statewide | Sep 19, 2026 | Sep 27, 2026 | |
| King and clapper rails | Season | Statewide | Nov 7, 2026 | Jan 6, 2027 | |
| Sora and Virginia rails | Season | Statewide | Sep 19, 2026 | Sep 27, 2026 | |
| Sora and Virginia rails | Season | Statewide | Nov 7, 2026 | Jan 6, 2027 | |
| Gallinules | Season | Statewide | Sep 19, 2026 | Sep 27, 2026 | |
| Gallinules | Season | Statewide | Nov 7, 2026 | Jan 6, 2027 | |
| Snipe | Season | Statewide | Oct 31, 2026 | Jan 10, 2027 | |
| Snipe | Season | Statewide | Jan 25, 2027 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Woodcock | Season | Statewide | Dec 18, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | |
| Crows | Season | Statewide | Sep 1, 2026 | Jan 1, 2027 | |
| Coyote | Year-round, daylight | Statewide | Jul 1, 2026 | Jun 30, 2027 | |
| Armadillo | Year-round, daylight | Statewide | Jul 1, 2026 | Jun 30, 2027 | |
| Nutria | Recreational hunting | Private land | Sep 1, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Bobcat | Year-round hunting | Statewide | Jul 1, 2026 | Jun 30, 2027 | |
| Raccoon | Year-round, day and night | Statewide | Jul 1, 2026 | Jun 30, 2027 | |
| Opossum | Year-round, day and night | Statewide | Jul 1, 2026 | Jun 30, 2027 | |
| Foxes (chase) | Chase only (hunting) | Statewide | Jul 1, 2026 | Jun 30, 2027 |
From the LDWF seasons and regulations and the 2026-2027 Louisiana Hunting and WMA Regulations (Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries), checked November 4, 2026.
Beauregard Parish deer and turkey harvest
For 2024-25, Beauregard Parish sits 18th on the LDWF parish list at 3,121 deer. The 2022-23 table had it at 13th with 2,967. Between the two reports the count moved 5% up.
| Season | Harvest rank | Deer reported | Acres per deer rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | #18 | 3,121 | Not in top 20 |
| 2022-23 | #13 | 2,967 | Not in top 20 |
Statewide context: 143,527 reported deer (2024-25) and an estimated 276,200 (2025-26 survey).
The 2025-26 harvest survey gives respondent totals by area (Area 3: 1,067 days and 66 deer and Area 8: 485 days and 15 deer); they show relative effort only.
For turkeys, the LDWF map of spring 2026 validated harvest shows 92 birds in Beauregard Parish, out of 4,024 statewide; the figure is read by eye from a map image.
Parish deer from the Annual Louisiana Deer Report 2024-25 and 2022-23 (top-20 tables only; the 2023-24 report link is dead); statewide and WMA figures from the 2024-25 report; survey from the 2025-26 harvest survey; turkey from the 2026 Wild Turkey Program report (Figure 5 map, read by eye); records from the Big Game Records page. Checked November 4, 2026.
Beauregard Parish special rules: CWD, bear, alligator
CWD in Beauregard Parish
Beauregard Parish is outside the CWD Management Zone on the June 2, 2026 map, so the zone feeding and carcass-export rules do not apply here. Carcass imports from outside Louisiana are restricted to meat, clean quarters, antlers, cleaned skulls, capes and mounts. CWD has not been detected in Beauregard Parish; detections so far (55) are in four northeast and central parishes.
Beauregard Parish bear hunting rules
The black bear lottery hunt runs December 5 to 20, 2026 in Bear Area 6, which takes in Beauregard Parish; Area 6: 2 general permits. Winners need the $25 Bear License and the mandatory training session; the 2026 application window (July 28-August 28) cost $50. No dogs, no cubs, no females with cubs: bear hunters still-hunt, with bait allowed from November 1.
Alligator hunting in Beauregard Parish
Zone E of the recreational alligator season includes Beauregard Parish and Calcasieu, Cameron, Allen, Jefferson Davis, Vermilion, Evangeline and Acadia; LDWF set 400 opportunities there. Each drawn resident may take two alligators in the zone during October 1 to 31, 2026, reporting within 72 hours. The commercial alligator season (East and West zones) is a different program, closing December 31.
CWD from the June 2, 2026 CWD map, pamphlet p. 12 and the LDWF CWD page; bear from the LDWF black bear lottery page and lottery hunts page; alligator from the LDWF recreational alligator page. Checked November 4, 2026.
Beauregard Parish gobblers, ducks and doves
Beauregard Parish Turkey Area
Private land in Beauregard Parish is open for spring turkey in Turkey Area A: April 3 to May 2, 2027. A youth and physically challenged hunt on private land comes first, March 26 to March 28, 2027, and the season limit is two gobblers. Keep 200 yards from any bait when turkey hunting, and wait 15 days after bait is removed.
Waterfowl in Beauregard Parish
In the West Zone, regular duck season runs November 14 to December 6, 2026 and December 19, 2026 to January 24, 2027. Special youth and veteran days are November 7, 2026 and January 30, 2027. Canada goose hunting has a closed area in the West Zone. Closed in part of southwest Louisiana (Hwy 82/Calcasieu Ship Channel/Intracoastal Canal/Parish Road 3147/Freshwater Bayou area) and on open waters of Lake Arthur and the Mermentau River south of the Hwy 14 bridge. Statewide, teal open September 19 to September 27, 2026, and the new black-bellied whistling duck season ran October 3 to October 11, 2026 with a free permit and a daily limit of four.
Mourning doves in Beauregard Parish
North Zone dove dates are September 5 to September 27, 2026, October 10 to November 15, 2026 and December 19, 2026 to January 17, 2027; limit 15 a day. Mourning doves (South Zone) are open September 5 to September 20, 2026, October 17 to November 29, 2026 and December 12, 2026 to January 10, 2027. Dove zone depends on location in Beauregard Parish: the line follows LA 12, US 190, I-12 and I-10.
Turkey from pamphlet pp. 30-31 and the LDWF turkey map; waterfowl from pamphlet p. 34 and p. 36; doves from p. 34; baiting from p. 12. Checked November 4, 2026.
Beauregard Parish agents, towns and processors
Enforcement agents in Beauregard Parish answer to Region 5, run from Lake Charles by Captain David Sanford. The closest LDWF door is Lake Charles Field Office in Lake Charles, near 31 straight-line miles away.
Towns of Beauregard Parish
| Base town | Population | Public areas 10 mi | Public areas 25 mi |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeRidder | 9,508 | 2 | 4 |
| Merryville | 949 | 1 | 2 |
Smaller places in Beauregard Parish:
- Longville
- Oretta
- Singer
- Sugartown
The services list shows 3 deer processors, 1 taxidermist, 6 gun and outdoor stores and 1 guide or preserve in Beauregard Parish. The directory mixes LDWF processor data with store locators and Yellow Pages, so check hours by phone.
Deer processing, Beauregard Parish area
Mount makers, Beauregard Parish area
Gear stores, Beauregard Parish area
Guides and preserves, Beauregard Parish area
Offices from the LDWF Contact Us page and LDWF local law enforcement page; towns and places from the 2024 Census gazetteer and Census population estimates; services from LDWF processor layers, Hunters for the Hungry, store locators and Yellow Pages listings. Checked November 4, 2026.
Beauregard Parish: gun clubs, clay fields and LDWF lines
Shooters in Beauregard Parish cross a parish line to shoot; these three are nearest.
Rapides Parish has the LDWF range closest to Beauregard Parish: Woodworth Shooting Range, 62 miles off. Range page
Ranges from the LDWF shooting ranges page, ranges’ own sites and directory listings, checked November 4, 2026.
Beauregard Parish legal shooting light
On wildlife management areas and other public land, waterfowl hunting ends at noon this season (Atchafalaya Delta and Pass-a-Loutre excepted).
| Date | Why it matters | Sunrise | Sunset | Deer window | Duck window |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 19, 2026 | Area 3 archery opens | 6:59 a.m. | 7:15 p.m. | 6:29 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. | 6:29 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. |
| Oct 17, 2026 | Area 3 gun opens | 7:16 a.m. | 6:41 p.m. | 6:46 a.m. to 7:11 p.m. | 6:46 a.m. to 6:41 p.m. |
| Nov 14, 2026 | West zone ducks open | 6:38 a.m. | 5:18 p.m. | 6:08 a.m. to 5:48 p.m. | 6:08 a.m. to 5:18 p.m. |
| Nov 30, 2026 | Area 3 dog season | 6:52 a.m. | 5:13 p.m. | 6:22 a.m. to 5:43 p.m. | 6:22 a.m. to 5:13 p.m. |
| Dec 5, 2026 | Bear lottery hunt opens | 6:56 a.m. | 5:12 p.m. | 6:26 a.m. to 5:42 p.m. | 6:26 a.m. to 5:12 p.m. |
| Dec 21, 2026 | Shortest day | 7:06 a.m. | 5:16 p.m. | 6:36 a.m. to 5:46 p.m. | 6:36 a.m. to 5:16 p.m. |
| Apr 3, 2027 | Spring turkey opens | 7:01 a.m. | 7:33 p.m. | 6:31 a.m. to 8:03 p.m. | 6:31 a.m. to 7:33 p.m. |
Hours rules from the 2026-2027 Louisiana Hunting and WMA Regulations and La. R.S. 56:116.1; sunrise and sunset worked out for this location with the NOAA solar formula (Central Time); checked November 4, 2026. Legal hours for every parish.
Fishing in Beauregard Parish
Lakes, rivers, boat ramps and bait shops for Beauregard Parish are on State Fishing Spots, our sister site.
Beauregard Parish hunters ask
Do youth and veterans get extra duck days in Beauregard Parish?
Yes, two days in each zone.
What does a bear permit cost for Beauregard Parish?
A $50 lottery application and a $25 Bear License, plus training.
Where do I check CWD rules for Beauregard Parish?
The LDWF CWD page and the June 2, 2026 zone map.
How many dove segments does Beauregard Parish get?
Three per zone.
What is the biggest public area in Beauregard Parish?
There is none inside the parish.
How soon must a Beauregard Parish alligator be reported?
Within 72 hours.
How much hunter orange is required in Beauregard Parish?
400 square inches of orange or blaze pink in firearm deer seasons; a cap is enough on private land.
Which LDWF field office covers Beauregard Parish?
The Lake Charles field office, (337) 491-2575.
Is there a Hunters for the Hungry processor near Beauregard Parish?
Check the tags on the processor cards above.
Is Beauregard Parish a top deer parish?
Yes, 18th in 2024-25 with 3,121 reported deer.
What is the season deer limit in Beauregard Parish?
6 in Area 3, with no more than 3 antlered or 4 antlerless.
Answers from the 2026-2027 Louisiana Hunting & WMA Regulations, LDWF seasons and regulations, hunter orange rule, tagging rules, Sunday hunting, hunter education, the Annual Louisiana Deer Report and the sources above. Checked November 4, 2026.
Beauregard Parish closing notes
LDWF and the Commission can change dates after the pamphlet prints, so recheck the LDWF season page before a Beauregard Parish hunt.
Sources: 2026-2027 Louisiana Hunting & WMA Regulations, LDWF hunting, Census and the sources in each section. Checked November 4, 2026.
Other photos on this page: jeffreyw (CC BY 2.0); Alaska Region U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (Public Domain Mark 1.0).