Home › Louisiana › Parishes › Catahoula Parish
LDWF Pineville field office area
Catahoula Parish Hunting
Plan a Catahoula Parish hunt in the LDWF Pineville field office area: Deer Area dates and limits, turkey and bear rules, duck and dove zones, public ground in and near the parish and who to call.
Photo: Walmart (CC BY 2.0)
Catahoula Parish at a glance
Biologists from the LDWF Pineville field office cover Catahoula Parish along with the rest of central Louisiana: Kisatchie National Forest, the Red River, Catahoula Lake and the longleaf pine hills around Alexandria. Harrisonburg is the parish seat, and the Census Bureau estimated 8,280 residents in 2024, 7.0% down from the 2020 base of 8,907.
Census measures 709 square miles of dry land here against 30 square miles of water (4%). Hunters crossing the parish line land in Avoyelles Parish, Caldwell Parish, Concordia Parish, Franklin Parish, LaSalle Parish and Tensas Parish.
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.
Catahoula Parish deer dates by area
Catahoula Parish is split for deer: Deer Area 1 (part, about 78% by the LDWF layer) and Deer Area 2 (part, about 22% by the LDWF layer). Those area lines follow named roads, rivers and bayous rather than parish lines, so a hunter near one should read the boundary text and the LDWF Deer Area map before choosing which dates apply. The share figures are approximate overlays; the 2026-27 pamphlet lists are authoritative.
Bow, primitive and gun dates in Catahoula Parish
| Area | Archery dates | Primitive dates | Still-hunt dates | Dog dates | Youth dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Area 1 | Oct 1–Jan 31 | Nov 14–Nov 20 Jan 25–Jan 31 | Nov 21–Dec 11 Jan 4–Jan 24 | Dec 12–Jan 3 | Oct 31–Nov 6 |
| Area 2 | Oct 1–Jan 31 | Oct 24–Oct 30 Jan 18–Jan 24 | Oct 31–Dec 9 | Dec 10–Jan 17 | Oct 10–Oct 16 |
A bucks-only CWD-zone archery season, September 12 to September 20, 2026, applies on private ground inside the Management Zone here. Which side of the line you hunt changes the season cap: Area 1: 6 deer (2 antlered, 5 antlerless) and Area 2: 6 deer (3 antlered, 4 antlerless). One antlered and one antlerless deer a day in each. The Area 1 split of two antlered and five antlerless is new in the 2026-27 pamphlet. Bucks still in velvet are legal this season once an antler reaches three inches. Before the deer leaves the spot, tag it; within 72 hours, validate the tag by text, web, LA Wallet or phone. During primitive firearms dates, hunters aged 65 or more may now carry any legal deer weapon, a change for 2026-27. Daily limits apply on WMAs too, and deer taken on a WMA count toward 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 1, Area 2); shares from the LDWF Deer Management Areas layer; tag and weapon rules from pamphlet p. 22 and p. 23. Checked November 4, 2026.
Catahoula Parish public land map
The overlay counts about 48,248 public acres in Catahoula Parish, or 10.6% of its land; the largest kind is LDWF WMAs. Acreages come from overlaying map polygons and will not match official area figures exactly.
| Public land | GIS acres |
|---|---|
| LDWF WMAs | 30,462 |
| NWR land | 17,785 |
Catahoula Parish WMAs, refuges and forest land
Dewey W. Wills WMA
Game: deer, waterfowl, small game, raccoon and squirrel. Dewey W. Wills WMA is managed to provide wildlife habitat and outdoor recreation. 75 deer checked on 2024 managed hunts.
Boeuf WMA
Game: deer, waterfowl, small game, raccoon and squirrel. Boeuf WMA is bordered by the Bouef River for approximately 47 miles on its eastern side. 195 deer checked on 2024 managed hunts.
Catahoula NWR
Game: waterfowl, woodcock, squirrel, rabbit and raccoon.
J.C. "Sonny" Gilbert WMA
Game: deer, turkey, waterfowl, small game and raccoon. The unique habitat on J.C. “Sonny” Gilbert WMA supports a diversity of plants and animals, including rare and endangered species. 6 deer checked on 2024 managed hunts.
Public tracts around Catahoula Parish
- Bayou Cocodrie NWR14 miles, national wildlife refuge, Concordia Parish
Before hunting a WMA, adults buy the WMA Access Permit ($20 for a year, $5 for five days) and everyone self-clears for the day. Baiting is banned on every WMA, entry starts no earlier than 4 a.m., and waterfowl shooting on WMAs and other public land ends 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.
Hunts that reach Catahoula Parish
Bear permits, turkey areas, duck zones and dove zones each cover only part of Louisiana, so read the area column to see which rows apply in Catahoula Parish.
| Game | Segment | Area | Opens | Closes | Today |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed deer | CWD zone archery | Area 1 | Sep 12, 2026 | Sep 20, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Archery | Area 1 | Oct 1, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | |
| White-tailed deer | Youth and veterans | Area 1 | Oct 31, 2026 | Nov 6, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Primitive Firearms | Area 1 | Nov 14, 2026 | Nov 20, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Still-hunt firearms | Area 1 | Nov 21, 2026 | Dec 11, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Firearms, dogs allowed | Area 1 | Dec 12, 2026 | Jan 3, 2027 | |
| White-tailed deer | Still-hunt firearms | Area 1 | Jan 4, 2027 | Jan 24, 2027 | |
| White-tailed deer | Primitive Firearms | Area 1 | Jan 25, 2027 | Jan 31, 2027 | |
| White-tailed deer | CWD zone archery | Area 2 | Aug 29, 2026 | Sep 6, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Archery | Area 2 | Oct 1, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | |
| White-tailed deer | Youth and veterans | Area 2 | Oct 10, 2026 | Oct 16, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Primitive Firearms | Area 2 | Oct 24, 2026 | Oct 30, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Still-hunt firearms | Area 2 | Oct 31, 2026 | Dec 9, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Firearms, dogs allowed | Area 2 | Dec 10, 2026 | Jan 17, 2027 | |
| White-tailed deer | Primitive Firearms | Area 2 | Jan 18, 2027 | Jan 24, 2027 | |
| White-tailed deer | Challenged hunters | Statewide | Oct 3, 2026 | Oct 4, 2026 | |
| Black bear | Lottery permit hunt | Bear Area 3 | Dec 5, 2026 | Dec 20, 2026 | |
| Black bear | Lottery permit hunt | Bear Area 4 | 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 | |
| Wild turkey | Spring | Turkey Area C | Apr 3, 2027 | Apr 18, 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 | |
| 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 | East zone | Nov 14, 2026 | Nov 14, 2026 | |
| Ducks and coots | Split 1 | East zone | Nov 21, 2026 | Dec 6, 2026 | |
| Ducks and coots | Split 2 | East zone | Dec 19, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | |
| Ducks and coots | Youth and veteran day | East zone | Feb 6, 2027 | Feb 6, 2027 | |
| Snow and blue geese | Regular season | East zone | Nov 14, 2026 | Dec 6, 2026 | |
| Snow and blue geese | Conservation Order | East zone | Dec 7, 2026 | Dec 18, 2026 | |
| Snow and blue geese | Regular season | East zone | Dec 19, 2026 | Feb 7, 2027 | |
| Snow and blue geese | Conservation Order | East zone | Feb 8, 2027 | Mar 7, 2027 | |
| Specklebellies | Regular season | East zone | Nov 14, 2026 | Dec 6, 2026 | |
| Specklebellies | Regular season | East zone | Dec 19, 2026 | Feb 7, 2027 | |
| Canada geese | Regular season | East zone | Nov 14, 2026 | Dec 6, 2026 | |
| Canada geese | Regular season | East 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.
What Catahoula Parish hunters take
Catahoula Parish reported 3,659 deer in 2024-25, placing it 11th of the 64 parishes. In 2022-23 the parish reported 3,244 deer (10th). The change from 2022-23 to 2024-25 works out to +13%.
In 2024-25 hunters took one deer per 50 acres of forest here, 5th in that LDWF ranking.
| Report year | Rank | Deer | Forested acres per deer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | #11 | 3,659 | #5 (50 ac) |
| 2022-23 | #10 | 3,244 | #5 (56 ac) |
Statewide, LDWF counted 143,527 reported deer in 2024-25, and the 2025-26 hunter survey estimates 276,200 deer taken by about 226,200 hunters.
Survey takers reported Area 1: 1,438 days and 127 deer and Area 2: 7,207 days and 382 deer in 2025-26, unexpanded respondent sums.
Catahoula Parish managed hunts, deer checked
| Area hunt | Efforts | Harvest | Bucks | Does |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dewey Wills | 652 | 75 | 34 | 41 |
| Boeuf | 759 | 195 | 119 | 76 |
| JC Sonny Gilbert | 79 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
Reading the parish labels on the 2026 Wild Turkey Program map gives 41 gobblers for Catahoula Parish (4,024 tagged statewide).
The Louisiana Big Game Records all-time list names Catahoula Parish for the top entry in gun, typical antlers (194 3/8, 2024) and eastern wild turkey (58.75, 2016).
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.
CWD zone, bear lottery and alligators in Catahoula Parish
Catahoula Parish CWD zone check
The single CWD Management Zone set up on June 2, 2026 reaches into Catahoula Parish, judging from the official map. For 2026-27 the zone allows bait and feed from September 1 to March 31 only. Whole carcasses may not leave the zone; deboned meat, quarters without the spine or head, antlers, cleaned skull plates, capes and finished mounts may, with a possession tag. Hunters returning from other states must bring only boned meat, clean quarters and cleaned parts into Louisiana. Of the 55 CWD-positive deer in Louisiana, 1 came from Catahoula Parish (1 in 2024-25).
Catahoula Parish Bear Area
Catahoula Parish is part of Bear Area 3 (part) and Bear Area 4 (part). Lottery winners hunt bears there from December 5 to 20, 2026 (Area 3: 4 permits (2 landowner, 1 general, 1 WMA) and Area 4: 19 permits (14 landowner, 4 general, 1 WMA)). The Bear Area line through the parish follows named roads and waterways. The lottery cost $50 to enter this year (July 28 to August 28, 2026); a successful hunter also buys a $25 Bear License and completes training. Rules for the hunt: still hunting only, bait from November 1, and cubs (75 pounds or less) protected.
Catahoula Parish recreational gator zone
Recreational gator hunters drawn for Zone C may hunt Catahoula Parish, Sabine, Vernon, Natchitoches, Winn, Grant, Rapides, Avoyelles, Concordia and LaSalle; the zone has 1,250 spots. Two hide tags per zone, an October 1-31 season and a 72-hour reporting rule frame the new recreational hunt. Commercial harvest uses East and West alligator zones and ends 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.
Catahoula Parish bird hunting zones
Spring gobblers in Catahoula Parish
Catahoula Parish falls in Turkey Area A (part) and Turkey Area C (part), so the spring gobbler season on private land runs Area A April 3 to May 2, 2027 and Area C April 3 to April 18, 2027. Only the part of the parish inside a listed Turkey Area is open; the LDWF map shows the line. Youths and wheelchair-confined hunters get March 26 to March 28, 2027 on private land; the limit is one gobbler a day and two a season. Baiting rules for turkeys are strict: 200 yards from bait, and 15 days after it is removed.
Catahoula Parish duck zone and splits
For the East Zone the duck dates are November 21 to December 6, 2026 and December 19, 2026 to January 31, 2027. Youth and veteran days: November 14, 2026 and February 6, 2027. September teal (September 19 to September 27, 2026) and the new whistling duck season (October 3 to October 11, 2026, free permit, four a day) apply here too.
Catahoula Parish dove segments
Doves in the North Zone: September 5 to September 27, 2026, October 10 to November 15, 2026 and December 19, 2026 to January 17, 2027 (15 daily, 45 in possession).

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.
Dates and results in Catahoula Parish
This Parish lists 1 date still ahead; the kinds are LDWF general lottery. 1 row is a WMA lottery hunt: draw first, hunt second.
Upcoming
| Scheduled | Event | Where held | Link | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 3–11, 2027 | J.C. "Sonny" Gilbert WMA general turkey lottery | Apply | Source |
Catahoula Parish LDWF contacts, towns and services
Catahoula Parish is in LDWF Enforcement Region 3; the regional captain is John Volentine, based in Pineville. For a walk-in visit, Pineville Field Office (Pineville) is the nearest LDWF office at about 41 miles.
Town pages in Catahoula Parish
| Town | Census 2024 | Close areas | Wider areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harrisonburg | 262 | 3 | 5 |
| Sicily Island | 333 | 2 | 7 |
| Wallace Ridge | CDP | 2 | 6 |
Other towns and CDPs in Catahoula Parish:
- Jonesville1,562
For services, hunters in Catahoula Parish look to adjoining parishes, shown below.
Meat processors, Catahoula Parish area
Taxidermy shops, Catahoula Parish area
Gun and outdoor stores, Catahoula 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.
Catahoula Parish shooters: ranges and match dates
No range in Catahoula Parish is on file, so the three closest to the parish centre follow.
Of the 6 LDWF ranges, Woodworth Shooting Range is closest, about 51 miles from the Catahoula Parish centre. Details
Ranges from the LDWF shooting ranges page, ranges’ own sites and directory listings, checked November 4, 2026.
Catahoula Parish hours on key season dates
The sun rises up to twenty minutes later on the Sabine than on the Pearl, so use the times worked out for Catahoula Parish.
| Day | Moment | First sun | Last sun | Deer hours | Duck hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 1, 2026 | Area 1 archery opens | 7:00 a.m. | 6:54 p.m. | 6:30 a.m. to 7:24 p.m. | 6:30 a.m. to 6:54 p.m. |
| Nov 21, 2026 | Area 1 gun opens | 6:41 a.m. | 5:07 p.m. | 6:11 a.m. to 5:37 p.m. | 6:11 a.m. to 5:07 p.m. |
| Dec 5, 2026 | Bear lottery hunt opens | 6:52 a.m. | 5:04 p.m. | 6:22 a.m. to 5:34 p.m. | 6:22 a.m. to 5:04 p.m. |
| Dec 12, 2026 | Area 1 dog season | 6:57 a.m. | 5:05 p.m. | 6:27 a.m. to 5:35 p.m. | 6:27 a.m. to 5:05 p.m. |
| Dec 21, 2026 | Shortest day | 7:03 a.m. | 5:08 p.m. | 6:33 a.m. to 5:38 p.m. | 6:33 a.m. to 5:08 p.m. |
| Apr 3, 2027 | Spring turkey opens | 6:55 a.m. | 7:27 p.m. | 6:25 a.m. to 7:57 p.m. | 6:25 a.m. to 7:27 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.


Catahoula Parish quick answers
Can drones be used to recover deer in Catahoula Parish?
Yes on private land under the new rules; never on WMAs.
Has Catahoula Parish produced a record deer?
Yes: 194 3/8 (2024) and 58.75 (2016).
Which processor is nearest Catahoula Parish?
Keene's Deer & Hog Processing.
How do I know which Deer Area my land in Catahoula Parish is in?
Read the boundary roads and rivers in the pamphlet or the LDWF map; the parish has Deer Area 1 and Deer Area 2.
Are velvet bucks legal in Catahoula Parish?
Yes, from 2026-27 velvet antlers of three inches or more count as legal antlered deer.
When can I hunt gobblers in Catahoula Parish?
April 3 to May 2, 2027 and April 3 to April 18, 2027.
How many bear permits cover Catahoula Parish?
Area 3: 4 permits (2 landowner, 1 general, 1 WMA) and Area 4: 19 permits (14 landowner, 4 general, 1 WMA).
Is there a coastal duck zone for Catahoula Parish?
No; Louisiana uses East and West only, and Catahoula Parish is East.
Is Catahoula Parish North or South for doves?
North.
Can I take a whole deer carcass out of Catahoula Parish?
Not out of the zone portion; only boned meat and cleaned parts.
How many gator tags does a Catahoula Parish winner get?
Two hide tags per zone.
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.
Catahoula Parish trip reminders
This page covers the 2026-27 season only; where it and the LDWF regulations differ, the regulations govern.
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: NPS Photo (Public domain); Alabama Extension (CC0 1.0).