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Louisiana Hunting Licenses and Fees
All 52 license rows LDWF prints for 2026-27: Basic Hunting, deer, waterfowl and turkey licenses in four residency columns, Sportsman's Paradise, the $5 youth license, bear, the duck stamp, HIP, the whistling duck permit, WMA permits, senior, military, disability and lifetime licenses, plus tags, validation and hunter education.
Photo: Watts (CC BY 2.0)
Matching a Louisiana license to the hunt
Everyone 18 and older starts with Basic Hunting, then adds a deer, waterfowl or turkey license for those hunts; Sportsman's Paradise rolls hunting and fishing into one card. Duck hunters 16 and up also carry the federal stamp and renew HIP every year.
Louisiana residency
Bona fide resident: lived in Louisiana continuously for 6 months before applying and domiciled here (Louisiana voter registration, driver's license, vehicle registration and state tax return as applicable); resident licenses from another state disqualify. Honorably discharged veterans with a Louisiana driver's license or ID count as residents. Active-duty military, their spouses and dependents pay resident fees.
Who needs a license
Basic Hunting License for everyone 18+ hunting birds or quadrupeds; youths 17 and under need the $5 Youth License only for deer, turkey, trapping and lottery hunts; residents born before June 1, 1940 exempt (proof of age).
Carry it with ID
Licenses (or license numbers) and physical ID must be carried; driver's license endorsements for lifetime license and hunter education are accepted.
Tags for every deer and turkey hunter
All deer and turkey hunters, regardless of age or license, must obtain deer/turkey tags (paper or electronic) before hunting.
Where licenses are sold
Hunting licenses run 365 days from purchase (auto-renew available online); trapping licenses go on sale June 1 and expire June 30; guide licenses July 1-June 30. Sold at LouisianaOutdoors.com (convenience fee), LDWF headquarters and vendors; licenses can be shown on LA Wallet.
Duck stamps
The Louisiana duck stamp is now a collectible/contest program (state waterfowl license covers the privilege); federal duck stamp required at 16+.
Mississippi River islands
Mississippi hunting license holders may hunt on Mississippi River islands and accretion lands along the Louisiana-Mississippi border.
License year
Hunting licenses valid 365 days from purchase; trapping licenses through June 30; federal duck stamp through June 30, 2027; guide licenses July 1-June 30.
Sources: 2026-27 pamphlet, p. 6; 2026-27 pamphlet, p. 8; LDWF licenses, permits and tags page; 2026-27 pamphlet, p. 22; LDWF waterfowl page. Checked: rows matched line by line to the sources, November 4, 2026.
Four residency columns side by side
Residents pay $20 for Basic Hunting and $15 for deer; a nonresident on an annual license pays $200 and $100. Louisiana natives living elsewhere get a 10-day license at the resident price, and a five-day nonresident option sits in between.
| License | Resident | Nonresident, annual | Louisiana-born, 10 days | Nonresident, 5 days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Hunting | $20 | $200 | $20 | $65 |
| Deer | $15 | $100 | $15 | $35 |
| Waterfowl | $12 | $50 | $12 | $35 |
| Turkey | $12 | $50 | $12 | $35 |
| Sportsman's Paradise | $100 | $400 | $100 | $120 |
Basic and saltwater fishing, basic hunting, deer, turkey, waterfowl, WMA Access and recreational gear (not lottery hunts, camping permit or federal duck stamp). The Louisiana-born 10-day licenses need a Louisiana birth certificate and photo ID.
Sources: 2026-27 pamphlet, p. 6; LDWF licenses, permits and tags page; LDWF license and permit fee list. Checked: rows matched line by line to the sources, November 4, 2026.
All 52 Louisiana license and permit rows
The rows sit in 5 tables at the 2026-27 prices. Notes are shortened, so the linked LDWF page or pamphlet page has the full wording; LouisianaOutdoors.com adds a convenience fee to online sales.
Basic, deer, waterfowl, turkey and Sportsman's Paradise (20 rows)
| License | Who | Residency | Price | Valid | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Hunting | Resident, military and student | Resident | $20 | 365 days from purchase | Required for all hunters 18+ (deer, waterfowl and turkey need additional licenses). |
| Basic Hunting | Nonresident | Nonresident | $200 | 365 days from purchase | Required for all hunters 18+ (deer, waterfowl and turkey need additional licenses). |
| Basic Hunting | Nonresident native (Louisiana-born), 10-day | Nonresident | $20 | 10 consecutive days | Required for all hunters 18+ (deer, waterfowl and turkey need additional licenses). Louisiana birth certificate and photo ID required. |
| Basic Hunting | Nonresident 5-day | Nonresident | $65 | 5 days | Required for all hunters 18+ (deer, waterfowl and turkey need additional licenses). |
| Deer | Resident, military and student | Resident | $15 | 365 days from purchase | Includes archery and primitive privileges and deer tags; in addition to Basic Hunting. |
| Deer | Nonresident | Nonresident | $100 | 365 days from purchase | Includes archery and primitive privileges and deer tags; in addition to Basic Hunting. |
| Deer | Nonresident native (Louisiana-born), 10-day | Nonresident | $15 | 10 consecutive days | Includes archery and primitive privileges and deer tags; in addition to Basic Hunting. Louisiana birth certificate and photo ID required. |
| Deer | Nonresident 5-day | Nonresident | $35 | 5 days | Includes archery and primitive privileges and deer tags; in addition to Basic Hunting. |
| Waterfowl | Resident, military and student | Resident | $12 | 365 days from purchase | In addition to Basic Hunting. |
| Waterfowl | Nonresident | Nonresident | $50 | 365 days from purchase | In addition to Basic Hunting. |
| Waterfowl | Nonresident native (Louisiana-born), 10-day | Nonresident | $12 | 10 consecutive days | In addition to Basic Hunting. Louisiana birth certificate and photo ID required. |
| Waterfowl | Nonresident 5-day | Nonresident | $35 | 5 days | In addition to Basic Hunting. |
| Turkey | Resident, military and student | Resident | $12 | 365 days from purchase | Includes turkey tags and archery; in addition to Basic Hunting. |
| Turkey | Nonresident | Nonresident | $50 | 365 days from purchase | Includes turkey tags and archery; in addition to Basic Hunting. |
| Turkey | Nonresident native (Louisiana-born), 10-day | Nonresident | $12 | 10 consecutive days | Includes turkey tags and archery; in addition to Basic Hunting. Louisiana birth certificate and photo ID required. |
| Turkey | Nonresident 5-day | Nonresident | $35 | 5 days | Includes turkey tags and archery; in addition to Basic Hunting. |
| Sportsman's Paradise | Resident, military and student | Resident | $100 | 365 days from purchase | Basic and saltwater fishing, basic hunting, deer, turkey, waterfowl, WMA Access and recreational gear (not lottery hunts, camping permit or federal duck stamp). |
| Sportsman's Paradise | Nonresident | Nonresident | $400 | 365 days from purchase | Basic and saltwater fishing, basic hunting, deer, turkey, waterfowl, WMA Access and recreational gear (not lottery hunts, camping permit or federal duck stamp). |
| Sportsman's Paradise | Nonresident native (Louisiana-born), 10-day | Nonresident | $100 | 10 consecutive days | Basic and saltwater fishing, basic hunting, deer, turkey, waterfowl, WMA Access and recreational gear (not lottery hunts, camping permit or federal duck stamp). … |
| Sportsman's Paradise | Nonresident 5-day | Nonresident | $120 | 5 days | Basic and saltwater fishing, basic hunting, deer, turkey, waterfowl, WMA Access and recreational gear (not lottery hunts, camping permit or federal duck stamp). |
Youth, bear, WMA permits and duplicates (7 rows)
| License | Who | Residency | Price | Valid | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Youth Hunting | Under 18 | Either | $5 | 365 days from purchase | Required for youths actively hunting deer or turkey, trapping or in youth lottery hunts; includes deer and turkey tags; not needed for squirrel, rabbit or woodcock or … |
| Black Bear | Bear harvest permit holders | Resident | $25 | 365 days from purchase | Stand-alone license; not included in lifetime, senior, Sportsman's Paradise or disabled veteran licenses. Lottery application $50. |
| WMA Access Annual Permit | Users 18+ of LDWF lands | Either | $20 | 1 year | Included in Sportsman's Paradise, Senior and lifetime licenses; not required for 17 and under or through-travelers. |
| WMA Access 5-Day Permit | Users 18+ of LDWF lands | Either | $5 | 5 consecutive days | – |
| WMA Camping Permit | Camping party of up to five adults | Either | $7 per day | Per day | Youths 17 and under exempt. |
| WMA Self-Clearing Permit | All WMA users | Either | Free | Daily | Check in/out at a station or by the LDWF Self-Clearing Permit app. |
| Duplicate license | Lost licenses | Either | $2 per license | – | Online reprints free. |
Duck stamp, HIP and the whistling duck permit (3 rows)
| License | Who | Residency | Price | Valid | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Duck Stamp (electronic) | Waterfowl hunters 16+ | Either | $29.79 web / $27.72 pamphlet | Through June 30, 2027 | LDWF sources print different prices; both are shown. |
| HIP certification | Licensed migratory bird hunters 18+ | Either | Free | Season | Online or at LDWF headquarters only (not at vendors); required every year, including lifetime holders. LDWF sources word the eligibility differently. |
| Black-bellied Whistling Duck Permit | BBWD season hunters | Either | Free | October 3-11 season | Post-season effort/harvest reporting October 12-26 required. |
Lifetime, senior, military and disability licenses (11 rows)
| License | Who | Residency | Price | Valid | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Hunting/Fishing | Born before June 1, 1940 | Resident | Free | Annual | In lieu of basic/saltwater fishing, basic hunting, deer, waterfowl, turkey and WMA Access. LDWF sources word the eligibility differently. |
| Senior Hunting/Fishing | Age 60+ (born June 1, 1940 or later; fee list: born June 1, 1940-May 31, 1962) | Resident | $5 | Annual | From June 1, 2027 available at 65+ for $20 (born before June 1, 1940 stays free). LDWF sources word the eligibility differently. |
| Retired Military Hunting/Fishing | Resident or nonresident native retired military | Either | $20 | Annual | – |
| Disabled/Special Needs | Qualifying disability, KIA surviving spouse | Resident | $4 | Annual | – |
| Disabled Veteran Hunting and Fishing | 50%+ service-connected disability | Resident | $4, free to the veteran | Annual | – |
| Physically Challenged Hunter Permit | Qualifying disability | Either | Free | Per permit | Needed for PCHP seasons, blinds and lottery hunts. |
| Lifetime Hunting/Fishing | Under 65 | Resident | $500 | Lifetime | Includes deer and turkey tags and WMA Access; not alligator, trapping or federal duck stamp. Six months residency. LDWF sources word the eligibility differently. |
| Lifetime Senior Hunting/Fishing | 65 and older | Resident | $100 | Lifetime | – |
| Lifetime Hunting/Fishing | 3 years and older | Nonresident | $4,000 | Lifetime | – |
| Lifetime Senior Hunting/Fishing | 65 and older | Nonresident | $4,000 | Lifetime | – |
| Infant Lifetime Hunting/Fishing | Under 3 | Nonresident | $1,000 | Lifetime | Fee list also shows $500 resident infant. |
Preserves, breeders, guides, trappers, alligator and falconry (11 rows)
| License | Who | Residency | Price | Valid | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hunting Preserve | Pen-raised birds on preserves | Either | $15 | October 1-April 30 | In lieu of Basic Hunting (fee list: nonresident). LDWF sources word the eligibility differently. |
| Commercial Hunting Preserve | Operators (pen-raised birds) | Either | $420 | Expires June 30 | – |
| Game Breeder | Raising/selling game birds or quadrupeds | Either | $50 or $100 + $50 | Expires December 31 | LDWF sources print different prices; both are shown. |
| Hunting Guide | Guides | Resident | $150 | July 1-June 30 | – |
| Hunting Guide | Guides | Nonresident | $600 | July 1-June 30 | – |
| Trapper | 18 or older | Resident | $40 or $25 | Through June 30 | LDWF sources print different prices; both are shown. |
| Youth Hunt and Trap | 17 or younger | Resident | $5 | Through June 30 | LDWF sources word the eligibility differently. |
| Trapper | All ages | Nonresident | $160 or $200 | Through June 30 | LDWF sources print different prices; both are shown. |
| Resident Alligator Hunter / Sports Hunter | Alligator hunters, helpers, sport hunters | Resident | $25 | Season | Recreational lottery $50 per zone; commercial WMA lottery tags $40 each. |
| Nonresident Alligator Sports Hunter / Landowner | Sport hunters, landowners | Nonresident | $150 | Season | – |
| Falconry (Game Breeder's License for Falconry) | Falconers | Resident | $50 + $100 or $25 + $50 | Annual | Also needs a hunting license. LDWF sources print different prices; both are shown. |
Where the pamphlet and the LDWF web pages print different figures (the federal duck stamp, trapper licenses, game breeder and falconry licenses) the table gives both rather than picking one; check the LDWF fee list before buying.
Sources: 2026-27 trapping regulations; 2026-27 regulations pamphlet; LDWF alligator lottery page; LDWF black bear lottery page; LDWF commercial alligator page; LDWF whistling duck season notice; LDWF licenses, permits and tags page; LDWF license and permit fee list; LDWF HIP page; LDWF recreational alligator page; LDWF special licenses page; LDWF trapping license page; 2026-27 pamphlet, p. 6; 2026-27 pamphlet, p. 8. Checked: rows matched line by line to the sources, November 4, 2026.
Tags first, validation within 72 hours
Louisiana deer and turkey tags come with the license, on paper or in the app. Attach or record the tag before the animal moves, then validate it within three days; reprints of lost tags are free online, and tags may never be shared.
| What | Louisiana rule |
|---|---|
| Deer and turkey tags | Before moving a harvested deer or turkey, attach the carcass tag (or tag electronically), record date and parish, and validate within 72 hours by text-to-tag (225-267-9988), the LouisianaOutdoors.com web portal (also through LA Wallet) or phone 225-267-9998. Tags stay attached at camp and in transit to home or cold storage. Tags may not be shared; lost tags can be reprinted free online. |
| Divided parts | Divided deer/turkey parts need name, date, address, LDWF number (and sex for deer); resident game possession tags are printed on pamphlet p. 76. |
| DMAP land | DMAP land: follow LDWF DMAP tag instructions. |
| Black bear | Tag immediately before moving the bear; call the designated biologist at once to report and schedule data collection. |
| Alligator | Recreational hide tag attached to the tail immediately; report tag number, length, date and parish within 72 hours (failure bars future lotteries). Commercial: return unused tags within 15 days of season close. |
| Whistling duck permit | Black-bellied whistling duck permit holders must report effort and harvest October 12-26. |
| WMA check-in | WMA self-clearing permits (station or app) for all activities; mandatory deer check on some WMA hunts (no skinning before check). |
| Migratory birds | Federal tagging rules for birds left with others; HIP certification annually. |
Sources: 2026-27 pamphlet, p. 22; LDWF e-tag page; LDWF deer tag page; LDWF black bear lottery page; LDWF recreational alligator page; LDWF commercial alligator page; 2026-27 pamphlet, p. 47. Checked: rows matched line by line to the sources, November 4, 2026.
Hunter education for anyone born after August 1969
Anyone born on or after September 1, 1969 needs an LDWF-approved course before hunting alone. The course is free, the certificate lasts for life, and hunters 16 and older may finish entirely online.
| Topic | Louisiana rule |
|---|---|
| Who must be certified | Anyone born on or after September 1, 1969 must complete an LDWF-approved hunter education course before hunting, unless under direct supervision (voice and sight) of a licensed hunter born before September 1, 1969 or an 18+ adult with proof of hunter education. |
| Ages | Minimum certification age 9 (under 9: 1-year voucher). Youths 11 and under must hunt under direct supervision even if certified. |
| Exemptions | Active or veteran U.S. Armed Forces members and POST-certified law enforcement officers may apply for a Louisiana-only exemption. |
| The course | Free 10-hour in-person course or online course; ages 9-15 must add a 5-hour in-person field day; 16+ may certify online only. Certification is valid for life; bowhunter and trapper education optional. |
| Youth seasons | Youth seasons require hunter education or proof of course completion unless accompanied by a qualifying adult; youths 12+ with hunter education may hunt unsupervised in youth seasons. |
The LDWF hunter education web page describes the supervising adult a little differently from the pamphlet (an adult 18 or older with a valid, unrestricted Louisiana hunting license); the table follows the pamphlet.
Sources: 2026-27 pamphlet, p. 10; LDWF hunter education page; 2026-27 pamphlet, p. 26. Checked: rows matched line by line to the sources, November 4, 2026.
Lifetime, senior, military and disability licenses
A resident lifetime hunting and fishing license costs $500 under 65 and $100 from 65, and covers deer and turkey tags and WMA Access. Veterans with a service-connected disability of 50 percent or more get the hunting and fishing license free.
| License | Who | Price | What it covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Hunting/Fishing | Born before June 1, 1940 | Free | In lieu of basic/saltwater fishing, basic hunting, deer, waterfowl, turkey and WMA Access. |
| Senior Hunting/Fishing | Age 60+ (born June 1, 1940 or later; fee list: born June 1, 1940-May 31, 1962) | $5 | From June 1, 2027 available at 65+ for $20 (born before June 1, 1940 stays free). |
| Retired Military Hunting/Fishing | Resident or nonresident native retired military | $20 | – |
| Disabled/Special Needs | Qualifying disability, KIA surviving spouse | $4 | – |
| Disabled Veteran Hunting and Fishing | 50%+ service-connected disability | $4, free to the veteran | – |
| Physically Challenged Hunter Permit | Qualifying disability | Free | Needed for PCHP seasons, blinds and lottery hunts. |
| Lifetime Hunting/Fishing | Under 65 | $500 | Includes deer and turkey tags and WMA Access; not alligator, trapping or federal duck stamp. Six months residency. |
| Lifetime Senior Hunting/Fishing | 65 and older | $100 | – |
| Lifetime Hunting/Fishing | 3 years and older | $4,000 | – |
| Lifetime Senior Hunting/Fishing | 65 and older | $4,000 | – |
| Infant Lifetime Hunting/Fishing | Under 3 | $1,000 | Fee list also shows $500 resident infant. |
LDWF pages give the resident lifetime age bands three ways (from birth, from age 3 with a separate infant license, or any age under 65), and the senior $5 license is described with different birth-date ranges; the price is the same in each.
Sources: 2026-27 pamphlet, p. 8; LDWF license and permit fee list; LDWF special licenses page. Checked: rows matched line by line to the sources, November 4, 2026.
Louisiana license questions
Who needs the WMA Access Permit?
Users 18 and older of LDWF lands. It is $20 a year or $5 for five days, and comes inside Sportsman's Paradise, Senior and lifetime licenses.
How much is the federal duck stamp in Louisiana?
The LDWF license page and fee list show $29.79 for the electronic stamp, while the 2026-27 pamphlet prints $27.72, so check the fee list at purchase. It is required from age 16.
How do I validate a deer tag in Louisiana?
Within 72 hours: text-to-tag at 225-267-9988, the LouisianaOutdoors.com portal (also through LA Wallet) or by phone at 225-267-9998.
Who must take hunter education in Louisiana?
Anyone born on or after September 1, 1969 must complete an LDWF-approved hunter education course before hunting, unless under direct supervision (voice and sight) of a licensed hunter born before September 1, 1969 or an 18+ adult with proof of hunter education.
What does a Louisiana lifetime license cost?
$500 for residents under 65, $100 for residents 65 and older and $4,000 for nonresidents.
Is HIP certification free?
Online or at LDWF headquarters only (not at vendors); required every year, including lifetime holders. It costs nothing.
How much is a Louisiana Basic Hunting license?
$20 for residents, active military and students, $200 for nonresidents on an annual license and $65 for the nonresident five-day version.
Do I need a deer license on top of Basic Hunting?
Yes. Deer hunters 18 and older carry Basic Hunting plus the deer license ($15 resident), which covers archery and primitive seasons and comes with the tags.
What license does a hunter under 18 need in Louisiana?
Required for youths actively hunting deer or turkey, trapping or in youth lottery hunts; includes deer and turkey tags; not needed for squirrel, rabbit or woodcock or for spectators. It costs $5.
What does Sportsman's Paradise include?
A bundle at $100 for residents: Basic and saltwater fishing, basic hunting, deer, turkey, waterfowl, WMA Access and recreational gear (not lottery hunts, camping permit or federal duck stamp).
Before you leave the landing
Title 56 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes and the rules of the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission are the law; the 2026-2027 Louisiana Hunting & WMA Regulations pamphlet says on its own front pages that it is a summary, not an official copy.
Other photos on this page: Miguel Discart & Kiri Karma (CC BY-SA 2.0); Charles Patrick Ewing (CC BY 2.0); David Minty (CC BY 2.0); ShenandoahNPS (Public domain); wikiphotographer (CC BY-SA 2.0).