Louisiana Small Game Season Rules

Hunting small game in Louisiana can feel like navigating a maze of different rules, seasons, and limits for each species. It's easy to get confused, especially with migratory birds, and nobody wants to inadvertently break a regulation or miss out on prime hunting opportunities because they weren't sure when or how to legally pursue their quarry. This comprehensive guide is here to untangle all of Louisiana's small game season rules, giving you a clear roadmap for everything from squirrel and rabbit hunting to doves, snipe, and even crows, ensuring you’re confident and prepared for a successful time afield.

Understanding Louisiana's Small Game Landscape

Louisiana's vast and varied landscape, from its dense bottomland hardwoods to its expansive coastal marshes and rolling piney hills, offers an incredible array of small game hunting opportunities. Unlike the intense focus often placed on deer or turkey, small game hunting tends to be more accessible, often less physically demanding, and provides a fantastic way to introduce new hunters, especially youth, to the traditions and joys of the outdoors. The seasons are generally longer, and the liberal bag limits allow for plenty of action and table fare.

What Qualifies as Small Game in Louisiana?

When we talk about "small game" in Louisiana, we're really talking about a diverse group of animals, each with its own quirks and regulations. Primarily, this category includes resident species like squirrels (gray and fox) and rabbits (cottontail and swamp rabbit). These are staples of Louisiana hunting camps and are often the first animals a young hunter pursues. Beyond these, the small game umbrella also extends to upland migratory birds like doves, woodcock, and snipe, as well as rails and gallinules. Quail, though less abundant than in decades past, also fall into this group. Crows are another unique entry, often considered small game due to their size and hunting methods, but they operate under very different rules than most other species. It's crucial to understand these distinctions because resident game and migratory game are regulated differently, with the latter often subject to federal guidelines in addition to state laws.

Why Small Game Hunting is So Popular Here

The enduring popularity of small game hunting in Louisiana isn't just about filling the freezer, though that's certainly a perk. For many, it's about tradition. Generations of hunters learned the ropes chasing bushytails through oak flats or jumping rabbits out of thickets with beagles. These hunts often involve less gear, less financial investment, and more opportunities for interaction and mentorship than, say, a quiet deer stand. Small game seasons are also generally quite long, sometimes spanning many months, which provides ample time to get out. You don't need hundreds of acres of private land; many of Louisiana's Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and national forests offer excellent public land opportunities for small game, making it accessible to a wider range of hunters. Plus, the fast-paced action of a squirrel hunt or the thrill of a covey rise for quail provides an engaging experience that keeps hunters coming back year after year. It's a fantastic way to enjoy the state's natural beauty and sharpen your hunting skills without the often intense pressure associated with larger, more sought-after species.

Squirrel Season: Bushytails and Beyond

Squirrel hunting is a cherished tradition across Louisiana, often serving as the gateway to hunting for countless young outdoorsmen and women. The abundant populations of both gray and fox squirrels provide plenty of opportunities for action and some truly delicious table fare. Understanding their season specifics, legal methods, and optimal tactics can significantly increase your success.

General Season Dates and Bag Limits for Squirrels

The statewide squirrel season in Louisiana is wonderfully long, typically opening in early October and running all the way through the end of February. This generous window allows hunters to experience squirrel hunting in various conditions, from the warmth of early fall to the crisp days of winter. This extended season is a testament to the healthy squirrel populations found throughout the state's diverse timberlands. For both gray and fox squirrels, the daily bag limit is quite generous at eight per hunter. This means you can take up to eight squirrels of either species per day. The possession limit, which is the maximum number of squirrels you can have on your person, in your vehicle, or at your camp, is three times the daily bag limit, so twenty-four squirrels. These limits are designed to allow for plentiful harvest while ensuring sustainable populations for future seasons. Always double-check the current year's Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) regulations pamphlet, as dates can shift slightly from year to year.

Legal Hunting Methods and Gear

Squirrel hunting in Louisiana is incredibly versatile when it comes to legal methods, which is part of its charm. Most commonly, hunters use small-bore firearms like .22 caliber rifles or shotguns, typically in 20-gauge or 12-gauge with smaller shot sizes like 6 or 7.5. Many purists prefer a .22 rifle for the challenge of a headshot and the quiet precision it offers, especially in areas with sensitive wildlife or nearby homes. Air rifles are also perfectly legal and gaining popularity for their quiet operation and accuracy. The use of dogs, particularly cur and feist breeds, is a time-honored tradition and a highly effective method for locating and treeing squirrels, turning the hunt into an exciting chase. When hunting in dense bottomland hardwoods, shotguns can be very effective for quickly knocking down squirrels before they disappear into thick canopy. For those targeting squirrels in specific areas, like the rich Squirrel Hunting Louisiana Bottomland Hardwoods, understanding the local tree species and their fruiting cycles can be key. Remember, while a wide range of gear is legal, safety is paramount, and always know your target and what lies beyond.

Best Times and Tactics for Squirrels

Early season squirrel hunting, typically through October and November, often involves locating active mast crops like acorns, pecans, or hickory nuts. During this time, squirrels are frantically feeding, cutting nuts, and caching them for winter. The best times of day are usually early morning and late afternoon when squirrels are most active. A patient approach, often called "still hunting," involves slowly moving through the woods, stopping frequently to listen for cutting sounds or spot movement. Pay close attention to the tops of trees; squirrels often give themselves away by the rustling of leaves or the debris of nutshells falling to the forest floor. As the season progresses into colder months, squirrels become more dependent on den trees and cached food. They might be less active during the coldest parts of the day, but a warm, sunny winter afternoon can still bring them out. Understanding How Early Season Squirrels Give Themselves Away can give you a significant advantage, as their predictable behaviors make them easier to locate. Later in the season, after the leaves have fallen, visibility improves, but squirrels also become more wary. Hunting with dogs can be particularly effective in thick cover or when squirrels are scattered, turning what might be a slow still hunt into an energetic pursuit.

Rabbit Season: Fast-Paced Fun in the Brush

Rabbit hunting is another vibrant part of Louisiana's small game culture, offering exhilarating, fast-paced action, especially when hunting with dogs. Cottontail and swamp rabbits are common targets, providing excellent sport and delicious meat. Like squirrel hunting, it’s often a communal activity, steeped in tradition.

Season Dates and Bag Limits for Rabbits

Louisiana's rabbit season typically kicks off in early October, coinciding with the opening of squirrel season, and usually runs well into February, often through the very end of the month. This long season offers ample opportunities to get out and chase bunnies through the briar patches and cane thickets. The statewide daily bag limit for rabbits is a generous eight, which can include both cottontails and the larger swamp rabbits. The possession limit, similar to squirrels, is three times the daily bag, meaning you can have up to twenty-four rabbits in your cooler or at your camp. These liberal limits reflect healthy rabbit populations in suitable habitats across the state. While specific dates can vary slightly year-to-year, this general timeframe provides a reliable guide for planning your rabbit hunts. Always consult the most current LDWF regulations to confirm precise dates and any area-specific rules that might apply to WMAs or other public lands.

Preferred Hunting Methods and Habitat

The quintessential method for rabbit hunting in Louisiana is with a pack of beagles. The melodic baying of dogs hot on a rabbit's trail, circling back to the hunters, is a sound deeply ingrained in the state's hunting heritage. Hunters strategically position themselves to intercept the rabbit as the dogs push it through the cover. Shotguns are the preferred firearm for this fast-action hunting, typically a 12-gauge or 20-gauge loaded with shot sizes like 6 or 7.5, which are effective at dispatching moving targets in dense cover. For those without dogs, "jump shooting" or "kicking brush" is a viable method. This involves hunters walking through thick cover, literally kicking and stomping to flush rabbits from their hiding spots. Prime rabbit habitat includes dense briar patches, cane thickets, overgrown fence rows, logging cutovers, and the edges of agricultural fields. These areas provide both the cover rabbits need to evade predators and access to their preferred food sources. Learning to read the landscape for ideal rabbit cover is a skill in itself, especially when navigating Rabbit Hunting Thick Louisiana Brush. You'll often find rabbits nestled tight in the densest, nastiest tangles you can imagine.

Understanding Rabbit Hotspots and Movements

Rabbits are masters of camouflage and cover, preferring dense vegetation where they can hide from predators and find food. Understanding their habits can make a huge difference in your success. They tend to be most active during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk, but on cloudy or overcast days, they might be out foraging for longer periods. After a cold front, rabbits often hunker down in the thickest cover available, emerging once the sun warms things up slightly. Agricultural fields, particularly those with soybeans, winter wheat, or clover, offer excellent food sources, and the edges of these fields, especially where they meet dense woods or brush, are prime locations. Public lands like WMAs often have designated areas with suitable rabbit habitat, especially in younger timber stands or clear-cuts that have regrown into thick cover. Using tools like GoHunt, or simply studying aerial maps, can help you identify these transition zones and thickets. On private land, obtaining landowner permission is key, and often, farmers are happy for hunters to reduce rabbit populations that might otherwise damage crops or gardens. Look for areas with fresh droppings, clipped vegetation, or well-worn trails leading into dense cover.

Upland Bird Seasons: Doves, Quail, and More

Louisiana's upland bird hunting scene is dynamic, ranging from the high-volume excitement of dove season to the more nostalgic pursuit of quail, and the unique challenges of migratory snipe and woodcock. Each offers a distinct experience and set of regulations worth knowing.

Dove Season Segments and Bag Limits

Dove hunting in Louisiana is a revered autumn tradition, marking the unofficial start of hunting season for many. The season is typically split into multiple segments to accommodate migration patterns and local populations, often beginning in early September. These splits can be a little tricky, so always consult the current year's LDWF regulations closely. For Mourning Doves and White-winged Doves, the daily bag limit is generally 15 birds, either singly or in combination, meaning you can harvest up to 15 doves total of either species per day. The possession limit is three times the daily bag, allowing for 45 doves. Eurasian Collared Doves, however, are an invasive species and have no closed season or bag limit; they can be hunted year-round. Effective dove hunting often revolves around scouting active feeding areas, water sources, and roosting sites. Setting up on a cut grain field or a water hole, often utilizing decoys, is a popular tactic. For detailed strategies, you might want to check out resources on Setting Up a Dove Field Before Opening Day. Remember, all migratory bird hunters, including dove hunters, must be Harvest Information Program (HIP) certified annually, in addition to having a valid basic hunting license.

Quail Season: A Vanishing Tradition

Once a staple of Louisiana's hunting landscape, Northern Bobwhite Quail populations have faced significant declines over the past several decades, primarily due to habitat loss and changes in agricultural practices. Despite this, a dedicated cadre of hunters still pursues these explosive birds. The quail season typically opens in November and runs through February, similar to the squirrel and rabbit seasons. The daily bag limit for quail is usually 10 birds, with a possession limit of 30. Finding wild quail in Louisiana today often requires extensive scouting on private lands with specific habitat management, or in select public areas that actively manage for early successional habitat. Look for areas with a mosaic of native grasses, open pine woodlands, and agricultural edges. Hunting with well-trained bird dogs, often pointers or setters, is the most effective and traditional method, allowing the dogs to locate, point, and retrieve the birds. While the numbers aren't what they once were, the thrill of a covey rise and the performance of a good bird dog remain an unparalleled experience for those dedicated to preserving this tradition.

Snipe, Woodcock, Rail, and Gallinule

Beyond doves and quail, Louisiana offers opportunities for other unique migratory upland birds, each with its own season and hunting style.

• Snipe: These small, fast-flying shorebirds are found in wet, marshy areas, often in agricultural fields or flooded pastures. Their season typically runs from early November through February. The daily bag limit is usually 8, with a possession limit of 24. Jump-shooting them as they flush from wet cover requires quick reflexes and a good shotgun.
• Woodcock: Often called timberdoodles, woodcock migrate through Louisiana, preferring moist, young deciduous forests with dense undergrowth. Their season generally overlaps with snipe, running from December through January. The daily bag limit is 3, with a possession limit of 9. Hunting woodcock often involves walking through thick cover with a dog that can pinpoint their location. These birds sit tight and flush vertically, providing a challenging shot. For specific season details, you might want to look into Louisiana Woodcock Season Dates.
• Rails and Gallinules: These elusive marsh birds include king rails, clapper rails, sora rails, Virginia rails, and common gallinules. Their seasons are typically earlier, often starting in September and running through November, with varying bag limits depending on the species. Hunting them usually involves walking through shallow marsh or wet vegetation, or using a boat to push through dense grasses, flushing them out. Given their habitat, they're often pursued by waterfowl hunters or those exploring the edges of coastal marshes.

For all these migratory birds, remember the mandatory Harvest Information Program (HIP) certification. This is a federal requirement for anyone hunting migratory game birds and helps wildlife agencies monitor harvest data. You can learn more about this by checking out the guide on Louisiana Migratory Bird Certification.

Crow and Predator Hunting Rules

While not typically considered "game" in the same way as deer or ducks, crows and various predators like coyotes and foxes offer unique hunting opportunities in Louisiana, often with more flexible regulations due to their pest status or abundant populations. Understanding these specific rules is important.

Crow Season: Year-Round Opportunities

Crows hold a unique position in Louisiana hunting regulations because they are largely considered an unprotected species due to their prolific numbers and potential for agricultural damage. Unlike most game animals, there is no closed season on crows in Louisiana, meaning you can hunt them year-round. Furthermore, there is no daily bag limit or possession limit for crows. This flexibility makes them a fantastic target for off-season practice, introducing new hunters, or simply enjoying some fast-paced shooting action. While you can hunt them year-round, effective crow hunting often involves calling them in, especially with electronic calls, over decoys or a "crow magnet" area where they congregate. Using a shotgun or small-caliber rifle, like a .22, is common. It's an excellent way to hone your calling and shooting skills. If you're looking to get started, you might find some useful tips in Crow Hunting Seasons and Tactics in Louisiana. Despite the liberal regulations, always remember to hunt safely and ethically, being mindful of property lines and other hunters. While considered unprotected, it's still good practice to be respectful of the resource.

Coyote and Fox Hunting

Coyotes and foxes are generally classified as furbearers in Louisiana, but they are also commonly hunted for predator control or sport. For coyotes, the season is open year-round, with no bag limits on private land. This is largely due to their impact on deer and other game species, as well as livestock. Hunters can pursue coyotes using a variety of methods, including calling (electronic or mouth calls), stalking, and even night hunting. Night hunting for coyotes is allowed in Louisiana, but it comes with specific regulations regarding artificial lights, which are essential to understand to remain legal. If you're interested in pursuing coyotes after dark, be sure to review the specifics found in Night Hunting Rules for Louisiana Coyotes. Foxes, including both red and gray foxes, also have a hunting season, but it's typically more restrictive than coyotes, often aligning with the small game season (November through February), with specific bag limits. Their populations are generally lower than coyotes, and they are sometimes protected by furbearer trapping seasons. Always check the current LDWF regulations for the most up-to-date information on fox hunting, as rules can vary and are often more localized than those for coyotes. Both species provide challenging hunts and are crucial for maintaining ecological balance, but their regulations reflect different management goals.

General Regulations and Licenses for Small Game

Navigating the various rules and license requirements is a fundamental part of responsible hunting in Louisiana. Even for small game, there are essential permits and certifications you'll need to ensure you're hunting legally and safely. Ignoring these details can quickly turn an enjoyable outing into a stressful encounter with wildlife enforcement.

Required Licenses and Certifications

To legally hunt small game in Louisiana, every hunter needs a basic hunting license. For residents, this is usually an affordable annual license. Non-residents will need to purchase a non-resident annual or a short-term non-resident hunting license, depending on the length of their trip. Beyond the basic license, there are a few other important certifications and permits to consider:

• Harvest Information Program (HIP) Certification: If you plan on hunting any migratory birds (doves, woodcock, snipe, rails, gallinules), you must obtain HIP certification annually. This is a federal requirement and helps wildlife agencies gather important data on migratory bird harvest. It's a free endorsement added to your license. Details on obtaining this are covered in Louisiana Migratory Bird Certification.
• Louisiana Duck Stamp & Federal Duck Stamp: While small game, these are not usually associated with duck hunting. However, if you plan to target snipe, rails, or gallinules in areas where ducks might also be present, or if you simply hold a duck stamp for other migratory pursuits, remember that a Louisiana Duck Stamp and a Federal Duck Stamp are required for hunting waterfowl, not strictly for these upland migratory birds. Just something to keep in mind if your hunting crosses categories.
• WMA Access Permit: If you intend to hunt on any of Louisiana's Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), you'll need to purchase a WMA Access Permit in addition to your basic hunting license. This permit is relatively inexpensive and helps fund the management of these valuable public lands.

All these licenses and permits can typically be purchased online through the LDWF website, via their mobile app, or from licensed vendors across the state. It’s always a good idea to purchase them well in advance of your hunt and ensure you have proof of purchase on your person while hunting, whether it's a physical copy or a digital version on your phone.

Hunter Education and Blaze Orange Rules

For anyone born on or after September 1, 1969, completing a hunter education course is mandatory to hunt in Louisiana. There are a few exceptions, such as hunting on private land you own or if you possess an Apprentice Hunter License, which allows you to hunt under the direct supervision of a licensed hunter. The hunter education course covers firearm safety, wildlife identification, hunting ethics, and regulations, providing crucial knowledge for safe and responsible hunting. It’s a foundational requirement designed to ensure everyone afield has a basic understanding of safe hunting practices.

When it comes to blaze orange (or blaze pink, which is also legal), the rules are primarily geared towards firearms deer season and certain other gun hunts. During these specific seasons, and often on public lands like WMAs when deer gun seasons are open, hunters are required to wear a certain amount of solid hunter orange (or pink) above the waist, visible from 360 degrees. However, for many small game hunts, particularly bowhunting for squirrels or hunting doves, blaze orange is not typically required by law. Nevertheless, it's always a smart choice to wear some form of highly visible clothing, especially on crowded public lands or during times when other hunting seasons are also open. Even if not legally mandated, increased visibility can significantly enhance safety. Always check the specific regulations for the area and season you plan to hunt to ensure compliance.

Public vs. Private Land Access

Hunting small game in Louisiana offers opportunities on both private and public lands, but understanding the access rules for each is paramount.

Private Land: The vast majority of Louisiana is privately owned, and hunting on private land always requires explicit permission from the landowner. Verbal permission is usually sufficient, but having it in writing is always the safest bet, especially if there's any ambiguity or if you're hunting property where you might not know the landowner personally. Trespassing is a serious offense in Louisiana, and retrieving game from private land without permission, even if you shot it legally on adjacent public land, is generally prohibited. Understanding Louisiana Trespass and Permission Law is critical for any hunter. Building relationships with landowners, offering to help with chores, or managing nuisance wildlife can sometimes open doors to fantastic private land hunting.

Public Land: Louisiana offers significant public hunting opportunities through its extensive Wildlife Management Area (WMA) system and parts of Kisatchie National Forest.

• WMAs: These areas are managed by the LDWF and have specific regulations that can differ from statewide rules. This often includes designated hunting days, specific weapon restrictions, and sometimes even shorter seasons for certain species. Always check the specific WMA pamphlet or website for the area you plan to hunt before you go. Remember the WMA Access Permit is required.
• Kisatchie National Forest: This federal land offers more generalized hunting regulations, typically following statewide rules, though local closures or specific restrictions can apply. It's an excellent resource for squirrel, rabbit, and even woodcock hunting.
  To effectively navigate public lands, mapping tools like GoHunt or onX Hunt are invaluable. These platforms allow you to overlay property lines, public land boundaries, and even identify habitat features like timber stands or water sources. Familiarizing yourself with onX Layers for Louisiana Land Status or similar features in GoHunt can help you stay legal and find prime hunting spots. These tools are especially useful for scouting and planning your routes to avoid inadvertently crossing onto private property. Always be aware of your surroundings, carry a map (digital or physical), and know where the public land boundaries lie.

Ethical Considerations and Conservation for Small Game Hunters

Hunting small game is not just about the harvest; it’s deeply rooted in ethics, respect for the land, and a commitment to conservation. As hunters, we carry the responsibility of upholding these principles to ensure the future of hunting and the health of wildlife populations.

Respecting Property and Fellow Hunters

One of the most fundamental ethical considerations for any hunter is respecting property rights. When hunting on private land, this means strictly adhering to the landowner's rules, respecting their crops, fences, and structures, and leaving the property cleaner than you found it. Never assume you have permission to hunt simply because a gate is open or a field looks unutilized. Always ask. As we discussed, understanding Louisiana Trespass and Permission Law is not just about avoiding legal trouble, but about demonstrating respect.

On public lands, respecting fellow hunters is equally vital. This includes giving others ample space, especially on popular WMAs, and being mindful of noise and movement that could disrupt another hunter's experience. If you encounter another hunter, a friendly wave and a wide berth are usually the best course of action. Avoid "sky-busting" doves over another hunter's spread or crowding someone's squirrel woods. Proper communication, especially during deer drives or when hunting with dogs, can prevent conflicts and ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable time. Leaving no trace, packing out all your trash, and being a good ambassador for hunting helps ensure these public access points remain open and welcoming for generations to come.

Promoting Sustainable Populations

Bag limits and season dates aren't arbitrary numbers; they are carefully determined by wildlife biologists based on extensive research and population data. Adhering strictly to these regulations is the most direct way to promote sustainable populations of small game. Overharvesting can quickly decimate local populations, impacting future hunting opportunities and the ecological balance. For species like quail, where populations are already fragile, selective harvesting and habitat improvement become even more crucial.

Beyond simply following the rules, true conservation-minded hunters actively look for ways to contribute. This might involve participating in habitat restoration projects on WMAs, supporting organizations that advocate for wildlife, or even making responsible land management decisions on private property to enhance small game habitat. For example, planting native grasses, creating brush piles, or managing timber can significantly benefit rabbits, squirrels, and quail. Ethical harvesting also means ensuring clean, quick kills to minimize suffering, and making every effort to recover all game shot. Wounded animals left in the field are a waste of the resource and a disservice to the animal. Our hunting licenses and permits directly fund wildlife management and conservation efforts in Louisiana, so simply purchasing these is a contribution, but we can always do more.

Reporting Harvest and Violations

Accurate harvest data is the backbone of effective wildlife management. For many small game species in Louisiana, mandatory reporting isn't always required in the same way it is for deer or turkey, but it's still good practice to contribute to data collection when opportunities arise, such as voluntary surveys. This information helps LDWF biologists understand population trends, hunting pressure, and the overall health of game species. The LDWF often has a mobile app or online portal where some harvest data can be submitted.

Equally important is reporting wildlife violations. Poaching, illegal baiting, exceeding bag limits, or hunting out of season undermines conservation efforts, robs ethical hunters of opportunities, and harms wildlife populations. If you witness a suspected violation, it’s your responsibility as a conservationist to report it to the proper authorities. The LDWF has a dedicated enforcement division, and you can usually find a hotline number or an online reporting system. When reporting, provide as much detail as possible, including location, description of individuals or vehicles, and the nature of the violation. Reporting violations, while sometimes uncomfortable, is a critical component of self-policing within the hunting community and ensures that wildlife laws are respected and enforced, protecting our shared natural heritage.

Small Game Season at a Glance: Louisiana

To give you a quick reference for planning your small game hunts, here’s a summary of the typical season dates and bag limits. Always remember to check the current year's official LDWF regulations pamphlet for the most precise and up-to-date information, as dates can vary slightly and WMA-specific rules may apply.

Species	Typical Season Dates (Statewide)	Daily Bag Limit	Possession Limit	Special Notes
Squirrel	Early Oct – Late Feb	8	24	Gray & Fox squirrels combined
Rabbit	Early Oct – Late Feb	8	24	Cottontail & Swamp rabbits combined
Doves	Early Sept (split seasons)	15	45	Mourning & White-winged combined; HIP certification required
Eurasian Collared Doves	Year-Round	No Limit	No Limit	Invasive species, no closed season or bag limit
Quail	Mid Nov – Late Feb	10	30	Requires specific habitat, less common
Woodcock	Dec – Jan (approx.)	3	9	Migratory, HIP certification required
Snipe	Early Nov – Late Feb	8	24	Migratory, HIP certification required
Rails & Gallinules	Early Sept – Nov (approx.)	Varies by species	Varies by species	Migratory, HIP certification required
Crows	Year-Round	No Limit	No Limit	Considered unprotected, no closed season or bag limit
Coyotes	Year-Round	No Limit	No Limit	Night hunting rules apply, private land rules apply
Foxes	Mid Nov – Late Feb (approx.)	Check Regs	Check Regs	Regulations can be more specific, check LDWF for details

Note: This table provides general season frameworks. Consult the latest Louisiana Hunting Regulations pamphlet from LDWF for exact dates, WMA-specific rules, and any recent changes.

Disclaimer

This guide is intended for informational purposes only and serves as a general overview of Louisiana's small game hunting regulations. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and up-to-date information, hunting laws and regulations are subject to change. It is the sole responsibility of each hunter to consult the most current official Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) regulations pamphlet or website before engaging in any hunting activity. Failure to do so could result in legal penalties.