Monster Gator Hunts-Private Land '26

Big Game

The big game species pursued in Louisiana are white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and alligator.

Deertags (three antlered and three antlerless per season for most areas) are included with a Louisiana Deer license and do not require any draw – hunters simply harvest deer according to season limits and validate their deer tags upon harvest.

Turkey hunting in Louisiana also does not require a separate draw for regular tags – they come with your Turkey license. The state has an average bag limit of 2 gobblers in spring (fall turkey hunting is not open in Louisiana).

Alligator hunting in Louisiana is strictly controlled. The state issues Alligator harvest tags primarily to landowners with alligator habitat. Hunters can only hunt Alligator by obtaining tags: either as a landowner, as a designated helper for a landowner, or by winning a spot in a Public Lands Alligator Lottery. Non-residents typically cannot apply directly for public tags; instead, they usually must hire a licensed Alligator guide who provides tags (often from their landowner clients).

Small Game

Louisiana’s small game species include Squirrels, Rabbits, game birds like Doves, Woodcock, Snipe, Gallinules, Rails, Waterfowl (ducks and geese) and migratory game birds. A Basic Hunting License allows hunting of all these species.

Waterfowl hunting requires, in addition to the Basic License, a Louisiana State Duck License and a Federal Duck Stamp. Louisiana waterfowl hunters age 16+ also need to complete HIP registration.

Migratory game birds like Mourning dove, Woodcock, and Snipe similarly require HIP.

Louisiana also has an extended night hunting program for Nutria and allows year-round take of unprotected species like Coyotes and Feral hogs on private land (with landowner permission). Night hunting requires a free night hunting permit and notification to LDWF.

Documents Required

• Basic Hunting License (covers all small game and nongame species)
• Deer License, Turkey License or Alligator Harvest Permit/Tag as per the hunted species
• Louisiana Waterfowl License and Federal Duck Stamp for waterfowl
• Hunter Education Card

Minimum Hunter Age

Louisiana does not set a minimum age for hunting. Children under 16 can hunt under the supervision of an adult. Youth under age 16 are not required to have completed Hunter Ed as long as an adult (18 or older with a license and Hunter Ed) is right with them at all times.

Louisiana’s apprentice license can be issued to first-time hunters 16 or older, allowing them to hunt under supervision without the course for one year (renewable once).

More information

• wlf.louisiana.gov - Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries