If you plan to hunt waterfowl in Louisiana, you must have the appropriate licenses based on your residency status. Below is a breakdown of the necessary licenses, additional requirements, and possession limits.
Resident License Requirements
Louisiana residents must hold one of the following licenses to hunt waterfowl:
- Basic Hunting License (includes general hunting privileges) + Waterfowl Season License
- Lifetime Hunting License
- Senior Hunting License
- Sportsman’s Paradise License
Additionally, all Basic Hunting License holders must also purchase a Waterfowl License.
Nonresident License Requirements
Nonresidents must have one of the following combinations of licenses:
- Basic Hunting License + Waterfowl License (valid for the entire season)
- Nonresident Native 10-Day Basic Hunting License + 10-Day Waterfowl License (valid for a 10-day period)
- Nonresident 5-Day Basic Hunting License + 5-Day Waterfowl License (valid for a 5-day period)
Federal Duck Stamp Requirement
All waterfowl hunters aged 16 and older, even those not required to purchase a Louisiana hunting license, must also carry a Federal Duck Stamp.
- The Louisiana State Duck Stamp is a collectible and not required for waterfowl hunters but you can still purchase one online at LouisianaOutdoors.com.
Harvest Information Program (HIP) Certification
If you are hunting migratory birds (ducks, coots, geese, doves, woodcock, rails, snipe, or gallinules), you must:
- Obtain a Harvest Information Program (HIP) Certification.
- Carry proof of your HIP Certification while hunting.
Exception: Hunters aged 17 or under do not need HIP Certification unless they are participating in a WMA youth waterfowl lottery hunt. Additionally, you must be HIP certified in each state where you hunt migratory birds.
Waterfowl Possession Limit
The possession limit is the maximum number of ducks you may have at any time, including those:
- Stored in your freezer
- Kept at your hunting camp
- Inside your vehicle
- On your person while hunting
Key Possession Limit Rules:
- Once you reach the legal possession limit, you must consume or give away birds before harvesting more.
- The possession limit is currently three times the daily bag limit.
- Every member of your household may have their own individual possession limit in your home freezer.
For the latest hunting regulations and public hunting opportunities on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), visit: Louisiana Hunting & WMA Regulations