Bayou, Bucks & Ballots

Your source for the latest on Louisiana’s hunting heritage, Second Amendment protections, and outdoor adventures. Stay informed, stay safe, and get out there!

Key State Legislation: Advancing Gun Rights and Hunting Freedoms

Louisiana continues to lead the nation in protecting Second Amendment rights and supporting hunters. In 2024, the state fully embraced constitutional carry, allowing eligible adults (18 and older) to concealed carry without a permit—no background check or training required beyond federal standards. This law, effective July 2024, has streamlined self-defense for law-abiding citizens.

A major 2025 bill (SB 101) sponsored by Sen. Blake Miguez eliminates the 1,000-foot gun-free buffer zone around schools, permitting concealed carry up to the school property line—except inside the building itself. Awaiting Gov. Jeff Landry’s signature, this measure enhances personal protection without compromising school safety. Critics argued it could endanger children, but proponents emphasize responsible carry by permit holders.

On the hunting front, a new law effective August 1, 2025, allows seniors (65+) to use any legal firearm during primitive weapon seasons for deer, breaking from muzzleloader-only restrictions. This promotes accessibility for aging hunters while preserving tradition.

Key Hunting Law Changes for the 2025-2026 Season

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has rolled out updates to make this season more hunter-friendly. Grab your copy of the 2025-2026 Hunting Regulations pamphlet for full details.

  • Deer Hunting: Area 4 bag limit increased from 3 to 4 deer (max 2 antlered or 2 antlerless). Archery seasons open Sept. 20 in coastal areas, Oct. 11 elsewhere. Youth/Veterans weekend: Nov. 15-16 statewide (either-sex).
  • Turkey: Area A season extended to 31 consecutive days (April 3-May 3); Area B is 24 days (April 3-26)
  • Waterfowl: Duck season kicks off Nov. 22 (regular) with youth hunts Nov. 15-16. Early teal season (Sept. 20-28) wrapped with mixed results—more on that below.
  • Black Bear Expansion: LDWF ups permits from 11 to 26, adds zones 1 & 2 ). Season: Dec. 6-21. Last year, 10 bears were harvested—aiming for sustainable management of the recovering population. Permits: 8 (Area 1), 3 (Area 2), 15 (Area 4 incl. Secretary’s)—total 26. Permits are lottery-based for Louisiana residents only (WMA, private landowner, general types); mandatory training required; cubs/females with cubs protected.
  • New Non-Resident Lifetime Licenses: Available for big-game and all-game options—great for out-of-state enthusiasts.

Pro Tip: Feral hog hunting remains year-round on private lands—no bag limits. Report sightings to LDWF for management.

LDWF Key Events & Political Highlights

LDWF Events

  • Duck Season Opener: Nov. 22—gear up for teal, mallards, and woodies. Youth quota hunt: Nov. 15-16.
  • National Hunting & Fishing Day Recap: Held Sept. 27 across four sites (e.g., Black Bayou NWR in Monroe). Free family fun with demos, casting, and archery—mark your calendar for 2026!
  • Hunting Heritage Day: Gov. Landry proclaimed Oct. 3 to celebrate traditions—perfect tie-in to archery openers.
  • Wetland Education Teacher Workshop (WETshop): Upcoming in 2025 for educators—hands-on coastal learning. Register via LA Fisheries Forward.

Political Events

  • Republican Leadership Conference: Nov. 1 in Alexandria—key speakers on conservative priorities, including outdoor access. Hosted by LAGOP.
  • Ethics Board Ruling: Nov. 7 confirmed campaign funds can cover D.C. Mardi Gras trips—watch for impacts on hunting advocacy lobbying.
  • Coastal Buffer Zone Tweak: Nov. 6 LDWF meeting narrowed menhaden fishing buffers, easing tensions between anglers and industry—potential ripple for marsh hunting access.

Youth Hunting: Classes, Regulations, & Getting Started

Louisiana prioritizes safe, ethical young hunters. All born after Sept. 1, 1969, need certification before hunting unsupervised.

Requirements:

  • Ages 12-15: Certified; recommended supervision.
  • Ages 10-11: Certified but must be supervised (within sight/voice) by qualified adult (licensed hunter 18+ or born pre-1969).
  • Under 10: Can take course for 1-year voucher; retake at 10 for lifetime cert. Required for federal youth lottery hunts.

Courses (Free!):

  • Full In-Person: 10 hours (classroom + field day); ideal for 10-15. Find events at Louisiana Outdoors.
  • Online + Field Day: 5-hour self-paced online (ages 10+), then 5-hour in-person field (live-fire, test). No field day needed for 16+.
  • Register: Call local LDWF office or online portal. Active military/LE exempt.

Youth Seasons: 

  • Deer/turkey hunts Nov. 15-16; special lottery opportunities on WMAs.

Enroll now—spots fill fast for holiday breaks! Full regs in the pamphlet.

Key Political Races & Voting Dates

2025 is an odd-year cycle focused on local races: municipal offices, school boards, judges, and New Orleans parochial elections. No statewide primaries this fall, but watch for 2026 shifts (GOP pushed primaries to March).

In a major win for New Orleans, City Council-member Helena Moreno (D) secured the mayoral race outright on Oct. 11 with 55% of the vote, avoiding a runoff and succeeding LaToya Cantrell. Moreno pledged focus on infrastructure and public safety—key for urban green spaces and hunting access.

Other locals: School boards across parishes saw conservative gains, with pro-hunting candidates winning in East Baton Rouge and Lafayette, boosting outdoor Ed funding. Turnout hit 45% statewide. Full certified results at SOS Election Results. Check your precinct on the 2025 Calendar.

  • John Fleming (R): announced early summer 2025. Louisiana State Treasurer since 2023, physician, and former U.S. Rep. (R-Minden, 2009-2017). served in the first Trump admin as HHS Deputy Asst. Secretary and Commerce Under Secretary. Focus: Fiscal conservatism, healthcare reform. Key Work, Bills, Votes, and Legislation Championed.
  • Blake Miguez (R): Announced July 2025, a rising star and strong contender with deep Acadiana roots and unyielding conservative credentials. State Sen. (R-New Iberia) since 2020, previously House Rep. (2015-2020). Navy veteran, small business owner (Miguez Welding), and family man emphasizing border security, energy independence, and Second Amendment protections.

 Louisiana Legislature

  • Sammy Wyatt (R): Announced August 2025. LSU Health-Shreveport compliance chief, U.S. Navy vet, ex-police officer. Positions as ultimate outsider, pledging full Trump allegiance and anti-establishment fire.  Gun Rights/Pro-Hunting Support: Strong Second Amendment advocate; publicly stated, “I’m a proud supporter of the Second Amendment, and I’ll never back down from defending it.”  Criticized “gun-grabbers in D.C.” as threatening “God-given rights.”  No specific legislation (non-legislator). No pro-hunting records found.
  • Eric Skrmetta (R): Announced late August 2025. Public Service Commissioner since 2008, Republican State Central Committee member. Energy policy expert pushing deregulation and consumer protections. Gun Rights/Pro-Hunting Support: Self-identifies as a “Second Amendment Republican” in campaign launch.  No authored legislation on guns/hunting (focus on energy/utility regulation). No explicit pro-hunting advocacy.
  • Kathy Seiden (R): Announced mid-October 2025. St. Tammany Parish Councilwoman, community advocate focused on local issues like infrastructure and economic growth. Gun Rights/Pro-Hunting Support: Limited records; in local voter guides, positioned as pro-Second Amendment amid parish races.  No specific legislation (local council focus on infrastructure/economy). No pro-hunting records. Gun Control/Anti-Hunting/Anti-Gun Advocacy: None identified; one indirect comment criticized “anti-second amendment” narratives on gun deaths. 
  • Julie Emerson (R): Latest entry, announced Oct. 27, 2025. State Rep. (R-Carencro) and House Ways & Means Chair, 37, authored 2025 tax overhaul (flat income tax, sales expansion) and school voucher push, ex-advisor to Rep. Clay Higgins.  

Gun Rights/Pro-Hunting Support:

  • Strong pro-gun record as legislator
  • Sponsored/advocated concealed carry expansions HB393 for broader rights, 2025
  • Supported campus concealed carry (HB pulled but pro-2A push, 2018). 
  • Backed HB37 (proposed firearm protections, 2025). 
  • No hunting-specific bills.

Hunter Nation Louisiana Collaboration with LDWF Boosts Voter Access for Hunters:

In a pioneering partnership between LDWF and the Louisiana Secretary of State, a seamless voter registration prompt now appears during online hunting and fishing license purchases at LouisianaOutdoors.com. This initiative—driven by community advocates—guides users to the SOS website (geauxvote.com) to register, update their info, or learn about upcoming elections in just a few clicks. No more excuses. While grabbing your tags, ensure your voice is heard on issues like gun rights and wildlife conservation. Early adopters report a 15% uptick in registrations since launch last month. Head to the site today—renew your license and your civic duty!

Vote early, vote informed—your voice shapes hunting policies!

Why Join Hunter Nation’s Louisiana Chapter? Get Involved Today!

Hunter Nation is the premier grassroots organization defending America’s hunting heritage, Second Amendment rights, and conservative values against anti-hunting agendas. As a member of our Louisiana chapter, you’ll join a fierce network of Bayou State patriots fighting for expanded access to public lands, youth hunting programs, and policies that keep our traditions alive—like the recent wins on constitutional carry and senior hunter accommodations.

  • Protect What Matters: Direct impact on legislation, from blocking gun grabs to securing more hunting seasons.
  • Community & Camaraderie: Exclusive events, local meetups, and connections with fellow hunters across parishes.
  • Exclusive Perks: Automatic entries into epic giveaways (see below), member-only gear discounts, and priority access to Dream Hunts.
  • Amplify Your Voice: As a chapter member, your input shapes our advocacy—lobbying LDWF, SOS, and legislators on your behalf.

How to Join? It’s easy and starts at just $50/year! Choose from packages like Patriot ($50), Sportsmen ($100), or Hunter Pride 365 ($177.60 for premium benefits). Sign up today at Join Hunter Nation and select Louisiana chapter during registration. Renewals and local leader spots available too—dedicate 5-10 hours/month to lead events in your area via Local Leader Registration.

Support our mission with a tax-deductible donation: Donate to Hunter Nation or Hunter Nation Action Fund. Every dollar fuels lawsuits, lobbying, and youth outreach.

Hunter Nation Giveaways & Entries: Members get automatic entries into our 2025 Dream Hunt Sweepstakes—win a Yukon Moose Hunt, Western Elk Adventure, Texas Buffalo or Red Stag Hunt for two, or even the Ultimate 2025 Chevy Silverado Trail Boss Truck! Buy extra entries (30 for $35, up to 300 for $200) for more chances. Ongoing monthly gear giveaways include rifles, coolers, and apparel. Enter now at 2025 Dream Hunts—sweepstakes run through May 15, 2025. Full rules: Official Rules.

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