Louisiana Announces Special October Season for Black-Bellied Whistling Ducks🦆

Louisiana waterfowl hunters will have a new opportunity this fall with the approval of a special statewide season for black-bellied whistling ducks.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced that the experimental nine-day season will run from Oct. 3 through Oct. 11. The season will give hunters an additional opportunity between the September teal season and the regular duck season, which opens in November.

According to LDWF, the season was approved after justification was outlined in a proposal submitted to, and supported by, the Mississippi Flyway Council and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Regulations Committee.

LDWF Secretary Tyler Bosworth said the growing number of black-bellied whistling ducks in Louisiana helped support the decision.

"We felt that with the growing abundance of the species in the state, it is appropriate to provide a special season to our hunters," Bosworth said. "It’s a chance for our state’s duck hunters to enjoy additional opportunity during a time between the September teal season and regular duck season, which opens in November. We’re very pleased to provide this opportunity to our hunters and thank the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for their approval."

The special season will have a daily bag limit of four black-bellied whistling ducks and a possession limit of 12. Shooting hours will be from sunrise to sunset. LDWF noted that this is different from other duck seasons, which hunters should be aware of before going into the field.

Hunters who participate in the special October season will be required to obtain a free black-bellied whistling duck hunting permit from LDWF. In addition to the permit, hunters must report their hunting effort and harvest within 15 days after the season closes.

All standard waterfowl hunting requirements will still apply. Hunters must have HIP registration and a federal duck stamp, along with any other required licenses or documents.

LDWF is also reminding hunters that only black-bellied whistling ducks may be harvested during this special season. Hunters should take time to properly identify the species before hunting.

Black-bellied whistling ducks are different in appearance and behavior from many other ducks. They have long necks and long legs and often stand more upright. They are known for their chestnut-colored bodies, black bellies, bright pinkish-red bills and pink feet. In flight, they show a noticeable white wing stripe. They are also known for their high-pitched, musical whistling call.

Because no other duck species may be taken during the special season, proper identification will be important. Hunters are encouraged to study the bird’s markings, body shape, flight pattern and sound before the season begins.

The special season gives Louisiana hunters another chance to take part in the state’s waterfowl traditions while also following the rules of an experimental opportunity.