Handgun Carry Now Allowed on Louisiana WMAs! 🔫
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According to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, individuals who are legally allowed to possess a firearm in Louisiana may lawfully carry a handgun on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), even when no hunting season is in progress.
LDWF enforcement officials have confirmed that Louisiana law does not prohibit the lawful carry of a handgun on WMAs, provided the individual is otherwise legally permitted to own a firearm. This interpretation remains consistent following the passage of Louisiana’s permitless concealed carry law, which removed the requirement for a concealed carry permit for eligible adults.
Under current law, adults who are not prohibited from possessing firearms may carry a concealed handgun without a permit. However, LDWF officials emphasize that permitless carry does not override WMA-specific rules and regulations, which continue to apply.
While handgun carry is allowed on WMAs, several important restrictions remain in place under LDWF regulations:
• Loaded firearms are not allowed on ATVs or four-wheelers while operating on WMAs.
• Loaded firearms are prohibited in WMA campgrounds, except during authorized hunting activities when otherwise permitted by regulation.
• Firearms carried on WMAs must still comply with season-specific and area-specific rules, including weapon type restrictions during certain hunting seasons.
• All individuals must comply with state and federal firearm laws, including restrictions related to prohibited persons and prohibited locations.
LDWF officials note that these rules are designed to promote public safety and apply regardless of whether a firearm is carried openly or concealed.
Law remains unchanged on WMAs
Enforcement personnel have stated that the passage of Louisiana’s permitless concealed carry law did not create new firearm rights on WMAs, nor did it eliminate existing WMA restrictions. Instead, it changed only the permitting requirement for concealed carry for eligible individuals.
LDWF advises that anyone visiting a WMA should review the current WMA regulations pamphlet for the specific area they plan to visit, as rules may vary by location and season.
Enforcement and interpretation
While some aspects of permitless carry law continue to be discussed statewide, LDWF officials indicate that WMA firearm regulations are actively enforced and have long been in place. Questions regarding enforcement or interpretation should be directed to LDWF or local enforcement agents.
Hunters, recreational users, and visitors are encouraged to stay informed, exercise caution, and follow posted regulations when carrying firearms on public lands.
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