Last call for Louisiana hunting lotteries applications

By Avoyelles Today Staff

Louisiana hunters have several opportunities to apply for upcoming lottery hunts, including a new recreational alligator harvest program and deer and waterfowl hunts on state wildlife management areas.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has opened applications for its new recreational alligator harvest lottery, with applications accepted through Sunday, Aug. 30.

The new program is separate from Louisiana’s longstanding commercial alligator lottery program.

Selected recreational hunters will be able to harvest alligators in one of eight designated zones across Louisiana during the Oct. 1-31 recreational season.

Applicants must be Louisiana residents, at least 16 years old and meet applicable hunter education requirements.

Applications are available online only through the LDWF licensing system.

There is a non-refundable $50 application fee for each zone selected. Hunters may apply for more than one zone and may be selected for more than one, but a separate application fee is required for each zone.

Hunters selected through the lottery will also be required to purchase a $25 Resident Alligator Sports Hunter License.

Each successful applicant will receive two non-transferable alligator hide tags for each zone awarded. According to LDWF, recreational tags cannot be transferred and cannot be used on property already allocated commercial alligator tags.

The eight-zone system was created for the new recreational program, with the number of available hunting opportunities varying by zone.

Deer deadline Aug. 31

Hunters interested in deer lottery hunts on LDWF Wildlife Management Areas also face an approaching deadline.

Applications for the 2026-27 deer lottery hunts must be submitted by Aug. 31.

LDWF offers youth deer lottery hunts on selected WMAs. Youth applicants generally must be between ages 10 and 17, although a child younger than 10 may apply if he or she will turn 10 before the scheduled hunt.

LDWF regulations have historically offered youth lottery deer hunts on several state WMAs, and applicants should review the individual 2026-27 hunt listings before applying because hunt locations, dates and qualifications vary.

Waterfowl applications open through Sept. 30

Applications are also being accepted for waterfowl lottery hunts, with a Sept. 30 deadline.

LDWF offers both youth and general waterfowl lottery opportunities on selected Wildlife Management Areas.

Sherburne WMA is among the areas where lottery waterfowl hunting has traditionally been offered, including hunts on portions of the South Farm.

Youth waterfowl opportunities are available for hunters ages 10-17 on selected WMAs, subject to individual hunt requirements.

The deer and waterfowl lottery applications carry a $5 application fee plus a $3.50 transaction fee per application, and paper applications are not available.

Hunters selected for WMA hunts should also be aware of access requirements. Visitors to LDWF Wildlife Management Areas, refuges and conservation areas generally must possess an appropriate WMA Access Permit or qualifying hunting or fishing license.

Hunters pursuing migratory birds must also meet additional requirements, including Harvest Information Program certification, and waterfowl hunters age 16 and older must possess a federal duck stamp.

Applications for the alligator, deer and waterfowl lotteries can be completed through the Louisiana Outdoors lottery application system.

With the Aug. 30 recreational alligator deadline and Aug. 31 deer deadline arriving just days after this edition, hunters interested in participating are encouraged to review the requirements and apply promptly.