Louisiana hunters raise concerns with new head of wildlife

The Louisiana Public Land Deer Hunter Association recently shared responses from the state’s new head of wildlife, Tommy Tuma, after submitting a series of questions regarding management of deer, turkey, waterfowl and other wildlife on public lands.

The association said it emailed Tuma seeking clarity on several issues affecting Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) across Louisiana. The questions addressed:

• deer population goals
• wild turkey restoration
• waterfowl impoundments
• food plots
• antler restrictions
• baiting policies

When asked whether the department plans to increase the whitetail population on public lands to 70 percent of the land’s carrying capacity, as referenced in the agency’s wildlife mission statement, Tuma responded that the department has an approved deer management plan and intends to follow and manage it.

On the question of restocking wild turkeys on WMAs that previously supported larger populations, Tuma stated that the department continuously assesses species and habitat conditions and utilizes appropriate management tools when warranted.

Regarding waterfowl impoundments, Tuma said the department will actively manage impoundments where it has management capability. He added that some new impoundments may be created while others may no longer be managed depending on various factors.

In response to whether the department plans to create additional food plots and wildlife openings on WMAs, Tuma stated that food plots will not be created, but some openings will be maintained and managed as a result of forest management practices.

Tuma said the department does not plan to recommend statewide or area-wide antler restrictions for whitetail deer. He also stated that while the department does not recommend baiting of deer, public demand and rulemaking bodies have allowed the practice.

The association expressed disappointment with what it described as non-definitive answers and said it hopes the department will strengthen stewardship efforts on public lands.

Antler restriction debate continues

The issue of antler restrictions remains a topic of discussion among Louisiana hunters. Surrounding states, including Mississippi, have implemented antler restriction regulations aimed at increasing the age structure of harvested bucks.

In Mississippi, minimum standards such as a 10-inch inside spread or 12-inch main beam length have been used to protect younger bucks. Supporters of antler restrictions argue that such policies can improve herd age structure and overall hunting quality over time.

In Louisiana, there has been discussion about possible antler restrictions in Deer Area 1. However, increased concern over Chronic Wasting Disease has shifted some regulatory focus in recent years.

Hunters note that similar age-structure regulations were recently implemented for wild turkeys in Louisiana. Under current rules, legal harvest requires a tom with at least a six-inch beard, and jakes are no longer legal to harvest. Supporters say those changes are designed to improve age structure rather than overall population numbers.

Black bear lottery numbers draw attention

The association also highlighted statistics from the 2026 black bear lottery hunt. According to publicly reported figures, 1,330 applications were submitted for 26 tags. With an application fee of $55, total application revenue exceeded $73,000.

As of this reporting, 16 of the 26 issued tags had been filled. Last year, 11 tags were issued and all 11 were filled.

Some hunters have questioned whether individuals opposed to bear hunting are applying for permits without intending to hunt. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has not publicly confirmed such claims. Wildlife officials maintain that black bear hunting remains tightly regulated under federal and state guidelines, with harvest limits designed to ensure long-term population sustainability.