🦆Massive Migration Incoming? What BirdCast Data Reveals About Ducks Headed for Louisiana🦆

As the crisp air of fall settles over the bayous and marshes, duck hunters in Louisiana are gearing up for another exciting season. The 2025-2026 waterfowl hunting period, regulated by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), features zone-specific dates to align with federal frameworks and local bird populations. With the season already open in parts of the state as of November 14, 2025, hunters in the East Zone—where many residents find themselves—are eagerly awaiting their regular opener. This article breaks down the start dates across all zones, including bag limits, and provides the latest on duck migration reports to help you plan your hunts effectively.

Understanding Louisiana's Waterfowl Zones

Louisiana divides its waterfowl hunting areas into two primary zones: East and West. There is no distinct Coastal Zone for ducks, coots, and mergansers; instead, coastal areas fall under the respective East or West designations based on geographic boundaries. The dividing line runs from the Texas border east along LA Hwy 79 to LA 9, south to Arcadia, then along LA 147 to Hodge, US 167 south to Lafayette, and US Hwy 90 east to the Mississippi line. Everything east of this line is the East Zone, while the west side is the West Zone. This setup helps manage harvest based on migration patterns and habitat.

Season Dates and Special Hunts

The regular duck season offers 60 days of hunting, split into segments to optimize opportunities amid migration waves. Youth and veterans hunts provide exclusive access early or late in the season. Additionally, a September teal season kicked off the year for early migrants. Below are the details for ducks, coots, and mergansers:

East Zone (Your Zone)

• Regular Season: November 22 – December 8, then December 20 – January 31.
• Youth and Veterans Hunt: November 15 – 16 (open to youths 17 and under, accompanied by an adult; veterans with proof of service).
• Teal Season: September 20 – 28 (statewide).

West Zone

• Regular Season: November 15 – December 7, then December 20 – January 25, and January 31 – February 1.
• Youth Hunt: November 8 – 9.
• Veterans Hunt: January 31 – February 1.
• Teal Season: September 20 – 28 (statewide).

Bag limits remain consistent across zones: 6 ducks daily (with species restrictions like no more than 4 mallards, 3 wood ducks, etc.), 15 coots, and 5 mergansers. Possession limits are three times the daily bag. Scaup and mottled ducks have phased limits early in the season to protect populations. Always check LDWF for any updates, as weather or federal changes could adjust these.

For falconry enthusiasts, an extended season runs November 1 – January 31 statewide, with a 3-bird daily limit.

Duck Migration Reports to Louisiana

Migration patterns play a crucial role in hunting success, and 2025 has seen a somewhat delayed start due to unseasonably warm weather across the flyways. As of mid-November, reports indicate lower-than-average duck concentrations in Louisiana, but recent cold fronts are pushing more birds south.

According to real-time data from sources like Migration Station USA, Louisiana's duck counts are notably low compared to historical norms for this time of year. For instance, a November 8 update highlighted that the Gulf Coast region, including Louisiana, shows reduced relative concentrations of waterfowl, with staging areas farther north holding onto birds longer due to mild conditions. Species like mallards, pintails, gadwalls, and teal are present but in smaller numbers, with estimates suggesting only scattered groups in coastal marshes and WMAs.

Ducks Unlimited's fall habitat outlook from November 1 notes mixed conditions along the Mississippi Flyway, which feeds into Louisiana. Wetland habitats in the state are in fair shape, but dry weather in northern breeding grounds may have impacted overall populations. Early teal migration was spotty, with LDWF surveys in September estimating just 101,000 blue-winged teal in coastal areas—below average. However, a migration update from early November reports increasing movements, with flurries of birds— including divers like bluebills and canvasbacks—heading south amid the first signs of winter.

BirdCast data, while not waterfowl-specific, shows significant nocturnal migration over Louisiana, with over 146,700 birds crossing the state on the night of November 13-14, moving southwest at moderate speeds. This could include early waves of ducks responding to cooler temperatures up north.

Hunters should monitor tools like the DU Migration Map or LDWF WMA reports for weekly updates. Coastal WMAs like Pass a Loutre and Pointe aux Chenes have reported modest harvests so far, but inland areas may see influxes soon. Forecast: Expect a pickup in mid-to-late November as Arctic blasts drive more mallards and gadwalls into the state, potentially making the second splits prime time.

Tips for a Successful Season

Whether you're in the East Zone waiting for November 22 or already afield in the West, remember to prioritize safety, obtain your HIP certification, federal duck stamp, and state licenses. Respect bag limits to sustain populations, and consider contributing to habitat conservation through organizations like Ducks Unlimited. With migration ramping up, this could shape up to be a memorable year in Louisiana's storied waterfowl tradition.

Stay tuned to LDWF announcements for any adjustments, and happy hunting!