Sub-species: Eastern
Tags: Over the counter plus some public land limited quota opportunities
Application Period: “Early” Jan – “early” Feb
Electronic or Print at Home Fulfillment: YES
Hunter Education Required: Yes for anyone born on or after Sept 1, 1969
Bag Limit: 2 adult gobblers per season, but only 1 per day. Properly licensed youth hunters make take one jake (beard less than 6 inches) per season.
2026 Season Dates:
Area A: April 3-May 3
Area B: April 3-26
Area C: April 3-19
Public lands season dates vary by area.
Special Youth Hunt: March 28-29, Areas A, B, C private lands only. WMAs, NWR’s, and Federal lands vary by area.
Special Disabled Hunt: March 28-29, Areas A, B, C private lands only. WMAs, NWR’s, and Federal lands vary by area.
Decoys Allowed: Yes
Tagging Instructions: Immediately upon harvesting a turkey, the hunter must tag the turkey with the appropriate carcass tag before it is moved from the kill site. The hunter must record the date of kill on the corresponding tag number on the harvest report card portion of the turkey tag license. The hunter must record the date and parish of kill on the carcass tag. The tag must remain attached to the turkey while kept at camp, or while it is transported to the domicile of the hunter or to a cold storage facility. Hunters who keep the carcass or meat at camp must also comply with the resident game possession tag regulations. Within 72 hours the hunter must validate the harvest. Hunters may validate the turkey electronically at www.louisianaoutdoors.com or by calling the validation toll free number, 225-267-9998.
Noteworthy Restrictions: Bearded hens may not be taken. Shotguns may not be capable of holding more than 3 shells. Illegal to take a turkey from a moving or stationary vehicle. Must be over 200 yards from a baited area. Shotguns 10ga or smaller using #2 lead / non-toxic and smaller or #BB or smaller steel shot are legal. Shooting hours are 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset.
Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries
225-765-2800
Licenses Needed to Hunt Turkeys
This site is dedicated to the wonderful passion of Spring turkey hunting. Our goal is to encourage you to “expand your season”, by “expanding your boundaries”. We hope that you find this information useful in planning your next hunt. The information in these pages has been compiled and interpreted to the best of our ability. Please consult local hunting regulations to be sure that you are in compliance with all hunting laws. ©Hunt49 2026