You can start hunting squirrels in Louisiana on October 4, and the season runs through February 28, 2026.
If you’re 18 or older, you only need a basic hunting license. To hunt on LDWF public lands, make sure you’ve got a WMA access permit.
If you want to hunt in a Wildlife Management Area, check the access rules and sign-in process ahead of time. Nothing’s worse than showing up and realizing you missed a step.
Let’s dig into the season dates, permits, and where to find LDWF resources so your hunt goes off without a hitch.
Louisiana Squirrel Season Dates and Essentials
Louisiana lets you hunt squirrels and rabbits during a set window in the fall and winter.
You’ll want to know the exact dates, which license you need, and the main rules before heading out.
2025-2026 Opening and Closing Dates
Squirrel and rabbit season across Louisiana opens on October 4, 2025 and ends on February 28, 2026.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries set these dates, and they apply statewide for both squirrels and rabbits.
You can hunt gray and fox squirrels, as well as eastern cottontails and swamp rabbits.
Public lands follow the same dates, but some spots have extra rules or special hours—always double-check before you go.
If you want to hunt youth days or special events, confirm those dates with LDWF since some areas have youth-only hunts or other exceptions.
For official details, check the LDWF notice about the squirrel and rabbit seasons opening in Louisiana.
Required Hunting Licenses and Permits
Anyone 18 or older must carry a valid basic hunting license to hunt squirrels or rabbits in Louisiana.
Grab your license through LDWF—online, at a vendor, or at their offices.
Nonresidents need the right nonresident hunting license before hunting.
Hunters under 18 usually need a youth license, but LDWF has some age-specific rules, so check those before you go.
If you want a combo deal for hunting and fishing, the Louisiana Sportsman’s Paradise License covers both and can save you some cash.
Keep your license (physical or electronic) with you in the field and be ready to show it if a warden asks.
Squirrel and Rabbit Hunting Regulations
You’ll need to follow bag limits, legal hunting hours, and approved methods.
LDWF sets daily bag limits and legal hunting times, so stick to those and use only allowed firearms and calibers.
Shotguns, small-caliber rifles, and archery are all common options, but always check the current restrictions for small game.
Don’t shoot from or across roads, and never hunt on private land without permission.
Wear hunter orange for safety, especially when other hunting seasons overlap.
For a full rundown of the rules and any area-specific details, see LDWF’s small game pages: resident small game seasons and rules.
Public Land Access and LDWF Resources
If you want to hunt public land, you’ll need to know where to go, which permits to bring, and who oversees the hunting programs.
Here’s a quick look at where to hunt, what paperwork you need, and which LDWF programs keep things running.
LDWF WMAs and Public Lands Overview
LDWF manages over 1.5 million acres of Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and other public lands for squirrel and rabbit hunting.
You can hunt on a bunch of WMAs across the state, but each area has its own open dates, hours, and gear rules.
Check maps and individual WMA pages before you head out, so you don’t drive somewhere that’s closed or restricted.
Public lands cover state WMAs, some Corps and refuge properties, and a few other tracts where small-game hunting is good to go.
Some federal lands, like parts of Kisatchie National Forest, close during the spring squirrel season.
The LDWF seasons and regulations page has up-to-date lists of which properties are open.
WMA Access Permits and Entry Requirements
To hunt on an LDWF WMA, you must buy and display a WMA access permit if you’re 18 or older, on top of your basic hunting license.
Permit rules change depending on the WMA—some require a vehicle decal, others want you to check in at a kiosk or online.
Bring your ID and permit receipt with you while hunting.
Some WMAs have quota hunts, limited parking, or special youth days.
If you don’t follow permit or check-in rules, you could get fined or lose hunting privileges.
Always double-check the permit type and any seasonal restrictions for your chosen WMA before you leave home.
Role of the LDWF Small Game/Wild Turkey Program
The LDWF Small Game/Wild Turkey Program actually sets the season dates, bag limits, and hunting rules for squirrels and rabbits on WMAs and public lands. The team keeps an eye on populations, checks out harvest data, and sometimes suggests changes to season timing or length just to keep things balanced.
Their decisions shape when spring and fall squirrel seasons kick off and which WMAs you’re allowed to hunt on.
Local LDWF staff or biologists—sometimes you’ll see names like Cody Cedotal pop up in public notices—can help with WMA-specific questions. You can always reach out to regional offices or check the LDWF website for program updates, regulation pamphlets, or WMA-specific advisories.
