How To Enter The 2026 Louisiana Black Bear Hunting Lottery

Since 2024, when Louisiana opened its first black bear season in nearly forty years, the thought of being permitted to join the action has become somewhat a dream for many in the Bayou State.

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After incredibly successful years in both 2024 and 2025, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has just announced that Louisiana will again hold a black bear season in December 2026 in a controlled attempt for minor population reduction.

LDWF Has Announced Louisiana Will Have Another Bear Season In 2026

LDWF states that Louisiana hunters will enjoy another season in all Louisiana Black Bear Management Areas December 5-20.

Permits will be issued via "The Louisiana Black Bear Hunting Lottery" which is now open to hunters through August 28.

How Many Permits Will Be Issued For Each Black Bear Management Area in 2026?

A total of 42 tags will be issued through the lottery.

Bear Management Area 4 will have nineteen permits
Bear Management Area 1 will have eight permits
Bear Management Areas 2 and 3 will have four permits each
Bear Management Areas 5, 6 and 7 will have two permits each
There will also be a LDWF Secretary’s permit to be auctioned.

Hunts, which will take place between December 5 and December 20, 2026, will be restricted to properly licensed Louisiana residents by lottery.

All successful applicants for the hunt will be required to attend a LDWF bear hunter training course prior to hunting on either October 16, 17, 22 or 23. Individuals not attending one of these courses may be disqualified and forfeit their bear hunting permit.

Here's All You Need To Know About The LDWF Black Bear Lottery Process

Lottery applications are available only on the LDWF website at https://louisianaoutdoors.com/lottery-applications.

Those interested in applying should update or create their customer details similar to purchasing a license and then submit an application. Possession of a valid black bear hunting license is required prior to applying for the WMA and the general Black Bear Lotteries.

A $50 non-refundable application fee will be charged to each applicant. All applicants will be notified of their results via email as well as at the licensing website.

Bear harvest permits will consist of three types: Wildlife Management Area (WMA), Private Landowner and General. For instructions to apply visit the Louisiana Black Bear Hunting Lottery webpage.

For more information on the lottery application process, contact David Hayden at dhayden@wlf.la.gov. For more information on the Louisiana black bear and this year’s hunt, contact John Hanks at jhanks@wlf.la.gov.

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