We’re Talking Turkey Now. The Season Has Begun Here in Louisiana

This past weekend might have gone uneventful to lots of Louisiana residents, but Saturday was the biggest day of the Spring for Louisiana's turkey hunters.

Turkey season for the entire state of Louisiana officially began on Saturday, April 2 for hunters on private lands.

Though April 2 was the big day for hunters on private lands, for those wishing to hunt WMA, National Wildlife Refuge, and Federal Lands, just go to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website for season dates on those areas.

Though the state shares an "opening day", the end of the season is differentiated by the three different zoning districts. Divided into Zones A, B and C, the closing dates are as follows:
Zone A - April 2 through May 1. Here in Northwest Louisiana this includes Bossier, Webster, Bienville and Claiborne parishes.
Zone B - April 2 through April 24. This includes Caddo, Desoto and Red River parishes here in our neck of the woods.
Zone C - April 2 through April 17.

If you're planning to hunt, there are a few things to remember:

• Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset
• Shotguns, including muzzle loading shotguns, should use shot not larger than #2 lead, #2 non-toxic, or BB steel shot, and no larger than 10 gauge
• Traditional bow, compound bow, and crossbow, or any bow drawn, held or released by mechanical means are considered legal equipment
• During the season, a turkey hunter is allowed to take one gobbler in one day. The season limit is two gobblers.

One other thing to remember is that if you are fortunate enough to bag a gobbler or two this season, make sure to tag your game.

For instructions on that just refer to the LDWF website's guidelines on that located HERE