Hunting in Louisiana: 4 Things to Know About Urban Deer Hunting in Cities and Suburbs

With the welcome rise in deer populations across Louisiana comes the secondary problem of urban deer. These deer come into cities and towns at night, foraging for food in garbage bins or feeders left out for other animals. In some urban areas, they take up residence in small, local thickets doing damage to the trees. Urban deer can be a nuisance on the roads at night and collisions, with vehicles are frequent in some towns. With the expansion of many cities and towns into existing habitats, the problem of urban deer is only increasing.

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Here are four things to know about the hunting of urban deer and other nuisance animals:

1. Hunting with Guns
It is illegal to discharge a weapon on a public road or public right of way in Louisiana, as explained by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF). All urban deer encountered must be reported to the authorities. If urban deer are causing a nuisance problem, it is legal to trap them and release the deer in a suitable area away from the town.

2. Bow Hunting
In the case of regular intrusion and damage to private property, it is legal to kill a deer using a bow. The hunter must have a valid license for hunting in Louisiana, the deer must be tagged and the kill reported to the authorities. A suitable bow with a pull of at least 30 lbs. must be used and the carcass disposed of correctly.

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3. Armadillos
Ever since this animal was introduced to Louisiana in 1925, it has been causing damage to gardens and property. In 2011, shooting of armadillos at nighttime has been legalized and licensed hunters may hunt the animals during the summer months. It is not legal to discharge a weapon in an urban area, but they can be trapped. Armadillos grow to a length of up to five feet and specially designed wooden boxes have come to the market, which are excellent for trapping them. All trapped armadillos can be destroyed, and there is no limit to the amount killed.

4. Prevention
To avoid the problem of urban deer damaging your garden or other nuisance animals causing problems, there are a few steps to be taken in advance. According to the LDWF website, urban dwellers should never feed wild animals, keep pet food in at night, secure the lids of trash cans, keep pets that may be taken as prey indoors and eliminate areas that may give cover.

This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

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