Hunting in Louisiana: 3 Animals to Hunt Year-Round in Louisiana

As in most states of the United States, hunting of most animals year-round is prohibited in Louisiana. The obvious reasons for this ban are to allow proper management of habitat, replenishment of stock, and to provide safe breeding grounds for game animals. There are a few animals available to hunt throughout the year in Louisiana though, due to their nuisance to farmers and householders. Hunters must be possession of a valid license at all times when hunting, even if shooting or trapping nuisance animals.

ALERT: Should Obama Have More Control Over Guns? Vote Now

Here are three animals available to hunt year-round in Louisiana:

1. Coyotes
Coyotes are difficult to hunt as they are good swimmers, fast runners, and are skilled at hiding in long grass and deep woodlands. With their great eyesight, keen sense of smell and a high alert to sound, patience is needed by the hunter. The coyote reacts quickly to sudden movement, so care is needed when closing car doors and setting up a hunt. They have a natural habitat of bushy creeks, swamplands and river bottoms, but can be found anywhere at any time.

Coyotes are a nuisance to farmers and livestock owners, and hunters are usually welcomed to take the animal on private land. Permission must be sought from the landowner. For all hunters of coyote, possession of a valid hunting license is necessary at all times.

VOTE NOW: Do You Support a Ban on All Fully Automatic Rifles?

2. Raccoon
Raccoon may be hunted at night throughout the year, but only with a .22 rifle. Hunting of raccoon with dogs is allowed year-round, but the hunter must have the dogs under control and be in possession of a .22 rifle. During the trapping season, which runs from mid-November to the end of March, there isn’t any bag limit for hunters of raccoon. For the times outside of the trapping season there is a bag limit of two per person regardless of daytime or nighttime hunting. The hunting of raccoons from boats is prohibited.

3. Feral Pigs
Known as hogs in many parts of the state, this invasive species of pig causes much damage to farmland, habitats of other animals, and can be a voracious hunter of bird eggs and smaller reptiles. Because they can reach a potential size of over 400 pounds, feral pigs can be a danger to humans when disturbed in the wild, and there have been many injuries during the years. Hunting is only allowed during the hours of daylight and hunters must in possession of a valid license when shooting feral pigs.

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

URGENT: Do You Support Obama's Plans for Stricter Gun Control? Vote Now

Related Stories:

• Louisiana Gun Laws: Can Visitors Carry Their Firearm?
  
• Five Biggest Cities in Louisiana: How Well Do You Know The Pelican State?