The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission has given the go-ahead for an expanded black bear hunting season slated for December 2025. This decision, announced at their March meeting in Baton Rouge, sees a jump from 11 to 26 total available permits for hunters in the state. According to a news release by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), the upcoming season will encompass Management Areas 1, 2, and 4.
"The ability to extend the 2025 black bear season to new areas and add additional permits are an attribute to not just the success of our black bear program, but also to the historic 2024 black bear season and the strength of our partnerships," Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Madison Sheahan stated. The 2024 hunting season, which was the first in over three decades, resulted in a total of 10 bears being legally harvested. The increased permit numbers reflect a response to what Louisiana perceives as a successful and controlled inaugural hunt.
Residents in Louisiana with the proper licenses will be eligible to enter a lottery for the chance to hunt bears during the designated period from December 6 to 21. As detailed by Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries official announcement, the issuance of permits is based on bear population estimates and data on vital rates specific to each Bear Management Area. Notably, cubs and females with cubs are not eligible to be hunted, with a cub being defined as any bear that weighs 75 pounds or less.
The distribution of permits will be eight for Bear Management Area 1, three for Area 2, and 15 for Area 4, one of which includes a Secretary's permit. According to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, all successful applicants for a hunt will be required to complete a bear hunter training course, ensuring education and safety are top of mind for these expeditions.
