The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) would like to remind hunters the Louisiana Black Bear Hunting Lotteries will be open until Sept. 25.
The bear hunts, administered by LDWF, will be confined to Bear Management Area 4, which includes Tensas, Madison, East Carroll and West Carroll parishes and portions of Richland, Franklin and Catahoula parishes. The season will begin Dec. 7, 2024 and run through Dec. 22, 2024.
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 ($25) 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 https://louisianaoutdoors.com/lottery-applications.
All black bear lottery fees and license revenue will go to management and conservation of the Louisiana black bear.
A total of 10 permits will be issued for the 2024 lottery. Bear harvest permits will consist of three types: Wildlife Management Area (WMA), Private Landowner, and General.
The Private Landowner Lottery is open to qualifying non-residents. However, they cannot hunt if selected. They must transfer their permit to a resident hunter. Only Louisiana residents can enter the WMA and General lotteries.
For instructions to apply and more information go to Black Bear Hunting Lottery | Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
Successful applicants will be required to attend an LDWF bear hunter training course prior to hunting on either Nov. 2 or Nov. 14, with the department encouraging attendance on the Nov. 2 date, if possible. Individuals not attending one of these courses may be disqualified and forfeit their bear hunting permit.
To purchase a Louisiana hunting license, go to https://louisianaoutdoors.com/.
All visitors to LDWF WMAs must have either a WMA Access Permit or a Senior Hunting/Fishing License, Louisiana Sportsman’s Paradise License or Lifetime Hunting/Fishing License. Go to https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/wmarefugeconservation-area-licenses-and-permits for more information.
For more information on the management of the Louisiana black bear, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OB_oXGkwDUA.
For more information on the lottery application process, contact David Hayden at 318-487-5353 or dhayden@wlf.la.gov. For more information on the Louisiana black bear and this year’s hunt, contact John Hanks at 318-343-4044 or jhanks@wlf.la.gov.