Louisiana Reopens Limited Black Bear Hunting: 10 Lucky Hunters to Receive Permits
Aug 30, 2024 01:17PM ● By Lauren Pope
For the first time in years, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is issuing a very limited number of Black Bear permits to lucky hunters.
Interested? Well, there's some fine print.
First, you'll need to have a black bear hunting license to even enter the Black Bear Hunting Lottery | Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
Then, you'll have to be one of ten people picked for a permit. And no, you can't enter more than once!
Finally, these permits are only good for a very specific part of the state: Bear Area 4.
That includes Bayou Macon, Big Lake and Buckhorn wildlife management areas.
If you're picked, your journey has just begun. You're off to bear school!
Hunters are required to "attend a department bear hunter training course on either November 2 or November 14 prior to hunting. Individuals not attending one of these training courses may be disqualified and forfeit their bear hunting permit. Successful youth applicants must attend bear hunting training with a properly licensed adult. The adult attending the training is responsible for supervising the youth during the bear hunt and must be within arm’s reach or within the same stand or blind as the youth. A bear tag will be issued to harvest permit holders upon completion of the training course."
Black Bear Rules
- Bears may only be harvested one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.
- Harvest limit is one bear per harvest permit per season.
- Bear hunting is limited to still hunt only. The use of dogs when hunting bear is prohibited.
- Harvest of cubs and females with cubs is prohibited. A cub is defined as any bear 75 pounds or less.
- Bear hunting is restricted to bona fide resident hunters who are properly licensed, hunter safety certified, and possess a valid bear hunting permit issued by the department.
Does This Mean I Can Shoot a Bear I See Around Zachary?
NO!
The bears in our area are NOT a part of this program. Yes, they're here. Yes, they absolutely will get into your trash, especially if you live outside the city. No, you can't shoot them. Do you hear me guys? DO NOT SHOOT THEM.
Here's what The Louisiana Bearwise Website says to do instead:
- Never feed or approach bears.
- Secure food, garbage, and recycling.
- Remove bird feeders when bears are active.
- Never leave pet food outdoors.
- Clean and store grills.
- Let your neighbors know if you see bears in your area.
Conservation
Remember, the Black Bear Hunting season has been opened up through careful consideration towards larger conservation efforts. Black Bears are native to Louisiana and are part of our ecosystem. If you'd like to help support those conservation efforts, consider a getting a license plate. Funds will go towards the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation.
