Louisiana isn’t just the land of gumbo, jazz, and bayous — it’s also one of the most active states in the fight against feral hogs. With over 700,000 wild hogs roaming all 64 parishes, these destructive animals are causing an estimated $76 million in crop damage every year. The state is ground zero in the hog control war — and hog hunting in Louisiana is both legal and encouraged.
If you’re planning a hunt in the Bayou State or trying to control hogs on your land, this guide will walk you through:
- Where to hunt hogs in Louisiana
- What laws and licenses you need
- What traps actually work in Louisiana’s brushy, swampy terrain
- When to hunt and how to increase your chances of success
- What gear gives you the edge in the field
Looking to trap hogs, not just hunt them? Visit the hog trap in Louisiana page to see how the Boar Blanket works in marsh, mud, and pine.
Overview of Hog Hunting in Louisiana
Feral hogs thrive in Louisiana thanks to its dense forests, marshes, and agriculture fields. They multiply quickly and damage everything in their path. The good news? Louisiana has responded with one of the most flexible hunting frameworks in the U.S.
- No bag limits for hogs on private land
- Year-round hunting is legal
- Night hunting allowed with notification
- Dog hunting permitted during February seasons in some WMAs
- Special archery/shotgun-only windows on some WMAs in spring
More landowners than ever are opening up hog hunting leases in Louisiana, giving sportsmen access to hotbeds of hog activity across the state.
Legal Regulations and Licensing
Yes, you need a Louisiana hunting license to hunt hogs. But the rules vary depending on where and how you hunt:
Private Land
- No bag limit
- Hunting allowed day or night
- Night hunting with artificial light or night vision is legal with sheriff notification
- License required
Public Land (WMA)
- Hogs can only be hunted during open hunting seasons
- Special February dog seasons and Feb 16–Mar 31 archery seasons apply to select WMAs
- No live transportation allowed
- Must kill hogs on-site
- Centerfire handguns allowed in February hog-dog hunts
Want to know how Louisiana hunting laws apply to feral hogs? Check out the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries site for up-to-date regulations.
Best Places for Hog Hunting in Louisiana
Some of the most hog-infested public lands in Louisiana include:
- Pearl River WMA: Known for thick swamp terrain and consistent hog sign
- Sherburne WMA: Prime central LA location with easy access and public entry points
- Atchafalaya Basin: Vast public land with archery and shotgun-only seasons in spring
- Bodcau, Clear Creek, West Bay WMAs: Open for dog hunting in February
- Dewey W. Wills WMA (north of Diversion Canal): Allows February dog season
- Pass-a-Loutre and Salvador WMAs: Special Feb 16–Mar 31 archery seasons
Private leases in places like Cochran, Lake Charles, and Iberia Parish also offer outstanding access with lower pressure.
Hog Hunting in Louisiana Season: 2023–2024 Highlights
- Year-round hunting on private property
- Public land hunting only during open seasons (consult WMA maps)
- Special archery/shotgun season: Feb 16 to Mar 31 on select WMAs
- Night hunting: Permitted with legal optics and local notification
- February dog hunts: Limited WMAs allow dog use for 1 month only
Plan your trip based on rut cycles, moon phases, and weather — hog activity increases before cold fronts and during dark moon nights.
Why the Boar Blanket Works So Well in Louisiana
Swamps, soft ground, and thick cover make many steel traps useless in Louisiana. The Boar Blanket is a net-based system that shines in these exact conditions:
- Sets up on uneven, muddy ground without sinking
- Needs no cellular signal, power, or camera system
- Deploys silently with no drop gate noise
- Captures the entire sounder without spooking stragglers
How It Works:
- Net is raised during baiting phase
- Once hogs feed regularly, net is lowered to the ground
- Hogs push under to reach the corn and become naturally contained
Read more and see it in action on the hog trap in Louisiana product page.
Tips for Successful Hog Hunting in Louisiana
- Scout with game cams: Baiting hogs to cameras before hunting is essential for tracking
- Use the wind: Swampy terrain carries scent easily. Stay downwind.
- Go at night: Most hogs in LA are nocturnal. Night vision or thermal is key.
- Use dogs or stands: Depending on terrain, both work well. Dogs are best in Feb WMA seasons.
- Avoid live capture: It’s illegal in many areas. Kill hogs on-site.
- Consider water access: Swamp boats, kayaks, and ATVs help reach remote rooting areas
FAQs
Do I need a license to hunt hogs in Louisiana?
Yes, you need a valid hunting license even for nuisance hogs on private land.
Can I hunt hogs at night in Louisiana?
es, on private land with proper optics and sheriff notification.
Are there any bag limits?
No. You can take as many hogs as you can find.
What about dog hunting?
Dog-assisted hunts are legal during February in select WMAs only.
What’s the best hog trap for Louisiana terrain?
A ground-deployable net like the Boar Blanket — it works where cages fail.
Final Thoughts: Hunt Hard, Trap Smart
Whether you’re stalking hogs on public land near Pearl River or managing a nuisance sounder on your own lease, Louisiana offers a wide range of hunting options. But the challenge lies in containment.
If you want to take control of your land, consider the Boar Blanket — it’s portable, quiet, and proven to work in the toughest terrain.
Explore our full trapping guide or visit the hog trap product page to order yours today.
Join hundreds of hunters across the South who are switching to smarter trapping. Because in Louisiana, the hog problem isn’t going away — but your options for solving it just got better.