Barataria Preserve Hunting and Trapping

 

White-tailed deer are elusive inhabitants of the Barataria Preserve.

Hunting and trapping are allowed at the Barataria Preserve by permit only.

Trappers - A permit is required to trap in the Barataria Preserve. Permits are free. To apply, call the park's hunting program manager at 504-689-3690 ext. 2 (Law Enforcement). A valid State of Louisiana Trapping License is required.

Hunters - Special permits are required to hunt at the Barataria Preserve. Permits are free. See below to learn how to apply for a permit and our current hunting regulations.

To Report a Violation Call 1-855-677-5352

 

Important Updates for the 2025-2026 Season:

Hog and Nutria Season has been extended.

Please note that Park projects may disrupt hunting activites.

Projects such as, but not limited to, the collection of data, invasive species management and reduction will continue throughout hunting seasons and may disrupt hunting activities. The Barataria Preserve reserves the right to close zones or establish necessary safety buffers for the safety of necessary work projects. The regulations, seasons, etc. written in this permit supersede any discrepancy that may exist in the regulations posted in the Federal Land Schedule of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) state regulations for the Barataria Preserve for the current year.

Please be aware there may be construction on the Barataria Preserve's Parallel and Kenta/Pipeline Canals in 2025-2026.

Both the Restore Act-funded Canal Backfilling project and a US Army Corps of Engineers mitigation project aim to restore hydrologic connections between canal channels and adjacent wetlands by gapping their spoil banks.

 

Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve

Hunting and Trapping Information

Applying for a Hunting Permit

A permit is required to hunt the Barataria Preserve.


Permit Process:

• Permit application forms and permit carry cards for the 2025-2026 season will be availabe to pick up at the Barataria Preserve Visitor Center beginning on September 3, 2025.
• Please complete both the application form and your permit card.
• Leave the application form with a Ranger at the Visitor Center.
• Carry your permit card with you during any related activity in the Preserve.

Hunting Season Dates

Hunting season at the Preserve follows the dates provided by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), unless otherwise noted below: 

Archery

Deer: Follows LDWF's regulations for area 9

Shotgun

Deer: Follows LDWF's regulations for area 9

Feral Hogs and Nutria

May be taken by a licensed and permitted hunter, with gear allowed in the Barataria Preserve, October through April.

Squirrels and Rabbits

October 4, 2025, through December 23, 2025, December 26, 2025, through December 30, 2025, and January 2, 2025, through February 28, 2025. Squirrel and Rabbit hunting is allowed only in the Fall season. Squirrel and Rabbit hunting is NOT allowed during the Spring season.

Waterfowl

Follows LDWF's regulations for the West Zone. (At the link, look under "Migratory Game Birds.")
Map of LDWF's waterfowl hunting zones.

All hunting activities will be closed December 24, 25, and 31^st of 2025, and January 1^st of 2026. Entry into hunting zones is not authorized on these dates.

All hunting ends Apirl 30, 2026 and stands must be removed by 5:00pm April 30, 2026.

Hunting Rules and Regulations

In applying for a hunting permit, all applicants agree to abide by these provisions in addition to all other applicable and non-conflicting federal, state, and local laws. Failure to comply with any regulation or law, including terms and conditions listed on this web page is prohibited and may result in revocation of the hunter’s permit and filing of criminal charges with the Federal District Court. Bear in mind that equipment utilized in a criminal act, including firearms, motor vehicles, and vessels, may be seized as evidence. In the event of conflicting laws, federal law supersedes state law.

Hunters are required to possess the following documents while hunting in the Barataria Preserve:

• a current and valid Barataria Preserve hunting permit

• a current and valid Louisiana driver's license or other photo identification

• a hunter safety card if born after September 1, 1969 (all persons born after that date must complete a state-approved hunter safety program before being allowed to hunt in the Barataria Preserve) 

• Per Louisiana RS56:116: All youth hunters (age 17 & younger) who are actively harvesting deer are required to have a youth hunting license

• a current Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries hunting license

• if hunting waterfowl, applicable federal duck stamp and Louisiana state HIP (Harvest Information Program) certification

For answers to questions about hunting and trapping, call the preserve at 504-689-3690 ext. 2 (Law Enforcement) or email the hunt program coordinator.

All hunters must adhere to the following rules, in addition to season-specific rules and prohibited activities:

• Hunting is permitted one half hour before official sunrise until noon.

• Before hunters enter a hunt zone for any reason, they must report such activity to the Barataria Preserve.

• Just as you would in a state Wildlife Management Area (WMA), Barataria Preserve hunters must check in and out entering the park for any activity. This includes scouting, set up, hunting, and retrieval of stand.

• To check in, scan the QR code on your permit card and fill out the check in.

• If you require a physical drop box, please use the one located in front of the park visitor center at 6588 Barataria Blvd. Marrero, LA 70072.

• Only still hunting is allowed in the preserve. Still Hunting: Stalking or stationary stand hunting without the use of dog(s).

• All game killed, including small game, waterfowl, hogs, and deer, must be reported by 7:00 pm the day of the kill. (see instructions under "How to Check Game")

• All hunters born on or after September 1, 1969 must complete a state-approved hunter safety program before being allowed to hunt in the Barataria Preserve, or be supervised by someone who has a hunting license, permit to hunt in the preserve, and a hunter safety card.

• Per Louisiana RS56:116: All youth hunters (age 17 & younger) who are actively harvesting deer are required to have a youth hunter license.

• Hunters and those accompanying them must wear orange/pink on their head, chest, and back at all times while in the field. (In total all hunters and those accompanying them must be wearing at least 400 square inches of hunter orange or pink.)

• Mesh-style hunter orange clothing is not permitted.

• Trail cameras, pirogues, and any other property used in the Preserve must display the hunter's permit number, and they must be removed by the stand removal date. The setup of these must not cause damage to the vegetation or trees, and it must not penetrate the marsh.

• Waterfowl hunters have the right of way in Zone 8 of the Barataria Preserve.

• Biodegradable crepe paper is the only approved trail marking material. Other trail marking materials, including cans, plastic, wood, pallets, reflective tape, etc. are prohibited and will result in a fine.

Required Activity Check In

1. While in park, and prior to traveling or entering a hunt zone, for any reason (i.e. scouting, setting up a stand, or hunting, etc.), hunters shall check in, reporting all activity to the Barataria Preserve.
2. To check in, hunters shall scan the QR code on your permit card and fill out the form. You may also email the park, leave a voicemail at (504)-689-3690 ext.2 (Law Enforcement), or utilize the drop slip box located on the visitor center entrance gate at 6588 Barataria Bloulevard Marrero, LA 70072. 
3. The check in must contain the following information:
   1. (d) Permit #, Zone, Date and Time of Entry, activity being done (scouting, setting up stand, hunting, etc.).
   2. A hunter shall report for only themselves (and a youth hunter if applicable).
   3. A hunter shall report one day at a time.

How to Check Game

All game killed, including small game, water fowl, hogs, and deer, must be reported by 7:00 P.M. the day of the kill.

To check game, scan the QR code on your permit card and fill out the form. You may also e-mail us or  call 504-689-3690 ext. 2 (Law Enforcement).

Provide all of the following information:

• Call back number or email address
• Permit number
• LDWF tag number used
• Date of harvest
• Time of harvest
• Species taken
• Number taken
• Sex and age of kill
• Live weight
• Antler points
• The zone it was take from

Hunters are still responsible for reporting applicable harvests to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

A) Rules: Firearms and Archery

1. Firearm hunting is by shotgun only (shotgun-slug barrels are permitted).
2. Hunting with rifles or being in possession of one with a permit card in a hunt zone is prohibited. Hunting with pistols is prohibited.
3. Use of shotguns larger than a 10 gauge or capable of holding more than three shells is prohibited
4. Possession of shotguns in which the plug may be removed without disassembly is prohibited.
5. Hunters possessing loaded firearms (in chamber/magazine) are prohibited in a motor vehicle, in a vessel or boat, outside of a designated hunt zone or on the hurricane protection levee.
6. Possession of any shotgun not approved in the current Louisiana hunting regulation booklet or by United States law is prohibited.
7. Discharge of a firearm outside of designated hunting areas or specific seasons and times is prohibited.
8. Possession of a firearm outside of the dates and times established for shotgun season is prohibited.
9. A Bow License is required of all persons hunting deer with archery gear during archery season.
10. Legal Gear for Archery Season includes: Traditional bow, compound bow, crossbow with a draw greater than 30 lbs.
11. Either-sex deer may be taken in all areas open for deer hunting EXCEPT when a bucks only season is in progress. In such cases, archers must conform to the bucks only regulations.

B) Rules: Primitive Firearms

1. Season License Requirements

   A Deer or Senior License, whichever is appropriate, is required of all persons hunting deer with primitive shotguns during Primitive Firearms Seasons. Persons 17 and under must possess a valid, original youth license.

2. Prohibited Activities

   Hunting with dogs (All Primitive Firearms Seasons are still hunt only).

3. Legal Gear

   Legal Gear for Primitive Firearms Season includes: 
   Shotguns only, 10 gauge or smaller, all of which must load exclusively from the muzzle, use black powder or approved substitute only, take ball, shot, or bullet projectile only, including saboted bullets. All the above may be fitted with magnified scopes. Or, single shot, breech loading shotguns, 10 gauge or smaller, having an exposed hammer, loaded with buckshot or slug.  

4. Exceptions

   Youths 17 or younger may hunt deer with any legal weapon during the Primitive Firearms Season in each deer hunting area. Either-sex deer may be taken in all areas open for deer hunting EXCEPT when a Bucks Only season is in progress. In such cases, hunters must conform to the bucks only regulations. 

C) Rules: Deer Stands

Only one deer stand per hunter is permitted in accordance with the standards listed below. Stands not conforming to the following criteria will be removed & the owner will be cited.

1. The hunter permit number must be displayed in 3-inch non-removable block letters and numbers, and it must be permanently affixed and clearly displayed near the top of the stand on both the front and back.
2. The entire stand, including the seat and accessories, must be completely painted hunter orange.
3. No stand may be set up or left in a non-hunt position in the Barataria Preserve prior to the day before deer season opens.
4. All stands must be left in a non-hunt position when not in use.
5. All stands must be removed from the Barataria Preserve by 5:00 pm on 4/30/2026.
6. The stand itself and its installation must not damage the trees or other vegetation, including the marsh. The use of a pole stand is permitted as long as it or the anchors do not permanently damage the marsh.
7. Damage to natural and/or cultural resources could result in fines and punishment (not limited to) $5,000 and/or 1 year in jail.
8. Hunting from another hunter’s stand without the owner's written permission is prohibited.
9. If hunting from another hunter's stand then both parties permit numbers must be displayed while in use.
10. Climbing stands that do not injure the trees are permitted.
11. Climbing stands with metal brackets or spikes are prohibited.
12. Hunters using a climbing or hanging stand must wear a safety belt or harness while in the stand. The climbing or hanging stand must also comply with all other park-specific regulations pertaining to stands (marked with permit number, painted hunter orange, etc.).
13. Erecting stands in areas not designated for hunting is prohibited.
14. Stands are prohibited within 500 ft of power poles, gas lines, or other structures.
15. Persons under eighteen (18) years of age require supervision of a legal guardian/parent when hunting on this federal preserve. This allows a ratio of one (1) permit-holding adult and one (1) juvenile to be in a properly designed deer stand properly designed for two people.

D) Rules: Boats

1. Airboats are prohibited at all times and in all areas of the preserve.
2. Motorized vessels are prohibited in all marsh ponds & trenasses, with the exception of electric trolling motors.
3. Motorized vessels are prohibited through the lengths of Twin Canals, Kenta Canal, Parallel Canal, Bayou Coquille, and Bayou des Familles. You are not even allowed to "push-pole" a motorized boat through these areas.
4. Portions of Tarpaper Canal are also closed to motorized vessels.
   • “Push-poling” of motorized vessels is permitted in the area of Tarpaper Canal from the motorized boat closure sign up to and including the length of Parallel Canal
5. All boats must be in compliance with all federal, state and local laws/regulations for operations and safety equipment.

E) Rules: Waterfowl Hunting

• Hunt Zone 8 (see map) is the ONLY area within the Barataria Preserve where waterfowl may be hunted. Additional licensing is required for waterfowl hunting: Federal Duck Stamp and Louisiana state HIP (Harvest Information Program)
• ONLY those species which are in season according to Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries regulations for the State of Louisiana Coastal Zone may be taken.
• Trained Hunting Dogs are permitted while waterfowl hunting.
• Temporary blinds that do not damage surrounding natural resources may be established but must removed daily.

F) Rules: Additional Prohibited Actions in the Preserve

The following are prohibited in the Barataria Preserve

1. Hunting by any means other than shotgun or archery in their respective seasons
2. Hunting with dogs outside of waterfowl season
3. Hunting outside of hunting zone as indicated on available maps
4. Hunting within 100 ft of a hunting zone boundary
5. Hunting within a 1,000 ft from the safety buffer zone (refer to Barataria Preserve map)
6. Baiting, hunting over bait, or possession of bait
7. Hunting with the aid of artificial light, spotlights, infrared or laser sighting devices, or any night vision devices
8. Hunting species other than deer, rabbit, squirrel, nutria, feral hog, and waterfowl
9. Utilizing boards or other material as bridges to cross tressnasses, or soft spots in the marsh
10. Off-road motorized vehicles, including ATVs, are in the Barataria Preserve or on the hurricane protection levee
11. Motorized vessels in all marsh ponds and trenasses
12. Airboats at all times and in all areas of the preserve
13. Camping and/or fires (including marsh-fires)
14. Possession, consumption, or being under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substance while hunting in the Barataria Preserve is prohibited and will result in arrest

15. Biodegradable crepe paper is the only approved trail marking material. Other trail marking materials, including cans, plastic, wood, pallets, reflective tape, etc are prohibited and will result in a fine

 

Hunting Map of the Barataria Preserve

 

 

Violating hunting regulations may result in the revocation of the permit in addition to criminal prosecution.

Please assist in caring for you National Park by taking appropriate safety measures and adhering to the regulations.

To Report a Violation Call 1-855-677-5352