LDWF releases dates, rules for 2016-17 season

Hunting rules and regulations for the 2016-2017 hunting seasons have been issued by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, including the upcoming waterfowl season dates.
Waterfowl hunting zones have changed since since the 2015-2016 season. All of Evangeline Parish west of La. 13 will be in the West Zone for the 2016-2017 season, and the remainder of the parish will be in the East Zone. These zone boundaries will be in effect for the next five years.
For the full zone breakdown, visit www.wlf.louisiana.gov.
Teal season will be Sept. 10 to 25. Ducks, coots and merganser season dates in the West Zone are: Nov. 5 and Jan. 28 (youth only); Nov. 12 to Dec. 4; and Dec. 17 to Jan. 22. Ducks, coots and merganser season dates in the East Zone are: Nov. 12 and Feb. 4 (youth only); Nov. 19 to Dec. 4; and Dec. 17 to Jan. 29.
Squirrel season will be Oct. 1 to Feb. 28. Deer seasons in Deer Area 2, which includes Evangeline Parish, are as follows: (all either-sex) archery — Oct. 1 to Jan. 31; primitive firearms — Oct. 22 to 28 and Jan. 16 to 22; firearms (still-hunt only) — Oct. 29 to Dec. 7; and firearms (with or without dogs) — Dec. 8 to Jan. 15.
Marsh Bayou Wildlife Management Area regulations for the 2016-2017 seasons are as follows: deer archery (either-sex)— Oct. 1 to Jan. 31; small game — same as outside and open to squirrel hunting during the spring season, May 6 to 14, with or without dogs. Beagles allowed for rabbits and dogs allowed for squirrel hunting Jan. 7 to Feb. 28. On that portion designated as Small Game Emphasis Area, beagles are allowed for rabbit and dogs are allowed for squirrel Oct. 1 to Feb. 28, and training of beagles for rabbit and dogs for squirrel allowed June 1 to Aug. 31. Raccoon (nighttime) will be Sept. 10 to 25 and Jan. 7 to
Feb. 28.
Major changes for 2016-2017 hunting season also include the implementation of mandatory hunter check-in for either-sex firearms deer hunts on several WMAs, including Sherburne WMA, located east of Lafayette. There has also been a modification of allowable weapons to be carried for protection purposes on WMAs, and an expansion on allowance for personal water craft on WMAs.
For the full regulations, visit www.wlf.louisiana.gov.