Louisiana’s 2026-27 Rut Report

FEATURES

Early teal season gives waterfowlers a tune-up

August 21, 2026

Louisiana’s September teal season gives sportsmen a tune-up before the regular duck hunting season starts.

September dove traditions

August 21, 2026

With the rise in popularity of deer hunting, especially early archery hunting, the traditional Louisiana dove hunt has fallen on hard times.

HUNTING

Dove hunting season opens statewide on Sept. 5, 2026

September 1, 2026

The 2026 dove hunting season begins Sept. 5 statewide, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced.

BASS FISHING

Fall transition starts at Toledo Bend

August 31, 2026

The cooler the September days, the more and more bass push into drains and creek channel bends across the lake.

FRESHWATER FISHING

LDWF releases nearly 50,000 giant salvinia weevils into Saline-Larto Complex

August 19, 2026

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries completed its second release of giant salvinia weevils into the Saline-Larto Complex.

OFFSHORE FISHING

The good and bad of red snapper management

August 13, 2026

While our elected leaders don’t always hit the mark on resource management, in the case of Gulf red snapper seasons, they got it right.

INSHORE FISHING

Battling a shark from a kayak

August 21, 2026

If done properly and safely, one decent-sized shark can provide a kayak angler great sport as well as many delicious dinners.

Calcasieu Lake’s searing hot redfish action

August 10, 2026

Capt. Erik Rue said everything from slot reds to bull reds can be caught at Calcasieu Lake from the coast north to the saltwater barrier.

The Matrix Shrimp

August 21, 2026

The Matrix Shrimp arrived in July to the delight of saltwater fishermen, particularly those who fish deep, moving water.

PHOTO CONTEST
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NEWS BREAKERS

LDWF works to restore native habitat throughout the Saline-Larto Complex

September 1, 2026

LDWF staff continued efforts to restore beneficial native aquatic vegetation throughout the Saline-Larto Complex by planting coontail.

RECIPES

Creamy Cajun Venison Alfredo

August 21, 2026

Creamy Cajun Venison Alfredo is made with whitetail backstrap, fresh fettuccine noodles, butter and Parmesan cheese.

FIELD NOTES

Teams around the globe compete in Blue Marlin World Cup Championship

August 5, 2026

The winner-take-all Blue Marlin World Cup is held each year on July 4. Entrants fish for 8 hours in their chosen time zone.