News Summary

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission has announced an expansion of the black bear hunting season for 2025, increasing the number of permits from 11 to 26. In addition to more permits, hunters will now have access to a wider range of areas, including Bear Areas 1 and 2. With the hunting season scheduled from December 6 to December 21, enthusiasts are encouraged to prepare as the lottery for permits opens later this summer. This marks a significant milestone in black bear hunting, following the species’ recovery from endangerment.

Exciting News for Hunters: Louisiana Expands Black Bear Hunting for 2025 Season!

Attention, Louisiana! If you’re a hunting enthusiast or just someone who loves the outdoors, you’ll want to hear about the exciting changes coming for the black bear hunting season in 2025! Just one year after bringing back the hunt following a long, 35-year ban, the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission has made some big moves that are sure to make many hunters happy. Get ready because the 2025 season is stepping it up!

More Permits Than Ever Before

So, what’s the big news? The number of hunting permits available for black bear hunting is doubling from 11 to 26 for the 2025 season! This means more chances for locals to join in on the thrill of the hunt. Not only are there more permits, but the areas where you can hunt these magnificent animals are also expanding. If you thought last season was exciting, get ready for even more action this time around!

Expanded Hunting Areas

During the inaugural 2024 season, hunters were limited to Bear Area 4, which included a few select parishes like Tensas, Madison, and Catahoula. But wait, there’s more! For the upcoming 2025 season, the hunting grounds will now include Bear Areas 1 and 2 as well.

The breakdown of the new hunting areas is as follows:

Bear Area 1: This area now encompasses West Feliciana, Pointe Coupee, West Baton Rouge, St. Martin, Acadia, Lafayette, Cameron, Vermilion, Iberia, St. Mary, Assumption, Terrebonne, and Lafourche parishes.
Bear Area 2: This area covers parts of Jefferson Davis, Calcasieu, Iberville, Ascension, St. James, St. John the Baptist, Orleans, Jefferson, St. Charles, and Plaquemines parishes.

Looking for the number of permits available in these areas? Here’s the scoop: Eight permits will be issued for Bear Area 1, three permits for Bear Area 2, and a whopping 15 permits for Bear Area 4. Additionally, one permit will be issued by the Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Mark Your Calendars!

If you’re excited to get your hunting gear ready, note that the 2025 black bear hunting season is set to run from December 6 to December 21. The lottery for these coveted hunting permits is expected to open around the end of summer, giving you time to prepare. However, if you have thoughts or comments regarding these changes, you can submit them in writing to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries until May 1.

A Bit of History

The return of black bear hunting in Louisiana after decades away is certainly something worth celebrating. The species had been legally hunted until 1980 when their populations began to dwindle. In 1992, the Louisiana black bear was listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, but thanks to concerted conservation efforts, it was removed from that list in 2016. Today, there are around 1,500 Louisiana black bears roaming these woods!

Fun fact: Did you know that the Louisiana black bear has a special connection to the origin of the beloved “Teddy” bear? Its cultural significance is as rich as its history, and now, thanks to successful recovery efforts, residents can enjoy this unique hunting opportunity once more.

So, hunters and wildlife lovers alike, get ready for a thrilling 2025 season! Happy hunting and remember to stay safe out there!

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Author: HERE New Orleans

Tagged louisiana environment, louisiana news