LDWF to award 10 black bear hunting licenses, here’s how to get one

(KLFY) — For the first time since 1987, hunters will be allowed to legally bag a Louisiana Black Bear, but you need to get lucky to be able to participate.

The Louisiana Black Bear Hunting Lottery will open to state hunters beginning Aug. 29 and run through Sept. 25, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has announced. A total of 10 permits will be issued for the 2024 lottery.

Bear harvest permits will consist of three types: Wildlife Management Area, Private Landowner and General. For instructions to apply click here.

The bear hunt will be confined to the northeast corner of the state, which includes Tensas, Madison, East Carroll and West Carroll parishes and portions of Richland, Franklin and Catahoula parishes. The season will begin Dec. 7 and run through Dec. 22.

Lottery applications are available only on the LDWF website. Those interested in applying should update or create their customer details similar to purchasing a license and then submit an application. Possession of a valid black bear hunting license is required prior to applying for the WMA and the general Black Bear Lotteries.

A $50 non-refundable application fee will be charged to each applicant. All applicants will be notified of their results via email as well as at the LDWF website.

Successful applicants will be required to attend an LDWF bear hunter training course on either Nov. 2 or Nov. 14 prior to hunting, with the department encouraging attendance on the Nov. 2 date if possible. Individuals not attending one of these courses may be disqualified and forfeit their bear hunting permit.

To purchase a Louisiana hunting license, go to louisianaoutdoors.com.

All visitors to LDWF WMAs must have either a WMA Access Permit or a Senior Hunting/Fishing License, Louisiana Sportsman’s Paradise License or Lifetime Hunting/Fishing License. Click here for more information.

For more information on the lottery application process, contact David Hayden at 318-487-5353 or dhayden@wlf.la.gov. For more information on the Louisiana black bear and this year’s hunt, contact John Hanks at 318-343-4044 or jhanks@wlf.la.gov.