Louisiana Deer Population:   About 545,000 deer in 2019 and 2018, up from 540,000 in 2017.   A state estimate of nearly 500,000 deer in 2016.  About 560,000 in 2015 and 520,000 in 2014, down from about 625,000 in 2011.  A record wet year in 2017 resulting in a population increase into 2018.  Droughts in 2009, 2011 and 2012 reduced populations into 2014. The population has been on a downward trend since 2000, a result of habit loss to farming and urban development, also competition and fawn predation by wild hogs.   A peak population of about one million around 1996.  An estimated 650,000 deer in 1989.  Herd analysis at right.

 

Louisiana Deer News

LWFC Adopts Amendments to 2024-25 Hunting Regulations Notice of Intent March 13, 2024 Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries 

... Included in the amendments were alterations to deer hunting season dates in Deer Area 2, language pertaining to legal firearms on Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), the use of dogs to track mortally wounded deer on private lands ... see the information


A disease that's killing deer is on the rise in Louisiana February 12, 2024 NOLA.com

... chronic wasting disease ... There have now been 19 confirmed Louisiana cases of the disease, officials said Friday ... first confirmed case in January 2022 ..,


LDWF agents use deer decoy to cite Charenton man January 24, 2024 Louisiana, katc

... Agents set up surveillance on a deer decoy they placed near the town of Baldwin ... observed Know fire a .22 rimfire rifle from the window of the truck, striking the deer bait...


Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission set hunting regulations and rules for 24-25 January 9, 2024, KTVE

... proposed changes are listed below:  Prohibition of the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones) for the recovery of deer and bears that are not mortally wounded... [more information]


NELA hunters urged to test deer heads for Chronic Wasting Disease December 13, 2023 Louisiana, Monroe-El Dorado KNOE TV 8

...  The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is urging Northeast Louisiana hunters to test any deer heads they harvest for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). There are 13 free CWD Testing Collection points located throughout the NELA region...


Beauregard wildfires have little impact on hunting season, deer population November 9, 2023 Louisiana, Lake Charles KPLC

... “While it is still early, we are only second to the record of 2022, so things are looking pretty good,” Bordelon said... this is likely due to the parish’s timber industry. Timber harvesting and thinning allows for more sunlight to hit the ground, promoting plant growth that deer forage for..,


Deer season means hunters on CWD watch October 14, 2023 Louisiana, The Advocate

...  CWD has spread from the Tensas Parish “hot zone” where nearly a dozen CWD-infected deer have been found during the past 20 or so months...  infected deer found in Issaquena County, Mississippi, in 2018 started Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries wildlife managers and the agency’s veterinarian, Jim LaCour, to activate our state’s CWD Response Program ..,


How Hurricanes Affect Deer Populations And Movement  Georgia October 5, 2023 Louisiana, Outdoor News

... Louisiana State University and Louisiana Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries found no evidence that the 57 deer marked for research were affected by three tropical systems in the coastal marshes of Louisiana’s Mississippi River Delta during 2007-2012...


Drought affecting Louisiana wildlife September 21, 2023 Louisiana, The West Side Journal

...  77 percent of the state experiencing severe to exceptional drought conditions... Drought affects the growth of plants used by deer for food and cover... has been linked to increased bluetongue virus (BT) and epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) outbreaks..,


Heat, drought bode ill for hunters August 26, 2023 Louisiana, The Advocate

...  Deer and squirrels rely on acorns and other nuts to sustain their diets... The lack of rainfall leads to low production ... and predicts lower reproduction for the next season... The lack of rain also reduces the quality of understory, the leafy greens and berry-producing plants ...


LWFC Modifies CWD Control Area to Include Portion of Concordia Parish June 1, 2023 Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries - Louisiana.gov

... The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC) has modified the Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Control Area in northeast Louisiana to include a small portion of northeast Concordia Parish... The move was necessitated due to detection of the disease further south in Tensas Parish. Louisiana has detected 12 CWD positive deer, all in Tensas Parish, since January of 2022..,


Louisiana Operation Game Thief, Inc. Issued Monetary Rewards at May Meeting May 22, 2023 Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

... The LOGT board reviewed 19 cases that included public tips from informants.  A total of 29 subjects were apprehended and a total of 92 offenses were written in regards to the reviewed cases.  The cases reviewed and awarded money to the public for their assistance consisted of turkey, deer, migratory game bird and fishing cases...


Eleven Deer Tested Positive for CWD During 2022-23 Hunting Season April 21, 2023 Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

... Eleven deer tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD) in Tensas Parish during the 2022-23 hunting season, bringing Louisiana’s total to 12 cases since the discovery of the disease in January of 2022 ... 2,370 hunter-harvested deer were tested ..,


LWFC Approves Notice of Intent to Amend DMAP Regulations for Chronic Wasting Disease April 6, 2023 Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries - Louisiana.gov

... The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC) approved a Notice of Intent (NOI) to amend Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) regulations pertaining to the detection of chronic wasting disease (CWD)... The amendment will increase CWD management capacity to hunters in close proximity to a positive detection  ... 


LSU Develops Patent-Pending Bait to Fight the 'Pigdemic' March March 27, 2023 Louisiana, Swineweb.com

... a patent-pending recipe for a bait that wild pigs love to eat (and prefer to corn, acorns and other favorites) but makes them fall asleep.,, A deer feeder can be loaded ... so a farmer or other person can wait to release baits until they get visual confirmation that it’s wild pigs, not deer ...


CWD, habitat, storm recovery cut in deer season; overall take hits new high in several February 11, 2023 The Advocate

... Wildlife and Fisheries biologist Johnathan Bordelon, the agency’s Deer Study leader, said deer tag returns show a 15% increase in hunter “harvest” from the 2021-2022 season... Deer numbers on vast tracts in the Florida Parishes and some east of the Mississppi River in the southeast parishes are struggling to recover from the extensive 2016 flood ..,


Louisiana hunters submitted 2226 samples for CWD testing in 2022-23 February 7, 2023  The Natchez Democrat

...  two more cases of Chronic Wasting Disease were detected in Tensas Parish. This brings the state total to 10 positives since first detection in Dec. 2021... LDWF has collected 2,226 samples this year statewide with 296 samples currently pending ..,


LDWF reports additional case of CWD in Tensas Parish January 27, 2023 Louisana, The Natchez Democrat

... Chronic Wasting Disease has struck again in Tensas Parish...Since January 1, 2023, seven positives have been detected on one piece of private property in Tensas Parish bringing the state’s total up to eight positives since first detection in 2021-2022 ..,


LDWF: Five Additional Suspected Cases Of CWD Discovered In Tensas Parish January 17, 2023 Louisiana, L'Observateur

... The three does and two bucks were harvested on private land and would bring to seven the number of CWD positive cases found in Louisiana, all in Tensas Parish ...


Louisiana's second case of CWD confirmed January 9, 2023 Natchez Democrat

... The National Veterinary Service Laboratories in Ames, Iowa confirmed Louisiana’s second case of Chronic Wasting Disease. The disease was detected on December 29 in Tensas Parish about four miles from Louisiana’s first positive..,


LWFC Approves Notice of Intent for Hunting Regs, Hunting Seasons and WMA Rules for 2023-24 January 6, 2023 Louisiana, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries - Louisiana.gov

... The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC) adopted notices of intent for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 hunting seasons ... view the full notice of intent ...


Louisiana Man Shoots Tame Deer “Butterbean” in Front of Wildlife Officer, Neighbors, and Kids January 3, 2022 Outdoor Life

...  the doe was considered a “neighborhood pet.” Residents regularly fed and played with her. She wore an orange collar around her neck and spent a lot of time in a playhouse in a neighbor’s backyard. An LDWF officer arrived that day to take her to a penned facility, but while waiting on a wildlife biologist to help with the capture, Blythe shot her in the middle of the street...

     Louisiana residents want justice for neighborhood pet deer that was shot December 30, 2022 CBS 42

... For the past three years, a deer known as Butterbean, become a part of this neighborhood’s family ... “ the (game) warden was there... in front of me and the children..."

     Louisiana man accused of shooting tame deer in front of kids, LDWF agent December 29, 2022 WGNO

... A Livingston Parish community is mourning a beloved pet in the community. The doe, known as Butterbean, was shot to death on Tuesday, Dec. 27 in front of a Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agent and others...


LDWF Reports Second Presumptive CWD Positive Case in Louisiana December 29, 2022 Louisiana, Yahoo

... a hunter-harvested adult buck taken on private land in Tensas Parish. While this is the first suspect positive case of CWD in the 2022-23 hunting season, a positive was confirmed in the same parish on Jan. 28, 2022..,


Louisiana offers incentives in fighting Chronic Waste Disease September 30, 2022  KTVE - myarklamiss.com

...  Louisiana discovered its first case of Chronic Wasting Disease on January 28th, 2022 in an adult buck harvested in Tensas Parish. Now the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries is offering a reward to hunters that can harvest an adult buck deer in Louisiana..,


LDWF to Provide CWD Testing Drop-off Locations in Franklin, Madison and Tensas Parishes This Hunting Season September 28, 2022 Louisiana, LDWF News

... The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is providing Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) drop-off locations within the Franklin, Madison and Tensas parishes CWD Control Area for deer hunters to submit samples for CWD testing... A map of these locations is available on the LDWF website ...


Louisiana House of Representatives Comittee votes Chronic Wasting Disease Management Rule Acceptable August 3, 2022 The Natchez Democrat

... Currently, Tensas, Madison and Franklin Parishes are under a declaration of emergency prohibiting carcass transport and supplemental feeding. Bordelon said an LDWF declaration of emergency lasts up to 180 days and can be extended or rescinded at any time if deemed necessary...


LDWF sends CWD rules to legislature, addresses questions about disease July 8, 2022 Louisiana, The Natchez Democrat

... Currently, Tensas, Madison and Franklin Parishes are under a declaration of emergency prohibiting carcass transport and supplemental feeding. Bordelon said an LDWF declaration of emergency lasts up to 180 days and can be extended or rescinded at any time if deemed necessary...


Attendees voice concerns over LDWF ban June 1, 2022 Louisiana,  hannapub.com

... One deer was found with Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in Tensas Parish last year. Is that enough reason for Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) officials to impose a ban on supplemental deer feeding and deer carcass exporting in Franklin, Madison and Tensas parishes? ...


Wildlife Feed Ban and Carcass Export Ban could be extended on Franklin Parish May 27, 2022 Arkansas,  myarklamiss.com

...  The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries intends to extend the feeding and exporting ban in response to a single deer testing positive for Chronic Wasting Disease...


New Louisiana hunting, fishing license fees go into effect June 1. Here's what's changed May 26, 2022 The News Star

... deer hunters will need to obtain a Deer License (in addition to the Basic Hunting License.) The new “Deer License” will include archery and primitive privileges, as well as tags...


LDWF to conduct public hearings for CWD regulations in Notice of Intent, opens public comment period May 7, 2022 Louisiana, The Natchez Democrat

...will conduct informational public hearings May 27 in Winnsboro and May 28 in St. Joseph on a notice of intent (NOI) that bans supplemental feeding and cervid carcass export from the Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) control area, which includes Franklin, Madison and Tensas parishes ... 


Spikes, fires, traps: Man pleads guilty to terrorizing Bossier deer hunters for 15 years April 18, 2022 Louisiana, Shreveport Times

... responsible for vandalizing property, burning deer stands and deer camps...


Winners of LDWF Chronic Wasting Disease Sampling Contest Announced March 23, 2022 Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries - Louisiana.gov

... Hunters and taxidermists who submitted samples were entered into a drawing for the gift cards. All samples were tested for CWD, assisting LDWF with its surveillance monitoring for the disease, which is 100-percent fatal in deer...


CWD Sample from Deer Harvested in Tensas Parish Confirmed as Positive February 8, 2022 Louisiana, LDFW News

... The National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa, has confirmed that Chronic Wasting Disease was found in a sample from an adult buck harvested recently on private land in northeast Tensas Parish ... the same deer diagnosed with CWD, which always deadly in deer, earlier this month by the Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory ...


LDWF issues deer feeding and export ban in Tensas, Franklin, Madison parishes due to CWD February 5, 2022 Louisiana, Yahoo Finance

... The ban is in response to an adult buck harvested in Tensas Parish being diagnosed with chronic wasting disease ... All supplemental feeding, including mineral or salt licks, is prohibited in Tensas, Franklin and Madison parishes ...


Chronic wasting disease case confirmed in Tensas Parish deer, first case in Louisiana February 4, 2022 Louisiana, Yahoo

... The National Veterinary Services Laboratory has confirmed a case of Chronic Wasting Disease in a Louisiana white-tailed deer ...  a hunter-harvested, wild adult buck taken on private land in Tensas Parish ...


Suspect CWD Case Found in a White-tailed Deer in Tensas Parish February 2, 2022 Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries - Louisiana.gov

... The tentative diagnosis was made on samples submitted by LDWF staff from a hunter-harvested adult buck taken on private land in Tensas Parish.  The deer was emaciated when harvested ...  If confirmed, this would be the first case of CWD found in Louisiana..,


LDWF: No chronic wasting disease found in Union, Morehouse parish deer, baiting ban lifted

January 7, 2022 Louisiana, YAHOO!News

... no chronic wasting disease was detected in more than 300 white-tailed deer samples taken in Morehouse and Union parishes since December after the disease, always fatal in deer, was detected in an Arkansas location, nearly 8 miles north of those two parishes...


LDWF's ongoing CWD testing results indicate good news December 23, 2021 Louisiana.gov

... The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) reports today that to date, all testing results for chronic wasting disease (CWD) in Louisiana deer have been negative. LDWF has received the test results from LSU Diagnostic Laboratory on 104 test samples in Union Parish and 54 in Morehouse Parish.  LDWF has received 96 more samples for Union and 16 more for Morehouse Parish  ...


Louisiana Deer Hunters Encouraged to Submit Harvest Samples for CWD Testing Free of Charge December 12, 2021 L'Observateur

... Hunters who would like to have their harvested deer tested for CWD are encouraged to visit our CWD testing website and follow the steps outlined on that page so a sample can be submitted to the nearest LDWF Field Office.  “It’s vital to our effort in keeping tabs on CWD to have hunters provide us with samples,’’ said State Wildlife Veterinarian Dr. Jim LaCour...


Louisiana monitoring for CWD in two parishes after Union County discovery December 7, 2021 Magnolia Reporter

...  To date, more than 12,000 samples have been tested and CWD has not been detected in Louisiana...  will increase ongoing CWD surveillance in Morehouse and Union parishes due to their proximity to the CWD detection...


Man believes wife’s death could be related to deer meat  December 5, 2021 Louisiana, Alexandria KALB-TV

... An Ouachita Parish woman died from Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease in 2020. It left her husband searching for answers and a year later, he discovered her symptoms were similar to a disease found in deer called Chronic Wasting Disease...


Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission Takes Action in Response to CWD-Positive Deer in Arkansas December 3, 2021 KEDM

... the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC) voted to implement a declaration of emergency to ban feeding and baiting in nearby Morehouse and Union parishes beginning Dec. 6...



Plenty of hunting left in St. Mary deer habitat  November 26, 2021 Louisiana, Franklin Banner-Tribune

... Some 171,800 hunters harvested 192,000 deer last year.  ... “The reported statewide harvest was the highest reported harvest for the past 10 seasons. While the reported harvest was the highest in 10 seasons, the percentage of bucks, 55%, and does, 45%, was on pace with previous seasons and was near the 10-year average.” ...


LWFC adopts deer hunting declaration of emergency for Joyce, Maurepas and Salvador/Timken WMAs October 8, 2021 Louisiana, WAFB

... The action came due to the impact of Hurricane Ida, which made landfall on Aug. 29, on those WMAs. It is intended to mitigate the anticipated reduction in fawn survival and subsequent lack of recruitment into the deer herds...


Deer hunters, taxidermists can win prizes by helping monitor for Chronic Wasting Disease September 26, 2021 Louisiana, KATC

...Those who wish to assist will be entered into a contest for $1,000 and $500 gift cards when they submit a sample from a mature buck harvested in the 2021-22 deer season in Louisiana...


Fawn recovering after being rescued from flash flooding  September 18, 2021 Louisiana, Local News 8

... “The deer went under twice before I could do that — completely submerged. I jumped in — it got chest deep when I finally got it… The little deer — clearly knew he had been rescued. ...


Deer hunters, taxidermists can win gift card prizes by helping LDWF monitor for CWD  September 17, 2021 Louisiana, Louisiana Sportsman

...  will be entered into a contest for $1,000 and $500 gift cards, respectively, when they submit a sample from a mature buck harvested in the 2021-22 deer season in Louisiana ...


Louisiana man surrounded by flood water rescues fawn from drowning August 31, 2021 KXAN

... “He swam in the yard and I was thankful I left the gate open,” Fears said. “He swam over and I picked him up.” ... he has been feeding the fawn and hopes to nurse it back to full strength ...

Diet of Coyotes on the Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge During the White-Tailed Deer Pre-Fawning and Fawning Seasons, 2021, Louisiana, Southeastern Naturalist

... We collected scat samples within Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge to determine food habits of Coyotes. Coyotes used prey differently between pre-fawning and fawning seasons and exhibited inverse consumption of White-tailed Deer and small mammals by season. Consumption of White-tailed Deer increased ∼27% from the pre-fawning to fawning seasons, whereas consumption of small mammals decreased ∼21% ..,


LDWF to conduct public hearing April 21 on amendment pertaining to use of deer urine April 19, 2021 Louisiana, Louisiana Sportsman

...The amendment states that the only natural deer urine products lawful to import, sell, use or possess must have a seal of approval on the product ...


LDWF commission amends proposed notice of intent for 2021-22 hunting seasons' rules, regulations March 4, 2021 Louisiana, KALB News

... only natural deer urine products lawful to import, sell, use or possess must have a seal of approval ...  part of LDWF’s efforts to prevent chronic wasting disease ...


Proposed 2021-2022 resident-game seasons January 16, 2021 Louisiana, The Advocate

... the limit remains six deer per season, but you can’t take more than three antlered or four antlerless deer throughout the season in Deer Areas 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9...


Facing budget crisis, Louisiana wildlife agency to ask state for $20 million in emergency funds December 19, 2020 NOLA.com

... The Louisiana Department of Fish and Wildlife was largely cut off from state funding two decades ago, leaving it to fend for itself through a hodgepodge of hunting and fishing license fees, oil revenues and federal handouts...


Deer hunters in Louisiana should be aware of escaped pen-raised deer October 6, 2020 KALB News

... the possibility of encountering escaped pen-raised deer this season due to damage from Hurricane Laura and other storms this year... include fallow, axis, sika and white-tailed deer, elk, red deer and other exotic hoof stock...


Mosquito Clouds Killing Deer, Cattle In Southwest Louisiana September 11, 2020 HuffPost

... clouds of mosquitos have left animals such as horses, deer and cattle anemic and bleeding under their skins from all the bites, Fontenot told The Associated Press.  The animals are getting exhausted from constantly moving in an attempt to avoid being bit ...


White‐Tailed Deer Population Dynamics Following Louisiana Black Bear Recovery August 31, 2020 Louisiana, The Wildlife Society - Wiley

... We studied white‐tailed deer population dynamics on Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge (TRNWR) in Louisiana ... With no female harvest, the population was projected to increase with observed (λ = 1.15) and reduced fawn survival (λ = 1.02), but the population could not sustain current female harvest (10%) if fawn survival declined (λ = 0.90) ... reduction ... of [female] harvest can mitigate effects of low fawn survival on population growth ...


Commissioners get into exchange with deer-urine companies over legal labeling May 12, 2020 Louisiana, Louisiana Sportsman

... Members of the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission decided to vote down a previously passed amendment banning the sale of untested deer urine products ... Regulations remained intact however making it unlawful for hunters to use or possess those scents or lures ...


It’s time to crunch your deer numbers April 20, 2020 Louisiana, Louisiana Sportsman

... This year, we experienced a very mild January that initiated our early green-out. Browse conditions are excellent  ... The 1992-93 data indicates does were somewhat heavier; in fact 1½-year-old does averaged 10 pounds more than those from recent seasons. The heavier a deer is when it is young, the better growth and development it will have as it grows older...


Pointe Coupee hunter kills buck with upper canine teeth February 13, 2020 Louisiana, Louisiana Sportsman

...  It is a rare find to get a deer with these upper teeth, technically known as maxillary canine teeth ... Some researchers see it as a genetic throwback in the evolution of deer...


Three Acadiana Men Charged With Chronic Wasting Crimes December 2, 2019 Louisiana, KADN

... The men reportedly hunted and harvested deer in Texas and then transported the animals with head and antlers intact. This included brain and spinal tissue...


Beauregard man accused of theft for killing farm-raised deer October 31, 2019 Louisiana, KPLC

... killed a 2-year-old, 23 point buck, weighing more than 200 pounds and valued at $15,000...


LDWF makes chronic wasting disease testing service available to hunters October 16, 2019 Louisiana, Louisiana Sportsman

... Hunters seeking to have their harvested deer tested for CWD are encouraged to complete a new online form detailing the specific location where they have harvested a deer and then submit tissue from the animal to the nearest LDWF Field Office ...


After the flood: The bayou state's deer herd October 14, 2019 Louisiana, Louisiana Sportsman

... High water was prevalent the entire time that does were pregnant and extended into the fawning season ... To offset this loss, biologists have recommended that fewer does be harvested this season, which would allow for a higher-than-normal doe population to be producing more fawns in 2020... he browse that is normally available to deer was underwater, and many species probably died back..,


The 2019-2020 deer season has opened October 3, 2019 Louisiana, StMaryNow.com

...the outlook for the 2019-2020 deer season is mixed due to what was considered desirable growing conditions across portions of the state and historic flooding across other parts... timely rainfall and adequate habitat provided the new plant growth needed to meet the high protein and energy requirements to raise fawns.., [the 2018-19 report]


LWFC passes declaration of emergency modifying deer urine products ban July 2, 2019 Louisiana, KALB News

... It is unlawful to use or possess scents or lures that contain natural deer urine or other bodily fluids while taking, attempting to take, attracting or scouting wildlife, except natural deer urine products produced by the manufacturers or entities that are actively enrolled and participating in the Archery Trade Association Deer Protection Program ...


Deer urine lures may be on the way out in Louisiana January 14, 2019 The Daily Iberian

... Natural deer urine scent can be a carrier of the chronic wasting disease that kills most deer species, including moose, elk, mule deer and whitetail deer... A public comment period has been scheduled for the state’s hunters to weigh in on the proposals for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 hunting seasons ...


Deer, turkey hunters face major changes for next season/CWD concerns prompt new regulations January 9, 2019 Louisiana, The Advocate ·

... Chronic Wasting Disease, is the biggest reason for moves taken by state Wildlife Division biologists and the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries' veterinarian Dr. Jim LaCour for a proposed ban on the use by Louisiana hunters of deer urine as an attractant for whitetail deer...


Judge upholds ban on hunting deer with dogs in Kisatchie Forest December 24, 2018 Louisiana, NOLA.com

... Judge Dee Drell wrote in the Friday ruling that there was "substantial evidence" to support the Forest Service's decision and that attempts to call into question the data the federal agency used to support the ban were "unpersuasive." ...


2018 Louisiana Deer Forecast November 7, 2018 Game & Fish

... Deer numbers and harvest trends remain consistent ... Deer face many challenges ... none represent a bigger threat than chronic wasting disease...


To feed or not to feed? October 15, 2018 Louisiana, The Daily Iberian

... State Department of Wildlife and Fisheries game biologists recommend that deer hunters refrain from using supplemental feed to attract deer to the areas they hunt. The use of supplemental feed increases the chance of spreading diseases, including chronic wasting disease, among deer and other wildlife using bait stations ...


Deer hunters facing continuous CWD warnings October 6, 2018 Louisiana, The Advocate

... The recommendation against supplemental feeding came with the advice for landowners and hunters to increase native forage for the state’s deer through what biologists called, “prescribed fire, mechanical vegetation manipulation and application of appropriate fertilizers.” ...


LDWF recommends deer hunters discontinue use of supplemental feeds October 3, 2018 Louisiana, Bastrop Daily Enterprise

... The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries recommends that deer hunters not utilize supplemental feeds as this increases the chance of spreading diseases among deer using bait stations, including chronic wasting disease (CWD)...


The 2018-2019 deer season looks to be good September 25, 2017 Louisiana, StMaryNow.com

... “Lactation rates have improved slightly over the past 2 seasons, which points to improved recruitment. In addition, growing conditions have been fair to good for most of the state this year. While there are some dry spots, most of the state has received adequate rainfall this year to promote good growing conditions.” ..,


CWD front and center for deer season opener September 12, 2018 Louisiana, The Advocate

... the spread of CWD from the western U.S., at least in part, can be traced to deer and other animals in the cervid family moved to other parts of the country ... Louisiana’s three neighboring states have CWD ...  plan to test as many as 300 deer in East Carroll, Madison and Tensas parishes ...


Louisiana free of deer disease, but wildlife agents remain alert August 5, 2018, KTBS

... This past January, Mississippi found chronic wasting disease in a deer in Issaquena County which is about 4 miles from the Mississippi-Louisiana line, across from Madison Parish,” ... currently we are listing CWD free for the state of Louisiana ...


Deer Hunters being cautioned about the use of deer urine lures August 3, 2018 Louisiana, KLFY News 10 

... The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is cautioning deer hunters about the use of deer urine lures because of the potential these products could contain chronic wasting disease (CWD) ... Urine production and sale is not regulated by any state or federal agency...


Chronic wasting disease killing deer across the U.S. and Canada July 23, 2018, Louisiana, Farm Press

...  introduced a bill that will require the secretary of agriculture to partner with the National Research Council of the National Academies of Science to identify the ways CWD is transmitted ... says Abraham, Alto, La... HR 6272 ...


Dr. Berry speaks at Ferriday Rotary about deer disease July 18, 2018 Louisiana, The Franklin Sun

...deer that were killed were buried six feet where they were found.  “We didn’t want the chance of any of the samples spilling out on any other land,” he said... 67 deer were collected from Tensas Parish, 87 from East Carroll and 146 from Madison... not detected in any of the parishes...


A Deer Disease Is Getting Congressional Attention In Louisiana July 15, 2018 Louisiana, 1130 The Tiger

... Louisiana Congressman Ralph Abraham is backing legislation for more in depth studies of the CWD form of the disease. Abraham says there is a financial benefit for the state in ensuring a healthy deer population...


Louisiana drops ban on feeding deer in 3 parishes June 7, 2018 WCBI

... The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission ended the ban in Tensas, Madison and East Carroll parishes Thursday, after state biologists reported that they haven’t found any sign in Louisiana of a fatal brain infection [chronic wasting disease] found in a deer near the state line in Mississippi...


No chronic wasting disease found in Louisiana deer, so far April 6, 2018 Louisiana, WRAL

...  There are no signs that a disease found in a buck in Mississippi earlier this year has spread to deer in Louisiana... tested 188 deer from the three northeast Louisiana parishes. Results are available on 114 ...


No chronic wasting disease found in Louisiana deer, so far April 6, 2018 Louisiana, WRAL

...  There are no signs that a disease found in a buck in Mississippi earlier this year has spread to deer in Louisiana... tested 188 deer from the three northeast Louisiana parishes. Results are available on 114 ...


LDWF seeking license fee increases February 26, 2018 Louisiana, Louisiana Sportsman

... The three-pronged approach would streamline the number of hunting and fishing licenses offered from 117 to 30 and bring the department’s fee structure in line with other Gulf states, focus on internal steps to save money and also capitalize on available federal dollars ...


Louisiana Operation Game Thief, Inc. issued $4800 in rewards at meeting February 7, 2018 Louisiana, WAFB.com

... The cases reviewed and awarded money to the public for their assistance consisted of 10 deer cases ... To make a donation to the LOGT that can be used for cash rewards, please contact Lt. Will Roberts at wroberts@wlf.la.gov


LDWF amends proposed notice of intent for 2018-19 hunting seasons rules, regulations February 2, 2018 Louisiana, KATC Lafayette News

... To view the full notices of intent and all proposed hunting season dates and regulation changes, visit http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/action-items. Public comment will be accepted at LWFC monthly meetings through April 5 ...


The Great Deer Comeback January 10, 2018 Louisiana, Country Roads Magazine

... Biologists estimate that Louisiana’s deer population dropped from several hundred thousand in 1700 to an estimated 70,000 by the early 1900s. In some areas, the deer disappeared altogether... The stocking program lasted from 1949 to 1969, with 3,378 deer being released in 9 regions... less than 1,000 deer were harvested in the 1948-49 season, 16,500 were taken in 1960-61...


The Great Decimation, The Collapse of the Louisiana Deer Population November 22, 2017 Country Roads Magazine

...  Hide hunters, who paid just one dollar for a commercial license, were depleting the herd the locals depended on for food... Biologists estimate that Louisiana’s deer population dropped from several hundred thousand in 1700 to an estimated 70,000 animals by the early 1900s. In some areas, deer disappeared completely..,


LDWF battles chronic wasting disease in deer population November 12, 2017 Louisiana, KTBS

... The state tested more 360 deer in 2015 and 2016 and to date there has been no positive case in Louisiana. But once again, this year they are asking for donations of deer heads from specific areas...


Deer season underway and outlook similar to 2016 October 20, 2017 Louisiana, StMaryNow.com

... The problem with a burgeoning hog population is hogs directly compete with deer for food resources. They also prey on fawns and carry diseases such as leptospirosis and brucellosis.  It will take intense management effort to come even close to putting a dent in hog populations, as the animal’s reproductive rate far exceeds that of deer..,


Louisiana's deer habitat in decline October 11, 2017 Louisiana Sportsman

... In the 90s, timber companies and foresters on private land began a new forestry program that involved the chemical treatment of hardwood species to remove them from the pine forest. This intense management work has resulted in a dramatic decline of available browse. Pine timber stands became void of the hardwood species that provide browse for deer...


Deer numbers on the decline September 12, 2017 Louisiana, Louisiana Sportsman

...One of the goals of either-sex hunting is to keep the herd in balance with available habitat providing nutrition necessary for good body growth and antler development. Of course the real problem was that most herds consisted of high numbers of 1 ½-year-old bucks with few being adults... about this same time changes in the landscape began to take their toll on the deer habitat...


Regulations in effect to prevent chronic wasting disease from reaching La. deer population September 6, 2017 Louisiana, KPLC-TV

... No person shall import, transport or possess any cervid carcass or part of a cervid carcass originating outside of Louisiana, except: for meat that is cut and wrapped ... 


Promising signs for Louisiana's 2017 deer season August 30,2017 NOLA.com

...  the wettest summer on record ... All that rain has been like spreading Miracle-Gro on the state’s deer habitat ...  lactation rates rebounded during the 2016-17 season ... Deer harvest was down 11 percent last season to 138,000 animals... abundance of hogs in Louisiana continues to be a concern ... [read the 2016-17 report] ..,


Supplemental feeding in better focus August 22, 2017 Louisiana, Louisiana Sportsman... supplemental feeding of deer had been legal in Mississippi, it was just highly regulated... restrictions on corn to just the short December 1 to February 28 ... feeder can now be in plain view, it still must be at least 100 yards or more away from the hunter...

Louisiana Deer Archive:    Population and Management, Deer in the News,   Disease

Louisiana data:  Drought and heat in 2023 reduced deer populations.  In their 2019 report the state re-estimated the deer harvest for 2012 to 2018.  Using this data and commentary summarized below, gives an estimate of 545,000 deer in 2019 and 2018, up somewhat from 540,000 in 2017.  The state estimated nearly 500,000 deer in 2016.  Using harvest data gives an estimate of 560,000 deer in 2015;  and 520,000 in 2014  For 2019 good rainfall increased fawn survival in the spring, but historic flooding later in the year reduced populations in some areas with poor fawn survival expected into 2020 due to poor food availability.   Doe tag numbers were reduced to allow the population to rebound.  


Adequate rainfall in 2018 and an improvement in lactation rates indicate an increase  in the deer population.  The record wet year in 2017 increased deer numbers.  A relatively wet year in 2016  provided good access to food in some areas but devastating floods in ohter areas reducing the population.  Spring rains in 2015 contributed to fawn survival, but drought in the fall stressed populations followed by flooding in late 2015 into 2016 that displaced many deer.  


The good mast crop in 2015 helped deer with good nutrition and reduced hunter success.  A major habit improvement effort in 2015 with planting of native oaks, cypress, ash, gum and pecan trees in bottomland and swamp forests.  A reduction in the buck limit to increase the adult buck average age is thought to have improved deer numbers.  The deer harvest fell by 16% in 2014.  Rain and a good acorn crop in 2013, but the population was down by about 20 percent from 2007.  


Droughts in 2009, 2011 and 2012 reduced populations into 2014.  The population has been trending down since about 2000.  The explosion of feral hogs that complete for food, kill fawns, and push deer out of some areas is thought to be a significant cause, also the loss of habitat as rural areas are opened for farming or urban development.   Coyotes have also reduced the herd.  Low fawn survival and potential disease causing low lactation rates.  Heavy doe harvest.


The outbreak of  Hemorrhagic Disease in 2012-13 reduced the herd significantly in some areas and there were also reports of the disease in 2015.  Some hunting areas were changed to reduce hunting pressure.  A minimum population estimate of 500,000 in 2012.


Populations in the southeast were severely impacted by high water from Hurricane Isaac in 2012 with 90 percent fawn mortality in some areas.  State wildlife officials estimated 500,000 to 750,000 deer in the state in 2011 (about 625,000).  Severe drought and high temperatures reduced the herd in 2011.  Source of graphic below:  LDWF.     

In 2014, 273,541 hunters took 139,900 deer. The deer population is higher in the north.  LDFW has changed some deer hunting regulations to support herd growth. Rainfall prior to 2015 had been lower than average for about a decade, reducing foliage and contributing to the decline of the herd.   A minimum population estimated at 500,000 in 2012.  The population trend was lower for the previous five years as a result of less timber cut reducing deer forage an cover, wild hogs, drought in 2012 and 2011, and floods in 2011.  A population estimate of 750,000 in 2009.


 A peak population of about one million (Moreland, 1996) with a peak harvest of about 267,000 in 1997.  An estimated 1989 and 1990 population of 650,000. 


Chronic Wasting Disease:  Discovered first on January 28th, 2022, in an adult buck harvested in Tensas Parish.  A second case detected on December 29 in Tensas Parish about four miles from Louisiana’s first positive.  More cases in 2023, seven positives were detected in January on one piece of private property in Tensas Parish.  For the 2022-23 hunting season there were 11 deer testing positive brining the total positives to 12.


History:  LDWF estimates 400,000 deer in the state prior to colonization.  Several hundred thousand deer in 1700, but in the late 1800s and early 1900s hunting, particularly by hide hunters, decimated the herd.  Large scale timber cuts reduced habitat.  Populations fell to their lowest levels around 1915 to 1925 estimated at 20,000 to 70,000.  A restocking program to rebuild the herd began in 1949 and ran through 1969.  


 Population Estimates:  67,000 in 1940, 200,000 in 1968.  About 1 million around the year 2000 and 500,000 to 700,000 in 2011.


Mountain Lion:  A sighting in 2011 and 2016.


Report Poaching: Tips can be made anonymously through a toll-free hotline — 1-800-442-2511.