Louisiana Waterfowl Season Opens Saturday, November 22 — All Zones Go

Louisiana Waterfowl Season Opens Saturday, November 22 — All Zones Go

It’s that time once again. On Saturday, November 22, the regular waterfowl season opens for both the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) East and West Zones.
The blinds are brushed, decoys are stacked, and the marsh is calling.

Zone Dates at a Glance

East Zone: Regular season begins November 22.

West Zone: Already open (opened November 15) but this weekend marks the unified state-wide push.

Warmer* Weekend Weather Forecast (Nov 21-23)

Here’s the forecast you’ll want to watch — split between Northern Louisiana and Southern Louisiana for your hunt planning.

Northern Louisiana

  • Friday (Nov 21): High around 73 °F, low near 52 °F. Wind about 8-10 mph.
  • Saturday & Sunday: Highs near 72-74 °F, lows around 51-52 °F. Expect light winds (5-10 mph) from the north to northeast.

Southern Louisiana

  • Friday (Nov 21): High near 79 °F, low near 68 °F. Wind from the SSW or SW around 9-10 mph.
  • Saturday & Sunday: Highs around 76-79 °F, lows dipping to about 51 °F. Winds light at ~5-10 mph, likely from the SW shifting.

What This Means for Your Hunt

The mild temperatures mean you won’t be freezing, but the chilly lows in the mornings (especially north) mean dress in layers so you’re comfortable at first light.

  • Light winds are debatable:
    • On one hand, less wind can favor ducks hearing your calls in addition to less ripple on the water to spook birds.
    • On the other hand (and more popularly believed), less wind means less total decoy movement, ducks grounded, and overall a less quality hunt.
    • To compensate, hunters should use more motion decoys or jerk rigs, widen their spread, and set up with the sun at their backs to blind the ducks.

Southern zones with slightly higher temps may see more movement earlier, but birds tend to shift into more predictable patterns once the colder nights set in.

Final Thoughts

With both zones now officially open, this weekend is your kickoff. Whether you’re hunting rice fields, flooded timber, marsh canals or coastal ponds, use these weather cues to your advantage. Early mornings, fresh brush, natural cover and an understanding of how ducks respond to mild fall fronts will give you the edge.

Gear up, check your blind, set your decoys, and let the season begin. Here’s to a safe, productive opener across Louisiana.

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