Know the dates for this upcoming hunting season

Duck hunting season is here.

Officials want local hunters to know all of the important dates so that the season can be safe and successful.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries released its hunting schedule several months ago, dates that will rule the 2015-16 migratory bird hunting season throughout the state.

The season’s opening and closing dates vary based on location in Louisiana and species sought.

Duck hunting season is going to be under way for everyone beginning on Nov. 21 when the East Zone opens up – a season which will last until Dec. 6, then will open back from Dec. 19-Jan. 31.

Daily bag limits on ducks is six and may include no more than four mallards, two canvasback, one mottled duck, one black duck, three wood ducks, three scaup, two redheads and two pintails.

Below is the 2015-16 Migratory Bird Hunting Seasons in the state.

Ducks and Coots:

Coastal Zone: Nov. 7 – Dec. 6; Dec. 19-Jan. 17

West Zone: Nov. 14 – Dec. 6; Dec. 19-Jan. 24

East Zone: Nov. 21 – Dec. 6; Dec. 19 – Jan. 31 (including Catahoula Lake)

Youth Waterfowl Weekend: Jan. 30 in the West Zone and Feb. 6 in the East Zone.

Geese:

Coastal Zone: Nov. 7 – Dec. 6; Dec. 19 – Feb. 7

West Zone: Nov. 7 – Dec. 6; Dec. 19 – Feb. 7

East Zone: Nov. 7 – Dec. 6; Dec. 19 – Feb. 7

Canada Geese:

Coastal Zone: Nov. 7 – Dec. 6; Dec. 19-Jan. 31

West Zone: Nov. 14 – Dec. 6; Dec. 19-Jan. 31

East Zone: Nov. 7 – Dec. 6; Dec. 19-Jan. 31

Daily Limit on Canada geese: 1 per day

The possession limit on Canada geese is three per day.

See www.wlf.louisiana.gov for a complete listing.

A hunter stares down some ducks in the sky during a recent hunt. Know all of the seasonal dates for each hunting species.

FILE