Louisiana Sportsman

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May 23, 2026

Matching the hatch is the first decoy rule for Creighton Ward. In the coastal waters of Plaquemines Parish, where mallards are almost nonexistent, he uses a mixture of species, including the pintails, gadwalls and wigeon shown here.

Seven keys to duck hunting success

December 1, 2018 Jerald Horst

Decoy rules from Creighton Ward. […]

A redhead captured in flight by Kevin Hynes

How to prepare trophy ducks

December 1, 2018 John Manion

The reasons duck hunters choose for mounting a particular bird are as varied as the waterfowl family itself. Regardless of why a bird is chosen for a trip to the taxidermist, duck hunters generally agree they want a finished product worthy for display.[…]

A U.S. magistrate in Alexandria handed out some tough sentences for two Louisiana hunters who pleaded guilty to shooting five wood ducks over an area baited with cracked corn.

LDWF: Two plead guilty to baiting ducks

November 29, 2018 Patrick Bonin

Two hunters who pleaded guilty to hunting wood ducks over a baited area received tough sentences from a U.S. Magistrate Judge in Alexandria this fall. […]

Black scoters are more common on the East and West Coasts of the U.S., but several have already been taken this season by Louisiana hunters.

Rare duck turning up in Louisiana hunters’ November bags

November 28, 2018 Patrick Bonin

Black scoters are sea ducks more common the East and West coasts of the U.S., but several of the birds have already been shot this season by Louisiana hunters. […]

Duck calling 101

November 24, 2018 louisianasportsman

There is a big difference between “Contest Calling” and “Blind calling.” What sounds good to a judge in a competition will not convince many ducks to come to your pond.[…]

Waterfowl dishes for your holiday table

November 17, 2018 louisianasportsman

Waterfowl dishes for your holiday table[…]

Gettin’ it all right — Duck-hunting tips for success

November 16, 2018 Kinny Haddox

Sometimes it just pays to be right in the place at the right time. That’s definitely the case with duck hunting.[…]

For many hunters in the Coastal Zone, a perfectly-timed cool front led to success Saturday morning.

Cold front aids opening-morning duck action in Coastal Zone

November 12, 2018 Todd Masson

A perfectly timed front seemed to be good news for lots of duck hunters when the season opened Saturday in Louisiana’s Coastal Zone. […]

The key to effective decoy spreads is to make them realistic.

Duck decoy spread details

November 8, 2018 Patrick Bonin

The waterfowl study leader for the LDWF comes across hunters’ efforts at producing realistic decoy spreads from his seat in the plane. Here’s his advice for the best set-ups.[…]

The partially completed November aerial waterfowl survey shows the lowest number of birds on record for Southwest Louisiana.

Partial aerial waterfowl survey: SW Louisiana shows fewest birds on record

November 7, 2018 Patrick Bonin

For the first time since 1969 when it began, the state’s November aerial waterfowl survey may not be completed this year due to inclement flying weather. […]

Top tactics for public waterfowling success

October 30, 2018 Darren Digby

With so many quality options for chasing waterfowl on the Bayou State’s public land, most hunters usually find a few birds for the pot.[…]

Mowata hunter downs South American ringed teal

October 1, 2018 Patrick Bonin

Working on a rice farm in Acadia Parish definitely gave Phillip Zaunbrecher an advantage in keeping an eye out on the whereabouts of teal this season — but even his job didn’t prepare him for the special bird he knocked down on Friday, Sept. 21.[…]

Teal opening weekend produces mixed results

September 18, 2018 Patrick Bonin

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ aerial survey last week indicated only a fraction of the typical numbers of blue-winged teal had arrived in the state ahead of opening weekend— and for the most part, hunters who ventured out Saturday and Sunday validated those estimates.[…]

LDWF: Teal numbers plummet for aerial survey

September 14, 2018 Patrick Bonin

Looks like there might be more mosquitoes than teal during tomorrow morning’s opener for the 16-day Louisiana teal season.[…]

Scouting for teal

September 10, 2018 Darren Digby

Teal hunters with the ability to move around a bit would do well to put in some scouting time for best odds on opening day.[…]

Part of the reason Ordinance 18-41 was presented to the Plaquemines Parish Council was to restrict the use of mud motors in the parish, according to Councilman Jeff Edgecombe, who introduced the legislation last spring.

Plaquemines Parish to charge hunting fees on parish-owned land outside the levees

September 6, 2018 Patrick Bonin

An ordinance passed unanimously with little fanfare last April by the Plaquemines Parish Council will require duck and deer hunters who go on parish-owned land outside the levees to sign a hold harmless agreement — and pay an annual fee that will cost $50 for parish residents and $250 for non-residents.[…]