Louisiana Wildlife Federation Opened Youth Hunter Contest
The 2026 youth hunting competition is now accepting applications from young residents across the state.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Hunting
Live Poll
Should communities promote youth hunting competitions to encourage outdoor engagement?
The Louisiana Wildlife Federation has officially opened applications for its 2026 Youth Hunter of the Year contest. This annual competition recognizes young hunters for their outdoor experiences, with winners selected from both boys and girls.
Why it matters
The program celebrates the dedication of young sportsmen and sportswomen to outdoor activities throughout the state. It provides a platform to highlight ethical hunting practices and personal achievements among Louisiana residents aged 15 and younger.
Eligible participants must be 15 years old or younger during their hunt, which must occur within the 2026 calendar year. Winners are awarded plaques and gift cards, though a successful harvest is not required to qualify.
The players
Louisiana Wildlife Federation
This organization represents over 11,000 members and manages conservation efforts and outdoor advocacy programs across the state.
Natalie Perkins
She was one of the two winners recognized for the 2025 youth hunting contest.
Madden Dowden
He was one of the two winners recognized for the 2025 youth hunting contest.
The details
To enter, applicants must submit an entry form, a short story, and photographs detailing their hunt to the federation. A panel of judges will review all submissions to choose one boy and one girl as the winners, excluding anyone who has won the contest previously.
Timeline
Eligible hunts must take place between January 1, 2026, and December 31, 2026.
The deadline to submit contest applications is January 31, 2027.
Winners will be recognized at the 61st Annual Conservation Achievement Awards banquet in April 2027.
Culture Shift
This contest aligns with the broader societal trend of promoting youth engagement in traditional outdoor hobbies to ensure the next generation remains connected to conservation. It builds upon the legacy established by the 61st Annual Conservation Achievement Awards.
Young hunters across the state can prepare their entry stories and photos throughout the year to document their outdoor experiences. Families should ensure their applications are finalized and submitted before the January 2027 deadline to be eligible for consideration.
The takeaway
Participation in the contest emphasizes the value of outdoor education and the preservation of state wildlife traditions. Interested families should focus on documenting the learning experience rather than solely on the harvest, as the entry story is central to the selection process.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in the Hunting community.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WNTZ - cenlanow.com.
Live Poll
Should communities promote youth hunting competitions to encourage outdoor engagement?
