Hunters Urged to Report Whistling Duck Harvest by Nov. 8
Louisiana wildlife officials remind permit holders that a harvest and effort report is required whether or not they hunted.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Hunting
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is reminding black-bellied whistling duck permit holders to submit a required harvest report by November 8. Only about 50% of permit holders submitted the report by the deadline.
Why it matters
The report is part of an experimental season data-collection effort required by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for continuing the season long term. Completing it is also a condition for eligibility for a permit in 2027.
Reports are due November 8 and can be submitted through the LDWF black-bellied whistling duck reporting page or Louisiana Outdoors on the LDWF website. The report must be completed whether or not the permit holder actually hunted.
The players
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
The state agency that manages wildlife and fisheries in Louisiana, issuing hunting permits and administering harvest reporting requirements.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
The federal agency responsible for conserving migratory birds and wildlife, which requires the data collection that supports continuation of the season.
The details
Permits for the experimental black-bellied whistling duck season were issued in October. Permit holders must complete a report on harvest and effort, and completing it is required to be eligible for a 2027 permit.
Timeline
October 2026: Permits issued for the experimental black-bellied whistling duck season.
November 8, 2026: Deadline to submit the black-bellied whistling duck harvest report.
2027: Permit eligibility requires a completed harvest report.
Season Trajectory
The experimental black-bellied whistling duck season is structured as a data-collection trial, with its long-term continuation depending on the harvest and effort reports the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service requires. Low reporting compliance, such as the roughly 50% rate so far, directly affects whether the season can be sustained.
Permit holders who fail to submit the report by November 8 risk losing eligibility for a 2027 permit. Completing the report takes the same steps whether or not the hunter went out, so it is a required administrative task for every permit holder.
The takeaway
Every black-bellied whistling duck permit holder must file a harvest and effort report by November 8, even if no birds were taken. Filing on time keeps you eligible for a 2027 permit and helps sustain the season.
What happens next
Permit holders must submit the black-bellied whistling duck harvest report by November 8, 2026, to remain eligible for a permit in 2027.
Further reading
Explore more on Hunting for seasons, regulations and reporting requirements.
More information
Submit your required report on the LDWF black-bellied whistling duck reporting page before the November 8 deadline.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Louisiana Sportsman.
