Duck season is almost here in Venice, Louisiana, and hunters have two early-season opportunities to get into the marsh before the regular Louisiana duck season begins.
The 2026 early teal season is scheduled for September 19–27, followed by a special black-bellied whistling duck season scheduled for October 3–11.
For hunters ready to get back into the marsh, these early seasons provide an opportunity to experience the Mississippi River Delta before the regular waterfowl season gets underway.
2026 Louisiana Early Teal Season
Louisiana’s 2026 early teal season is scheduled for:
September 19–27, 2026
The early season is specifically for teal, including blue-winged, green-winged and cinnamon teal.
The proposed daily bag limit for the 2026 season is 6 teal per hunter, with a possession limit of 18.
Early teal season is one of our favorite ways to kick off duck season in Venice. Blue-winged teal are typically the primary attraction, and these fast-moving birds can provide exciting shooting as they move through the Louisiana marsh.
Hunters should always verify final season dates, bag limits and regulations with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries before hunting.
Early Teal Hunting in Venice Louisiana
Venice sits at the bottom of the Mississippi Flyway, surrounded by an enormous amount of coastal marsh and Mississippi River Delta habitat.
September teal hunts are very different from hunting later in the winter.
Warm temperatures mean early mornings are especially important. We leave the marina well before daylight, travel into the marsh, set our decoys and get into position before legal shooting time.
Once shooting light arrives, the action can happen quickly.
Teal are small, fast and often travel in groups, making early teal season a great way to start another Louisiana waterfowl season.
Hunters interested in joining us can learn more about our Venice Louisiana Duck Hunting Charters.
2026 Louisiana Black-Bellied Whistling Duck Season
Louisiana hunters also have another unique early-season opportunity in 2026.
The special black-bellied whistling duck season is scheduled for:
October 3–11, 2026
The proposed daily bag limit is 4 black-bellied whistling ducks per hunter, with a possession limit of 12.
Black-bellied whistling ducks are one of the most recognizable waterfowl species found in Louisiana. Their long legs, distinctive coloration and unmistakable whistle make them completely different from the traditional puddle ducks many hunters associate with Louisiana duck hunting.
The special October season gives hunters an additional opportunity between early teal season and the regular duck season.
Guided Duck Hunts From Venice Louisiana
Our guided hunts begin early.
We leave Venice Marina around 4:00 a.m. and travel by boat into the marsh. Once we reach the hunting area, we’ll put out the decoy spread and get everyone positioned before legal shooting light.
After the hunt, we’ll pick up the spread and return to Venice.
For hunters wanting to make a full trip out of their time in South Louisiana, Venice Louisiana Cast and Blast Trips can combine Louisiana duck hunting with some of the best redfish fishing in the country.
Make It a Multi-Day Venice Hunting Trip
Hunters traveling into Venice don’t necessarily have to make the trip for a single morning.
Venice Louisiana Hunting and Fishing Lodging is available for groups who want to stay in Venice and hunt multiple days or combine hunting with fishing.
That makes early teal, the special black-bellied whistling duck season and the regular Louisiana duck season great opportunities for groups traveling from outside the area.
Early Duck Hunting Season Is Almost Here
September marks the beginning of another exciting fall in Venice.
Early teal season gives hunters their first opportunity to get back into the marsh, followed shortly afterward by Louisiana’s special black-bellied whistling duck season.
Then we’ll transition into the regular Louisiana duck season and some of the best cast-and-blast opportunities of the year.
If you’re looking to hunt Venice this fall, now is the time to start getting dates on the calendar.
Check Availability for 2026 Venice Louisiana Duck Hunts
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Louisiana early teal season in 2026?
Louisiana’s proposed 2026 early teal season is September 19 through September 27.
What ducks can you shoot during Louisiana early teal season?
The early teal season is specifically open for blue-winged, green-winged. Hunters should confirm their target before shooting and check current Louisiana regulations before hunting.
What is the Louisiana teal limit for 2026?
The proposed daily bag limit is six teal per hunter, with a possession limit of 18.
When is Louisiana’s black-bellied whistling duck season in 2026?
The proposed special season for black-bellied whistling ducks is October 3 through October 11, 2026.
What is the black-bellied whistling duck limit in Louisiana?
The proposed 2026 daily bag limit is four black-bellied whistling ducks per hunter, with a possession limit of 12.
Can I combine duck hunting and fishing in Venice Louisiana?
Yes. A cast-and-blast trip can combine a morning Louisiana duck hunt with fishing in the Mississippi River Delta, giving hunters an opportunity to experience both fisheries during the same trip.