The Price of Louisiana Hunting and Fishing Licenses Will Increase in 2022

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All that's lacking is the signature of Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards (and sources indicate that he will do so) and the cost to hunt and fish in the Bayou State will increase beginning in July of 2022.

After a good run of twenty years with no increase to the purchase price of hunting and fishing privileges in Louisiana, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries cited a loss in revenue from oil and gas royalties as the need to up the price.

In an article from the Louisiana Radio Network, we learn from LDWF Undersecretary, Bryan McClinton, the increased cost is an effort to restructure fees to help the department become self-sufficient again. McClinton says, "This will get us a lot closer to being financially independent and it still stays with the North American Conservation Model user-pay that’s used throughout this country.”

While most will see modest increases to the cost of their licenses, we will see a benefit, that, to my recollection, we've never enjoyed before. This involves the restructuring of fees for the life of the license. Essentially what this means is that our licenses will only expire after a full year from the date of purchase.

In previous years, including this year, current fishing licenses expire June 30th of each year, regardless of the date of purchase, but according to McClinton, when the new law goes into effect next year, hunters and anglers will enjoy a full year from their date of purchase.

“The other great thing that this bill was just amended into it, is the 365-day license. This license when you buy it is going to be good for 365 days,” said McClinton.