Yes, you can legally kill raccoons in Louisiana, but only under specific conditions. Raccoons are one of only three animals (along with coyotes and feral hogs) that can be hunted year-round in the state, but the rules differ depending on whether you’re a licensed hunter or a property owner dealing with a nuisance animal.
Key Legal Requirements
Night Hunting Rules
- Raccoons may be hunted at night throughout the year but only with a .22 caliber rifle
- Can use one or more licensed hunters with one or more dogs and one .22 rim-fire firearm
- Hunting from boats is prohibited
Nuisance Wild Quadruped Rules (Non-Sport)
If you’re a property owner or designee dealing with a raccoon nuisance problem:
- May trap or shoot raccoons without permit during legal daylight hours only
- Must have written landowner permission if not on your own property
- This is for control purposes only, not recreational hunting
Relocation Rules
- Raccoons may be trapped alive and relocated to suitable habitat without permit
- However, many local jurisdictions prohibit releasing wildlife within city limits
- Always check local ordinances before relocating
What You CANNOT Do
Bag Limits Summary
| Time Period | Bag Limit |
|---|---|
| Trapping season (mid-Nov–end of March, private land) | No limit |
| Rest of year | 2 per person per day or night |
Bottom Line
Louisiana law allows raccoons to be killed, but you must follow strict rules: licensed hunters need a .22 rifle and bag limits apply outside trapping season, while property owners dealing with nuisances can only trap or shoot during daylight hours with permission. You cannot keep raccoons as pets, and you must notify the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries if you possess a sick or injured raccoon.
SOURCES :
- https://www.lsuagcenter.com/~/media/system/3/7/b/a/37baa7448b801ce35fb6e24ebe0713c0/crittercornerfeb2013.pdf
- https://legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=105088
