As October’s morning temperatures cool across the forested hills of Natchitoches Parish, the woods awaken with a fresh kind of excitement.  Opening day of youth deer season tends to be one of those magic mornings every hunter remembers. Many youth hunters – often paired with a parent, mentor, or guardian – spend hours in tree stands or ground blinds, watching for deer movement before sunrise. Some will see a deer in the first hour; others will wait all day. Regardless of the outcome, the collective energy is infectious, and memories are made.

The statewide Youth/Veterans deer season this year runs October 11 through October 17, 2025. Within Natchitoches Parish, this means youth hunters (17 or younger) and participating veterans have a full week – with all legal deer weapons allowed in many areas – to pursue deer before the general firearms season crowds the woods.

Because Natchitoches Parish lies in Deer Area 2 under Louisiana regulations, youth hunters may use archery, primitive firearms, or modern firearms (as allowed) during this week.  Always consult the official Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries booklet or website for any last-minute local restrictions, especially on federal lands or WMAs in the parish.

Nearby public lands like Fort Johnson North WMA (Peason Ridge), which spans Natchitoches, Sabine, and Vernon Parishes, also fall under forest and federal land regulation schedules. Hunters should pay close attention to how state and federal rules intersect on lands like Kisatchie National Forest within parish boundaries.

Source: www.wlf.louisiana.gov