Louisiana is expanding black bear hunting just one year after its first season in decades, more than doubling the number of hunters allowed to participate and more than tripling the number of parishes where bears can be hunted.

Louisiana approves more black bear hunting permits for 2025, with a season from Dec 6-21, and mandatory hunter training.

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission is moving forward with plans to expand the black bear hunting season. Last December, the state had its first season in decades, and the commission has approved a notice to raise the number of bear tags.