Louisiana Farm Bureau Applauds Wildlife Commission’s Intent to Establish Whistling Duck Season

By Kristen Oaks-White

Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation

BATON ROUGE, La. — The Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation (LFBF) is applauding the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) for their intent to revise state hunting regulations to include a hunting season for black-bellied whistling ducks during the 2026–2028 seasons.

The proposed rule change would amend Louisiana hunting regulations (LAC 76:XIX, Chapter 1) to create a whistling duck season beginning in October 2026, addressing growing concerns from agricultural producers — particularly rice farmers — about increasing populations and crop damage caused by the species.

“For years, Louisiana farmers have raised concerns about the growing impacts of black-bellied whistling ducks on agricultural operations,” said Richard Fontenot, president of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. “We appreciate LDWF staff and the Wildlife Commission for listening to those concerns, conducting research, and taking steps to balance agricultural sustainability with recreational hunting opportunities.”

Through collaboration with LDWF, Ducks Unlimited, the LSU AgCenter, USA Rice, USDA-APHIS, the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, and other partners, attention has increased in recent years on the expanding black-bellied whistling duck population and its effects on Louisiana agriculture.

According to LSU AgCenter surveys conducted in 2023 and 2024, more than 61,000 acres of rice production were represented by respondents. Of those surveyed:

  • 74% reported negative impacts from black-bellied whistling ducks,

  • 64% indicated the population had increased significantly or marginally in recent years, and

  • More than 50% reported damage including stand destruction requiring replanting, yield losses due to reduced stands, and increased mitigation costs.

“Rice farming is not only a way of life for many families — it’s a major economic driver for this state,” Fontenot said. “When a species causes significant crop damage, yield loss and added costs for farmers, it threatens both farm viability and our food supply.”

Rice farming contributes more than $560 million annually to Louisiana’s economy and serves as the primary economic driver in many southwest Louisiana parishes.

Louisiana rice farmers provide hundreds of thousands of acres of working-lands wildlife habitat each year and have invested heavily in waterfowl conservation, wetland management and habitat enhancement for decades.

“In most cases, rice production and waterfowl have a strong, mutually beneficial relationship that Louisiana farmers are proud of,” Fontenot said. “The black-bellied whistling duck presents a different challenge — one that requires thoughtful management to protect both agriculture and wildlife.”

LFBF also acknowledged support from Governor Jeff Landry, Commissioner of Agriculture Mike Strain, and LDWF leadership for recognizing the need for mitigation tools to address the issue.

Fontenot emphasized that many farmers are also avid outdoorsmen and conservation-minded stewards of the land.

“This proposed season is a reasonable starting point — one that helps protect farm productivity while also expanding recreational opportunities for Louisiana’s sportsmen,” Fontenot said. “We appreciate the Commission and LDWF for stepping up to address this issue and for working toward solutions that benefit both agriculture and wildlife.”

For these reasons, the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation strongly supports LDWF and the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission’s proposed rule to establish a black-bellied whistling duck hunting season beginning in October 2026.

Read LFBF President Richard Fontenot’s letter to Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries here.

kristen oaks