Home › Rut Map › Louisiana

When Is the Rut in Louisiana?

Rut phase dates by species and region for the 2026 season. Dates are typical windows based on latitude and historical patterns — weather and pressure shift them year to year.

Short answer: peak whitetail deer rut in Louisiana typically runs Oct 25 to Nov 28. Timing shifts by region — see the breakdown below.

Whitetail Deer Rut in Louisiana

Broken out by region — northern areas typically run several days earlier than southern.

Region Pre-Rut Seeking Peak Rut Post-Rut
North Louisiana Oct 20 – Nov 5 Nov 5 – Nov 15 Nov 15 – Nov 28 Nov 28 – Dec 10
Central Louisiana Oct 5 – Oct 22 Oct 22 – Nov 3 Nov 3 – Nov 15 Nov 15 – Dec 1
South Louisiana Sep 25 – Oct 12 Oct 12 – Oct 25 Oct 25 – Nov 8 Nov 8 – Nov 25

Wild Turkey Rut in Louisiana

Statewide timing.

Region Peak Strut
Statewide Mar 25 – Apr 20
How to use these dates. Rut timing is driven mainly by photoperiod, so the calendar windows above hold up well year to year. What moves is visible daylight activity — cold fronts, wind, and hunting pressure all shift when deer move inside those windows. Use the dates to pick your week, then use the daily forecast to pick your morning.
Check today's hunting conditions → Open the interactive rut map

More for Louisiana hunters

Louisiana season dates 2026–27Taxidermists in LouisianaGame processors in LouisianaPlan a hunt in Louisiana