All individuals applying for 2023 lottery deer hunts must do so between August 1 and September 30th.  If you are applying as a group, please carefully follow directions below!  CLICK HERE TO APPLY

 

LOTTERY MODERN FIREARM DEER HUNT APPLICATIONS AND PERMITS

Application Period & Hunt Dates 

The application period for quota deer hunts will open on Tuesday, August 1st and will remain open through Saturday, September 30th.  The drawing will take place the week of Oct 2nd. Hunters will be notified by Saturday, October 14th. You MUST use this iSportsman site to apply.  Paper applications will no longer be accepted. 

The 2023 Lottery Modern Firearm Deer Hunts will be held on November 24-25th, 2023 and December 9-10th, 2023.  This year, hunters will have the option to select first and second preference for the hunts. Due to this, no secondary lottery drawings(re-draw) will be conducted. One drawing will occur per hunt. 

 

Fees

There is no fee to apply.  If you are drawn, you must then purchase a $20.00 Annual Public Use Permit (if you have not done so already).  There is no additional lottery hunt permit fee. 

Cash or money orders are not accepted at the Visitor's Center to purchase the Annual Public Use Permit. 
Annual Public Use Permits must be purchased through iSportsman. 

Group Applications

Applying as a group is a little different with this new system.  All group members must have an individual account as detailed below.  When the first group member applies, they will need to select "Create a group entry" on the first dropdown menu ("How are you entering?)".  With that selected, they will be provided with a group number to go along with their application.  THE GROUP LEADER MUST PROVIDE THIS NUMBER TO ALL OTHER MEMBERS OF HIS/HER GROUP.  When other group members apply, they will  select "Join an existing group entry" at the first dropdown menu. Groups allow up to 5 people per group.

If you are a new user, please create your account using the New User tab above. We realize that having to create an account is an additional step for our users, but these accounts will enable you to track your application status, permits, and purchasing without having to use complicated confirmation numbers and will simplify your life in the long run!

 

Youth Lottery Hunt

Application Period & Hunt Dates

The application period for quota deer hunts will open on Tuesday, August 1st and will remain open through Saturday, September 30th.  Hunters will be notified of their drawing status no later than 11:59 pm on Saturday, October 14, 2023.  You MUST use this iSportsman site to apply.  Paper applications will no longer be accepted.

The 2023 Lottery Youth Hunt will be held on December 16th, 2023.  Duplicate applications will be disqualified. Groups are not allowed in Youth Lottery Hunt. 

Youth hunters must register with iSportsman. Youth hunters must have their own account & username but they can use a parent’s email address to register. If the youth hunter does not register, they will not be able to enter the youth lottery. Parents cannot use their iSportsman account to enter a youth into the lottery, only registered youth hunters 15 and under can enter the lottery. If assistance is needed in profile creation, Tensas River NWR staff are available @(318) 574-2664 Ext 107, Tuesday –Thursday from 8:00 am- 3:00 pm.

 

Hunt Eligibility

Youth hunter or parent/guardian will have to show proof of eligibility on the day of the hunt. Youth hunters that cannot show proof of eligibility will not be allowed to participate in hunt. Proof of eligibility must be done by proving documents to verify date of birth. For the Youth Lottery Hunt, Youth Hunters are defined as those between the age of 8 and 15 years old. Accepted items are: driver’s license, state issued ID card, a birth certificate, Student ID, or passport.

Fees

There is no fee to apply.  If you are drawn, youth hunters are not required to purchase a $20.00 Annual Public Use Permit for this hunt. 

Cash or money orders are not accepted at the Visitor's Center to purchase the Annual Public Use Permit. 
Annual Public Use Permits must be purchased through iSportsman. 

 

Deer Full-Time Wheelchair User (Wheelin' Sportsman) Hunt

Application Period & Hunt Dates

This hunt is held in conjunction with the Tensas River Refuge Association and National Wild Turkey Federation and requires an application to be completed and processed. The application period for the hunt will open from Tuesday, August 1st and will remain open through Saturday, September 30th. 

Hunt Date:
December 2, 2023

Certification is required through the LDWF Physically Challenged Hunter Program (or similar out of state equivalent) and applicants must be classified as Class 1; wheelchair bound to participate in this hunt. Users must submit proof of eligibility to the NWTF (Ronda Johnson 318-349-4829) within 14 days after selection to be eligible for this hunt.

No Group Entries Allowed Deer Full-Time Wheelchair User (Wheelin' Sportsman) Hunt

Fees

There is no fee to apply.  If you are drawn, wheelchair bound hunters are not required to purchase a $20.00 Annual Public Use Permit for this hunt. 

Cash or money orders are not accepted at the Visitor's Center to purchase the Annual Public Use Permit. 
Annual Public Use Permits must be purchased through iSportsman.