The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC) adopted a notice of intent today for the establishment of permit regulations for aerial feral hog control.
 
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) developed the regulations in response to Act 592, signed by Gov. Bobby Jindal following the 2014 Legislative Session.
 
The act amends R.S. 56:112, to allow the taking of nuisance quadrupeds by use of aircraft.  The growth of the feral hog population, and the corresponding damage that they can cause, throughout Louisiana has led to an increased interest by private landowners to use multiple methods for feral hog control.
 
Under the framework proposed in the NOI, an aviation company could apply for a permit from LDWF to use an aircraft to aid in the taking of feral hogs.  A landowner, or a group of landowners, would have to contact LDWF and provide authorization to a permit holder to take hogs on their property/properties. Additionally, the landowner(s) could provide permission to the aviation company to use “subagents”, such as gunners or observers, to directly participate in hog control activity. The proposed regulations also outline safety training that subagents must complete prior to commencement of aerial hog control activity.
 
To view the full notice of intent, please visit http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/action-items.
 
Interested persons may submit written comments relative to the proposed rule to Camille Warbington, LDWF Wildlife Division, Post Office Box 98000, Baton Rouge, LA 70898-9000, or cwarbington@wlf.la.gov prior to Aug. 30, 2014.
 
The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana's abundant natural resources. For more information, visit us at www.wlf.louisiana.gov on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ldwffb or follow us on Twitter @LDWF.