Gov. John Bel Edwards praised the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for its maintenance of the “Sportsman’s Paradise” on Thursday.

Appearing for the first time at the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission meeting, Edwards called LDWF “Ambassadors of The State” for the way it is handling the state’s fishing and hunting programs.

 He described his visit to the commission meeting as a chance to show his appreciation for the work of the commission and LDWF.

“I want to thank you all for the work that you do,” he said, then directed special praise for the work done by the LDWF Enforcement agents and the dangerous situations involved in their day-to-day operations. He said they along with department biologists “sacrifice a lot to do what they do for Louisiana.”

He said he supported the recent effort by LDWF Secretary Jack Montoucet to push for more fishing opportunities for Louisiana anglers to catch red snapper. He said that sometimes there are disagreements on the red snapper subject. “It’s okay with me,” he said. “…We are not always going to agree.”

The governor urged the Commissioners to send questions or concerns they may have to his office, adding that “I want to continue working with all of you.”