The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will offer six public meetings in September at locations around the state to provide information and accept comments on a variety of waterfowl hunting topics.

 
The intent of each meeting is to 1) solicit public input on waterfowl hunting zones and splits, 2) discuss recent changes in goose hunting regulations, 3) inform hunters about changes in the timing and process for setting waterfowl hunting season dates, and 4) hear public comments on other waterfowl-related topics.
 
All meetings will begin at 6:00 p.m. and the dates and locations are as follows:
 
*Monday, Sept. 14: Bossier Sheriff Sub Station, 2510 Viking Drive, Bossier City, LA 71111
 
*Tuesday, Sept. 15: West Monroe Convention Center, 901 Ridge Ave., West Monroe, LA  71291
 
*Thursday, Sept. 17: Alexandria Convention Hall, 915 3rd Street, Alexandria, LA 71301
 
*Tuesday, Sept. 22: Estuarine Habitats & Coastal Fisheries Center, 646 Cajundome Blvd., Lafayette, LA 70506
 
*Wednesday, Sept. 23: Joseph S. Yenni Building, 1221 Elmwood Park Blvd., 2nd Floor Council Chambers, Jefferson, LA 70123
 
*Thursday, Sept. 24:  LSU Ag. Center, 7101 Gulf Hwy, Lake Charles, LA 70607
 
“We’re making a big change in setting waterfowl hunting season dates, and it is happening at the same time we have the opportunity to change our waterfowl zones and splits for the 2016-17 through 2020-21 seasons,” said Larry Reynolds, LDWF Program Manager. 
 
The 2015-16 waterfowl hunting season dates were set by the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC) at their August 6, 2015 meeting in Baton Rouge.  However, dates for the 2016-17 and future waterfowl hunting seasons will be established in the future during the normal period for establishing other hunting seasons in the state, which will begin with a Notice of Intent in January each year.  Establishment of zones and splits for the next five years is currently being considered by the LWFC.  A decision by the LWFC on zones and splits will be made during the November 5, 2015 meeting in Baton Rouge, thus these public hearings are the department’s attempt to gather additional public input for the LWFC to consider in their decision on zones and splits establishment for the next five years.
 
For more information, contact Larry Reynolds at 225-765-0456 or lreynolds@wlf.la.gov.