Louisiana's longest running outdoor magazine will return to print in the fall of 2016.
The Louisiana Conservationist had been the long-standing outdoor publication for Louisiana’s wildlife and fisheries enthusiasts. For decades the magazine was mailed to the home of every hunting and fishing license holder in the state. In 2011, the production of this historical publication ceased due to proliferation of less expensive information vehicles, particularly online content distribution.
“For generations, the Conservationist’s descriptive stories and informative features have resonated with families across the state”, said Governor John Bel Edwards. “When the magazine was discontinued in 2010, it left a void in both homes and classrooms that benefited from the bridge it created between the state and the public.
I am thrilled that the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is reviving this 87-year-old tradition. The Conservationist serves as both an educational asset and a treasured portrayal of Louisiana’s wondrous outdoors.”
“I grew up reading the Louisiana Conservationist and credit this publication for my interest in the Louisiana outdoors as a kid,” said LDWF Secretary Charlie Melancon. “Many sportsmen and nature lovers across the state have a very close connection to this magazine and have requested we revive this historical publication. This is not only a great educational resource for our constituents, it’s a tremendous introduction of the Louisiana outdoors to our youth.”
The Louisiana Conservationist is a 90-year-old publication that began in 1917 when Lucy Powell Russell became the first female to serve as the Secretary of the state's wildlife agency.
During her progressive tenure, she led the Louisiana Fisheries Commission in publishing its first wildlife magazine. Its first issue was titled Louisiana Conservation News. Over the years, the magazine has taken several forms, all the while, maintaining its mission of serving as a medium between the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and the residents of Louisiana.
The magazine will return to print this fall on a small-scale basis as the magazine reestablishes writers, photographers and other contributors. The long-term goal of the magazine is to serve as an educational outlet for anyone yearning to know more about Louisiana’s outdoors, especially students.
The print publication will be a product of existing Department staff, and available free of charge on a quarterly basis from LDWF field offices across the state. The current issue, and archived issues back to the magazine’s inception in 1927 will be available on the Louisiana Conservationist website: http://LAConservationist.wlf.la.gov in the near future.