The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC) adopted notices of intent for the 2015-17 hunting seasons, the 2015-16 Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) general rules and regulations, 2016 general and WMA turkey hunting rules and regulations, 2016 turkey hunting areas, and seasons and bag limits at their Jan. 8 meeting.
The notices of intent include proposed hunting season dates and changes from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) for the upcoming hunting seasons and provide for a public comment period.
Some of the proposed changes include:
Adding pistols as allowable gear for primitive firearms season.
Modification of Deer Area 5 season for 2015-16, extending season by two weeks.
Adding bird dog training in some Small Game Emphasis Areas on WMAs.
Allowing UTVs to be utilized on ATV trails as long as the manufacturer’s specifications for that vehicle do not exceed the weight, length and tire restrictions for ATVs.
Prohibiting the use of nets, yoyos and trotlines on Big and Chain Lakes on Big Lake WMA.
Limiting the use of mud boats or air-cooled propulsion vessels on Biloxi WMA to straight shaft, long tail, air-cooled mud motors that are 16 total horsepower or less.
Specifying that crawfish traps or nets may not be left overnight on Grassy Lake or Pomme de Terre WMAs.
Prohibiting all nighttime activity during open waterfowl seasons on Wham Brake within Russell Sage WMA.
Change of Big Lake WMA Youth Turkey Lottery to an open youth two-day hunt.
To view the full notices of intent and all proposed hunting season dates and regulations changes for the upcoming hunting seasons, please visit http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/action-items.
Public comment will be accepted at LWFC monthly meetings from February through April and/or can be submitted in writing by mail to: Steve Smith, LDWF Wildlife Division, P.O. Box 98000, Baton Rouge, LA 70898-9000, or via email to ssmith@wlf.la.gov until 4:30 p.m., April 3, 2015.
Additionally, LDWF will collect public comment at public hearings to be held at the following locations:
February 23 beginning at 6:00 p.m., LDWF Woodworth Outdoor Education Center, 661 Robinson Bridge Road, Woodworth
February 24 beginning at 6:00 p.m., Ruston Civic Center, 401 North Trenton Street, Ruston
February 24 beginning at 6:30 p.m., LSU Ag Center (next to Burton Coliseum), 7101 Gulf Highway, Lake Charles
February 24 beginning at 6:30 p.m., Natchitoches Event Center, 750 Second Street, Natchitoches
February 25 beginning at 6:00 p.m., Caldwell Parish Courthouse, 201 Main Street, Columbia
February 26 beginning at 6:30 p.m., Slidell Municipal Auditorium, 2056 2nd Street, Slidell.
For more information, contact Steve Smith at 225-765-2359 or ssmith@wlf.la.gov.