New residents in Louisiana will qualify for purchasing resident recreational hunting and fishing licenses after six months in state once Act 429 becomes effective on Aug. 1, 2014.
 
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) will offer resident licenses to qualifying new residents as authorized by Act 429, signed by Gov. Bobby Jindal following the 2014 Legislative Session.
 
“We hope more new residents will purchase their resident recreational hunting and fishing licenses sooner as the result of this legislation,” said LDWF Secretary Robert Barham. “There will no longer be a need to wait a full year to enjoy the state’s fish and game opportunities as a resident license holder.”
 
Act 429 reduces the time required from one year to six months to qualify as a bona fide resident for hunting and fishing licensees.  “Bona fide resident” means any person who is a United States citizen or resident alien and has resided in the state continuously during the six months immediately prior to the date on which he applies for any such license.
 
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.
 
For more information on Louisiana recreational hunting and fishing residency requirements, visit http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/licenses/fishing or contact Michelle Rayburn at 225-765-2881 or mrayburn@wlf.la.gov.