The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC) adopted notices of intent for the 2013-14 hunting season and the 2012-13 Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) General Rules and Regulations at their Feb. 2 meeting.

The notices of intent include proposed hunting season dates and changes from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) for the upcoming fall hunting season and provide for a public comment period.

Some of the proposed changes include:

• Continuing restricted deer harvest for 2012-13 within Area 6, specifically on land within the Morganza Floodway from I-10 south.
• Modifying the deer season bag limit, beginning with the 2013/14 deer season, to allow for a hunter’s choice option: season limit will still be 6 deer per year, but hunter would have option to harvest as many as 4 antlerless deer.
• Amending the Primitive Firearm language by removing the pre-1900 designation to allow for additional types of firearms.  Additionally, specify that only Commission approved calibers will be allowed.
• Allow the use of air rifles for the take of squirrels, rabbits and outlaw quadrupeds.
• Allowing youths 17 or younger to use any legal weapon during the primitive firearm season on WMAs.  This would align WMAs with the change made during the 2011-12 hunting season on private lands.
• Providing additional opportunity to take feral hogs on Atchafalaya Delta, Pointe-aux-Chenes, Salvador and Pass-a-Loutre WMAs.  Additional opportunities to recreationally take nutria will be provided from Sept. 1 to March 31.
• Maintaining the deer season on Attakapas WMA established by Declaration of Emergency for the 2011-12 hunting season.
• Plus modifications to hunting season dates per species and regulations on select WMAs to provide additional opportunities.
• A nine-day “with or without dogs” deer season on Kisatchie National Forest, December 15 to 23, 2012, bucks only.

To view the full notice of intent and all proposed hunting season dates and regulations changes for the upcoming hunting season, please visit http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/action-items.

Public comment will be accepted at LWFC monthly meetings from March through May and/or can be submitted in writing by mail to: Randy Myers, Wildlife Division, LDWF, PO Box 98000, Baton Rouge, LA 70898-9000, until May 3, or by email to rmyers@wlf.la.gov through that same date.

The public meeting schedule for the proposed hunting season dates, general hunting regulations and WMA regulations is as follows:

March 13 at 6 p.m., Alexandria Convention Hall located at 915 Third St.

March 13 at 6:30 p.m., LDWF Office in Minden located at 9961 Hwy. 80.

March 14 at 6:30 p.m., Yambilee Festival Bldg., 1939 W. Landry, Opelousas

March 15 at 6 p.m., Bastrop Visitor Center, 124 N. Washington St.

March 15 at 6:30 p.m., LSU Ag Center, 7101 Gulf Hwy., Lake Charles.

March 21 at 6 p.m., St. John Parish Council Chambers, 1801 W. Airline Hwy., Laplace

For more information, contact Randy Myers at 225-765-2359 or rmyers@wlf.la.gov.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Louisiana Adopts Notices of Intent for 2012-14 Hunting Seasons, Hunting Regulations and W.M.A. Rules

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) and the Louisiana Outdoor Writers Association (LOWA) are encouraging hunters 15 years of age or younger to enter the 2011 Youth Hunter of the Year competition.

The contest requires youth hunters to submit a story about their hunting experience along with photographs of the hunt.  LDWF and LOWA will then select a male and female youth hunter of the year based upon the stories and photos that are received.

Visit the LDWF website at http://www.wlf.state.la.us/hunting/youth-hunter-registry-program for information on the Youth Hunter Registry Program and the2011 Youth Hunter of the Year Contest.

Youth hunters who participated in any hunting activity during the 2011-12 hunting season are encouraged to participate.  This is not a big buck or turkey contest. The program is about youths enjoying a hunting experience, with or without success, and keeping the hunting tradition alive in Louisiana. The deadline to enter the 2011 Youth Hunter of the Year Contest is June 30, 2012.

The two winners will be recognized at the Louisiana Outdoor Writers Conference this summer.  Winners will receive a plaque in recognition of their achievement and a gift certificate from Bowie Outfitters in Baton Rouge.

Additionally, all participants who register their 2011-12 hunting experiences with the Youth Hunter Registry Program will be eligible to win a gift certificate from Bowie Outfitters (winner to be selected by a random drawing).

For more information, contact Scott Durham at 225-765-2351 or sdurham@wlf.la.govor David Moreland at 225-978-6552 or helfinroots@hotmail.com.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Louisiana Youth Can Register Now for 2011 Hunter of the Year Awards

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division agents arrested a Texas man for allegedly driving while intoxicated (DWI) and numerous wildlife management area violations on the Elmer’s Island Wildlife Refuge in Jefferson Parish on Jan. 24.

Agents arrested Matthew M. John, 21, of Bullard, Texas, who is temporarily living in Rayne, for second offense DWI, failing to take a breathalyzer test twice within five years, possessing an illegal firearm, possessing a firearm and glass bottles on Elmer’s Island and simple littering.  John was booked into the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center.

While on patrol, Agents found John’s truck stuck on the beach.  During their attempt to assist John with his truck, agents noticed that John was under the influence of alcohol.  Agents then administered a field sobriety test to John, which he allegedly failed.  John refused to take a breathalyzer test.

Agents impounded John’s truck and seized his shotgun, which failed to have a minimum barrel length of 18 inches required under law.  John also allegedly confessed to throwing beer bottles on the beach that were nearby his truck.

It is illegal to possess any firearm or glass bottles while on the Elmer’s Island Wildlife Refuge.  John was also charged for a DWI in November of 2011 in which he refused to take a breathalyzer test.

Second offense DWI carries a fine up to $1,000 and six months in jail.  Failing to take a second breathalyzer test within five years brings a $300 to $1,000 fine and between 10 days and six months in jail.

Possession of an illegal firearm brings up to a $10,000 fine and up to 10 years in jail.

Possession of a firearm on Elmer’s Island Wildlife Refuge carries a fine between $100 and $350 and up to 60 days in jail.  Possession of glass bottles on Elmer’s Island Wildlife Refuge carries a $50 fine and up to 15 days in jail.  Simple littering brings a fine up to $75 or up to eight hours of community service in a litter abatement program.

Agents participating in the case were Senior Agents Douglas Danna and Cody Soileau.

For more information, contact Adam Einck at 225-765-2465 or aeinck@wlf.la.gov.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Louisiana DWF Agents Make Arrest on Elmer’s Island Wildlife Refuge

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division agents are seeking leads for information about the shooting of a bald eagle north of Farmerville in Union Parish.

On Jan. 13, LDWF agents were notified by a motorist traveling along Louisiana Hwy. 15 near Goose Elkins Road about a wounded eagle walking beside the road.  Agents responded and found a bald eagle with an injury to its wing.

The eagle was recovered and transported to the Wildlife Hospital at the Louisiana State University (LSU) Veterinary School of Medicine in Baton Rouge where it was determined the eagle was shot in the wing.  The eagle had to have the tip of its right wing amputated and thus will not be able to fly.  After recovery, the eagle will be placed in a zoo or other wildlife sanctuary.

Anyone with information regarding the shooting of this eagle should call the Louisiana Operation Game Thief hotline at 1-800-442-2511 or use LDWF’s tip411 program.  To use the tip411 program, citizens can text LADWF and their tip to 847411 or download the “LADWF Tips” iPhone app from the Apple iTunes store free of charge.

The hotline and the tip411 program are monitored 24 hours a day.  Cash rewards up to $2,000 are offered for information leading to the apprehension of individuals harming a bald eagle.  Tipsters can also remain anonymous.

The bald eagle is protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

The LSU Wildlife Hospital works largely off of donations to offer veterinarian care to this bald eagle and other wildlife in need of care.  To make a donation to the Wildlife Hospital, please visit www.wildlife.lsu.edu/donations.shtml

For more information, contact Adam Einck at 225-765-2465 or aeinck@wlf.la.gov

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Bald Eagle Found Shot in Union Parish Louisiana

A Livingston Parish man was sentenced on Jan. 17, 2012 in Livingston Parish Court for hunting deer during illegal hours, contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile and resisting an officer.

21st Judicial Division B Judge Doug Hughes sentenced Kevin L. Paille, 43, of Springfield, to pay $1,388 in fees and fines, complete two years of supervised probation and refrain from owning or possessing a firearm for two years.  Paille pleaded guilty to all three charges.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited Paille in January of 2011 after receiving a complaint about two people on foot hunting deer at night in Livingston Parish.

Agents went to the area and located the subjects one of which was a juvenile.  Paille was issued citations for the three offenses and booked into the Livingston Parish Jail.

Agents involved in the case were Sgt. Dane Thomas, Senior Agent Buck Hampton and Senior Agent Daniel Varnado.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Louisiana Man Sentenced for Hunting Violations

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division agents arrested a convicted felon on Dec. 19 for allegedly possessing a firearm illegally and booked him into the Bienville Parish Jail.

Ray McKinney, 37, of Benton, was found outside of Jamestown by a landowner deer hunting on property without the landowner’s permission on Nov. 25.  When the landowner confronted McKinney, he ran into the woods and became disoriented spending the night in the woods.

Rescuers from the LDWF Enforcement Division and the Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office located McKinney on the morning of Nov. 26 near Hwy. 507.

McKinney did not possess any of the required licenses, deer tags or hunter’s orange.  LDWF Enforcement Division agents cited McKinney on Nov. 26 for deer hunting without a basic or big game hunting license, without deer tags and failing to wear hunters orange.  Agents also seized a rifle from McKinney.

After further investigation, agents discovered that McKinney is a convicted felon and not allowed to possess a firearm as a condition of his probation.  A warrant was obtained for his arrest and he surrendered into custody on Nov. 26.

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon brings a fine between $1,000 and $5,000 and between 10 to 20 years in prison.  Hunting without a basic or big game license and without hunter’s orange brings a fine of $50 and up to 15 days in jail for each offense.  Hunting without deer tags carries a fine between $100 and $350 and up to 60 days in jail.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Lost Louisiana Trespasser Arrested for Illegal Gun Possession

Rescue personnel from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division, St. Mary’s Sheriff’s Office (SMSO) and the U.S. Coast Guard assisted in rescuing a father and son from Duck Lake in St. Martin Parish this morning, Dec. 27.

Russ Tircuit, 58, and his son Michael Tircuit, 25, both of Addis were rescued from the water about 8:35 a.m. by SMSO deputies and transported to the Franklin Foundation Hospital for hypothermia treatment.

Rescue personnel received a 911 call around 8 a.m. from Michael Tircuit that he was able to place on his cell phone.  Michael told the rescuers where they were and that they were clinging to the bow of their capsized boat.

According to Michael, he and his father were duck hunting and got into their 16 foot aluminum boat to retrieve a duck that was floating away.  The boat struck an object in the water, which caused the boat to take a violent right turn ejecting him and his father into the water.

According to Michael, his father was wearing a kill switch, which cut off the boat’s 90 horsepower motor.  When the boat came to a stop they were able to swim back to the floating capsized boat and hang on until rescuers were on sight.

“If the father was not wearing a kill switch, then this incident could have been a tragedy.  We have seen boating incidents similar to this one that turned fatal because the operator was not wearing a kill switch and the runaway boat hit ejected people in the water,” said Col. Winton Vidrine, LDWF’s Chief Law Enforcement Officer.

The LDWF Enforcement Division will conduct a boating investigation to determine the cause of the incident.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Louisiana Father and Son Rescued After Boat Capsizes

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division agents are seeking leads for an illegally killed black bear that was found floating in the Mississippi River in Pointe Coupee Parish.

Hunters in the area reported the bear to LDWF on Sunday, Dec. 11 near the old ferry landing. LDWF performed a necropsy on the bear at the recovery scene, which revealed the bear was shot multiple times and then probably disposed of into the river. LDWF is estimating that the bear was shot either a day or two before being reported.

“The bear was a lactating female meaning this action has left orphan cubs out there somewhere that will now also die as a result of this unfortunate shooting,” said Maria Davidson, LDWF’s Large Carnivore Program Manager. “Losing this mother bear and most likely her cubs is a serious setback for our plans to make the Louisiana black bear a sustainable game animal in the near future.”

When LDWF officials went back to retrieve the bear they found the bear had been decapitated by someone since the last visit to the scene. LDWF is warning the public that being found in possession of parts of a Louisiana black bear is against the law.

Anyone with information regarding this illegal bear killing or the whereabouts of the missing black bear head should call the Louisiana Operation Game Thief hotline at 1-800-442-2511 or use LDWF’s tip411 program. To use the tip411 program, citizens can text LADWF and their tip to 847411 or download the “LADWF Tips” iPhone app from the Apple iTunes store free of charge.

The hotline and the tip411 program are monitored 24 hours a day. Cash rewards up to $5,000 are offered for information leading to the apprehension of individuals harming a black bear. Tipsters can also remain anonymous.

“We have solved cases like this in the past with the public’s help and we are again asking for any leads that might guide us in the right direction” said Col. Winton Vidrine, head of the LDWF Enforcement Division. ”

This bear has no reported nuisance history and by all accounts was a healthy adult female Louisiana black bear.

The Louisiana black bear has been listed on the Federal Threatened and Endangered Species List since 1992. Citizens are reminded that killing a Louisiana black bear is a violation of both state law and the federal Endangered Species Act. Violators are subject to penalties of up to $50,000 and six months in jail. In addition, a civil restitution fine of $10,000 for the bear may be imposed on anyone convicted of killing a black bear in Louisiana.

With the number of bear and hunter interactions on the rise within the last couple of years, LDWF encourages hunters to carry bear spray and know a few simple rules. If possible, a hunter encountering a bear should back away and proceed in another direction. If a bear approaches, you should raise your arms over your head to appear larger and speak in a normal tone of voice to let the bear know you are there. If the bear continues to approach, wave your arms and yell at the bear. At this point a hunter could use bear spray to deter the bear’s approach.

Hunters should also be aware that baiting deer with corn artificially concentrates bears near deer stands. It is recommended that hunters either refrain from using corn for bait or use soybeans to reduce bear feeding activity. Bear encounters can be reported to 1-800-442-2511.

For more information, contact Adam Einck at 225-765-2465 or aeinck@wlf.la.gov.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Louisiana Black Bear Found Dead in Pointe Coupee Parish

A New Iberia man was sentenced in Federal Western District Court in Lafayette on Dec. 21 for illegally killing a Louisiana black bear.

Federal Judge Patrick J. Hanna sentenced Cory R. Ronsonet, 39, to three years of supervised probation, three years of no hunting privileges, a $3,000 fine and 300 hours of community service. If the fine is paid and community service completed within six weeks, then the probation will be reduced to unsupervised.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division agents initiated the investigation during the 2008-09 hunting season after receiving a public tip that a black bear had been shot then skinned and stored in a fashion to mount it in the future. Agents then found a black bear skin and its decapitated head on May 19, 2011 off of Daniel Lane near a subdivision in New Iberia.

During the investigation, Ronsonet admitted to LDWF Enforcement Division agents on May 31, 2011 of taking the black bear in question. Ronsonet pleaded guilty for violating the federal endangered species act for illegally taking a black bear in Federal Western District Court in Lafayette on Aug. 17.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joe Mickel and Howard Parker prosecuted the case. LDWF Senior Agent David Boudreaux was the lead investigator on the case and was assisted by Sgts. James Rhodes, Mitch Darby, Brian Theriot and Senior Agent Jason Romero. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Special Agent Phillip Siragusa also assisted with the investigation.

The bear had been a part of LDWF’s black bear program and was first tagged in 2000 when it was estimated to be six years old. The passive integrated transponder implanted during the initial capture was left in the hide when the bear was skinned and provided positive identification. LDWF had never received a nuisance call about this older male bear that lived mostly in the Weeks Island area of lower Iberia Parish.

The Louisiana black bear has been listed on the Federal Threatened and Endangered Species List since 1992. Citizens are reminded that killing a Louisiana black bear is a violation of both state law and the federal Endangered Species Act.

For more information, contact Adam Einck at 225-765-2465 or aeinck@wlf.la.gov.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Man Sentenced for Taking Louisiana Black Bear

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division agents cited a Winnfield man for alleged deer violations in Winn Parish on Dec. 1.

Agents cited Jeremy S. Rowell, 26, for possession of illegally taken deer, taking over the legal limit of deer, hunting without a basic and big game license and without deer tags.

Agents received information through their tip411 program about Rowell harvesting three deer on Dec. 1 in Winn Parish.  The investigation determined that Rowell killed three doe deer.

LDWF launched the tip411 program at the end of September as a part of their Operation Game Thief program, which may offer a cash reward for information leading to arrests or convictions.

To use the tip411 program, citizens can text LADWF and their tip to 847411 or download the “LADWF Tips” iPhone app from the Apple iTunes store free of charge.   CitizenObserver, the tip411 provider, uses technology that removes all identifying information before LDWF receives the text so that LDWF cannot identify the sender.

Citizens can also call Operation Game Thief’s Hotline at 1-800-442-2511.  The hotline and the tip411 program are monitored 24 hours a day.

Possession of an illegally taken deer brings a fine between $400 and $950 and up to 120 days in jail.  Taking over the limit of deer carries a fine of $250 to $500 and up to 90 days in jail.  Hunting without a basic license, big game license and deer tags are each punishable with a $50 fine and up to 15 days in jail.

Rowell may also be responsible for civil restitution to LDWF in the amount of $1,624 per illegally taken deer.

Agents participating in the case were Sgt. Rusty Perry and Senior Agent Heath Wood.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Louisiana tip411 Complaint Leads to Deer Violations