COMPREHENSIVE FISH & WILDLIFE RULES ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
Project Update
The Natural Resources Commission accepted the Advisory Council's report and recommendations as to the public's suggestions for substantive amendments to the fish and wildlife rules. The Commission, at its March meeting considered a report by the NRC, Division of Hearings regarding substantive rules, and the Division of Fish and Wildlife's planned prioritization.
Proposed Nonsubstantive (Technical) Rule Amendments Update
The three Nonsubstantive (Technical) Rule Amendments have been approved by the Attorney General and signed by the Governor. These amendments are now effective. See LSA #09-44(F); LSA #09-479(F); and LSA #09-616(F).
Proposed Substantive Rule Amendments Update
In January 2010, the Natural Resources Commission accepted the Advisory Council’s recommendation that rules be developed to extend the running season for raccoons; to require the display of hunter orange on ground blinds; to increase the size limit for smallmouth bass; to develop a comprehensive deer hunting license that addresses all weapons and bag limits; and to allow hunting deer with crossbows by all deer hunters 65 years of age or older.
The Advisory Council also recommended that the Department consider additional rule amendments including a rule to extend the taking season for raccoons and opossums; to allow the use of live shad to be caught and used as bait in waters where they already exist; to increase the size of allowable cast nets; and to protect large catfish. The Advisory Council also recommended that the Department conduct a comprehensive review of all deer hunting rules to address deer herd management, including the implementation of an “earn-a-buck program” and allowing crossbows to be used during the firearms season.
Rule amendments have been developed by the Department’s Division of Fish and Wildlife to address these recommendations. The smallmouth bass rule amendment is prepared for further consideration by the Advisory Council. To view and comment on the proposed rule packages regarding fish and wildlife click here. To note, since the the small mouth bass rule amendment proposal is scheduled for review at the Advisory Council's December meeting, it is not yet available for comment.
