La. Rev. Stat. § 56:322 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 322
Seines or nets; size of mesh; classification as to salt or fresh water; crawfish traps
Status: in_force

A. The legislature recognizes the historic division of the state into saltwater and freshwater areas. The legislature also recognizes that this division is based in large measure on the variations of flora and fauna found within these two divisions. The legislature further recognizes that an exact line of demarcation is insusceptible of precise location by reason of the changes in water salinity caused by winds, tides, and rains. It is, therefore, the intention of the legislature that the following described boundary line easterly from the Texas state line to the Mississippi state line shall be used in dividing the state into predominantly saltwater and predominantly freshwater areas: The Intracoastal Waterway from the Texas-Louisiana boundary to its junction with Louisiana Highway 27 at Gibbstown, and then south to Louisiana Highway 82 and then east to its junction with the Intracoastal Waterway at Forked Island, the Intracoastal Waterway from Forked Island to Bayou Barataria to the Harvey Canal, the Harvey Canal to the Mississippi River, the Mississippi River to the Industrial Canal, the Industrial Canal to the Intracoastal Waterway, the Intracoastal Waterway to the Rigolets in Orleans Parish to the Louisville and Nashville railroad bridge, the Louisville and Nashville railroad right-of-way from the Orleans Parish line to the Mississippi state line.

B. The areas south of the above-described boundary line, plus the saltwater lakes known as Lake Maurepas; Lake Pontchartrain; Lake St. Catherine; Chef Menteur Pass, except that seven-tenths of a mile section from Bayou Sauvage south to the Intracoastal Waterway; the Rigolets; Unknown Pass; Pass Manchac; and that portion of the Calcasieu Ship Channel from the Intracoastal Waterway south to the Gulf of Mexico, shall be designated as saltwater areas.

C. The following provisions shall apply to saltwater areas:

(1) Hoop nets. For the taking of commercial fish, a person may have in possession or in use hoop nets with a mesh of not less than one inch square or two inches stretched after treating with tar or copper.

(2)-(4) Repealed by Acts 1995, No. 1316, §3.

(5) Monofilament, multifilament, or other materials.

(a) Except as provided in Subparagraph (b) of this Paragraph, the use and possession of trammel nets, gill nets, and seines constructed of monofilament, multifilament, or other materials is prohibited, except as provided in R.S. 56:318 and 320.2.

(b) The nets defined in R.S. 56:8 ("Mullet strike net" and "Pompano strike net") are not prohibited, but shall not be constructed of monofilament.

(6) Purse seines.

(a) The use of purse seines for the taking of finfish, other than menhaden and herring-like species, shall be prohibited in inside waters as delineated by R.S. 56:495.

(b) The use of purse seines for the taking of finfish, other than menhaden and herring-like species, shall be prohibited in outside waters as delineated by R.S. 56:495.

(c) Except as provided in R.S. 56:324, possession of red drum or spotted sea trout on board any vessel on which a purse seine is also on board, within or without the waters of Louisiana, is prohibited. Any agent who finds a vessel with such fish and equipment on board shall seize the vessel, fish, and equipment. Whoever violates the provisions of this Paragraph shall be fined eight hundred and fifty dollars per each hundredweight of red drum or spotted sea trout which are confiscated and shall forfeit each purse seine found on board at the time of confiscation.

(7) Unattended nets. No nets or beam trawls used for taking fish or shrimp from the saltwater areas of the state shall be left unattended as defined in R.S. 56:8, except such legal nets or trawls which are attached to a wharf at a camp and which are tagged with a department tag issued in conjunction with the gear being used. Any net or beam trawl which is seized for a violation of this Paragraph shall be considered abandoned. Hoop nets, without leads, may be left unattended in the saltwater areas of the state for the sole purpose of taking legal commercial catfish species.

(8) Repealed by Acts 1995, No. 1316, §3.

D. Except as otherwise provided in Subsection B herein, the areas north of the above described boundary line shall be designated as freshwater areas.

E. The following provisions shall apply in freshwater areas:

(1) Hoop nets. For the taking of commercial fish a person may have in possession or in use hoop nets with a mesh of not less than one inch square or two inches stretched after treating with tar or copper; however, a person may have in possession or in use hoop nets with a mesh of not less than two inches square or four inches stretched after treating with tar or copper for the taking of commercial fish from a freshwater lake located wholly within Caddo Parish.

(2) Seines. For the taking of commercial fish a person may have in possession or use seines with a minimum mesh of not less than two inches square or four inches stretched after treating with tar or copper, except as provided for in R.S. 56:322.1. No seine in use shall exceed one thousand two hundred feet in length.

(3) Trammel nets. For the taking of commercial fish a person may have in possession or in use trammel nets with a minimum mesh of not less than three inches square or six inches stretched, after treating with tar or copper. No trammel net in use shall exceed one thousand two hundred feet in length.

(4) Gill nets. For the taking of commercial fish a person may have in possession or in use gill nets with a minimum mesh of not less than three inches square or six inches stretched after treating with tar or copper, except as provided by R.S. 56:322.2. No gill net in use shall exceed one thousand two hundred feet in length.

(5) Wire nets. A person may have in his possession or in use only those wire nets with a mesh no less than one inch square or two inches stretched.

F. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the waters of the Intracoastal Waterway in Orleans Parish from the overhead power lines at the Interharbor Navigation Canal east to the Rigolets shall be considered both salt and fresh water for the purposes of authorizing the taking or possessing fish or the use or possession of gear. Commercial fishing operations in these waters shall not interfere with normal commercial traffic.

G. Repealed by Acts 1986, No. 904, §4.

H. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to shrimp or menhaden fishing, and nothing contained herein is intended or shall be construed to repeal, amend, or otherwise modify the provisions of law applicable to shrimp or menhaden fishing.

I. The minimum mesh size for traps used to harvest wild crawfish for commercial purposes shall be a hexagon of three-quarters by eleven-sixteenths of one inch. This measurement shall be from wire to wire, and any coating on the wire shall not be considered in computing the measurements. Crawfish may be taken commercially with approved crawfish traps. The openings of the flues and throats on crawfish traps shall not exceed two inches. Any administrative rule may be promulgated to implement the provisions of this Subsection and shall be promulgated in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act and shall be subject to oversight by the House and Senate natural resources committees.

J. Violation of any of the provisions of this Section, except for Paragraphs (C)(5), (6), and (7), constitutes a class four violation. Violation of any of the provisions of Paragraph (C)(5), (6), or (7) of this Section constitutes a class five violation.

Acts 1991, No. 868, §1; Acts 1991, No. 886, §1; Acts 1992, No. 49, §1; Acts 1992, No. 528, §1, eff. June 29, 1992; Acts 1995, No. 543, §2; Acts 1995, No. 583, §1; Acts 1995, No. 1080, §2; Acts 1995, No. 1316, §§2, 3; Acts 1997, No. 144, §1; Acts 1997, No. 267, §1, eff. June 17, 1997; Acts 1997, No. 1181, §1; Acts 1999, No. 423, §1; Acts 2001, No. 51, §1; Acts 2001, No. 333, §1; Acts 2001, No. 548, §1; Acts 2003, No. 274, §1; Acts 2003, No. 379, §1 Acts 2003, No. 1286, §1, eff. July 15, 2003; Acts 2004, No. 97, §1, eff. Nov. 15, 2004; Acts 2005, No. 226, §1; Acts 2010, No. 746, §1; Acts 2011, 1 st Ex. Sess., No. 33, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1782 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1782
Exercise of preservation rights
Status: in_force

A. The exercise of the right to preserve an abandoned railroad right of way as a transportation corridor for future transportation uses shall not be undertaken by the state or any state agency unless the commissioner of administration has issued to the Interstate Commerce Commission a certificate of availability of funds for the program.

B. The exercise of the right to preserve an abandoned railroad right of way as a transportation corridor for future transportation uses shall not be undertaken by any political subdivision or local governing authority of this state unless the entity has issued to the Interstate Commerce Commission a certificate of availability of funds for the program.

C. Any affected local governmental entity may request the secretary to make a determination to preserve a proposed abandoned railroad right of way as a transportation corridor for future transportation uses upon a showing for the need for such future use and after having filed a preliminary application with the Interstate Commerce Commission requesting the proposed abandoned railroad right of way be considered for preservation under the "Rails to Trails" program.

D. Nothing in this Part shall affect the property owner's right to compensation under any federal or state law. The provisions of Article I, Section 4 of the Constitution of Louisiana shall be applicable in determining the amount of compensation due the property owners under this Part.

E. Upon approval of a "Rails to Trails" program by the Interstate Commerce Commission, the governmental entity filing the application for the program shall, within one hundred eighty days, complete all acquisition transactions including the payment of compensation due the property owners.

F. The failure of the governmental entity to complete all acquisition transactions within the time allowed shall by operation of law release all preservation rights authorized by this Part and shall not be an encumbrance or cloud upon the title of the property or right of way subject to said preservation rights, reserving unto the property owners any claim for damages or compensation to which they may be entitled under state law.

Acts 1990, No. 1016, §1; Acts 1992, No. 881, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:787 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 787
Penalty for violation of Subpart
Status: in_force

Violation of the provisions of this Subpart constitutes a class two violation.

Amended by Acts 1981, No. 837, §3.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:713 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 713
Powers of director; hunting and fishing licenses; rules and regulations
Status: in_force

The director may prohibit all hunting and fishing within the lands so contracted for with the government of the United States for such period of time as is in his opinion necessary. He may also prescribe from time to time the open seasons for hunting and fishing therein, may issue special hunting and fishing licenses therefor, and may fix the fees to be charged for the licenses. He may prescribe the maximum number of game animals and birds and the minimum size and maximum number of fish that may be taken therefrom and the conditions under which they may be taken. All such rules and regulations shall be published in accordance with the laws, rules and regulations of the commission.

Amended by Acts 1974, No. 717, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:5 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 5
General powers and authority
Status: in_force

A. The commission, through its director:

(1) May sue and be sued; and

(2) Shall have and exercise all authority and power as was prescribed by law for the prior commissioner of conservation and the commissioner of wildlife and fisheries in relation to the wildlife of the state, including wild game and nongame quadrupeds or animals, game, oysters, fish, and other aquatic life.

B. Any function or authority vested to the prior commissioner of conservation and the commissioner of wildlife and fisheries concerning any of the resources under the jurisdiction of the director of the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, and all records, equipment, funds, and other assets in relation to such resources, are transferred to the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission.

C. The commission shall adopt rules and regulations, in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, necessary to protect certain of the state's natural resources other than fish and wildlife, especially such resources as standing trees which are otherwise protected by law but have no specific provision for enforcing such protection.

Amended by Acts 1974, No. 717, §1; Acts 1980, No. 795, §2; Acts 2010, No. 777, §2.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:104.1 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 104.1
Hunting permits for persons with physical disabilities
Status: in_force

A. The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission is hereby authorized to adopt rules and regulations for the creation and issuance of hunting permits for individuals with temporary or permanent disabilities. A temporary disability is one of such severity that it shall last for a duration of at least one year. The rules and regulations shall provide for the duration and costs of the permits and provide for disability classifications of "wheelchair user", "mobility impairment" as defined in R.S. 47:463.4(E), and "amputee of an upper extremity". Such permits may be issued only to those persons certified by a physician licensed to practice medicine by the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners. If the physician certifies that the disability is temporary, the person holding the permit shall be required to recertify to the department each year that such certification is still valid. The commission rules and regulations shall provide for special hunts for persons with disabilities, special deer seasons, and access to wildlife management areas.

B. During the formulation of the rules and regulations provided for in this Section, the commission shall request and receive advice and information from Louisiana Outdoorsmen With Disabilities, Inc.

Acts 1995, No. 1226, §1, eff. June 29, 1995; Acts 1997, No. 396, §1, eff. June 20, 1997; Acts 2006, No. 775, §1; Acts 2008, No. 51, §1, eff. June 5, 2008; Acts 2014, No. 811, §29, eff. June 23, 2014.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:325.3 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 325.3
Spotted sea trout commercial taking; annual quota; red drum commercial taking, possession, or landing prohibited
Status: in_force

A.(1) The commission shall establish a maximum annual quota for the commercial harvest of spotted sea trout taken within Louisiana waters or landed in Louisiana which shall not exceed one million pounds, nor shall it be less than five hundred thousand pounds. The commercial taking or harvesting of spotted sea trout shall be prohibited within Louisiana waters west of Mermentau River. The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission shall establish an open season for the commercial harvest of spotted sea trout which shall run from the second day of January each year until the maximum annual quota is reached. The commercial harvest or taking of spotted sea trout is prohibited during the period from sunset on Friday through sunrise on Monday, and there shall be no possession of spotted sea trout in excess of the recreational limit during the period between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. However, when not on a commercial fishing trip, a person holding a permit for the commercial taking or possessing of spotted sea trout may take or possess an amount not to exceed the legal recreational limit of spotted sea trout between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. during the open season and at any time during the closed season if that person also possesses a basic recreational fishing license and a saltwater fishing license or an equivalent license that grants both basic fishing and saltwater fishing privileges. Only a rod and reel shall be used for the commercial harvest of spotted sea trout. The provisions of this Section are subject to quotas and size limits as established by law and rules and regulations of the commission. Fish taken under recreational licenses shall not be sold, bartered, traded, or exchanged.

(2) The department shall monitor catch statistics for spotted sea trout and shall notify the commission when it is determined that the quota has been reached or is projected to be reached. When the quota has been reached or is projected to be reached, the commission shall by public notice close the spotted sea trout fishery to all commercial fishing in Louisiana waters. The closure shall not take effect for at least seventy-two hours after notice to the public. The closure and notice of closure shall provide that the purchase, barter, trade, or sale of spotted sea trout taken from Louisiana waters after the closure is prohibited. The closure and notice of closure shall also provide that the commercial taking or landing of spotted sea trout in Louisiana, whether caught within or without the territorial waters of Louisiana, after the closure is prohibited. The closure and notice of closure shall, in addition, provide that no vessel possessing or fishing any seine net, gill net, trammel net, or hoop net shall have a spotted sea trout aboard the vessel, whether caught within or without the waters of the state.

(3) Nothing in this Section shall be deemed to prohibit the possession of fish legally taken prior to the closure order.

B. The commercial taking or landing of red drum in Louisiana is prohibited. No vessel possessing or fishing any seine net, gill net, trammel net, or hoop net shall have a red drum aboard the vessel, whether caught within or without the waters of the state. Violation of the provisions of this Subsection constitutes a class 5-B violation. Aquaculturally raised fish, as defined by R.S. 56:356, shall be exempt from the provisions of this Section.

C. The commercial taking or sale by a commercial fisherman of spotted sea trout is prohibited except by special permit issued by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries at a cost of one hundred fifty dollars for residents of this state and six hundred dollars for those who are nonresidents. No person shall purchase spotted sea trout from any commercial fisherman who does not possess a spotted sea trout permit. No person shall qualify for a charter boat fishing guide license and a spotted sea trout permit during the same licensure period.

D.(1) No person shall be issued a license or permit for the commercial taking of spotted sea trout unless that person meets all of the following requirements:

(a) The person shall provide proof that he purchased a valid Louisiana commercial saltwater gill net license in any two of the years 1995, 1994, and 1993.

(b) The person shall provide copies of unamended, original income tax returns, including Schedule C from the federal form 1040, which show that the person derived more than fifty percent of his earned income from the capture and sale of seafood species in any two of the years 1995, 1994, and 1993.

(c) The applicant shall not have been convicted of any fishery-related violations that constitute a class three or greater violation.

(2) The commission shall adopt rules and regulations for the entry of commercial fishermen into the commercial spotted sea trout fishery. Such rules shall include the provisions of Paragraph (1) of this Subsection as minimum requirements.

E. The department shall not issue nor shall any person receive more than one permit or license to commercially take spotted sea trout.

F.(1) Violation of any provision of this Section, except Subsection B, or of any Wildlife and Fisheries Commission regulation pertaining to spotted sea trout fishery, shall constitute a Class 6 violation. The offender shall also be penalized as follows:

(a) For a first offense, the offender shall forfeit any spotted sea trout permit or commercial fisherman's license issued to him and shall be barred from obtaining a spotted sea trout permit or a commercial fisherman's license for the remainder of the period for which it was issued plus one year, during which the offender shall be barred from participating in any spotted sea trout fishery.

(b) For a second offense, the offender shall forfeit any spotted sea trout permit or commercial fisherman's license issued to him and shall be barred from obtaining a spotted sea trout permit or a commercial fisherman's license for the remainder of the period for which it was issued plus two years, during which the offender shall be barred from participating in any spotted sea trout fishery.

(c) For a third offense, the offender shall forfeit any spotted sea trout permit or commercial fisherman's license issued to him and shall be forever barred from obtaining a spotted sea trout permit or a commercial fisherman's license and from participating in the spotted sea trout fishery.

(2) Any person who participates in the spotted sea trout fishery while barred shall be penalized under the provisions of a Class 7-B violation.

Acts 1987, No. 382, §1; Acts 1988, No. 889, eff. July 21, 1988; Acts 1991, No. 157, §1, eff. July 2, 1991; Acts 1995, No. 1316, §2; Acts 1997, No. 527, §1, eff. July 3, 1997; Acts 1997, No. 1413, §1, eff. July 15, 1997; Acts 2001, No. 271, §1; Acts 2003, No. 1164, §1; Acts 2004, No. 96, §1; Acts 2010, No. 979, §1; Acts 2021, No. 356, §2, eff. Nov. 15, 2021; §3, eff. June 1, 2022.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1688.1 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1688.1
Civil penalties; assessment; administrative hearing
Status: in_force

A. The Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism is authorized to bring a civil action to recover the penalties established for violation of R.S. 30:2531(A) or (B) in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.

B. The department may elect to enforce the provisions of R.S. 30:2531 by adjudicatory hearing held in the district office for the parish where the defendant is domiciled or where the violation occurred. The defendant may waive the adjudicatory hearing upon payment of the fine.

C.(1) In any case in which the department elects to proceed by adjudicatory hearing, the defendant shall be notified in writing of the time and place set for hearing. Written notice for the hearing may be included on any citation or summons issued in connection with the violation or may be provided by certified letter mailed to the defendant at his last known address. The summons or written notice shall constitute notice to the defendant that failure to appear at the specified time and location shall result in the assessment of civil penalties and costs associated with the hearing. Notice given by certified mail in accordance with this Subsection shall be deemed effective fifteen days after the notice is postmarked and mailed.

(2) Either party may appeal a ruling of the administrative hearing officer to the district court in the judicial district in which the offense occurred.

(3) Once all appeals deadlines have expired, a ruling of the administrative law judge shall be considered final for the purposes of debt recovery or collection.

D. Any person who is assessed a civil penalty shall also be liable for attorney fees and costs of the adjudicatory hearing.

E. Any recovery of civil penalties shall be deposited into the litter abatement account within the Conservation Fund.

F. The secretary of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism shall promulgate and enforce the rules and regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this Section.

Acts 2025, No. 67, §1, eff. June 4, 2025.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:40.6 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 40.6
More than one defendant
Status: in_force

If more than one defendant is named in a suit or an adjudicatory proceeding brought under this Subpart, each defendant against whom judgment is rendered is jointly and severally liable for the recovery provided by this Subpart.

Acts 1988, No. 169, §2.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:116.3 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 116.3
Special provisions applicable to deer and bear; times and methods of taking; penalties
Status: in_force

A.(1) No person shall do any of the following:

(a) Hunt or shoot a deer or bear at any time with a firearm smaller than a .22 caliber centerfire, or a shotgun using a shell loaded with shot less than buckshot or rifled slug, or a bow with less than thirty pounds of pull, or other than arrows with broadhead points.

(b) Hunt or shoot deer while on a highway or road right of way, or stand, loiter, hunt, or shoot game quadrupeds or game birds while on a highway or road right of way that is maintained by the federal government, the state government, the state, or any parish, with a gun during open season.

(c) Take deer while deer are swimming or while the hunter is in a boat with motor attached in operating position; however, the restrictions in this Paragraph shall not apply to any person who has lost one or more limbs.

(d) Take or possess spotted fawn or parts thereof, except in accordance with the provisions of R.S. 56:105(A) and 171(A).

(2) Violation of any of the provisions of this Subsection, except Paragraph (1)(d), constitutes a class two violation. Violation of the provisions of Paragraph (1)(d) constitutes a class 5-A violation.

B. A licensee having a disability which totally and permanently prevents his using a long bow or other conventional archery equipment, as first certified by a medical doctor duly licensed to practice medicine in this state, and having an approved permit from the department, shall be permitted to take legal deer with a crossbow or a bow that is drawn, held, and released by mechanical means, and the taking of deer with a crossbow or a bow that is drawn, held, and released by mechanical means shall be permitted in the season in which deer may be taken by rifle, or a handgun, or a shotgun not larger than a No. 10 gauge, as well as in the special deer hunting season provided in R.S. 56:116. Magnified scopes may be used with crossbows.

C.(1) No person shall possess any of the following:

(a) Illegally taken deer or bear.

(b) Freshly killed deer or bear in the closed season.

(2) Violation of any of the provisions of this Subsection constitutes a class four violation.

D. No person shall hunt or take illegal deer or bear in the open season. Violation of this Subsection constitutes a class 5-A violation.

E. No person shall hunt or take deer or bear in the closed season. Violation of this Subsection constitutes a class six violation.

F. No person shall hunt or take deer from one-half hour after official sunset to one-half hour before official sunrise. Violation of this Subsection constitutes a class six violation and, in addition, the violator may lose all hunting privileges for a period of not more than five years.

G. A licensed hunter or tracker may pursue a deer that was legally shot and mortally wounded and dispatch the deer if the deer is found alive. Except in wildlife management areas, the licensed hunter or tracker pursuing the mortally wounded deer may utilize lights and a blood-trailing or tracking dog. No more than one dog may be used per tracking party in pursuit of the wounded deer; however, a second dog may be utilized for the purpose of deer retrieval training. Tracking dogs shall be on a handheld leash or utilize a GPS tracking collar. Any mortally wounded deer discovered alive after legal hunting hours may be dispatched by the licensed hunter or tracker by using a centerfire handgun with a barrel no longer than six inches and caliber no larger than .45 or smaller than .25. The licensed hunter or tracker may pursue a mortally wounded deer onto private property only if the licensed hunter or tracker has received verbal or written permission from the landowner.

H. Deer may be taken with pre-charged pneumatic devices only in accordance with the following:

(1) Pre-charged pneumatic devices must fire a projectile of at least thirty caliber in diameter and at least one hundred fifty grains in weight with a minimum muzzle velocity of eight hundred feet per second or any combination of bullet weight and muzzle velocity that produces muzzle energy of at least two hundred fifteen foot pounds of energy.

(2) Arrows or bolts used with a pre-charged pneumatic device shall conform to the same standards and requirements as provided for in this Section and may be used to hunt deer only during modern firearm deer season.

I.(1) No person shall hunt or take bear without a bear hunting license and a bear harvest permit. The commission shall promulgate and adopt rules and regulations to establish a lottery for the selection and issuance of bear harvest permits. There shall be a fifty-dollar nonrefundable entry fee for bear harvest permit lottery applications. Bear harvest permits and tags may be issued to successful and eligible lottery applicants at no cost.

(2) In addition to the lottery provided for in Paragraph (1) of this Subsection, the secretary may provide for the issuance of a single bear harvest permit to be subject to auction by the department, or by an incorporated nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of fish and wildlife resources, as determined by the department, which may be sold to the highest eligible bidder.

(3) All revenues derived from lottery applications and auction proceeds shall be deposited into the black bear account created within the Conservation Fund through the provisions of R.S. 56:10(B)(9) and be used exclusively for managing, conserving, restoring, and enhancing black bear in Louisiana.

Acts 1992, No. 966, §1; Acts 1993, No. 239, §1; Acts 1999, No. 255, §1; Acts 2001, No. 1210, §1; Acts 2006, No. 775, §1; Acts 2022, No. 215, §1; Acts 2024, No. 272, §1; Acts 2024, No. 443, §2.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:578.10 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 578.10
Seafood packaging regulations
Status: in_force

The secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is authorized to adopt rules and regulations in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act establishing standards for the packaging of seafood in Louisiana for wholesale or retail sale. Those standards may govern the quality, contents, and weight of all seafood packaged in this state. The Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board may make recommendations to the secretary for standards for the packaging of seafood. For purposes of this Section, retail sale shall not include food service establishments which only serve food prepared for on premises or off premises consumption as defined by R.S. 40:5.5(E).

Acts 1986, No. 1016, §1; Acts 2003, No. 1026, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:171 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 171
Wildlife; business of raising and selling; breeder's license
Status: in_force

A. Whoever desires to engage in raising, selling, or raising and selling domestic white-tailed deer or other domesticated deer native to North America; squirrels, rabbits, or other wild game quadrupeds; pheasants, quail, doves, or other domesticated wild game birds; domesticated wild waterfowl, resident or migratory; or their parts, on breeding farms or propagating preserves of which he is the owner or lessee, shall apply to the secretary for a license to do so. Provided that commission requirements have been satisfied, including payment of a fee of fifty dollars, a license shall be issued permitting the applicant to breed and propagate such animals and sell them alive, or in the case of domesticated wild game birds, to sell their parts and to kill and transport them and sell their carcasses for food, as hereinafter provided in this Subpart.

B. The state license expires at midnight on the last day of each December.

C. In the case of a breeder of wild migratory game and other birds, the applicant shall have received a like license from the federal government under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

D. Violation of any of the provisions of this Section constitutes a class two violation.

Amended by Acts 1974, No. 717, §1; Acts 1981, No. 838, §1; Acts 1986, No. 520, §1; Acts 1991, No. 110, §2; Acts 1992, No. 41, §2; Acts 1992, No. 528, §1, eff. June 29, 1992; Acts 2021, No. 356, §2, eff. Nov. 15, 2021.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1846 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1846
Management plan
Status: in_force

A. Within one year from the date a river is finally designated as a natural and scenic river, the administrator shall adopt and commence implementation of a management plan for that river which shall conform to the purposes and requirements of this Part. The plan shall be developed by the administrator in consultation with the division of administration, the Department of Environmental Quality, and the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism and with the advice of other agencies that the administrator determines may have an interest in the plan. The plan shall be in the form of a written document. The administrator shall provide copies of the plan to the division of administration, the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, the Department of Environmental Quality, and the governing authorities of those parishes through which the river flows.

B. Prior to the adoption of a plan and as part of the process, the administrator shall hold not less than one public hearing to receive comments and recommendations from all interested parties and the public. There shall be at least one public hearing in the vicinity of the natural and scenic river. The administrator shall, not less than thirty days prior to any hearing, publish a notice of the hearing in the official journal of the state and of each parish through which the river flows and notify each parish governing authority by letter to its chief executive officer. The administrator shall give notice to all interested parties, including adjacent landowners.

C. Each management plan shall be reviewed at least every five years from adoption and may be modified in the same manner and procedure as provided for adopting the original plan.

D. Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection A of this Section, the development of the management plan for those natural and scenic rivers designated prior to January 1, 1989, shall be commenced no later than January 1, 1990.

Added by Acts 1970, No. 398, §1; Amended by Acts 1988, No. 947, §1, eff. July 27, 1988; Acts 2004, No. 33, §4.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:11 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 11
Bond of director and employees
Status: in_force

The director shall give, for the faithful performance of the duties of his office, a bond in the sum of five thousand dollars, with security, in favor of the governor for the benefit of the people. Each employee of the commission other than the director likewise shall give a bond, with security, in the sum of one thousand dollars. In case of forfeiture of any bond and recovery thereon, the amount recovered shall be placed in the general fund of the commission. However, pursuant to the provisions of R.S. 42:206, the commission shall be authorized to pay the premium on any such bond required to be given in favor of the state by the director or any employee of the commission.

Amended by Acts 1974, No. 717, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:2033 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 2033
General compliances; enhancement
Status: in_force

A. No provision of this Chapter shall be construed so as to exempt the district from compliance with the provisions of Louisiana laws pertaining to open meetings, public records, fiscal agents, official journals, dual officeholding and employment, public bidding for the purchase of supplies and materials and construction of public works, coastal use permits, the Code of Governmental Ethics, the Right to Property in Article I, Section 4 of the Constitution of Louisiana, and the Louisiana Election Code.

B. The district shall have the power and right to adopt a program or programs awarding contracts to, and establishing set-aside goals and preference procedures for the benefit of, businesses owned and operated by socially or economically disadvantaged persons in accordance with any of the provisions of R.S. 38:2233 and of Chapter 19 of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, entitled "Louisiana Minority Business Enterprise Act".

C. The district shall annually prepare a financial report which shall be presented to the legislative auditor pursuant to the provisions of R.S. 24:513. The auditor shall thereafter publish his findings in the district's official journal. All expenses associated with this Section shall be borne by the district.

Acts 1991, No. 179, §1, eff. July 2, 1991.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1431 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1431
Bayou Liberty; clearing; expropriation prohibited
Status: in_force

A. Bayou Liberty, from its intersection with U.S. Highway 190 south to its intersection with Louisiana Highway 433 in St. Tammany Parish, may need periodic clearing of debris to ensure the free flow of water through the waterway in order to maintain its scenic and historic beauty and to assist in flood control efforts. Such clearing efforts shall take place only in that portion of the bayou from the center of the waterway to the low watermark on the banks without channelization, and without affecting any marsh or any live cypress or other trees below the low watermark. In addition, all clearing that may be necessary to maintain an open channel shall be performed only through the use of water-based equipment except in that portion of the bayou lying directly under or within one hundred feet of a point directly under the Tammany Trace foot bridge over Bayou Liberty, which portion of the channel may be cleared by other means.

B. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, no property abutting that portion of Bayou Liberty from U.S. Highway 190 south to Louisiana Highway 433 shall be expropriated by the state, a political subdivision or a public or private entity for any purpose.

C. Should any or all provisions of Subsection B herein be declared unenforceable by final judgment, notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, no public funds of the state, political subdivision or other public entity shall be used to expropriate property abutting that portion of Bayou Liberty from U.S. Highway 190 south to Louisiana Highway 433.

D. Should any or all provisions of Subsection B herein be declared unenforceable by final judgment, no property abutting that portion of Bayou Liberty from U.S. Highway 190 south to Louisiana Highway 433 shall be expropriated by the state, a political subdivision or a public or private entity unless the court finds that great public loss or inconvenience will result if the expropriation does not occur.

E. Subject to conditions stated herein, the Department of Conservation and Energy is hereby authorized to purchase property along that portion of Bayou Liberty from its headwaters to U.S. Hwy. 190 to be used as conservation easements. The purchase of property for conservation easements shall only be authorized if and when funding for the purchase is appropriated for that purpose by the legislature.

F. The provisions of this Section shall supersede and control to the extent of any conflict with any other provision of law. It is the intent of the Legislature of Louisiana that the property referenced in this Section be maintained and protected without expropriation for the present and future benefit of Louisiana citizens.

Acts 1999, No. 499, §1; Acts 2023, No. 150, §22, eff. Jan. 10, 2024.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:796 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 796
Lake Fausse Point, Lake Dauterive, and Grand Avoille Cove Advisory Board
Status: in_force

A. The Lake Fausse Point, Lake Dauterive, and Grand Avoille Cove Advisory Board, hereafter in this Section referred to as the board, is hereby created to advise the secretary on matters pertaining to the preservation of the Lake Fausse Point, Lake Dauterive, and Grand Avoille Cove area and to the development of recreational opportunities in the area.

B.(1) The commission is comprised as follows:

(a) The member of the Louisiana House of Representatives representing House District Number 49 or his designee.

(b) The member of the Louisiana House of Representatives representing House District Number 50 or his designee.

(c) The member of the Louisiana House of Representatives representing House District Number 46 or his designee.

(d) The member of the Louisiana Senate representing Senate District Number 21 or his designee.

(e) The member of the Louisiana Senate representing Senate District Number 22 or his designee.

(f) Two members of the Chitimacha Tribe appointed by the governing authority of the tribe.

(g) One member appointed by the mayor of Baldwin subject to confirmation by the governing authority of Baldwin.

(h) One member appointed by the mayor of Jeanerette subject to confirmation by the governing authority of Jeanerette.

(i) The member of the St. Mary Parish governing authority representing Council District Number 1 or his designee.

(j) The member of the Iberia Parish governing authority representing Council District Number 11 or his designee.

(k) The member of the St. Martin Parish governing authority representing Council District Number 1 or his designee.

(l) The Eagle Point Park Committee shall appoint two of its members to serve on the board.

(m) The members of the Legislature of Louisiana referenced in Subparagraphs (a) through (e) of this Paragraph shall collectively appoint one licensed commercial fisherman.

(n) The members of the Legislature of Louisiana referenced in Subparagraphs (a) through (e) of this Subsection shall appoint one member from a list of three nominations submitted by the local chapter of Ducks Unlimited.

(o) The governing authority of the St. Mary Parish Consolidated Water and Sewer District of Charenton shall appoint one of its members to serve on the board.

(p) The lieutenant governor, the secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, and the secretary of the Department of Conservation and Energy may each designate an individual to serve as a nonvoting member of the board.

(q) The parish presidents for Iberia Parish, St. Martin Parish, and St. Mary Parish, shall serve as ex officio nonvoting members of the board or may designate a person to serve in their stead.

(2) The term of each appointed member shall be concurrent with the term of the respective appointing authority.

(3) The board shall elect from its membership a chair, a vice chair, and other officers as it deems appropriate.

(4) The board shall hold regular meetings as provided by its bylaws and may hold special meetings upon the call of its chair or vice chair or upon the call of a majority of its members. The board shall meet not less often than quarterly but not more often than monthly. Meetings shall be held at the Chitimacha Tribal Center unless the board, by majority vote, determines that meeting at such location is impractical or that the center is otherwise unavailable for the meetings.

(5) Members of the board shall serve without compensation.

(6) The maximum expenditure of state funds for this commission shall be limited to two thousand dollars per year. Notwithstanding any other law or provision to the contrary, the board is authorized to receive by gift, grant, donation or otherwise, any sum of money, aid or assistance from the United States, the state of Louisiana, or any of the political subdivisions thereof, the Chitimacha Tribe, private entities, or any other private or public source, to provide additional funds for the purpose of carrying out the objects, purposes, operations, and activities of the board.

C.(1) The board shall:

(a) Assess the impact natural processes and human activity are having on the area.

(b) Advise the secretary on policies and projects that will preserve the natural state and viability of the lakes and their environs and at the same time make recreational enjoyment of the area available to more people.

(c) Evaluate the effectiveness of governmental policies and projects and report to the secretary on any need for changes therein.

(d) Ensure that any decision of the board is consistent with the Basin Master plan, the Annual Basin plan, and the master plan for coastal protection and restoration for a sustainable coast.

(2) The board may commission studies and prepare reports relating to the purpose for which it is created and may solicit, accept, and expend funds for such purposes.

(3) Any project proposed by the board which may impact water quality or water management in the Atchafalaya Basin, as defined by R.S. 30:2000.2, shall comply with all requirements of R.S. 30:2000.11 for the approval of a water management project for inclusion in the Annual Basin plan.

D. Unless otherwise extended by legislation, the authorization for the creation of the board shall terminate on December 31, 2019, and the board shall cease all functions and be dissolved as of that date.

Acts 2009, No. 361, §1; Acts 2010, No. 88, §1; Acts 2023, No. 150, §22, eff. Jan. 10, 2024.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:714 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 714
Penalty for violation of rules and regulations
Status: in_force

Whoever violates any rule or regulation prescribed by the director by virtue of the authority granted to him under R.S. 56:713 shall, for each offense, be fined not less than $25 or more than $100 or be imprisoned for not less than ten days or more than thirty days.

Amended by Acts 1974, No. 717, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1950.24 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1950.24
Duties of the commission; Louisiana Music Trail programs
Status: in_force

A. The Louisiana Music Trail Commission shall establish and administer the following Louisiana Music Trail programs:

(1) A tourism program that focuses on highlighting music stories and related dynamics on the designated music highways.

(2) A signage program that captures the stories, biographies, and points of interest in blues, rock and roll, country, zydeco, cajun, jazz, rhythm and blues, hip-hop, swamp pop, gospel, and other music types.

B. The office of cultural development and the office of tourism shall provide assistance to the commission in establishing and administering the programs.

C. The commission shall maintain information about federal and state grant opportunities to encourage the development of exhibits related to the musical heritage of the region.

D. The office of cultural development shall promulgate rules necessary to implement the Louisiana Music Trail programs created under this Section.

E. The commission may accept, receive, and use grants, monies, equipment, material, services, and immovable and movable property donated, bequeathed, or devised for any purpose relating to the activities of the commission and not expressly designated for any other agency.

Acts 2023, No. 283, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:632.4 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 632.4
Reptile and amphibian collector's license; scientific collector's permit
Status: in_force

A. All persons engaged in the sale of native reptiles and amphibians collected in Louisiana must possess one of the following licenses:

(1) A resident must possess a resident collector's license at a cost of fifty-five dollars.

(2) A nonresident must possess a nonresident collector's license at a cost of four hundred twenty dollars.

(3) Residents under eighteen years of age shall be required to possess a collector's license at a cost of ten dollars.

B. Persons engaged in legitimate herpetological research may request from the secretary a scientific collector's permit. No fee shall be charged for such a permit. No specimens obtained under this permit may be sold.

C. A violation of this Section is a class three violation.

Acts 1992, No. 256, §1, eff. July 1, 1993; Acts 1995, No. 604, §1; Acts 2021, No. 356, §2, eff. Nov. 15, 2021.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:657 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 657
Revocation of license; appeal
Status: in_force

Should any licensee under this Part violate any of the provisions of this Part, or violate any law, rule, or regulation pertaining to game in this state, or should he fail to comply with the provisions of this Part or any other provision by law, rule, or regulation pertaining to game in this state, then, the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is hereby empowered to immediately and without notice revoke the license hereunder issued. In the event of a revocation of license by the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, the licensee to whom such license was issued may appeal within ninety days the action of the secretary to the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission and he shall be given a hearing before said commission for a determination of his rights, which hearing shall be granted upon application by said licensee within ninety days of receipt by said commission of a written request for such hearing. Such appeal for hearing must set out all grounds for such appeal and, upon failure of the appealing licensee to set out proper grounds for such a hearing in such written request, then, the commission may in its discretion deny such hearing, provided that the appealing licensee is so notified within ninety days from the receipt by the commission of his written request.

Added by Acts 1958, No. 455, §7. Amended by Acts 1981, No. 736, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:493 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 493
Control of shrimp fishery and industry
Status: in_force

The exclusive control of the shrimp fishery and the shrimp industry in Louisiana is vested in the department, which shall enforce the laws regulating same. All shrimp or parts thereof taken, possessed, or transported contrary to the provisions of this Subpart shall, when found, be confiscated and disposed of by the department at its discretion.

Acts 1985, No. 876, §3, eff. July 23, 1985.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1693.3 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1693.3
Exemption for America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass and Access Pass holders; camping fees
Status: in_force

Any citizen of the United States who possesses an America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass or Access Pass issued by an agency of the United States, upon presentation of such pass and proper identification to state park authorities, shall be permitted to camp at sites within Louisiana state parks for one-half the normal fee if an unoccupied camp site is available and if the state park system of the citizen's domicile as reflected on his presented identification also recognizes such passes for discounted access or services.

Acts 2010, No. 50, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:578.7 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 578.7
Appropriations; warrants; records
Status: in_force

Funds made available by the legislature from the Seafood Promotion and Marketing Fund as provided in R.S. 56:10 or from any other source shall be used solely for the programs and purposes provided for in this Subpart. The Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism shall maintain records of the sources of money received and the purpose therefor, as well as the person or persons to whom money is paid and the purpose therefor. Vouchers or receipts shall be kept for all money paid out. Money appropriated or otherwise made available to the department for authorized purposes shall be withdrawn from the treasury on warrant of the secretary of the department.

Added by Acts 1981, No. 890, §1. Acts 1984, No. 230, §1, eff. June 29, 1984; Acts 2013, No. 228, §2, eff. July 1, 2013.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:765 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 765
Donations for wildlife refuges, wildlife management areas, and public hunting grounds; applicability of certain laws
Status: in_force

The provisions of R.S. 30:148.1 through 148.7, 149.1, and 209.3 and R.S. 47:648.1 shall not authorize the breach of any term or condition of any donation which was accepted by the state prior to August 1, 2025, involving any state wildlife refuge, wildlife management area, or public hunting ground.

Acts 1986, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 36, §1, eff. Dec. 24, 1986; Acts 2025, No. 508, §2.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:63 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 63
Proceeds of sales of things seized; commingling with conservation fund
Status: in_force

Where things seized by the department are sold, upon proper record of the sale being made and preserved, the proceeds of the sale shall be deposited in the conservation fund to be used solely for uniform cleaning and the acquisition of equipment for enforcement agents. Any return of the proceeds thereafter required may be made from the conservation fund.

Acts 1981, No. 837, §1; Acts 1991, No. 913, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1691 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1691
Possession of firearms
Status: in_force

A person who lawfully possesses a firearm may possess or transport such firearm within the boundaries of a state park, state historic site, state preservation area, wildlife management area, or wildlife refuge.

Acts 2010, No. 790, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:108 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 108
Deer and turkey harvest records and tagging
Status: in_force

A. The Wildlife and Fisheries Commission may promulgate and adopt rules and regulations in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act in relation to deer or turkey harvest records and tagging. Such rules and regulations may include the following: tagging requirements, gender, age, antler requirements, take, possession, limit, and reporting requirements.

B. Deer tagging shall only occur when a reduced buck limit is adopted by the commission.

Acts 2004, No. 841, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:301.4 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 301.4
Records; confidentiality
Status: in_force

A. All information obtained pursuant to the licensed recordkeeping provisions of this Part shall be used for the equitable and efficient administration and enforcement of the laws pertaining to the fisheries resources of the state and for conservation and management purposes.

B. The department shall draft regulations, prescribing procedures to preserve the confidentiality of all fisheries dependent data, information, or statistics submitted or collected pursuant to the provisions of this Section, for approval by the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission and promulgation in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act. These regulations shall provide for compliance with all procedures set forth by the United States Department of Commerce, or any of its agencies or instrumentalities, for the confidentiality of fishing statistics collected from individuals or firms by that department, its agencies, or instrumentalities.

Acts 1986, No. 904, §1; Acts 1991, No. 234, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:69.31 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 69.31
Construction and severability
Status: in_force

A. The Wildlife Violator Compact shall be liberally construed so as to effectuate the purposes stated herein.

B. The provisions of the Wildlife Violator Compact shall be severable, and if a phrase, clause, sentence, or provision of that compact is declared to be contrary to the constitution of a participating state or of the United States, or the applicability thereof to a government, agency, individual, or circumstance is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of the compact shall not be affected thereby.

C. If the Wildlife Violator Compact is held contrary to the constitution of a participating state, the compact shall remain in full force and effect as to the remaining states and in full force and effect as to the participating state affected regarding all severable matters.

Acts 2008, No. 363, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:440 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 440
Standard measurements; barrel
Status: in_force

A. In all of the operations of the department, the standard measurement of the barrel referred to in this Section shall be 6451.26 cubic inches, which approximately represents the cubic contents of three bushels, or one barrel; one sack represents 3225.63 cubic inches or one and one-half bushels or one-half barrel.

B. All shucked oysters shall be labeled and packaged as required pursuant to the National Shellfish Sanitation Program and the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

C. All licensed oyster captains, harvesters, or certified wholesale/retail dealers of shell stock and shucked oyster products shall verify that the oysters being sold adhere to the measurement standards required by this Section.

Acts 1981, No. 925, §1; Acts 2014, No. 217, §2.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:126 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 126
Wildlife Rehabilitation Program; exemption
Status: in_force

A. Notwithstanding any local ordinance, administrative rule, or any other provision of law to the contrary, individuals may possess in captivity certain sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife while providing care for such wildlife for a period of up to ninety days as provided for in this Section:

(1) Wildlife included under this Section shall be limited to the following species: squirrel, opossum, rabbit, or chipmunk, with such possession limited to one animal or litter of animals per individual.

(2) A raccoon or skunk that is sick, injured, or orphaned may also be possessed pursuant to the provisions of this Section upon notification to the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries of possession of the wildlife and upon receipt of information regarding rabies vector species and a list of available wildlife rehabilitators.

(3) Individuals in possession of any of these animals shall be held strictly liable for any damages for injuries to persons or property caused by the animal.

B. To continue to possess the wildlife beyond ninety days from finding the sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife, all of the following shall occur:

(1) The individual has satisfied wildlife rescuer training requirements. The curriculum shall be offered online and shall cover at a minimum safety considerations, wildlife husbandry requirements, transfer of diseases, and notice that a person possessing an animal pursuant to this Section is held strictly liable for any damage or injury that the animal causes.

(2) The individual applied for a Special Purpose and Possession permit.

(3) A Louisiana licensed veterinarian has determined that the animal is medically nonreleasable or exhibits signs of adjusted life in captivity.

C.(1) If the conditions of Subsection B of this Section have been met, the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries shall issue a Special Purpose and Possession permit, and the individual shall be able to continue to possess the animal for the duration of its natural life.

(2) Any animal possessed pursuant to the provisions of this Section shall be spayed or neutered. Rabies vector species shall also be microchipped by a Louisiana licensed veterinarian.

D. A Louisiana licensed veterinarian shall not be liable to any person for any injury, illness, death, loss, civil penalty, or damage as a result of any act or omission in determining that the animal is medically nonreleasable or exhibits signs of adjusted life in captivity as required by the provisions of this Section. However, this limitation of liability shall not be applicable if the damage, injury, or loss was caused by the gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct of the licensed Louisiana veterinarian.

E. It shall be unlawful for an individual exempted under the provisions of this Section to use the wildlife in any manner for the purposes of exploitation, including for any promotional or commercial purpose, or for the purposes of pet trade. Any such act shall be grounds for seizure of the wildlife by the department and revocation of any issued permit.

F. The Wildlife and Fisheries Commission shall adopt rules pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act to implement the provisions of this Section.

Acts 2024, No. 740, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:301.8 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 301.8
Nonresident recreational fishermen; possession of license; penalty
Status: in_force

A. Nonresident recreational fishermen engaged in an activity for which a license is required must have in their immediate possession a valid, original license and shall present such license upon demand to a duly authorized agent of the department.

B. Violation of this Section shall constitute a class two violation, unless a higher class is otherwise specified by law.

Acts 1993, No. 246, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:305.2 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 305.2
Applicant, license information; commercial gear license for the fishing of menhaden
Status: in_force

A. Except as provided by Subsection D, a commercial gear license can only be purchased by a person possessing a valid commercial fisherman's license.

B. Except as provided by Subsection D, commercial gear licenses will only be issued in the name of the purchaser and shall list the purchaser's name, address, and license number of the purchaser's commercial fisherman's license.

C. The licensee is responsible for all activities taking place under privilege of the license.

D. For the purpose of a commercial gear license for the fishing of menhaden or other herring-like fish, the commercial gear license may be issued to any person, association, partnership, corporation, or any other entity recognized by law.

Acts 1986, No. 904, §1; Acts 1997, No. 4, §1, eff. May 17, 1997.

{{NOTE: SEE ACTS 1986, NO. 904, §5.}}
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:649.2 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 649.2
Lifetime sports fishing license
Status: in_force

Prior to June 1, 2022, any bona fide resident of this state may obtain a lifetime sports fishing license. The lifetime sports fishing license shall be in lieu of the following recreational and sports fishing licenses: basic recreational fishing and saltwater recreational fishing. After June 1, 2022, the license shall no longer be sold, but shall continue to provide to any holder privileges in lieu of a basic fishing, saltwater, crab, and recreational fishing gear licenses and shall permit WMA access for purposes other than hunting.

Acts 1991, No. 184, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1992, No. 859, §1, eff. July 1, 1992; Acts 2021, No. 356, §3, eff. June 1, 2022.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:307.5 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 307.5
Transferability
Status: in_force

Transport licenses are freely transferable between vehicles, but the licensee remains responsible for all activities taking place under authority of that license.

Acts 1986, No. 904, §1.

{{NOTE: SEE ACTS 1986, NO. 904, §5.}}
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:307.3 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 307.3
Number of licenses that can be purchased
Status: in_force

A validly licensed commercial fisherman or wholesale/retail dealer may purchase any number of transport licenses.

Acts 1986, No. 904, §1.

{{NOTE: SEE ACTS 1986, NO. 904, §5.}}
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:175 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 175
License for sale of birds killed and tagged
Status: in_force

A. No person shall sell or offer for sale any birds killed and tagged as herein provided without first obtaining a license to do so from the secretary, and then only if the breeder's tags or seals remain affixed as aforesaid until the portions or carcasses of the birds have been wholly consumed.

B. No person shall sell any portion of such birds provided for in this Subpart which does not at the time have affixed thereto the tag or seal. However, the keeper of a hotel, restaurant, boardinghouse, or club, or a retail dealer in meat, may sell portions of the carcasses of such birds so tagged or sealed to a patron or customer for actual consumption without a license being required.

Amended by Acts 1974, No. 717, §1; Acts 1981, No. 736, §1; Acts 1991, No. 110, §2.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:2024 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 2024
Terrebonne Parish Artificial Reef Development Commission
Status: in_force

A. The Terrebonne Parish Artificial Reef Development District, hereinafter called the "District", is hereby constituted and is declared to be a body politic and political subdivision of the state of Louisiana, as defined in Article VI, Section 44 of the Constitution of Louisiana. Pursuant to Article VI, Sections 19 and 21 of the Constitution of Louisiana, the district is hereby granted all of the rights, powers, privileges and immunities granted to political subdivisions including but not limited to the power of taxation, the power to incur debt and issue revenue and general obligation bonds, certificates of indebtedness, bond and certificate anticipation notes, and refunding bonds, subject to the limitations hereinafter provided. The district created pursuant hereto shall be established for the primary purpose of promoting, developing, maintaining, monitoring and enhancing the artificial reef potential in the waters covered under this Chapter.

B. Through its governing commission, it shall administer and enforce the program provided for in this Chapter and such commission may, on its own initiative, establish artificial reef sites after holding public hearings on any proposed reefs, and also to receive permit applications from any other person or agency for the purpose of establishing an artificial reef. The commission shall oversee maintenance and placement requirements of any artificial reefs established in the waters of Terrebonne Parish and develop all additional information needed to carry out the program. Prior to the establishment of any artificial reefs, on its own initiative as a result of a permit application to the commission, a public hearing shall be held.

C. The boundaries of the district shall be coterminous with the boundaries of Terrebonne Parish.

Acts 1991, No. 179, §1, eff. July 2, 1991.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1840 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1840
Short title
Status: in_force

This Part shall be known and may be cited as the "Louisiana Scenic Rivers Act".

Acts 1988, No. 947, §1, eff. July 27, 1988.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:499.2 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 499.2
Butterfly and bottom nets; Lake Pontchartrain and Intracoastal Waterway
Status: in_force

A. Notwithstanding the provisions of R.S. 56:801(15) to the contrary, in that area of Lake Pontchartrain south and east of the Interstate Highway 10 Bridge, south and eastward to include the waters of Lake St. Catherine and its passes, the Rigolets, Unknown Pass, and Chef Menteur Pass and south and eastward to Lake Borgne and that portion of the Mississippi River Gulf outlet and the Intracoastal Waterway from the Industrial Canal eastward to Lake Borgne, shrimp may be taken with butterfly nets and bottom nets. However, in Chef Menteur Pass, in the Rigolets and in those portions of Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Borgne which are within two miles of the Rigolets or Chef Menteur Pass, a butterfly net or bottom net may be used to take shrimp only when suspended from a fishing boat or vessel which is motor-propelled and underway.

B. No butterfly net or bottom net may be suspended from a piling, float, barge, raft, bridge, or shore installation in the Rigolets or Chef Menteur Pass or in those portions of Lake Pontchartrain or Lake Borgne which are within two miles of the Rigolets or the Chef Menteur Pass. However, in the Chef Menteur Pass a properly licensed single butterfly net measuring not more than twenty-two feet by twenty-two feet may be suspended from a wharf which has been approved by the U.S. Corps of Engineers and which is attached to privately owned or leased immovable property or to a structure that is not attached to privately owned or leased property if the owner has possessed a permit for such structure from the United States Corps of Engineers prior to 1988, provided that the owner or leaseholder is present on the immovable property or permitted structure at all times that the net is in the water.

Added by Acts 1972, No. 558, §2; Acts 1987, No. 517, §1; Acts 1988, No. 620, §1; Acts 1990, No. 581, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:404 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 404
Use of seines, nets, or webbing in Bogue Chitto River prohibited; logging and hand grabbing of fish in Bogue Chitto River prohibited; penalty
Status: in_force

A. The use of seines, nets, or webbing for the taking of fish in the Bogue Chitto River from where it enters the state in the northern part of Washington Parish to where it empties into Pearl River in the parish of St. Tammany, Louisiana, is prohibited.

B. The taking of fish from logs, buckets, barrels, drums, or natural or artificial nesting areas by hand grabbing shall be prohibited in the Bogue Chitto River from where it enters the state in the northern part of Washington Parish to where it empties into Pearl River in the parish of St. Tammany, Louisiana.

C. Violation of any of the provisions of this Section constitutes a class two violation.

Acts 1974, No. 223, §2; Acts 1988, No. 929, §1; Acts 1992, No. 528, §1, eff. June 29, 1992.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:637.1 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 637.1
Definitions; applicability
Status: in_force

A. For purposes of this Subpart, the following words and phrases shall have the meaning ascribed to them in this Section, unless the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

(1) "Box turtle" means any species of the genus Terrapene, that is indigenous to the state of Louisiana. This includes any hybrids of these species. All box turtles in Louisiana shall be deemed to be native to Louisiana.

(2) "Farm raised box turtle" means any box turtle that was hatched and raised on a turtle farm.

(3) "Turtle farm" means any pet turtle farm that is located and operating inside the state of Louisiana that is also licensed by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry to do business in this state.

(4) "Wild box turtle" means any box turtle not hatched and raised on a turtle farm. A box turtle shall be considered as wild unless a valid bill of sale, clearly demonstrating it to be a farm raised box turtle, is produced.

B. Administration; enforcement; penalties

(1) Commercial use of box turtles:

(a) With the exception of farm raised box turtles, no box turtle, no box turtle egg, or any part of a box turtle shall be sold, traded, or otherwise entered into commerce.

(b) There shall be no taking of wild box turtles for commercial purposes.

(c) Except as provided in Paragraph (2) of this Subsection, any violation of this Section shall be a class four violation, R.S. 56:34.

(2) Recreational use of wild box turtles. No more than two wild box turtles per day may be taken for recreational purposes, and no person shall have in his or her possession more than four box turtles at any time. A violation of this Paragraph shall constitute a class one violation, R.S. 56:31.

Acts 1999, No. 81, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1699 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1699
Chicot State Park, special facilities camp for persons with disabilities; creation; advisory committee; programs; use
Status: in_force

A. The office of state parks in the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism is hereby authorized to select, designate, and set aside a site at Chicot State Park or to acquire a site in close proximity thereto for the purpose of establishing a facility to serve the special needs of citizens with physical disabilities and mental impairments. This site and all facilities now or hereafter developed thereon shall be under the operation and supervision of the office of state parks.

B. The office of state parks shall be responsible for the planning and development of such park facilities to meet the needs of citizens with physical disabilities and mental impairments.

C. The office for citizens with developmental disabilities of the Louisiana Department of Health, in coordination with the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council, shall be responsible for all programmatic functions of such park facility, including but not limited to the following:

(1) The preparation and administration of programs for the benefit of persons with disabilities.

(2) Scheduling and coordination of the use of this facility by persons with disabilities.

(3) The provision of available program staff personnel or camp counselors for group use and program activities, as may be required.

(4) The receipt and allocation of federal and state funds, donations, and any other funds as may be available for camp programs and activities.

D. The office of state parks and the office for citizens with developmental disabilities shall establish rules and regulations for the implementation of this Section. Such rules and regulations shall be structured so as to give priority of facility use to groups of persons with disabilities but shall not necessarily preclude use by persons who do not have disabilities.

Added by Acts 1982, No. 188, §1. Acts 1989, No. 662, §7, eff. July 7, 1989; Acts 1993, No. 712, §5, eff. June 21, 1993; Acts 2012, No. 811, §16, eff. July 1, 2012; Acts 2014, No. 811, §29, eff. June 23, 2014.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1801 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1801
Secretary of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism; powers and functions
Status: in_force

A. The secretary of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism hereinafter called "secretary", shall consult with and provide guidance to the heads of all state agencies on matters affecting recreation and shall be responsible for developing methods and procedures for improving inter-agency coordination in the development and implementation of state recreational policies and programs.

B. The secretary is authorized, directed, and shall supervise the preparation, maintenance, and upgrading of a comprehensive long-range, statewide plan for the development of outdoor recreation resources of the state which is hereinafter called the "plan", which will be prepared by its staff.

C. The secretary shall consult with and help establish policies and procedures to be utilized by the assistant secretary, office of state parks, hereinafter called "state liaison officer", in carrying out programs for all state agencies, parishes, municipalities, planning commissions, and subdivisions of the state of Louisiana who desire to take advantage of and participate under the benefits of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act described in R.S. 56:1802.

Acts 1980, No. 827, §2. Amended by Acts 1982, No. 329, §2, eff. July 18, 1982.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:722 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 722
Game and fish commission; rules and regulations
Status: in_force

A.(1)(a) The governing authority of a parish may appoint a commission composed of citizens and taxpayers of the parish, whose term shall be concurrent with that of the governing authority appointing, who serve without compensation, to be known as the _____________ game and fish commission.

(b) For game and fish commissions established by multiple adjoining parishes under the authority of R.S. 56:721, the governing authority of each parish may appoint members, composed of citizens and taxpayers from that parish, to the commission whose term shall be concurrent with that of the governing authority appointing, who serve without compensation, to be known as the _____________ game and fish commission. Each parish shall have an equal number of members on that commission, unless some other composition is adopted by formal resolution approved by all of the parish governing authorities.

(2) The commission may make rules and regulations for the government, regulation, and control of the preserve and for the conservation, protection, and propagation of game and fish in the preserve. In order to adopt such rules and regulations, the game and fish commission shall hold a public hearing conducted in accordance with the Open Meetings Law where public comment and testimony is received by the game and fish commission. Prior to implementation, such rules and regulations shall be finally approved, adopted, and promulgated by the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, in accordance with R.S. 56:727.

B. No game and fish commission or political subdivision may regulate the movement, mooring, or position of any commercial industrial vessel on navigable waterways within its jurisdiction.

Acts 1997, No. 21, §1; Acts 2005, No. 184, §1; Acts 2016, No. 173, §1; Acts 2017, No. 185, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:320.1 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 320.1
Use and possession of certain gill nets, trammel nets, strike nets, or seines; prohibited
Status: in_force

A. No person shall use, possess, or have in his possession, or have aboard any vessel, a gill net, trammel net, strike net, or seine in the saltwater areas of the state as defined in R.S. 56:322(A) and (B), except as provided in R.S. 56:318 and 320.2.

B. A violation of the provisions of this Section shall constitute a class six violation.

Acts 1995, No. 1316, §2.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:69.26 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 69.26
Applicability of other laws
Status: in_force

Except as expressly required by provisions of the Wildlife Violator Compact, nothing herein shall be construed to affect the right of a participating state to apply its laws relating to license privileges to a person or circumstance or to invalidate or prevent an agreement or other cooperative arrangement between a participating state and a nonparticipating state concerning wildlife law enforcement. No provision of this Subpart shall be construed as to affect the ability to arrest, seizure of equipment, evidence as provided by law, or any other provision of this Title.

Acts 2008, No. 363, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1785 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1785
Ownership and usage
Status: in_force

A. Upon approval by the Interstate Commerce Commission of the preservation of abandoned railroad rights of way as a transportation corridor the entity approved to administer and implement the "Rails to Trails" program shall, for any and all legal purposes, be considered the legal title holder of the property or rights sought to be preserved and, unless agreed to by means of contractual obligations to the contrary, the railroad company or corporation shall be relieved of all responsibility and legal rights and obligations as respects the property or rights included within the transportation corridor preserved by the governmental entity.

B. The usage of the railroad right of way approved by the Interstate Commerce Commission for preservation and included within the "Rails to Trails" program shall be the sole and exclusive prerogative of the governmental entity whose application was approved by the Interstate Commerce Commission.

Acts 1990, No. 1016, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1781 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1781
Preservation of abandoned railroad transportation property
Status: in_force

A. Any railroad company or corporation filing an abandonment plan with the Interstate Commerce Commission proposing to abandon railroad rights of way in this state shall notify the secretary of the Department of Transportation and Development by providing the secretary with a copy of the filing within ten days of the filing with the Interstate Commerce Commission so that the state or a political subdivision thereof may take advantage of and implement the "Rails to Trails" program.

B.(1) Upon receipt of notice of a filing proposing to abandon a railroad right of way the secretary shall, within one hundred eighty days, make a determination of whether it is in the best interest of the state to preserve the proposed abandoned railroad right of way as a corridor for future transportation uses within the state.

(2) In making this determination, the secretary shall receive written commitments from the office of culture, recreation and tourism in the lieutenant governor's office that they have the means and ability to implement and administer the "Rails to Trails" program in the event a determination is made to preserve the abandoned railroad right of way as a corridor for future transportation uses in this state.

(3) Upon receipt of notice of a filing proposing to abandon a railroad right of way, the secretary shall notify those local governmental entities in which the railroad right of way is located of such notice, advising each such local governmental entity of the provisions of this Part and that their comments must be received in writing within one hundred twenty days of the date of the notice from the secretary.

C. The secretary shall notify the railroad company or corporation and the Interstate Commerce Commission of its determination whether to preserve the proposed abandoned railroad right of way as a corridor for future transportation uses in this state. The failure of the secretary to file an application with the Interstate Commerce Commission within two hundred ten days of receipt of the notice of the abandonment application shall be an affirmative declaration not to preserve the railroad right of way as a transportation corridor.

D. Any affected local governmental entity shall have the right to file an application with the Interstate Commerce Commission seeking to preserve the proposed abandoned railroad right of way as a transportation corridor for future transportation uses within the territorial jurisdiction of the local governmental entity.

Acts 1990, No. 1016, §1; Acts 1992, No. 881, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:583 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 583
Federal fish hatchery
Status: in_force

The United States Secretary of the Interior, and the director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and his duly authorized agents, may conduct fish hatching and all operations connected therewith in Louisiana in connection with a federal fish hatchery to be located in the state as authorized by the congress of the United States, in any manner and at any time considered by them to be necessary and proper, after consultation with the commission.

Amended by Acts 1974, No. 717, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:502 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 502
Manifest of cargo of vessel carrying shrimp
Status: in_force

All vessels transporting shrimp shall keep in writing a manifest of their cargo, a copy of which shall be filed on each trip with the dealer or processor to which delivery is made and a copy sent to the department. The manifest and records are open to inspection by the department. Statements giving the date, quantity, point of origin of each lot, and from whom purchased and to whom delivered shall be sent to the department on forms furnished for the purpose not later than the tenth of the month following date of delivery.

Acts 1984, No. 230, §1, eff. June 29, 1984; Acts 1991, No. 294, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1862 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1862
Legislative findings and purpose
Status: in_force

A. The legislature finds and declares that there is a need for additional organized, accessible information to identify and make known the types and locations of plant and animal life, geological areas, and other natural areas in this state, and that a system of protection and management of these areas should be implemented and maintained through a procedure of voluntary action by the owners of the property on which these areas may be located.

B. The legislature states that the purpose of this Part is to establish a registration procedure by which owners of natural areas may voluntarily agree to manage and protect the areas according to rules set forth by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and to establish a procedure by which the owners of natural areas may voluntarily agree to convey any or all of their right, title, and interest in such property to the state to be managed and protected by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for the people of Louisiana.

Acts 1987, No. 324, §1, eff. July 6, 1987.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:324 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 324
Menhaden seines; restrictions
Status: in_force

Anyone legally taking menhaden shall not have in their possession more than five percent, by weight, of any species of fish other than menhaden and herring-like species.

Added by Acts 1979, No. 593, §1. Amended by Acts 1981, No. 838, §1; Acts 1986, No. 904, §3.

{{NOTE: SEE ACTS 1986, NO. 904, §5.}}
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:799.7 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 799.7
Exemption from restrictions of area and number; fair market value
Status: in_force

A. At the end of the term of a lease which was issued on property governed by the provisions of this Subpart which lease was transferred to the state through the act of donation, the property subject to such lease may be offered by the department for lease. Such lease shall be deemed a new lease and shall be offered for public bid under the provisions of Part 1 of Chapter 10 of Title 41 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950. The provisions of R.S. 41:1217.1 and R.S. 56:30.3 which allow the secretary to offer the most recent lessee of record, his heirs, or assignees, the option to match the highest bid in order to continue to lease the state land shall apply to any bid process under the provisions of this Subsection. However, such leases, renewals, or extensions shall be exempt from the provisions of R.S. 41:1216(A) which limit the total acreage which may be leased and the number of leases which may held by any one lessee.

B. All leases or extensions of leases issued on property governed by the provisions of this Subpart shall be in exchange of consideration proportionate to the fair market lease value of the property to be leased.

Acts 2011, No. 335, §2, eff. June 23, 2011.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:639.4 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 639.4
Establishment of standards
Status: in_force

Artificial reefs in waters covered under this Subpart shall be sited, constructed, and subsequently maintained, monitored, and managed based upon the best scientific information available, and in a manner which shall:

(1) Enhance and conserve fishery resources to the maximum extent practicable.

(2) Facilitate access and utilization by Louisiana recreational and commercial user groups.

(3) Minimize conflicts among competing uses of waters covered under this Subpart and the resources in such waters.

(4) Minimize environmental risks and risks to personal and public health and property.

(5) Be consistent with generally accepted principles of international law and national fishing law, and not create any unreasonable obstructions to navigation.

Acts 1986, No. 100, §1, eff. June 23, 1986.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:176 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 176
Report of birds or animals killed and sold
Status: in_force

On or before April 15 in each year every licensee shall make a report to the secretary covering the period from October 1 to March 31. The report shall state the total number of each such animal or bird provided for in this Subpart, or the parts thereof, killed, sold, or transported, under the provisions of this Subpart. A second report shall be made on or before October 15 of each year covering the period from April 1 to September 30. The reports shall set forth the name of the person to whom the animals or birds were sold or transported and shall be verified by the affidavit of the licensed breeder, or if the license was issued to a corporation, by an officer thereof.

Amended by Acts 1974, No. 717, §1; Acts 1981, No. 736, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:2021 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 2021
Title
Status: in_force

This Chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Terrebonne Parish Artificial Reef Act".

Acts 1991, No. 179, §1, eff. July 2, 1991.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:7.1 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 7.1
Jesse J. Guidry Center for Wildlife and Fisheries Resources
Status: in_force

The official name of the state building in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, wherein the primary administrative offices for the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries are located shall be "Jesse J. Guidry Center for Wildlife and Fisheries Resources".

Added by Acts 1988, No. 17, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:69.23 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 69.23
Procedures for issuing citations in relation to the Wildlife Violators Compact
Status: in_force

A. When issuing a citation for a wildlife violation, a wildlife officer shall issue a citation to a person whose home state is another participating state in the same manner as if the person were a resident of the issuing state and shall not require the person to post collateral to secure appearance, subject to the exceptions set forth in Subsection B of this Section, provided that the wildlife officer receives the personal recognizance of the person that he will comply with the terms of the citation. Nothing herein shall prohibit physical arrests if the wildlife officer deems necessary.

B. Personal recognizance is acceptable, if both are present:

(1) If not prohibited by local law or the compact manual.

(2) If the violator provides adequate proof of identification to the wildlife officer.

C. Upon conviction or failure of a person to comply with the terms of a citation, the appropriate official shall report the conviction or failure to comply with the licensing authority of the issuing state. The report shall be made in accordance with procedures specified by the issuing state and shall contain information as specified in the compact manual as minimum requirements for effective processing by the home state.

D. Upon receipt of the report of a conviction or noncompliance pursuant to Subsection C of this Section, the licensing authority of the issuing state shall transmit to the licensing authority of the home state of the violator the information in the form and with the content as prescribed in the compact manual.

Acts 2008, No. 363, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1783 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1783
Cooperative endeavors
Status: in_force

As provided in Article VII, Section 14(C) of the Louisiana Constitution and for the purpose of implementing a "Rails to Trails" program, the state and its political subdivisions or political corporations may engage in cooperative endeavors with each other, with the United States or its agencies, or with any public or private association, corporation, or individual.

Acts 1990, No. 1016, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:573 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 573
Approval of contracts
Status: in_force

The secretary may examine contracts and agreements relative to seafood and the products thereof and to the seafood industry submitted to him and approve in writing such contracts as in his opinion will promote the advancement and welfare of the seafood industries of the state.

Amended by Acts 1981, No. 736, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:632.5 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 632.5
Reptile and amphibian wholesale/retail dealer's license; nonresident three-day license
Status: in_force

A. Any person buying, acquiring, or handling, from any person, by any means whatsoever, or for propagation for sale, any live species of native reptile or amphibian, except farm raised aquatic chelonians, or any live species of poisonous snake or constrictor, as delineated in R.S. 56:632.5.1, in Louisiana, from within or outside the state, for sale, or resale, whether on a commission basis or otherwise, is a wholesale/retail reptile amphibian dealer and shall possess a reptile and amphibian wholesale/retail dealer's license at a cost of two hundred twenty dollars for a resident and eight hundred eighty dollars for a nonresident.

B. All persons selling native, captive-reared reptiles or amphibians, regardless of the number of generations removed from the wild, shall be required to possess a reptile and amphibian wholesale/retail dealer's license.

C. Individual employees of reptile and amphibian wholesale/retail dealers are not required to obtain a reptile and amphibian wholesale/retail dealer's license when transacting the business of the reptile and amphibian wholesale/retail dealer on the premises of the place of business, but any employee or person buying, acquiring, handling, or selling reptiles or amphibians as a wholesale/retail dealer or for a wholesale/retail dealer at any place other than on the premises of the place of business, must obtain a reptile and amphibian wholesale/retail dealer's license.

D. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to a person transporting reptiles and amphibians under the privilege of a Louisiana reptile and amphibian wholesale/retail dealer's license when that person buys reptiles and amphibians for or on behalf of the reptile and amphibian wholesale/retail dealer to whom such transport license was issued and only transports such reptiles and amphibians to that wholesale/retail dealer.

E. In lieu of the regular nonresident wholesale/retail dealer's license, nonresidents may purchase a three-day reptile and amphibian wholesale/retail dealer's license for a fee of one hundred fifty dollars. The three-day license shall be valid only for three consecutive days.

F. A violation of this Section is a class three violation.

Acts 1992, No. 256, §1, eff. July 1, 1993; Acts 1995, No. 604, §1; Acts 2007, No. 81, §1; Acts 2010, No. 855, §1; Acts 2021, No. 356, §2, eff. Nov. 15, 2021.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:172 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 172
Killing of birds or animals; sale; trapping regulations; exporting live specimens
Status: in_force

A. Any licensee may kill or sell such animals or birds provided for in this Subpart at any time, except that domesticated species of wild game birds or wild waterfowl, killed by shooting, shall not be bought, sold or traded under the provisions of this Subpart.

B. Wild nongame quadrupeds raised on such licensed breeding farms or preserves may be taken for their pelts only in the open seasons, as prescribed by law. Special parish closed seasons do not apply to such licensed breeders or propagators.

C. Any licensed breeder, after receiving a shipping permit furnished by the department on application, may ship live specimens outside the state for breeding, scientific, or educational purposes.

D. Any licensed breeder may possess or sell such animals or birds for food as hereinafter set forth in this Subpart.

Amended by Acts 1974, No. 717, §1; Acts 1981, No. 736, §1; Acts 2021, No. 356, §2, eff. Nov. 15, 2021.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:10.2 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 10.2
Derelict Houseboat Fund Account
Status: in_force

There is hereby created a special statutorily dedicated fund account within the state treasury known as the "Derelict Houseboat Fund Account" which shall consist of those revenues collected from the registration of houseboats provided for in R.S. 34:851.32(C). Subject to legislative appropriation, the monies in the account shall be used for the purpose of awarding grants to parish governments to remove any unattended, derelict, junked, or abandoned houseboat in any canal, coulee, drainage ditch, outfall canal, bayou, bay, lake, or any other waterway, whether navigable or not, or on the banks thereof within the state of Louisiana. An amount not to exceed ten percent of the annual appropriation may be used for the administration and enforcement of this Section and Part IV of Chapter 4 of Title 34 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950. The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission may promulgate rules and regulations in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act to provide for the application, administration, and award of such grants. Monies deposited into the account shall be categorized as fees and self-generated revenue for the sole purpose of reporting related to the executive budget, supporting documents, and general appropriation bills.

Acts 2018, No. 628, §2; Acts 2019, No. 139, §2.

NOTE: See Acts 2018, No. 628, §2 regarding the reference to Paragraph (1) of this Subsection.

NOTE: See Acts 2018, No. 628, §3 regarding required implementation by Jan. 1, 2019.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:306.7 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 306.7
Definitions
Status: in_force

For the purposes of this Subpart:

(1) "Place of business" means the place where orders for fish are received or where fish is sold, including a vehicle if fish is sold from the vehicle, but does not include a public cold storage vault, temporary receiving station, or vehicle from which no orders are taken or no shipments or deliveries are made other than to the place of business of a licensee in this state.

(2) Person, owner, and operator shall all mean "person" as defined by R.S. 56:8.

Acts 2000, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 130, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:116 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 116
Wild birds and wild quadrupeds; special hunting seasons
Status: in_force

A. Repealed by Acts 1995, No. 1226, §2, eff. June 29, 1995.

B. The commission may establish special deer hunting seasons in one or more periods, separate from the regular open season established by the commission pursuant to R.S. 56:115, wherein deer may be hunted and taken with bow and arrow and crossbow. The commission may establish the following special deer hunting seasons: (1) a bow and arrow only season, and (2) a bow and arrow and crossbow season. The length of such special seasons and the area for hunting shall be determined by the commission.

C.(1) The commission may establish a special deer season for primitive firearms. The taking of deer in such season shall be limited to persons who are licensed in accordance with the provisions of R.S. 56:3002. The commission shall adopt and promulgate rules and regulations governing such season, including the type and size of weapons used, licenses required, sex of deer to be hunted, and the areas included in the season. In addition to any other weapon restriction the commission may adopt, such rules and regulations shall provide that breech loading rifles with a caliber of .35 or larger may be used during primitive firearms season. The taking of deer during this season shall be limited to still hunting and may be allowed in all or some areas of the state where deer hunting is now or shall in the future be allowed.

(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, during primitive firearms season any licensee may use a magnified scope on any weapon authorized for use during the primitive firearms season.

D.(1) The commission shall establish a special open deer hunting season for youth under eighteen years of age. The taking of deer in such a season shall be limited to a weekend prior to the opening weekend of the regular gun season in all of the applicable zones. Properly licensed resident and nonresident youths may participate in this special season. Any youth participating in the special youth hunting season shall be accompanied by one adult eighteen years of age or older, but only the youth may participate in the actual hunting. If the accompanying adult is in possession of a valid hunter safety certificate, or proof of successful completion of a hunter safety course approved by the department, a youth under eighteen years of age shall not be required to have these items. However, if the accompanying adult is not in possession of these items, the youth shall be required to have in his possession either a hunter safety certificate or proof of successful completion of a hunter safety course approved by the department. A youth who is under the age of eighteen shall have in his possession a youth hunting license as required by law. The accompanying adult shall maintain visual and voice contact with the youth at all times.

(2) The commission may establish a special open deer hunting season for Louisiana residents who are honorably discharged veterans of the United States Armed Forces. The taking of deer in such a season shall be limited to a weekend prior to the opening weekend of the regular gun season in all of the applicable zones and shall run concurrently with the open deer hunting season for youth provided for in Paragraph (1) of this Subsection. In order to qualify for the veterans special season, a veteran shall hold and be in possession of either a basic hunting license and a deer license, a Sportsman's Paradise license, or an equivalent license that grants both basic hunting and deer privileges and shall be able to provide proof satisfactory to the department of such honorable discharge. The special open deer hunting season authorized pursuant to this Paragraph shall be applicable to hunting on private property only and shall not be applicable to any state-owned or federally owned or managed property.

Acts 1992, No. 434, §1; Acts 1992, No. 579, §1; Acts 1992, No. 966, §1; Acts 1995, No. 1226, §§1, 2, eff. June 29, 1995; Acts 1999, No. 69, §1; Acts 1999, No. 255, §1; Acts 1999, No. 391, §1; Acts 2001, No. 27, §1; Acts 2004, No. 100, §1; Acts 2006, No. 775, §2; Acts 2008, No. 22, §1; Acts 2008, No. 51, §1, eff. June 5, 2008; Acts 2012, No. 68, §1; Acts 2014, No. 678, §1; Acts 2021, No. 356, §3, eff. June 1, 2022.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:140 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 140
Foxes; bobcats
Status: in_force

A. It shall be unlawful to trap or kill foxes by use of any firearm or other weapon, device, or poison at any time, except that foxes may be included in the open season for taking nongame quadrupeds provided by R.S. 56:260. In such event foxes may be taken by any legal means unless otherwise restricted by law or regulation.

B. It shall not be unlawful for any person to allow his dogs to run or chase foxes or bobcats at any time of the year, except on wildlife management areas and wildlife refuges and except from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset in any area of the state where a still hunting season for deer is in progress as established by rules and regulations of the commission, provided no such person shall take, trap, or kill any fox or bobcat by the use of firearm, or any other weapon, trap, or mechanical device in connection therewith.

C. Violation of this Section constitutes a class two violation.

Amended by Acts 1977, No. 344, §2; Acts 1978, No. 446, §2; Acts 1981, No. 736, §1; Acts 1992, No. 528, §1, eff. June 29, 1992; Acts 2003, No. 1248, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:79 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 79
Participation of non-coastal state; limitation
Status: in_force

When any state other than those named specifically in R.S. 56:73 becomes a party hereto for the purpose of conserving its anadromous fish or marine species in accordance with the provisions of R.S. 56:73, the participation of the state in the action of the commission shall be limited to such species of fish.

Acts 1981, No. 837, §2.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:69.30 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 69.30
Licensing authority; rules and regulations
Status: in_force

A. The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is designated as the licensing authority in Louisiana for the purposes of the Wildlife Violator Compact.

B. The secretary of the department through its compact administrator shall furnish to the appropriate authorities of the participating states any information or documents reasonably necessary to facilitate the administration of the Wildlife Violator Compact.

C. The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission may adopt rules and regulations to implement and administer the provisions of the Wildlife Violator Compact.

Acts 2008, No. 363, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:442 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 442
Collection and disposition of funds; dedication of funds
Status: in_force

A. No license fee or tax other than those imposed by Part VI of this Title and by R.S. 56:446 shall be levied or imposed by the state or any of its subordinate political corporations or municipalities.

B. Except for funds collected from the privilege to take shells or shell deposits from the water bottoms, bedding ground rentals, and other sources of income, shall be collected by the department and record made thereof. These funds shall be deposited in the state treasury to the credit of the department.

C. One-half of all funds collected by the department from the leasing or granting of permits of the right or privilege to take shells or shell deposits or mussel shells from the water bottoms of the state under authority of this Subpart are dedicated to the establishment, administration, maintenance, and upkeep of oyster seed grounds and reservations and to the planting, propagation, cultivation, policing, preservation, and distribution of oysters on and from the grounds. The department may purchase and use shells or other cultch which it may in judgment and discretion take from over-crowded oyster reefs belonging to the state. The remaining one-half of all funds collected by the department under authority of this Subpart shall be deposited in a special account by the department and shall be dedicated to the administration, enforcement, management, and research for marine resources and to the construction, purchase, maintenance and upkeep of property and equipment used in connection therewith.

D. In case of acquisition and expenditures incurred under authority of this Subpart, the department may care for, cultivate, and dispose of acquired oysters and seed. It shall return such recovered funds into the funds placed at its disposal under this Subpart.

Acts 1981, No. 925, §1. Acts 1986, No. 904, §3; Acts 2021, No. 356, §2, eff. Nov. 15, 2021.

NOTE: SEE ACTS 1986, NO. 904, §5.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1949 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1949
Old Perkins Road; designation
Status: in_force

The purpose of this Part is to designate a part of the Old Perkins Road in East Baton Rouge Parish and in Ascension Parish as a historic road. It is the intention of the legislature to commemorate this area, once sought after by early landowners for its rich soil; intersected by historic Bayou Manchac, known in its early days as Iberville Bayou; developed as dairy land by the Kleinpeter family who continue to this day to operate the Kleinpeter Dairy on the same location; and original home to the Old Santa Maria Dairy developed on this picturesque Old Perkins Road which began as a main artery to provide a transportation route for early settlers to connect Ascension Parish to the village of Baton Rouge, and which has, with its splendorous flora, retained the beauty reminiscent of an earlier era.

Acts 1997, No. 705, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1950.11 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1950.11
Old Metairie Road Business and Cultural District; designation
Status: in_force

A. The legislature finds that Metairie Road is a historic route situated on a ridge of well-drained land along an abandoned distributary of the Mississippi River which historically provided a dry land route into New Orleans from the West; that the name goes back some two centuries and is related to farming in the area, being derived from the French moitie, or one-half, or moitoire, a farming village based on a kind of medieval sharecropping; and that today the Metairie Road area is a rich cultural community comprised of shops, coffee houses, restaurants, professional buildings, and other establishments of interest to residents and visitors. It is the intention of the legislature to designate the area along a portion of Metairie Road as a business and cultural district in order to commemorate its historical and cultural significance and to assure ready access to the district by providing directions to residents and visitors.

B. The legislature does hereby designate that portion of Metairie Road in Jefferson Parish defined in R.S. 56:1950.12 as a business and cultural district.

Acts 2006, No. 245, §1, eff. July 1, 2006.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1950.25 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1950.25
Biennial report
Status: in_force

A. The Louisiana Music Trail Commission shall submit a report by December thirty-first of each even-numbered year to the governor and the legislature.

B. The report required by this Section shall include the following:

(1) The commission's goals for increasing the number of music routes and signage over the next biennium.

(2) The tourism marketing and promotion the commission will focus on over the next biennium.

(3) The qualified routes approved by the commission and added to the Louisiana Music Trail during the biennium for which the report is being made, including the following:

(a) The name of the political subdivision that applied for approval of the route.

(b) A description of the music history and significance of the route.

(c) The location of the route including the start and end points.

Acts 2023, No. 283, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:712 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 712
Cooperative agreements
Status: in_force

The director may enter into cooperative agreements with the proper authorities of the government of the United States for the protection and management of the wildlife resources of the national forest lands within the state and for the restocking thereof with desirable species of game and non-game birds, animals and fish.

Amended by Acts 1974, No. 717, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:51 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 51
Limits of state sovereignty
Status: in_force

For the purpose of this Chapter, the jurisdiction of the courts of any parish extends to the limits of the state's sovereignty over tidal waters and the bottoms thereof.

Acts 1981, No. 837, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:181 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 181
Penalty for violation of Sub-part
Status: in_force

Whoever violates any provision of this Sub-part for which a punishment has not otherwise been provided shall be fined not less than twenty-five dollars nor more than one hundred dollars, or imprisoned for not more than thirty days, or both.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1934 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1934
Program eligibility; application process
Status: in_force

A.(1) State agencies, political subdivisions of the state, including local governing authorities, and nongovernmental organizations working in coordination with public agencies may apply to the program for funding.

(2) The program shall be strictly voluntary and in no way invokes eminent domain.

B. The following types of projects may be eligible for funding:

(1) Land conservation of important natural areas, including fish and wildlife habitat.

(2) Water quality projects related to land conservation or land management, including those lands that protect drinking water supplies.

(3) Working land, farms, and forested land.

(4) Recreational properties related to important natural areas and public use.

(5) Historic properties adjacent to or integral to habitat restoration or enhancement.

C. Application forms as well as information about application requirements shall be made available online.

D. Submitted applications shall be evaluated by the technical advisory board and selected by the project selection board using defined criteria and scoring based on a clear, defensible, science-based process.

E. The department shall, in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, promulgate rules and regulations necessary to implement this program. Such rules shall include procedures for applying to the program and detailed criteria and scoring to be used by the boards in their evaluation and selection of projects for funding.

Acts 2022, No. 714, §2, eff. June 18, 2022.

NOTE: Pursuant to R.S. 56:1936, the Louisiana Outdoors Forever Program terminates July 1, 2033.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:901 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 901
Revised Statutes 901
Status: repealed

§901. Repealed by Acts 2014, No. 832, §5.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:69.8 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 69.8
Revocation of commissions
Status: in_force

A. The secretary shall revoke a commission at any time for the following reasons:

(1) The auxiliary agent is convicted of a felony, a misdemeanor, or any wildlife or fishery violation.

(2) The auxiliary agent fails to perform a minimum of twenty-four hours per month as an auxiliary agent, unless written permission is obtained from his supervising wildlife agent.

(3) The auxiliary agent receives an unfavorable recommendation from his supervisor or the hearing panel as provided in R.S. 56:69.7(B).

(4) The auxiliary agent fails to maintain the minimum insurance coverage as provided in this Subpart.

(5) The auxiliary agent fails to comply with any other rule or regulation as may be required by the secretary.

B. The secretary may, in his discretion, revoke a commission for the following reasons:

(1) An auxiliary agent violates departmental policy.

(2) An auxiliary agent engages in misconduct or insubordination.

(3) Noncompliance with any other rule or regulation as may be required by the secretary.

Acts 1990, No. 498, §2.

{{NOTE: SUBSECTION (A)(5) AND (B)(3) APPEAR TO CONFLICT.}}
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:322.2 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 322.2
Shad gill nets; commercial harvest of shad and skipjack herring
Status: in_force

A. A commercial fisherman licensed in accordance with R.S. 56:303 and 305(B)(6)(a) may take shad and skipjack with a shad gill net in Lake Palourde, Lake Verret, Lac Des Allemands, all of the waterways in Iberville Parish, and those portions of the parishes of Iberia, St. Martin, and St. Mary located between the guide levees of the Atchafalaya Basin but is specifically not authorized to do so in the streams, bayous, canals, and other water bodies connected with the specified lakes.

B. Shad gill nets shall be used only to take shad ( Dorosoma sp) and skipjack herring ( Alosa chryochloris ), hereafter in this Section referred to as skipjack. However, a commercial fisherman may keep other commercial fish species up to a maximum of twenty-five fish. All fish on board the vessel shall have the head and caudal fin intact.

C.(1) A shad gill net shall be a gill net with a mesh size not less than one-inch bar and two inches stretched and not more than two-inch bar and four inches stretched.

(2) Each shad gill net shall have affixed to each end a one- gallon jug, painted international orange and marked in black lettering the words "Shad Gill Net", and waterproof tags with the name and license number of the fisherman in accordance with R.S. 56:320(F).

(3) Each shad gill net shall be placed at least fifty feet from the tree line.

D.(1) The closed season for commercially harvesting shad and skipjack as provided for in this Section shall include the months of July, August, September, and October of each year.

(2) During the open season, there shall be no daily take or possession limit for the commercial harvest of shad and skipjack by properly licensed shad gill net commercial fishermen. Shad and skipjack may be taken after sunset and before sunrise during open season. However, there shall be no commercial taking of shad or skipjack on any Saturday or Sunday.

(3) During the closed season and any Saturday or Sunday during open season, shad may be taken with a shad gill net for bait purposes only and with the following limitations:

(a) The shad gill net shall not exceed one hundred fifty feet in length.

(b) No more than fifty pounds of shad shall be taken per day.

(c) The gill net shall be attended at all times.

E. Only strike fishing is authorized by this Section. Once deployed, the shad gill net shall remain stationary until fish are being removed from the net or the net is being retrieved from the water.

F. The following acts are prohibited:

(1) The use of more than one shad gill net by a licensee.

(2) The use of more than one gill net per vessel.

(3) The use of a shad gill net by more than two vessels at one time.

(4) The use of a shad gill net in a manner that unduly restricts navigation of other vessels.

(5) Leaving a shad gill net unattended or not actively fishing it while it is in the water.

G. Repealed by Acts 2010, No. 589, §2.

H. Violation of any of the provisions of this Section, except for Paragraphs (C)(2) and (F)(4), constitutes a class four violation. Violation of Paragraph (C)(2) or (F)(4) constitutes a class three violation.

I. Repealed by Acts 2010, No. 589, §2.

Acts 2003, No. 379, §1; Acts 2004, No. 825, §1; Acts 2006, No. 419, §1; Acts 2008, No. 24, §1; Acts 2010, No. 589, §§1, 2; Acts 2017, No. 109, §1, eff. June 12, 2017; Acts 2021, No. 356, §2, eff. Nov. 15, 2021.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1841 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1841
Policies; purposes
Status: in_force

A. The Legislature of Louisiana hereby finds that there exist in Louisiana many unique and diverse free-flowing rivers, streams, and bayous which should be preserved, protected, and enhanced for the present and future benefit of Louisiana citizens. In order to assist in fulfilling its duties to protect, conserve, and replenish the natural resources of this state in accordance with Louisiana Constitution Article IX, Section 1, the legislature does hereby establish the Louisiana Natural and Scenic Rivers System.

B.(1) This system shall be administered for the purposes of preserving, protecting, developing, reclaiming, and enhancing the wilderness qualities, scenic beauties, and ecological regime of certain free-flowing streams or segments thereof.

(2) This system shall further be administered for the purpose of preserving aesthetic, scenic, recreational, fish, wildlife, ecological, archaeological, geological, botanical, and other natural and physical features and resources found along these streams or segments thereof.

Acts 1970, No. 398, §1; Acts 1981, No. 736, §1; Acts 1982, No. 267, §1; Acts 1988, No. 947, §1, eff. July 27, 1988.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:12 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 12
Boats and other movable property
Status: in_force

The director shall acquire such boats and other movable property as are necessary to regulate and supervise the work of the commission.

Amended by Acts 1974, No. 717, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:2013 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 2013
Revocation of licenses
Status: in_force

A. The department may revoke or suspend any license issued under the provisions of this Chapter upon a determination by the department that the holder of the license has violated the provisions of this Chapter or the rules and regulations of the commission; however, the licensee shall be entitled to an appeal from his revocation or suspension through an adjudicatory hearing pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act, R.S. 49:950 et seq.

B. The department shall notify each person whose license has been revoked or suspended, by certified mail, return receipt requested.

C. Each person whose license has been revoked or suspended shall return the license to the commission within fifteen days of the date on which the notice of revocation or suspension was received.

Acts 1986, No. 845, §1; Acts 2007, No. 454, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1903 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1903
Conservation, study, regulation; authority
Status: in_force

A. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is authorized to conserve resident species of wildlife or native plants, and those species determined to be threatened or endangered by the secretary and the secretary of the Interior of the United States, and to formulate conservation programs and plans, to be submitted to the secretary of Interior for review.

B. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is authorized to conduct investigations on resident wildlife or native plants in order to develop information relating to populations, distribution, habitat needs, limiting factors and other biological, economic, and ecological data to determine conservation measures necessary for their continued ability to sustain themselves successfully. On the basis of such determinations the commission may issue regulations designed to assist the continued ability of wildlife or native plants deemed in need of conservation to perpetuate themselves successfully. The department may conduct ongoing investigations of wildlife or native plants and the commission may from time to time amend such regulations.

C. The commission may establish such programs, including acquisition of land or aquatic habitat or interests therein, as are deemed necessary for the conservation of threatened or endangered species of wildlife or native plants. The commission may utilize all vested authority except the power of expropriation to carry out the purposes of this Part.

Added by Acts 1974, No. 473, §1; Amended by Acts 1981, No. 736, §1; Acts 2017, No. 228, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1950.26 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1950.26
Signage; official state map designation; official logo
Status: in_force

A. The Department of Transportation and Development or its contractors shall erect appropriate signage, in accordance with the manual on uniform traffic control devices, reflecting those highways or sections of highways designated pursuant to this Part as the Louisiana Music Trail if funds are received by the department equal to the department's actual costs for material, fabrication, mounting posts, and installation of each sign.

B. The Department of Transportation and Development may identify all highways designated as the Louisiana Music Trail on any official state highway maps prepared and distributed by the department.

C. The Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism shall develop the official logo of the Louisiana Music Trail, and the logo shall be used as the logo to identify the routes designated as the Louisiana Music Trail. The logo shall be used on appropriate signage and official state highway maps to indicate those routes designated as the Louisiana Music Trail.

Acts 2023, No. 283, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1808 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1808
Functions and duties of state agencies
Status: in_force

A. The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, the office of tourism and promotion, the Department of Transportation and Development, the Department of Conservation and Energy, the Department of Agriculture, the State Soil and Water Conservation Commission, and the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service or their successor agencies shall furnish assistance to the state liaison officer for the implementation of this Chapter in compliance with the provisions of R.S. 49:661 and 663.

B. In respect to duties of the secretary and the state liaison officer, under this Chapter and insofar as practical, all state agencies shall comply with reasonable requests to furnish information, data, and reports to the commission, and shall otherwise cooperate with the said secretary and state liaison officer.

Acts 1980, No. 827, §2; Acts 2023, No. 150, §22, eff. Jan. 10, 2024.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:795 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 795
Purchase of portions of Atchafalaya River Basin; nature, recreation and wildlife management area
Status: in_force

A.(1) The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is hereby authorized to purchase land from willing sellers in the Atchafalaya River Basin south of U.S. Highway 190, between the East and West Atchafalaya Protection Levees, and north of Morgan City, for the comprehensive development of a nature and recreation area out of funds appropriated for that purpose, subject to approval by the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget.

(2) The department is further authorized to purchase land from willing sellers in Madison, Tensas, and Franklin Parishes containing fifty thousand acres, more or less, being a portion of a tract of land known as the Chicago Mill and Lumber Company tract, subject to approval by the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget.

(3) The department is further authorized to purchase land from willing sellers in Concordia, Catahoula, Franklin and Tensas Parishes containing fifty-seven thousand acres, more or less, being a tract of land known as the Fisher Lumber Company tract; and if the land is conveyed to the state, the seller may retain mineral rights in all or part of said land as agreed upon between purchaser and seller.

(4) The department is further authorized to sell any or all portions of the lands purchased under the authorization of this Subsection, provided that the sale price is not less than the price paid by the department.

B. It is hereby recommended and requested that the United States Army Corps of Engineers shall, as partial mitigation for recreation losses and damages to fish and wildlife habitat and resources within the Atchafalaya River Basin due to their flood control projects, provide a tract of land within the Atchafalaya River Basin consisting of not less than 50,000 acres or two tracts of not less than 25,000 acres each, for wildlife management areas to be managed and administered by the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, and the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission shall enter into negotiation and take steps to achieve the purposes of this Subsection.

C. One-half of all revenues derived from the sale of timber from wildlife management areas located within the Atchafalaya River Basin shall be placed in a special fund and shall be used for no other purposes than the maintenance and development of such areas. The remaining one-half of all revenues derived from the sale of timber from such areas shall be placed to the credit of the General Fund.

Acts 1968, No. 612, §§1-3. Amended by Acts 1982, No. 743, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:325.6 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 325.6
Bait gulf menhaden; annual quota after regular closed season
Status: in_force

A. The Louisiana Legislature finds and declares there is great financial hardship imposed upon Louisiana crawfish, blue crab, and catfish fishermen because of insufficient supplies of bait during the winter season. This insufficiency compels Louisiana fishermen to purchase bait menhaden and other less effective baits at greatly increased costs from other sources outside the state. In order to assist these fishermen, the legislature hereby extends the regular bait gulf menhaden season by adding a quota of bait gulf menhaden to be taken during the closed season.

B. The maximum quota for the commercial harvest of bait gulf menhaden, to be used for bait only, taken within Louisiana waters or landed in Louisiana is established at three thousand metric tons, regardless of the harvesting method used, after the close of the regular menhaden season until December first. If the quota has not been reached by December first, then, beginning on April first of the following year, bait gulf menhaden may be taken until the department determines that the quota has been met. Any menhaden taken pursuant to this Section shall be sold only for use as bait.

C. The department shall monitor catch statistics for bait gulf menhaden and shall notify the commission when it is determined that the quota has been reached or is projected to be reached. When the quota has been reached or is projected to be reached, the commission shall by public notice close the bait menhaden season and fisheries to all commercial fishing in Louisiana waters. The closure shall not take effect until at least seventy-two hours after notice to the public. The closure and notice of closure shall provide that the commercial taking or landing of bait gulf menhaden in Louisiana, whether caught within or without the territorial waters of Louisiana, after the closure, is prohibited. The closure and notice of closure shall, in addition, provide that no vessel possessing or fishing with any seine, gill net, trammel net, or hoop net shall have bait gulf menhaden aboard the vessel, whether caught within or without the waters of the state. Nothing in this Section shall be deemed to prohibit the possession of fish legally taken prior to the closure order.

D. The provisions of this Section shall apply to outside waters only.

E. Violation of the provisions of this Section constitutes a class 5(B) violation.

F. The secretary shall grant special permits for the taking of menhaden during the special bait season. Each individual or company receiving such a permit shall reimburse the department for all expenses incurred in the placement of an observer on each boat participating in the special bait season. All menhaden caught during this season will be sold for bait.

Acts 1989, No. 414, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:122 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 122
Carrier pigeons, killing or catching when banded prohibited; penalty
Status: in_force

No person, other than the owner or his authorized representative, shall kill, wound, catch, or hold in possession, living or dead, a racing (homing, or carrier) pigeon, which has on its legs a seamless metal band bearing a name, letter, or number.

Whoever violates this Section shall be fined not less than twenty-five dollars nor more than one hundred dollars, or imprisoned for not less than ten days nor more than thirty days, or both.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:500 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 500
Recreational possession limit; gear
Status: in_force

A. A recreational fisherman may, in open waters in open season, with a valid basic fishing license and a saltwater fishing license or an equivalent license that grants both basic fishing and saltwater fishing privileges use a trawl not to exceed twenty-five feet and may take no more than an aggregate of two hundred fifty pounds of shrimp per day to each boat, regardless of the number of persons thereon, provided the shrimp taken are used for bait or for the fisherman's own consumption and are not sold, traded, or otherwise permitted to enter into commerce.

B. A recreational fisherman may use a castnet not to exceed eight feet six inches in radius; a bait seine with a maximum mesh size not to exceed one-quarter inch mesh bar, one-half inch mesh stretched, and thirty feet in length; or a dip net not to exceed three feet in diameter to take saltwater shrimp. A recreational fisherman shall, at any time, take no more than fifty pounds of saltwater shrimp during closed season nor shall he take more than one hundred pounds of saltwater shrimp during open season, in the aggregate, per day, for each boat or land vehicle, regardless of the number of persons thereon, provided that the saltwater shrimp taken are used for bait or for the fisherman's own consumption and are not sold, traded, or otherwise permitted to enter into commerce.

Amended by Acts 1952, No. 627, §1; Acts 1958, No. 53, §7, emerg. eff. June 24, 1958; Acts 1979, No. 284, §1; Acts 1981, No. 492, §1; Acts 1981, No. 837, §3. H.C.R. No. 19, 1983 R.S.; Acts 1984, No. 693, §1; Acts 1984, No. 295, §1, §2, eff. July 1, 1984; Acts 1984, No. 230, §1, eff. June 29, 1984; Acts 1984, No. 299, §1; Acts 1984, No. 628, §1; H.C.R. No. 37, 1984 R.S.; Acts 1986, No. 904, §3; Acts 1987, No. 570, §1, eff. July 9, 1987; Acts 1987, No. 570, §2, eff. May 1, 1988; Acts 1991, No. 871, §1; Acts 1992, No. 54, §1; Acts 1993, No. 81, §1; Acts 1999, No. 181, §1; Acts 2003, No. 323, §1; Acts 2004, No. 161, §1; Acts 2021, No. 356, §3, eff. June 1, 2022.

NOTE: SEE ACTS 1986, NO. 904, §5.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:307.7 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 307.7
Shipping records
Status: in_force

A. Shipments containing fish shall be plainly marked, the tags or certificates to show the date and names of the consignor and the consignee, with an itemized statement of the number of pounds of fish and the names of each kind contained therein. Bills of lading issued by a common carrier for such shipments shall state the number of packages which contain fish, and the date and names of the consignor and consignee, with an itemized statement of the number of pounds of fish and the names of each kind contained therein. Shipments of fish of any species and fish products shall be subject to inspection by enforcement agents of the department while in transit and upon leaving the state.

B. Information, data, and statistics obtained by the department pursuant to this Section shall be used for the equitable and efficient administration and enforcement of the laws pertaining to the fisheries resources of the state and for conservation and management purposes.

Acts 1986, No. 904, §1; Acts 2000, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 130, §1.

{{NOTE: SEE ACTS 1986, NO. 904, §5.}}
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:32 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 32
Class two violation
Status: in_force

Class two violations shall be divided into 2-A and 2-B violations.

(1) The following penalties shall be imposed for a class 2-A violation:

(a) For the first offense, the fine shall be not less than one hundred dollars nor more than three hundred fifty dollars.

(b) For the second offense, the fine shall be not less than three hundred dollars, nor more than five hundred fifty dollars.

(c) For the third offense and all subsequent offenses, the fine shall be not less than five hundred dollars nor more than seven hundred fifty dollars, and forfeiture to the commission of anything seized in connection with the violation.

(2) The following penalties shall be imposed for a class 2-B violation:

(a) For the first offense, the fine shall be not less than two hundred fifty dollars nor more than five hundred dollars.

(b) For the second offense, the fine shall be not less than five hundred dollars, nor more than eight hundred dollars, and forfeiture to the commission of anything seized in connection with the violation.

(c) For the third offense and all subsequent offenses, the fine shall be not less than seven hundred fifty dollars, nor more than one thousand dollars, and forfeiture to the commission of anything seized in connection with the violation.

(d) In addition to any other penalty, for a second or subsequent violation of the same provision of law, the penalty imposed may include revocation of the permit or license under which the violation occurred for the period for which it was issued and barring of the issuance of another permit or license for that same period.

Acts 1981, No. 837, §1; Acts 1988, No. 240, §1; Acts 2021, No. 241, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:2015 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 2015
Mandamus to compel issuance of license
Status: in_force

Any person who is denied a license by the department may institute legal proceedings against the department in the Nineteenth Judicial District Court. If the court finds that the license should have been issued, the court may issue a writ of mandamus to compel the department to issue the license.

Acts 1986, No. 845, §1; Acts 1993, No. 159, §1; Acts 2007, No. 454, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:143 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 143
"Hunter orange" or "blaze pink" display by hunters with guns
Status: in_force

A. Any person hunting any wildlife during the open gun deer hunting season and possessing buckshot, slugs, a muzzleloader, or a centerfire rifle shall display on his head, chest, or back a total of not less than four hundred square inches of material of a daylight fluorescent orange color known as "hunter orange" or a daylight fluorescent pink color known as "blaze pink". Persons hunting on privately owned, legally posted land may wear a cap or a hat that is completely covered with hunter orange or blaze pink material in lieu of the foregoing requirement to display four hundred square inches of hunter orange or blaze pink. These provisions shall not apply to persons hunting deer from elevated stands on property which is privately owned and legally posted, or to archery deer hunters hunting on legally posted land where firearm hunting is not permitted by agreement of the owner or lessee.

B. Violation of this Section constitutes a class one violation.

Acts 1992, No. 528, §1, eff. June 29, 1992; Acts 1992, No. 741, §1, eff. Oct. 1, 1993; Acts 1993, No. 64, §1; Acts 2008, No. 36, §1; Acts 2016, No. 7, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:69.10 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 69.10
Powers and duties of auxiliary agents
Status: in_force

A. Each auxiliary agent shall have the same enforcement powers as a wildlife agent, subject to the limitations provided in this Subpart, except that he shall be limited only to wildlife and fisheries enforcement on land.

B. Each auxiliary agent may be allowed to carry weapons concealed or exposed while in the performance of his duties as provided for commissioned employees of the department under R.S. 56:53.

C. Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, an auxiliary agent shall not have any enforcement powers or authority as a wildlife agent unless he is on duty and is working under the supervision and direction of a wildlife agent.

Acts 1990, No. 498, §2.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1687.2 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1687.2
Taking of mayhaw berries; rules and regulations
Status: in_force

Any rules and regulations adopted and promulgated by the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism applicable to the taking or collection of mayhaw (Crataegus aestivalis) berries in state parks shall be subject to legislative oversight in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act. The taking of mayhaw berries, as provided herein, shall not be subject to the Public Bid Law. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, rule, or regulation to the contrary, no person shall be charged a fee for collecting mayhaw berries in state parks, nor shall any person be limited as to the quantity of mayhaw berries that can be collected.

Acts 1991, No. 1028, §2.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:767 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 767
Private property surrounded by certain wildlife management areas; regulation of hunting and fishing
Status: in_force

A. All privately owned property which is completely surrounded by a wildlife management area shall be subject to all state hunting and fishing provisions, including those provisions regarding seasons. Such private property shall not be subject to the special hunting and fishing provisions which govern the wildlife management area, except that deer may not be taken with the aid of dogs. However, the owner or lessee of such property shall be required to participate in the deer management assistance program provided for in R.S. 56:110. In addition, the owner or lessee of such property shall not be allowed to hunt, trap, or take resident game by the aid of baiting or placing bait intended to attract or entice the resident game to the area where hunters are attempting to take them.

B. The provisions of this Section shall apply only to private property which, as of June 30, 1999, is surrounded by a wildlife management area or property which is privately owned as of June 30, 1999, and is subsequently surrounded by a newly created or expanded wildlife management area.

Acts 1997, No. 1292, §1; Acts 1999, No. 1250, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:727 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 727
Approval of rules and regulations; promulgation; penalties
Status: in_force

A. Rules and regulations proposed by any game and fish commission shall become effective only after one of the following occurs:

(1) The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, which has concurrent jurisdiction and power over the parish preserve, approves and promulgates the rule or regulation. Such rules and regulations shall be promulgated and adopted in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.

(2) If the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission fails to take action on the proposed rules and regulations within one hundred eighty days after submission by the commission, the proposed rules shall be deemed to be adopted. The game and fish preserve commission shall publish the adopted rule or regulation in the Louisiana Register, shall submit a copy to the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and the House Committee on Natural Resources and Environment. The rule or regulation shall be subject to legislative review in the same manner as provided in the Administrative Procedure Act, R.S. 49:966(D).

B. Any person who violates a rule or regulation adopted as provided in this Section shall be guilty of a class 2 violation.

C. The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission shall not be held liable with regard to any implementation, promulgation, or enforcement of any rules or regulations of a game and fish commission adopted pursuant to Paragraph (A)(2) of this Section or R.S. 56:722(A)(2).

Amended by Acts 1974, No. 717, §1; Acts 1981, No. 736, §1; Acts 1997, No. 21, §1; Acts 2017, No. 185, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:699.3 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 699.3
Regulation of firearm and hunter education
Status: in_force

The commission shall adopt rules to regulate firearm and hunter education which shall:

(1) Provide for firearm and hunter education courses to be taught or approved by the department.

(2) Provide for the testing and certification by the department of residents of this state as firearm and hunter education instructors.

(3) Establish minimum requirements for firearm and hunter education courses conducted by private groups, state and local agencies other than the department, other states, and subdivisions thereof, which the department may approve for purposes of this Part.

(4) Provide for the revocation of any hunting license or hunting permit upon determination that the holder thereof obtained it other than in accordance with this Part.

Acts 1984, No. 149, §1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

{{NOTE: SEE SECTIONS 3 AND 4 OF ACTS 1984, NO. 149.}}
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:314 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 314
Confiscation of unlawful tackle
Status: in_force

Possession or operation on the fishing grounds of illegal, unlicensed, or improperly tagged tackle is prima facie evidence that it is being used unlawfully or kept for unlawful use. Such tackle, used in operation thereof, is a public nuisance and shall be confiscated and turned over to the commission.

If the property so seized is susceptible of lawful use it shall be returned by the commission to its lawful owner within thirty days after final disposition of the charge. If the seized property is illegal per se and not susceptible of lawful use the commission shall make disposition in accordance with the order of the court having jurisdiction over the charge; provided however, that no fishing tackle, gear, rods or reels shall be seized by any agent of the commission if the sole violation is the failure of the offender to have on his person a fishing license.

Acts 1974, No. 223, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:785 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 785
Posting of land; stocking; rules and regulations
Status: in_force

The department shall post such wildlife refuges, wildlife management areas, public hunting grounds, upland game preserves, or wildlife sanctuaries with suitable signs located not less than every lineal quarter mile along the boundary lines of the wildlife refuges, wildlife management areas, public hunting grounds, upland game preserves, or wildlife sanctuaries, and shall properly stock the areas. The commission may make rules and regulations for the protection of the wild game and wild animal life within the areas and may properly fence, equip, or maintain the areas for the protection of the wild animal life and game.

Amended by Acts 1981, No. 736, §1; Acts 1981, No. 838, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:280 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 280
White or albino alligators; taking from the wild; prohibition; penalties; notification to alligator hunters
Status: in_force

A. Recognizing that the Louisiana alligator is an important and integral aspect of a vast and complex ecological system, it shall be the policy of the state that those extremely rare species of alligator whose color substantially deviates from the norm shall be especially protected.

B.(1) No person shall, whether intentionally or unintentionally, take from the wild any alligator that is white or albino.

(2) Subject to the rules and regulations promulgated by the department:

(a) Landowners or licensed alligator farmers or ranching operations, may take the alligator from the wild for its own protection.

(b) Any alligator eggs in the possession of or collected by a licensed alligator farmer or ranching operation which are hatched and contain white or albino alligators may, with prior approval of the department, remain in the possession of such licensed operators.

(3) All such instances of possession shall be reported immediately to the department.

(4) The disposition of white or albino alligators which have been reported to the department under the provisions of this Subsection shall be established by rules and regulations. Any person who unintentionally takes from the wild any alligator that is white or albino which is taken by the state shall be paid just compensation therefor by the state.

C. Any person who unintentionally takes from the wild any alligator that is white or albino by hook and line shall immediately report its presence and location to the department, whether the alligator is dead or alive.

D. It shall be a violation of this Section if any person intentionally takes from the wild any alligator that is white or albino by means of a long or compound bow and barbed arrow, firearm, or by any other means. In addition to the penalties imposed by Subsection E of this Section, any such person who violates the provisions of this Subsection shall immediately report the alligator's presence and location to the department, whether the alligator is dead or alive.

E. Whoever violates any provision of this Section shall be subject to a fine of not less than ten thousand dollars and imprisoned for not less than six months or more than twelve months, or both. For any subsequent violation of this Section, there shall be a fine of not less than ten thousand dollars imposed and imprisonment for not less than two years.

F. It shall be the responsibility of the department to provide notice to all alligator hunters of the provisions of this Section, both orally and in writing, at the time they apply for a resident or nonresident alligator hunter's license.

Acts 1992, No. 644, §1, eff. July 2, 1992.

{{NOTE: SEE ACTS 1992, NO. 644, §2.}}
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:2011 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 2011
License to dredge; royalties; exemptions
Status: in_force

A. No fill sand nor fill material shall be dredged from the water bottoms of this state without a license issued by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. The license fee shall be set by the commission and shall not exceed one hundred dollars. The department shall act on the license application either favorably or unfavorably within a period of thirty working days.

B.(1) There shall be five classes of license as follows:

(a) Class A shall be applicable to commercial dredging or initial acquisition of fill sand or fill material with the specific intent to offer such fill for resale.

(b) Class B shall be applicable to dredging of fill sand or fill material for commercial purposes other than the specific intent to offer such fill for resale. Such commercial purposes shall include operations related to mineral activities.

(c) Class C shall be applicable to a person dredging or contracting for dredging of fill sand or fill material for private, noncommercial purposes.

(d) Class D shall be applicable to dredging of fill sand or fill material for an activity that has a public benefit, such as but not limited to a coastal conservation or restoration activity, navigation purpose, removal of sediment buildup, or recreational activity.

(e) Class E shall be applicable to all other dredging of fill sand or fill material.

(2) The license shall be valid for one year beginning January first and ending December thirty-first of that same calendar year. The license may be purchased at any time during the year for the current license year and beginning November fifteenth for the immediately following license year. No person with an outstanding violation of this Chapter may purchase a license. At all times, the original license shall be available at the dredge site for inspection by a duly authorized agent of the department.

C. A royalty payment, based on cubic yards or equivalent thereof as determined by the commission of material dredged, shall be made to the department as follows:

(1) Holders of a Class A license shall pay a royalty of twenty-nine cents per cubic yard of material dredged.

(2) Holders of a Class B license shall pay a royalty of twenty-five cents per cubic yard of material dredged.

(3) Holders of a Class C license shall pay a royalty of fifteen cents per cubic yard of material dredged.

(4) Except those exempted under the provisions of Subsection E of this Section, holders of a Class D license shall pay a royalty of five cents per cubic yard of material dredged.

(5) Holders of a Class E license shall pay a royalty of twenty-five cents per cubic yard of material dredged.

D. Only holders of Class A licenses shall be authorized to sell fill sand or fill material dredged. Holders of Class B, C, D, or E licenses shall not sell fill sand or fill material which was dredged or caused to be dredged under authority of those licenses.

E. Any private landowner, state agency, political subdivision, or associated consultant or contractor engaged in a coastal protection, conservation, or restoration activity consistent with an annual plan or the comprehensive master plan established pursuant to R.S. 49:214.5.3 or engaged in an activity to remove sediment buildup to preserve or restore the natural habitat of a water body of the state or to enhance navigation and recreation activities on a water body of the state shall be exempt from payment of the royalties and bond requirements of this Section. However, the private landowner, state agency, political subdivision, or associated consultant or contractor shall be required to apply for and receive the appropriate license required by this Section. To be eligible for exemption from the royalty payment and bond requirements of this Section, a private landowner shall obtain a letter of no-objection from either the governing authority of the political subdivision within which the activity will occur or the local coastal management program under which the activity is authorized and the approval, in writing, of the secretary of the Department of Conservation and Energy, the secretary of the Department of Transportation and Development, and the executive director of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority.

F. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, dredging by or on behalf of a port authority or port, harbor, and terminal district shall be exempt from the provisions of this Chapter. However, any port authority or port, harbor, and terminal district or any person engaged on its behalf to perform dredging in its respective jurisdiction shall possess the appropriate federal and state permits which authorize the dredging, and a copy of such permits shall be available at the dredge site for inspection by a duly authorized agent of the department.

G. Any person holding a dredging permit from the department on May 1, 2007, shall be granted a license under the provisions of this Section, with such license to authorize the same activities authorized under the existing permit.

H. The commission shall promulgate rules and regulations implementing the provisions of this Section. Such rules and regulations shall include but not be limited to bond requirements, royalty payment deadlines, royalty auditing procedures, and location of dredging operations and placement of fill sand or fill material.

Acts 1986, No. 845, §1; Acts 1989, 2nd Ex. Sess., No. 6, §5, eff. July 14, 1989; Acts 2005, No. 203, §1; Acts 2007, No. 454, §1; Acts 2016, No. 430, §7; Acts 2023, No. 150, §22, eff. Jan. 10, 2024.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:264 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 264
Scientific research
Status: in_force

The commission shall conduct scientific researches into the life habits of the nongame quadrupeds through technically trained officers and employees and, when practicable, give full publicity to such biological findings.

Acts 1970, No. 550, §1; Acts 1990, No. 194, §1, eff. July 2, 1990.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:410.10 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 410.10
Use of certain fishing gear on Poverty Point Reservoir; prohibition
Status: in_force

A. No person shall possess, set, or use any recreational hoop nets, recreational wire nets, yo-yos, trotlines, or slat traps in Poverty Point Reservoir.

B. Violation of this Section constitutes a class two violation.

Acts 2005, No. 95, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1865 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1865
Register of natural areas
Status: in_force

The department shall publish and revise at least annually a register of natural areas.

Acts 1987, No. 324, §1, eff. July 6, 1987.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:127 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 127
Confiscation of illegal traps or snares and quadrupeds taken thereby
Status: in_force

Every officer authorized to enforce the provisions of this Sub-part shall immediately confiscate and hold for evidence any trap, snare, explosive, gun, or other material evidence found by him placed or set contrary to the provisions of this Sub-part, and confiscate and hold for evidence all quadrupeds, the pelts, skins, and parts thereof found by him to have been taken or possessed contrary to the provisions of this Sub-part, and hold the same subject to disposition by general or special order of the director.

Amended by Acts 1974, No. 717, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1683 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1683
Office of state parks; authority to classify
Status: in_force

The office of state parks is hereby authorized to maintain a system for classifying all holdings within its jurisdiction. Such classification system will provide objectives which will encompass preservation, commemoration, and recreation as identified in the statement of purpose in R.S. 56:1682.

Acts 1980, No. 827, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:54.1 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 54.1
Prima facie evidence of violation of law
Status: in_force

In all cases of arrest for violation of the game and fish laws, the possession of game, fish, nets, seines, or lines, tackle, or the possession or operation of any other device prohibited, is prima facie evidence of the violation.

Acts 1985, No. 876, §3, eff. July 23, 1985.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:3004 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 3004
Combination licenses (includes all hunting, fishing, and WMA access privileges); fees
Status: in_force

A. Resident licenses:

(1) Sportsman's Paradise$100.00/year

(2) Senior/Retired Military/Honorably Discharged Veteran $20.00/year

(3) Disabled/Special Needs $4.00/year

B. Nonresident licenses:

(1) Sportsman's Paradise$400.00/year

(2) Five-Day Blast and Cast$120.00

Acts 2021, No. 356, §3, eff. June 1, 2022; Acts 2022, No. 229, §1, eff. June 1, 2022; Acts 2025, No. 321, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:23 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 23
Penalty for violations
Status: in_force

Whoever violates any of the provisions of Chapters 1 through 3 and 5 of this Title for which a penalty has not been otherwise specifically provided shall be penalized as a class one violation as provided in R.S. 56:31 and shall pay all court costs.

Acts 2010, No. 290, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:578.15 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 578.15
Louisiana Wild Seafood Certification Program
Status: in_force

A. The secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is authorized to establish a quality certification program for Louisiana wild fish, as defined in R.S. 56:8, and for Louisiana wild seafood products, including wild-caught shrimp, which are taken, harvested, or landed in Louisiana. The program shall be established through the promulgation and adoption of certification standards in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act. Such standards may include but are not limited to harvest requirements, post-harvest refrigeration requirements, quality standards, handling practices, traceability, branding and branding registrations, recording requirements, compliance standards, and packaging regulations. The secretary may develop and regulate certification protocols, programs, and establish regulatory authority in cooperation with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Louisiana Louisiana Department of Health, Louisiana State University, and any other state or federal agency deemed appropriate.

B. All seafood product intended to be marketed as Louisiana Wild Seafood certified must meet all criteria and requirements as set out in the department's rules and regulations. Any product sold or attempted to be sold under the auspices of the Louisiana Wild Seafood Certification Program which is in violation of the rules and regulations shall be immediately removed from the market and the disposition of such product shall be delineated in the rules and regulations adopted to establish the program.

C. Any fisherman or seafood dealer who wishes to participate in the Louisiana Wild Seafood Certification Program shall apply to the department to be issued a participation permit by the department. This permit may be suspended or revoked by the department for violation of the provisions of the program. Any holder of such permit who harvests or markets Louisiana wild fish or wild seafood products in accordance with the requirements of the Louisiana Wild Seafood Certification Program shall be authorized to market said product under the auspices of the Louisiana Wild Seafood Certification Program.

Acts 2010, No. 294, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:636 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 636
License requirements; possession; nontransferability
Status: in_force

A. Persons taking reptiles or amphibians, whether recreationally or commercially, and persons involved in the reptile and amphibian industry, including wholesale/retail dealers and transporters shall be licensed in accordance with this Subpart.

B. Persons engaged in an activity for which a license is required shall have in their immediate possession a valid, original license and shall show such license upon demand to a duly authorized agent of the department.

C. Except as provided in this Subpart, licenses cannot be assigned or transferred or used by any other person. An officer authorized to enforce the provisions of this Subpart shall take possession of any license found in the possession of any person other than the one to whom issued and shall deliver it to the department for cancellation. The license is thereupon void.

D. The following applies to all licenses required by this Subpart:

(1) No license may be issued until all information requested is supplied to the issuing agent.

(2) Forms of acceptable payment for licenses shall be determined by the department.

(3) No resident license may be issued prior to proof of Louisiana residency by the applicant.

(4) The issuance of a license is conditional upon validation of all information on the application. If the department finds any material misstatement of fact regarding the residency of the applicant, the license is void and shall be immediately surrendered to an agent of the department.

E. A violation of this Section is a class two violation.

Acts 1995, No. 604, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:109.3 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 109.3
Levy of mooring fees in the Atchafalaya Delta WMA; Atchafalaya Delta WMA Mooring Account; deposit of fees to the account; uses of the monies in the account
Status: in_force

A. The department shall establish a mooring program for vessels in the Atchafalaya Delta Wildlife Management Area. The department shall locate mooring pilings where appropriate within the Atchafalaya Delta WMA and lease such pilings through a mooring program that includes assignment of such mooring sites through a lottery system administered by the department and through a bid process for premium mooring sites as designated by the department. All costs, including but not limited to materials, professional services, and construction, shall be reported to the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and the House Committee on Natural Resources and Environment by the first of May in any year in which such costs are incurred. A maximum of forty percent of the sites, the "premium" sites, shall be available through a bidding process and the remainder of the mooring sites shall be available through the lottery system. The fees for such "premium" sites shall not be less than one hundred ten percent of the fees of those sites available through the lottery system. Mooring fees for sites acquired through the lottery system shall be three hundred dollars for two pilings or five hundred dollars for three or more pilings. All annual fees collected pursuant to the provisions of this Section shall be deposited to the Atchafalaya Delta WMA Mooring Account created in this Section. The proceeds from such fees shall be reported annually to the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and the House Committee on Natural Resources and Environment.

B. There is hereby created, as a special account in the Conservation Fund, the Atchafalaya Delta WMA Mooring Account.

C. After compliance with the requirements of Article VII, Section 9(B) of the Constitution of Louisiana relative to the Bond Security and Redemption Fund, and after a sufficient amount is allocated from that fund to pay all of the obligations secured by the full faith and credit of the state, which become due and payable within any fiscal year, the treasurer shall pay into the Atchafalaya Delta WMA Mooring Account an amount equal to the monies received by the department from the avails of the Atchafalaya Delta WMA mooring fees authorized in this Section. The monies in the account shall be used solely as provided in Subsection D of this Section and only in the amounts appropriated by the legislature. All unexpended and unencumbered monies in the account at the end of the fiscal year shall remain in the account. The monies in the account shall be invested by the state treasurer in the same manner as monies in the state general fund.

D. Subject to annual appropriation by the legislature, the monies in the Atchafalaya Delta WMA Mooring Account shall be used solely for the development, construction, maintenance, and dredging of mooring sites in the Atchafalaya Delta WMA.

E. The commission may adopt and promulgate rules and regulations in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act for the implementation of the provisions of this Section.

Acts 2013, No. 155, §1, eff. June 7, 2013.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1685.2 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1685.2
J. D. "Prof" Lafleur Visitor Center at the Louisiana State Arboretum
Status: in_force

The visitor center located at the Louisiana State Arboretum State Preservation Area is hereby designated and shall hereafter be known as the J. D. "Prof" Lafleur Visitor Center.

Acts 2008, No. 238, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:46 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 46
Venue when river divides parishes
Status: in_force

If any offense under this Chapter is alleged to have been committed in a river dividing two parishes and the exact place of commission of the offense cannot be established, any court in either parish has territorial jurisdiction.

Acts 1981, No. 837, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:322.1 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 322.1
Shad seine; commercial harvest of shad and skipjack herring
Status: in_force

A. A commercial fisherman licensed in accordance with R.S. 56:303 and 305(B)(6)(b) may take shad, skipjack, and any other freshwater commercial fish of legal size with a shad seine in accordance with this Section.

B. Only shad ( Dorosoma sp ), skipjack herring ( Alosa chryochloris ), hereafter in this Section referred to as skipjack, and any other legal-sized freshwater commercial fish may be taken with a shad seine; all other fish shall be immediately returned to waters from which they were caught. All fish on board the vessel shall have the head and caudal fin intact.

C.(1) A shad seine shall be a seine with a mesh size not less than one-inch bar and two inches stretched and not more than two-inch bar and four inches stretched. A shad seine may not be constructed of monofilament.

(2) Each shad seine shall have affixed to each end a one-gallon jug, painted international orange and marked in black lettering the words "Shad Seine", and waterproof tags with the name and license number of the fisherman in accordance with R.S. 56:320(F).

D. Repealed by Acts 2008, No. 24, §2.

E. Only strike fishing is authorized by this Section.

F. The following acts are prohibited:

(1) The use of more than one shad seine by a licensee.

(2) The use of more than one seine per vessel.

(3) The use of a shad seine by more than two vessels at one time.

(4) The use of a shad seine in a manner that unduly restricts navigation of other vessels or interferes with commercial shipping.

(5) Leaving a shad seine unattended or not actively fishing it while it is in the water.

G. A shad seine may only be fished in the freshwater areas of the state, but it shall not be used in the bodies of water where seine use is prohibited nor the Pearl River or the Pearl River navigational canal.

H. There shall be no daily take or possession limit for the commercial harvest of shad and skipjack taken under the provisions of this Section by properly licensed shad seine commercial fishermen.

I. Violation of any of the provisions of this Section, except for Paragraph (F)(4) and Subsection G, constitutes a class four violation. Violation of Paragraph (F)(4) constitutes a class three violation. Violation of Subsection G constitutes a class two violation.

Acts 2003, No. 274, §1; Acts 2004, No. 86, §1, eff. May 28, 2004; Acts 2008, No. 24, §§1, 2; Acts 2021, No. 356, §2, eff. Nov. 15, 2021.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1686 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1686
Use of terms prohibited
Status: in_force

The office of state parks classification terms, with the exceptions of state experimental site and special holdings, represent specific types and qualities of office of state parks holdings and therefore all use of such terms in any official name of public or private lands or holdings is prohibited except when approved by the secretary of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism and when such areas meet the classification criteria as identified in R.S. 56:1684.

Acts 1980, No. 827, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:305.6 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 305.6
Commercial crab fishing; apprentice license; requirements
Status: in_force

A. The commission shall establish a program to increase and elevate professionalism in the commercial crab industry. Such professionalism program shall include education in the proper fishing techniques necessary for the health and sustainability of the species; proper techniques for the best capture and presentation of the crabs for marketability; proper instructions regarding the placement, tending, and maintenance of crab traps to reduce potential conflicts with other user groups, and may include an apprenticeship program. The professionalism program shall be established no later than November 15, 2014, through rules promulgated pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act.

B. Beginning November 15, 2014, and applicable to license year 2015 and thereafter, no person shall be issued a commercial crab trap gear license unless that person qualifies under any of the following provisions:

(1) The person possessed a valid commercial crab trap gear license during any two license years between 2011 and 2014.

(2) The person possessed a valid wholesale/retail seafood dealer's license and can demonstrate crab landings through trip ticket submissions during any two years between 2011 and 2014.

(3) The person has enrolled in and completed the program to increase and elevate professionalism in the commercial crab industry established pursuant to the provisions of this Section.

Acts 1995, No. 873, §1; Acts 2004, No. 831, §1, eff. July 12, 2004; Acts 2014, No. 540, §1, eff. June 5, 2014; Acts 2015, No. 209, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:641.2 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 641.2
Certification of certain not-for-profit organizations involved in charitable hunting and fishing activities; exemption from license requirements
Status: in_force

The secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is hereby authorized to certify a not-for-profit organization as an "organization involved in charitable hunting and fishing activities". Individuals engaged in hunting or fishing activities conducted by a not-for-profit organization certified by the secretary as an"organization involved in charitable hunting and fishing activities" shall be exempt from the requirement for a hunting or fishing license while engaged in activities sponsored by that organization.

Acts 2020, No. 178, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:15 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 15
Prohibited acts involving interstate commerce
Status: in_force

A. For the purposes of this Section, the following words and phrases shall have the meaning ascribed to them in this Section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(1) The terms "fish" or "wildlife" mean fish as defined by R.S. 56:8 and wildlife as defined in R.S. 56:8, whether alive or dead, without limitation to whether or not the animal was bred, hatched, or born in captivity, and includes any part, product, egg, or offspring thereof.

(2) The term "import" means to land on, bring into, or introduce into, any place subject to the jurisdiction of the state of Louisiana.

(3) The terms "law" or "regulation" mean laws or regulations which regulate the taking, possession, importation, exportation, transportation, or sale of fish or wildlife.

(4) The term "person" includes any individual, partnership, association, corporation, trust, or any officer, employee, agent, department, or instrumentality of a state department or political subdivision of the state, or any entity subject to the jurisdiction of the state of Louisiana.

(5) The term "taken" means "take" as defined in R.S. 56:8.

(6) The term "possess" means possess as defined in R.S. 56:8.

(7) The term "transport" means transport as defined in R.S. 56:8.

B. It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in any of the following:

(1) To import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase in interstate commerce any fish or wildlife taken, possessed, transported, or sold in violation of any law or regulation of this state, any other state, or the federal government.

(2) To attempt to commit any act described in Paragraph (1) of this Subsection.

C. Any person who knowingly engages in conduct prohibited by Subsection B herein shall be subject to penalties of a class six violation as defined by R.S. 56:36. In addition, any person who in the exercise of due care should have known that the fish or wildlife were taken, possessed, transported, or sold in violation of any law or in a manner unlawful under any law or regulation shall be subject to the penalties of a class six violation as defined in R.S. 56:36.

Acts 1999, No. 178, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1803 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1803
Agreements with United States; coordination
Status: in_force

The assistant secretary of the office of state parks, hereinafter called "state liaison officer", may enter into contracts and agreements with United States or any appropriate agency thereof, keep financial records and other records relating thereto, and furnish to appropriate officials and agencies of the United States such reports and information as may be reasonable and necessary to enable such officials and agencies to perform their duties under such federal programs. In connection with obtaining for the state of Louisiana the benefits of any such program, the state liaison officer shall coordinate its activities with and represent the interest of all agencies and departments of the state and of the parish, municipal, and other governmental units and subdivisions of the state of Louisiana having interest in the planning, development, and maintenance of outdoor recreation resources and facilities within the state.

Amended by Acts 1980, No. 827, §2; Acts 1982, No. 329, §2, eff. July 18, 1982.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:319 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 319
Exotic fish; importation, sale, and possession of certain exotic species prohibited; permit required; penalty
Status: in_force

A. No person, firm, or corporation shall at any time possess, sell, or cause to be transported into this state by any other person, firm, or corporation, without first obtaining the written permission of the secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, any of the following species of fish: freshwater electric eel ( Electrophorus sp.); rudd ( Scardinius erythrophthalmus ); all members of the families Synbranchidae (Asian swamp eels); Channidae (snakeheads); Clariidae (walking catfishes); Trichomycteridae (pencil catfishes); all species of tilapia, and carp, except koi or common carp ( Cyprinus carpio ) and goldfish ( Carassius auratus ). Any fish which requires a permit under the provisions of this Subsection shall not be returned to the water if taken from state waters, and any such fish may be possessed only by properly permitted people or if the fish is dead.

B. All permits granted under the provisions hereof shall be on an annual basis except for permits issued for triploid grass carp possession and transportation for aquatic plant control. All requests for such permission shall indicate the source, number, and destination of the species named therein.

C. The provisions contained herein shall be enforced by the commission, and its decision in the granting or denial of the permission referred to herein shall be final.

D. No person shall have in possession or sell in this state a piranha or Rio Grande Cichlid; except that, piranha may be possessed and displayed at the Aquarium of the Americas, Audubon Institute, New Orleans, as authorized by a special permit issued by the department, under conditions the department deems necessary to prevent their introduction into waters of the state. Neither the permit nor the conditions and requirements thereof shall be required to be adopted pursuant to the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act.

E. Violation of any of the provisions of this Section constitutes a class four violation.

Acts 1974, No. 223, §1. Amended by Acts 1981, No. 837, §3; Acts 1981, No. 838, §1; Acts 1982, No. 94, §1; Acts 1988, No. 939, §1, eff. July 26, 1988; Acts 1990, No. 695, §1, eff. July 20, 1990; Acts 1992, No. 528, §1, eff. June 29, 1992; Acts 1995, No. 1142, §1; Acts 2003, No. 91, §1, eff. May 28, 2003.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:22 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 22
Rules and regulations for protection and preservation of fish
Status: in_force

A. Whenever the commission deems it for the best interest of the state, it may entirely prohibit the taking of any species of fish in any part of the state, particularly in any lake or stream either wholly or partially within the state, for not more than a three-year period.

B. The commission shall be authorized to promulgate rules and regulations pertaining to seasons, times, sizes, and places for freshwater commercial fish netting.

C. Such prohibitions, rules, and regulations shall be adopted in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, R.S. 49:950 et seq.

Amended by Acts 1974, No. 717, §1; Acts 1979, No. 282, §1; Acts 1982, No. 732, §1; Acts 1990, No. 376, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1693.2 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1693.2
Exemption for "Golden Access Passport" holders; day-use entrance fees; camping fees
Status: in_force

A. Any citizen of the United States who possesses a "Golden Access Passport" issued by an agency of the United States pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 460 l -6a, upon presentation of the Golden Access Passport and proper identification to state park authorities, shall be exempt from the day-use entrance fee to any Louisiana state park and shall be permitted to camp at sites within Louisiana state parks for one-half the normal fee if an unoccupied camp site is available and if the state park system of the citizen's domicile as reflected on his presented identification also recognizes such passes for discounted access or services.

B. Repealed by Acts 2001, No. 917, §1.

C. In state parks where individual user fees are charged, the exemption provided for in Subsection A of this Section shall apply only to the permit holder; however, where vehicle permits are utilized, the exemption shall apply to the permit holder and each occupant accompanying the permit holder in the same private, noncommercial vehicle.

D. The office of state parks shall promulgate regulations to implement the provisions of this Section.

Acts 1992, No. 607, §1; Acts 1995, No. 104, §1; Acts 1995, No. 266, §1; Acts 2001, No. 917, §1; Acts 2010, No. 50, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1948.7 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1948.7
Exclusions from Louisiana Byway designation
Status: in_force

A. Any section of the roads designated in this Part as a Louisiana Byway, which is adjacent to land zoned commercial or industrial or upon which is located one or more permanent structures at which commercial or industrial activity is conducted, shall be excluded from the scenic byway designation, except for official signage, mapping, and other purposes solely to preserve system continuity, unless the recommending body requests specific inclusion of such section and the House and Senate Committees on Transportation, Highways and Public Works, with the concurrence of the secretaries of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism and of the Department of Transportation and Development, finds that such section meets the criteria of R.S. 56:1948.3.

B. If, however, the Federal Highway Administration formally expresses its objection to this process of automatic exclusion, and if such objection is directed to the state of Louisiana in writing, and if such objection also initiates official sanctions which would result in the loss of National Highway System apportionment or any past or pending grants to the state for the purpose of scenic byways, then the exclusion in Subsection A is null and void. The Department of Transportation and Development shall notify the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism and the Senate and House committees on transportation, highways and public works of such action and the following process shall be substituted in lieu of Subsection A of this Section: Any section of those roads, designated in this Part as a Louisiana Byway, which is adjacent to land zoned commercial or industrial or upon which is located one or more permanent structures at which commercial or industrial activity is conducted, may be excluded from the scenic byway designation if a recommendation for exclusion is presented to the secretary of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism. The secretary of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism is hereby authorized to promulgate rules and regulations in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act. Such rules and regulations, subject to the oversight of the House and Senate committees on transportation, highways and public works, shall set forth the procedure which must be followed and the criteria which must be met in order for such segments to be excluded from the Louisiana Byways system.

C. Any section of a road designated as a Louisiana scenic highway, which is located in the parishes of LaSalle, Natchitoches, Sabine, or Winn, shall be excluded from the scenic byway designation.

Acts 1995, No. 244, §1; Acts 1995, No. 741, §1; Acts 1999, No. 1353, §1; Acts 2003, No. 999, §2; Acts 2011, 1 st Ex. Sess., No. 33, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:177 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 177
Fencing farms or preserves
Status: in_force

Any farm or preserve used for breeding of deer pursuant to this Subpart shall be surrounded by a fence of a height of not less than seven feet of wire or other material of a pattern to be approved by the secretary.

Amended by Acts 1974, No. 717, §1; Acts 1981, No. 736, §1; Acts 1992, No. 41, §2.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:724 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 724
Dykes or dams; excavations
Status: in_force

The governing authority of a parish may build dykes or dams, dig canals, or excavate lake or stream beds whenever such work is necessary to the creation and establishment of such preserves, and may appropriate and expend the money necessary therefor.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:641 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 641
Exclusive licensing authority; rules and regulations
Status: in_force

A. The legislature finds that it is in the best interests of protecting, conserving, and replenishing the wildlife and fisheries resources of the state that the department, through its secretary, shall have authority to provide for the issuance of hunting and fishing licenses through an electronic issuance system.

B. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the secretary shall promulgate rules and regulations to implement an automated license issuance system which includes but is not limited to the following nonexclusive authorization:

(1) To enter into contracts for the provisions of licensing services.

(2) To provide for regulations, qualification criteria, and compensation of licensing agents.

(3) To provide for the funding for an automated license issuance system and related services including license agent commissions.

(4) To provide for criteria to accept or reject applicants or suspend a licensee.

(5) To provide for effective license numbers.

(6) To provide that a license may become effective immediately upon issuance of an effective license number.

(7) To provide for special lottery-type issues.

(8) To enter into agreements for any manner of license issuance, distribution, and compensation therefor, including contingency fee contracts.

Acts 1995, No. 513, §1; Acts 2021, No. 356, §3, eff. June 1, 2022.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:802 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 802
Responsibilities and duties
Status: in_force

The department shall have the duty and responsibility for the management of resources, including water level control, aquatic weed control, and maintenance and repair of dams, control structures, and spillways within the territorial jurisdiction of each commission established in R.S. 56:801, provided that no local commission or authority is providing these services. The individual game and fish preserves and commissions or local governing authorities shall have the duty and responsibility for maintaining all support services within their territorial jurisdiction, including parks, picnic areas, and concessions.

Added by Acts 1982, No. 728, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:6.2 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 6.2
Advisory committees
Status: in_force

A. The secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is authorized to adopt rules to govern the procedures of advisory committees created in or for the department. Such rules shall be adopted no later than January 1, 1994, and shall be adopted in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.

B. Procedures that may be adopted by rule shall include but not be limited to the following:

(1) A requirement that a majority of the members duly appointed shall constitute a quorum and that no action may be taken without a quorum present and voting.

(2) A prohibition on voting by proxy or the designation of proxies.

(3) Provisions for the removal of any member of the advisory committee for cause by the secretary of the department.

(4) A provision that the chairman of an advisory committee shall be elected from among the duly appointed members and shall serve a term of no more than one year.

C. The secretary may remove any member of an advisory committee for cause as provided in the rules of procedure authorized to be adopted by this Section.

D. For the purposes of this Section, an advisory committee shall include any board, committee, or task force, consisting primarily of persons who are not employed by the department or the commission, that has been created by law, resolution, executive order, or otherwise for the purpose of advising the department or the commission regarding matters within their jurisdiction.

Acts 1993, No. 143, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:410.2 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 410.2
Use of trammel nets, gill nets, and strike nets in Calcasieu Lake in Cameron Parish prohibited
Status: in_force

A. No person shall set or use any trammel net, gill net, or strike net for the taking of fish in that portion of Calcasieu Lake located in Cameron Parish including that portion of the Calcasieu Ship Channel which actually adjoins Calcasieu Lake, West and East Pass of Calcasieu River, and Turner's Bay during the hours after the official sunset on Friday and before the official sunset on Sunday of each week during the period from May first through September thirtieth of each year.

B. Violation of this Section constitutes a class two violation.

Acts 1990, No. 509, §1; Acts 1992, No. 528, §1, eff. June 29, 1992; Acts 1995, No. 583, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:645 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 645
Fishing and hunting license checkoff; donation for veterans with disabilities
Status: in_force

A. Each individual who purchases a fishing or hunting license may make a donation to help provide disabled veterans with hunting and fishing licenses. The donation shall be made at the time of the purchase and shall be made upon the license form prescribed by the secretary.

B. There is hereby created within the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries a special escrow account known as the "Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation Escrow Account". The escrow account is created to receive deposits of donations made for the benefit of disabled veterans when an individual purchases a fishing and hunting license. No more than ten percent of the monies in the account shall be used for administrative costs. All unexpended and unencumbered monies in this account at the end of the fiscal year shall remain in the account. The monies in the account shall be invested by the state treasurer in the same manner as monies in the state general fund.

C. The monies in the account shall be used solely to purchase hunting and fishing licenses for disabled veterans, including the purchase of a commemorative durable hard card containing such licensing information.

Acts 2021, No. 356, §3, eff. June 1, 2022; Acts 2025, No. 321, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:301.3 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 301.3
Applicability to other fishing laws
Status: in_force

This Part applies solely to licensing and shall not, in any manner, grant fishing privileges greater than those stated in this Part or in any other Section of this Title.

Acts 1986, No. 904, §1.

{{NOTE: SEE ACTS 1986, NO. 904, §5.}}
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:66 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 66
No criminal liability for covert operations officers
Status: in_force

No enforcing officer within the covert operations section of the enforcement division shall be held criminally liable for any violation of Chapter 1 of this Title when said violation is committed in the course and scope of the enforcing officer's employment with the department, and is necessary for the effective performance of his duties. Enforcing officers must report any such violation to the secretary or his designee within twenty-four hours of its commission, where possible to do so, in order to receive the criminal immunity provided under this Section.

Acts 1985, No. 648, §1, eff. July 16, 1985.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:702 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 702
Acquisition of necessary property; powers of commission
Status: in_force

The commission may acquire by purchase, gift, expropriation, or otherwise, all property necessary, useful, or convenient for the use of the commission. It may prescribe the methods for taking wildlife and may fix seasons and bag limits or may close seasons on all wildlife or any species thereof in any specific locality when it finds, after investigation, that such action is necessary to assure the maintenance of an adequate supply of wildlife.

Amended by Acts 1974, No. 717, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:803 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 803
Lake Pontchartrain State Bird Sanctuary
Status: in_force

A. In the following described area of Lake Pontchartrain, the waters and the air column above such waters are hereby designated and declared the Lake Pontchartrain State Bird Sanctuary:

(1) From the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, one mile south along the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway and one-half mile east and west of the causeway in such area.

(2) From the south shore of Lake Pontchartrain, one mile north along the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway and one-half mile east and west of the causeway in such area.

B. All species of birds shall be protected within the Lake Pontchartrain State Bird Sanctuary. No person shall catch, kill, injure, pursue, possess, sell, or purchase any species of bird or the eggs or nest of any species of bird within the sanctuary.

C.(1) The department shall administer the sanctuary and shall cause markers to be erected at appropriate intervals around the periphery of the sanctuary to warn all persons against trespassing upon the sanctuary.

(2) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Section to the contrary the department is authorized to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the governing authority of Jefferson Parish. The intergovernmental agreement shall provide for the transfer of the responsibility for the administration, development, and enhancement of the bird sanctuary affecting the area around the south shore of Lake Pontchartrain, as described in this Section, to the parish. The department is authorized to terminate the agreement at such time as the governing authority of Jefferson Parish is either unable or unwilling to continue in its responsibility for the administration of the south Lake Pontchartrain bird sanctuary.

D. Violation of the provisions of this Section constitutes a class two violation.

Acts 1990, No. 393, §1; Act 1991, No. 599, §1, eff. July 16, 1991.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:40.4 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 40.4
Civil suit for recovery of value
Status: in_force

The attorney for the department, attorney general, or the district attorney of the parish in which the violation occurred may bring a civil suit under this Subpart in the name of the state to recover civil penalties for the value of each fish, wild bird, wild quadruped, and other wildlife and aquatic life unlawfully killed, caught, taken, possessed, or injured.

Acts 1988, No. 169, §2.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:651 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 651
License
Status: in_force

Any person, firm, or corporation desiring to establish, maintain, or operate a hunting preserve within the state of Louisiana to permit the releasing and shooting or taking of pen-raised quail and pen-raised mallard by the public for a fee or otherwise may apply to the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission for a license to do so, and said commission is hereby authorized to issue such an applicant a license for that purpose, upon the conditions set out. The licenses for pen-raised mallard shall only be issued to hunting preserves located outside of the coastal zone encompassing the area south of Interstate 10 from the Texas state line to Baton Rouge, south of Interstate 12 from Baton Rouge to Slidell, and south of Interstate 10 from Slidell to the Mississippi state line, with the exception for hunting preserves located within the coastal zone north of Highway 90 that were licensed as a hunting preserve in the 2024 license year.

Added by Acts 1958, No. 455, §1; Acts 1988, No. 87, §1; Acts 2025, No. 153, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:323 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 323
Bait; methods of taking
Status: in_force

A. Minnows, crawfish, shrimp, and other legal bait species, not including game fish, may be taken with legal cast nets, minnow traps, dip nets, and bait seines when taken in compliance with all other laws. Freshwater shrimp may also be taken in accordance with R.S. 56:501.

B. Notwithstanding the mesh restrictions in R.S. 56:322, legal bait species may be taken with bait seines with a maximum mesh size not exceeding one-quarter inch mesh bar, one-half inch mesh stretched, and thirty feet in length. Bait seines must be operated only on foot and solely by hand, without any mechanical device, pulley, or mechanical assistance whatsoever. No person shall take or possess saltwater bait shrimp in excess of the possession limit contained in R.S. 56:500(B).

C. Dip nets may not exceed three feet in diameter and must be operated solely by hand, by no more than one person, and without any mechanical assistance whatsoever. No person shall take or possess saltwater bait shrimp in excess of the possession limit contained in R.S. 56:500(B).

D. A violation of any provision of this Section shall constitute a class four violation, R.S. 56:34.

Acts 1974, No. 223, §1. Amended by Acts 1975, No. 245, §1; Acts 1986, No. 904, §3; Acts 1995, No. 1080, §1; Acts 2004, No. 126, §1, eff. Nov. 15, 2004; Acts 2004, No. 161, §1.

NOTE: SEE ACTS 1986, NO. 904, §5.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:319.1 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 319.1
Control of importation of fish; department's regulatory authority
Status: in_force

The department shall have the authority to regulate or prohibit, by rule in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, the possession, sale, or transportation of any fish into Louisiana.

Acts 1988, No. 614, §1, eff. July 14, 1988; Acts 1990, No. 196, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1843 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1843
Administrator; duties and powers
Status: in_force

A. The administrator of this system shall be the secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Neither the administrator nor any state official shall take action to have any stream or river within this system included in the national Wild and Scenic River System without prior approval of the legislature.

B. The administrator shall administer the system in accordance with the policies, purposes, and requirements of this Part and shall have the authority to:

(1) Adopt such rules, regulations, standards, and criteria as are necessary to implement the provisions of this Part, in accordance with R.S. 49:950 et seq.

(2) Accept donations and grants for the purposes of this Part from public and private sources.

(3) Grant or deny permits and the renewal thereof. Prior to taking such action the administrator shall consider the history of violations and compliances of the applicant. The duration of any permit or renewal thereof shall be determined by the administrator and be stipulated within the permit.

(4) Revoke, suspend, annul, and withdraw any permit for the violation of any provision of this Part, any rule adopted pursuant thereto, any legal order of the administrator, or any order of a court acting pursuant to this Part. Prior to taking such action the administrator shall consider the history of violations and compliances of the permittee and the economic benefits realized through the violation.

(5) Recommend to the legislature rivers for designation as a natural and scenic river and inclusion within the Louisiana natural and scenic rivers system.

(6) Delegate powers and duties provided by this Part to appropriate personnel within the department.

(7) Enter into scenic and surface servitude agreements with landowners for the purposes of this Part.

Added by Acts 1970, No. 398, §1; Acts 1988, No. 947, §1, eff. July 27, 1988.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:69.9 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 69.9
Reserve agent
Status: in_force

A. Any person who was a wildlife enforcement agent with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and who retired or otherwise left the department in good standing but who has maintained his certification by the POST Council or any other person who is a peace officer who has maintained his certification by the POST Council may be commissioned as a reserve agent under the provisions of this Subpart.

B. The secretary may commission a reserve agent as provided herein if the person satisfies the requirements of R.S. 56:69.7 as may be determined necessary by the secretary.

C. Each reserve agent shall have all the powers of and may function as a wildlife agent, but shall receive no compensation for his participation as a reserve agent in the auxiliary agent program.

Acts 1990, No. 498, §2.