La. Rev. Stat. § 56:301 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 301
Definitions
Status: in_force

A. "Fish", as used in this Part, means all fish as defined in R.S. 56:8, except in no case shall it apply to any quadruped as defined in this Title.

B. Unless specifically provided for otherwise, the term "person", for any person required to be licensed pursuant to this Part shall mean an individual and shall not include any type of association, corporation, partnership, or other type of legal entity recognized by law.

C. The term "hook and line", as used in this Part, means any device used for taking fish, consisting of a hook attached to any type of line or wire. This includes but is not limited to trotlines, a rod with or without a reel, a fishing pole, a trolling line, a handline, a bait casting apparatus, a fly casting apparatus, and the device known as a yo-yo.

Acts 1986, No. 904, §1.

NOTE: SEE ACTS 1986, NO. 904, §5.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:69.28 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 69.28
Entry into and withdrawal from the Wildlife Violator Compact
Status: in_force

A. The Wildlife Violator Compact shall become effective at the time it is adopted in substantially similar form by two or more states.

B. Entry into the Wildlife Violator Compact shall be made by resolution of ratification by the authorized officials of the applying state and submitted to the chairman of the board of compact administrators.

C. The resolution shall substantially be in the form and content as provided in the compact manual and shall include all of the following:

(1) A citation of the authority from which the state is empowered to become a party to the Wildlife Violator Compact.

(2) An agreement of compliance with the terms and provisions of this compact.

(3) An agreement that compact entry is with all states participating in the Wildlife Violator Compact and with all additional states that legally become a party to the Wildlife Violator Compact.

D. The effective date of entry shall be specified by the applying state but shall not be less than sixty days after notice has been given to each participating state that the resolution from the applying state has been received by either of the following:

(1) The chairman of the board of compact administrators.

(2) The secretary of the board of compact administrators.

E. A participating state may withdraw from participation in the Wildlife Violator Compact by official written notice to each participating state, but withdrawal shall not become effective until ninety days after the notice of withdrawal is given. No withdrawal of any state shall affect the validity of the Wildlife Violator Compact as to the remaining participating states.

Acts 2008, No. 363, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:303.4 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 303.4
Commercial fisherman's sales receipt form
Status: in_force

The commission shall develop, design, establish, adopt rules and regulations for, and implement, pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act, a commercial receipt form to be used by wholesale/retail seafood dealers who purchase fish from commercial fishermen, soft shell crab shedders, and fresh products licensees. In addition to information otherwise required by law, commercial fishermen, wholesale/retail seafood dealers, crab shedders, and fresh product licensees shall provide such information as determined by the commission to be necessary to properly manage the fishery resource of the state, including information required by the commission to prepare stock assessments and other information required by the legislature.

Acts 1986, No. 904, §1; Acts 1987, No. 779, §1; Acts 1990, No. 441, §1; Acts 1997, No. 376, §1; Acts 1999, No. 1338, §1; Acts 2000, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 130, §1; Acts 2001, No. 28, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:409 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 409
Saline Lake; Iatt Lake; triploid grass carp; introduction; expenditures
Status: in_force

A. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the Saline Lake Game and Fish Preserve Commission may introduce triploid grass carp ( Ctenopharyngodon idella ) into Saline Lake. This activity shall be done only under the direct supervision of the department and its biologists. All expenditures incurred in such activity shall be borne entirely by the Saline Lake Game and Fish Preserve Commission.

B. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the Grant Parish Police Jury may introduce triploid grass carp ( Ctenopharyngodon idella ) into Iatt Lake. This activity shall be done only under the direct supervision of the department and its biologists. All expenditures incurred in such activity shall be borne entirely by the Grant Parish Police Jury.

Acts 2004, No. 173, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:258 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 258
Dealer records; payment of tax; confiscation of furs and skins
Status: in_force

A. Every dealer shall maintain complete detailed records of the kind and number of furs purchased inside and outside of the state and of all such furs shipped out of the state or tanned within the state. Dealer records shall be completed and made available to the department for audit purposes within sixty days after the close of the trapping season.

B. Every dealer shall maintain complete detailed records of the number of whole alligators and alligator skins purchased inside and outside the state and all alligator skins shipped out of state or alligator skins tanned within the state. Dealer records shall be completed and furnished to the department at the time of shipment or prior to tanning.

C. Any violation of this Section constitutes a class three violation.

Acts 1970, No. 550, §1. Amended by Acts 1975, No. 255, §1; Acts 1980, No. 594, §1; Acts 1981, No. 837, §3; Acts 1982, No. 730, §2; Acts 1992, No. 499, §1, eff. June 22, 1992; Acts 1992, No. 528, §1, eff. June 29, 1992; Acts 2021, No. 356, §2, eff. Nov. 15, 2021.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1704 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1704
Bayou Segnette State Park; operation of the wave pool
Status: in_force

All fees and other revenues generated through operation of the wave pool at Bayou Segnette State Park shall be appropriated as self-generated revenues to the Bayou Segnette State Park to be used solely for the purpose of funding the operation and maintenance of the wave pool.

Acts 1992, No. 121, §1, eff. July 1, 1992.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1833 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1833
Wild Louisiana Guide License
Status: in_force

A. The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission is authorized to adopt rules and regulations to create and govern a licensing program for persons who conduct outings on department-owned lands for purposes other than hunting or fishing.

B. The commission may establish a Wild Louisiana Guide License and impose a fee for such license that may not exceed five hundred dollars annually.

C. The commission may require a licensed Wild Louisiana guide to pay to the department a client fee not to exceed five dollars per trip for each person accompanying the guide on such lands. The guide shall not be required to pay the client fee for those persons who possess a valid Louisiana WMA Access Permit. The commission may require the guide to submit, along with the payment of the client fees, the names and addresses of persons for which the client fee has been paid.

D. Persons accompanying a licensed Wild Louisiana guide for whom the guide is required to pay a client fee pursuant to Subsection C of this Section shall not be required to possess a WMA Access Permit.

Acts 1997, No. 129, §1; Acts 2021, No. 356, §3, eff. June 1, 2022.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:305.5 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 305.5
Commercial gear license for gill net; permits to be used in the EEZ; dedication and expenditure of funds collected
Status: in_force

A. All revenues generated from the issuance of commercial gear licenses for gill nets or permits issued under Subsection B of this Section to be used in the saltwater areas of the federal exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and the freshwater areas of the state shall be deposited to the Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation Fund to be used solely for costs associated with the issuance of commercial fishing licenses and for the enforcement of laws regulating wildlife, fish, and other aquatic life in the coastal zone of the state.

B. The secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries shall promulgate rules and regulations for the issuance of permits to persons authorized to possess gill nets, trammel nets, strike nets, and seines within the territorial boundaries of the state while traversing state waters to and from the federal exclusive economic zone.

Acts 1991, No. 887, §1, eff. Nov. 1, 1991; Acts 1995, No. 1316, §2; Acts 1997, No. 527, §1, eff. July 3, 1997.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:677 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 677
Reciprocal agreements; Toledo Bend; Caddo Lake; special fishing licenses; fees
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission may enter into reciprocal agreements with the state of Texas to establish special fishing licenses and fishing license fees on the Toledo Bend Reservoir and Caddo Lake.

Acts 1995, No. 117, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:64 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 64
Proceeds of sales of things seized; no liability after two years
Status: in_force

The department shall have no liability whatever for the return of the proceeds from the sale of things seized after the lapse of two years and may then destroy all records pertaining to the sale.

Acts 1981, No. 837, §1; Acts 1997, No. 263, §1, eff. June 17, 1997.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:407 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 407
Use of trammel nets, gill nets, and seines in certain areas of Lake Borgne prohibited
Status: in_force

A. No person shall use any trammel net, gill net, or seine for the taking of fish, within one-half mile of the shoreline of Grand Island, commonly known as Half Moon Island, in Lake Borgne, or within one-half mile of the shoreline of Grassy Island, in Lake Borgne.

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

Acts 1974, No. 223, §2. Amended by Acts 1974, No. 213, §1; Acts 1992, No. 528, §1, eff. June 29, 1992.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1830 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1830
Louisiana Natural Heritage Program
Status: in_force

There is hereby created within the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries the Louisiana Natural Heritage Program to administer the provisions of law and rules and regulations regarding the Louisiana Natural Areas Registry, the Threatened and Endangered Species Conservation program, and those programs, duties, and functions designated by the secretary in accordance with law.

Acts 1987, No. 324, §1, eff. July 6, 1987.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:632.5.1 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 632.5.1
Constrictors and poisonous snakes
Status: in_force

A. The importation or private possession of constrictor snakes in excess of eight feet long, including but not limited to the following species: Apodora papuana (Papuan python), Liasis olivacea, (Olive python), Morelia spilota (Carpet or Diamond python), Morelia kinghorni (Scrub python), Morelia amethystine (Amethystine python), Python natalensis (Southern African python), Python sebae (African Rock python), Python molurus (Indian or Burmese python), Python reticulatus (Reticulate python), any species of the genus Boa (Boa constrictors), and any species of the genus Eunectes (Anacondas), obtained in any manner, shall be only by permit issued by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries except for animals kept by animal sanctuaries, zoos, aquariums, wildlife research centers, scientific organizations, and medical research facilities as defined in the Animal Welfare Act as found in the United States Code Title 7, Chapter 54, 2132(e).

B. The importation or private possession of venomous snakes, including any species under current taxonomic standing recognized to belong to the Families Viperidae (Pitvipers and Vipers), Elapidae (Cobras and Mambas), Hydrophiidae (Sea Snakes), Atractaspididae (Mole Vipers), as well as the genera Dispholidus, Thelotornis, and Rhabdophis of the Family Colubridae obtained in any manner, shall be only by permit issued by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries except for animals kept by animal sanctuaries, zoos, aquariums, wildlife research centers, scientific organizations, and medical research facilities as defined in the Animal Welfare Act as found in the United States Code Title 7, Chapter 54, 2132(e).

C. The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission is authorized to adopt rules and regulations for the harvest, possession, sale, handling, housing, or importation for species of constrictors and poisonous snakes.

D. Violation of the provisions of this Section or rules adopted pursuant thereto shall constitute a class three violation as provided for in R.S. 56:33.

Acts 2010, No. 855, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:191 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 191
Title
Status: in_force

The cooperative environmental action program to save wildlife cover and provide abundant game for future generations mandated by this Subpart shall be known as "Louisiana Acres for Wildlife."

Added by Acts 1979, No. 481, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:82 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 82
Absence from representation on the commission
Status: in_force

Continued absence of representation or of any representative on the commission from any state party hereto shall be brought to the attention of the governor thereof.

Acts 1981, No. 837, §2.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1766 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1766
Funds for park
Status: in_force

A. For the preservation, improvement, and beautification of Audubon Park and its facilities, including the zoo, and for providing for expenses incidental thereto and other park expenses, the Audubon Park Commission, in addition to receiving funds from other sources, shall have the authority to receive funds from any local governing authority within the state of Louisiana.

B. In addition to funds appropriated to or otherwise made available to the park by the state, the city of New Orleans, local governing authorities, or other sources, self-generated revenues of the park or of its nonprofit contractor shall be used for park development, maintenance, operation, and other park expenses.

Acts 1983, No. 485, §1, eff. July 27, 1983.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1936 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1936
Program termination
Status: in_force

The Louisiana Outdoors Forever Program shall terminate on July 1, 2033.

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

NOTE: Pursuant to this Section, the Louisiana Outdoors Forever Program shall terminate on July 1, 2033.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:637 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 637
Records
Status: in_force

A. Wholesale/retail dealers shall keep in the English language records of:

(1) The quantity and species of reptiles and amphibians acquired, the date the reptiles or amphibians were acquired, and the name and license number of the collector, the wholesale/retail dealer, or the out-of-state seller from which the reptiles or amphibians were acquired.

(2) The quantity and species of reptiles or amphibians sold, the date sold, and the name and license number of the person to whom the reptiles or amphibians were sold. When the reptiles or amphibians are sold to the consumer, the records shall indicate the quantity, species, and date and shall state that the reptiles or amphibians were sold to the consumer.

B. Records required by this Section shall be maintained for three years and shall be open to inspection by the department.

C. All 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 reptile and amphibian resources of the state and for conservation and management purposes.

D. The names, addresses, and license numbers of the collectors shall remain confidential, provided such information shall be available and used by the department for administrative and enforcement purposes.

E. Any wholesale/retail dealer who purchases reptiles or amphibians shall complete a commercial receipt form and return all commercial receipt forms to the department in the same manner as provided in R.S. 56:306.5(B) and 306.6.

Acts 1995, No. 604, §1; Acts 2016, No. 114, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:30.5 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 30.5
Notice to parish governing authorities
Status: in_force

An applicant seeking a permit or permission to operate for geophysical and geological surveys related to exploration for the geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide shall notify the governing authority of the parish within which the proposed survey is to occur in accordance with rules promulgated by the department. The notice may be made by electronic mail to the parish president, police jury president, or mayor-president, depending on the form of parish government.

Acts 2023, No. 378, §2, eff. June 14, 2023.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:60 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 60
Confiscation of things seized
Status: in_force

The Wildlife and Fisheries Commission shall adopt rules and regulations concerning disposition of all things seized and forfeited in the provisions of this Chapter.

Acts 1981, No. 837, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:768 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 768
Private property surrounded by wildlife management areas; access
Status: in_force

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries shall ensure land access by the owner or owners thereof to privately owned property which is located within the boundaries of a wildlife management area and which is totally surrounded by that wildlife management area.

Acts 1999, No. 716, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:70.2 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 70.2
Creation and purpose
Status: in_force

In order to enhance the efforts to promote the wildlife and fisheries laws of the state of Louisiana by providing incentives in the form of monetary rewards for the reporting of information that is essential to and aids in the apprehension and prosecution of law violators, in order to promote public interest and involvement in stopping serious violations of fish and wildlife laws, in order to reduce the number of law violators, and in order to create and maintain a fund for the payment of rewards assisting in law enforcement, the Louisiana Help Our Wildlife Program is hereby created within the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Acts 1995, No. 77, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:761 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 761
Protection of wild animals and birds on wildlife refuges, wildlife management areas, and public hunting grounds
Status: in_force

A. No person shall, except in accordance with commission rules and regulations, kill, snare, pursue with intent to kill, take by any means, or have in possession any wild animal or bird upon any state wildlife refuge, wildlife management area, or public hunting ground.

B. Each killing or pursuing with intent to kill, snaring, taking, or having in possession of any wild animal or bird, on a wildlife refuge, wildlife management area or public hunting ground, constitutes a separate offense.

C. This Section does not prohibit the secretary from killing or having killed any noxious animals on lands under his supervision, or from having caught or snared any wild animals or birds for the purpose of propagation, restocking, or scientific investigation.

Amended by Acts 1981, No. 838, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1948.1 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1948.1
Purpose
Status: in_force

The promotion of the tourism industry and the creation of business development opportunities in the state of Louisiana are significant factors in the overall economic development of the state. The Louisiana Byways Program is established to designate and develop educational, historical, recreational, cultural, natural, and scenic routes along Louisiana's highways. The Louisiana Byways Program is not intended to, and specifically does not, restrict the powers of local governments to regulate land uses along highways designated as Louisiana Byways nor the rights of private persons to develop, construct, and use real property and structures adjacent to such highways.

Acts 1991, No. 588, §1; Acts 2003, No. 999, §2.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:69.22 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 69.22
Definitions
Status: in_force

A. For the purposes of this Subpart, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

(1) "Citation" means a summons, complaint, summons and complaint, ticket, penalty assessment, or other official document issued to a person by a wildlife officer or other peace officer for a wildlife violation, which contains an order requiring the person to respond.

(2) "Collateral" means cash or other security deposited to secure an appearance for trial in connection with the issuance by a wildlife officer or other peace officer of a citation.

(3) "Compliance" with respect to a citation means the act of answering a citation through an appearance in a court or tribunal or through the payment of fines, costs, and surcharges.

(4) "Conviction" means a conviction, including a court conviction, for an offense related to the preservation, protection, management, or restoration of wildlife that is prohibited by statute, law, ordinance, or administrative rule. "Conviction" also includes the forfeiture of bail, bond, or other security deposited to secure appearance by a person charged with having committed the offense, the payment of a penalty assessment, a plea of nolo contendere, and the imposition of a deferred or suspended sentence by the court.

(5) "Court" means a court of law, including a magistrate court.

(6) "Home state" means the state of primary residence of a person.

(7) "Issuing state" means the participating state that issues a citation to the violator.

(8) "License" means a license, permit, or other public document that conveys to a person to whom it was issued the privilege of pursuing, possessing, or taking wildlife regulated by statute, law, ordinance, or administrative rule of a participating state.

(9) "Licensing authority" means the department or division within each participating state that is authorized by law to issue or approve licenses or permits to hunt, fish, trap, or possess wildlife.

(10) "Participating state" means a state that enacts legislation to become a member of the Wildlife Violator Compact.

(11) "Personal recognizance" means an agreement by a person made at the time of issuance of a citation that the person will comply with the terms of the citation.

(12) "State" means a state, territory, or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the provinces of Canada, and other countries.

(13) "Suspension" means a revocation, denial, or withdrawal of license privileges, including the privilege to apply for, purchase, or exercise the benefits conferred by a license.

(14) "Wildlife" means species of animals, including mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, mollusks, and crustaceans which are protected or otherwise regulated by statute, law, ordinance, or administrative rule in a participating state. Species included in the definition of "wildlife" vary from state to state, and determination of whether a species is "wildlife" for the purposes of the Wildlife Violator Compact shall be based on local law.

(15) "Wildlife law" means a statute, law, ordinance, or administrative rule developed and enacted for the management and use of wildlife resources.

(16) "Wildlife officer" means an individual authorized by a participating state to issue a citation.

(17) "Wildlife violation" means a cited violation of a statute, law, ordinance, or administrative rule developed and enacted for the management and use of wildlife resources.

Acts 2008, No. 363, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:57 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 57
Seizure of vessels, airplanes, vehicles, and equipment
Status: in_force

Any enforcing officer shall seize vessels, airplanes, vehicles, and all other means of transport and the equipment used or employed in the commission of offenses prohibited by this Chapter and taken into possession by the department.

Acts 1981, No. 837, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:16 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 16
Intentional concealment, destruction, or deposit of illegal fish, wildlife, or other animals; penalties
Status: in_force

A. No person shall intentionally conceal, destroy, or deposit any fish, wildlife, or other animal which was taken or possessed illegally at any location if the person knows or has good reason to believe that such act has an effect on or reasonably may or will affect an actual or potential criminal proceeding.

B. A violation of this Section shall constitute a class six violation as provided for in R.S. 56:36.

Acts 2007, No. 84, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:112 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 112
Disposal of birds or quadrupeds becoming a nuisance
Status: in_force

A. If any species of wild bird or wild quadruped shall become so destructive of private property as to be a nuisance, the secretary may direct any officer authorized to enforce the provisions of this Subpart, or any reputable citizen of this state, to take and dispose of such species of bird or quadruped in the manner and under the conditions specified by the secretary.

B. The commission is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act to permit the taking and disposal of any outlaw quadrupeds or outlaw birds when such quadrupeds or birds become so destructive of private or public property as to become a nuisance. Notwithstanding the provisions of R.S. 56:116.1(B)(1) or any other law to the contrary, the rules shall allow the taking of outlaw quadruped or outlaw birds by use of aircraft. The rules shall prohibit the sale of the animal or any part thereof. The taking of any outlaw quadruped or outlaw birds under this Section is for the purpose of taking depredating quadrupeds and birds and is independent from the taking of wild quadrupeds and wild birds under any other Section of this Title. Any person authorized to take any outlaw quadruped or outlaw bird under this Section shall be exempt from obtaining any other permits or licenses under this Title while engaged in taking such animals pursuant to this Section or any rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to this Section.

C. The commission is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act to establish a Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator Program. The program shall establish guidelines to permit individuals who offer commercial services for the control of nuisance wildlife. The fee for a nuisance wildlife control operator permit shall be fifty dollars.

Amended by Acts 1974, No. 717, §1; Acts 1981, No. 736, §1; Acts 2014, No. 592, §1, eff. June 9, 2014; Acts 2021, No. 356, §2, eff. Nov. 15, 2021.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:656 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 656
Hunting and game laws to prevail; special licenses
Status: in_force

All laws, rules and regulations in force pertaining to hunting or pertaining to game shall, except as herein provided, prevail on hunting preserves hereunder licensed by the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission. The regular appropriate hunting licenses as provided by the legislature shall apply to all persons hunting on said preserves, except that should the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission so desire, it may provide for a special resident or non-resident license to be issued at a reasonable fee applicable to any particular hunting preserve; provided further that such special license shall apply only to the person to whom issued and to the particular preserve for which issued.

Added by Acts 1958, No. 455, §6.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:754 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 754
Penalty for violation of rules and regulations
Status: in_force

Whoever violates any of the provisions of this Sub-part, or such rules and regulations as shall hereunder have been adopted by the commissioner, shall, for each offense, pay the cost of the prosecution and be fined not less than twenty-five dollars nor more than five hundred dollars, or imprisoned for not less than ten days nor more than six months, or both.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:728 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 728
Appropriations out of general fund; special taxes; employment of deputy sheriff
Status: in_force

The governing authority of a parish in which a preserve is established may appropriate money for the use and benefit of the preserve out of its general fund, and vote special taxes for the maintenance, operation, and equipment of the preserve. It may employ and pay a deputy sheriff, under the supervision of the sheriff of the parish, to aid the commission in the enforcement of its rules and regulations for the conservation and protection of the game and fish in the preserve.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:557 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 557
Disposition of moneys received
Status: in_force

All moneys collected under the provisions of this Sub-part from fines paid for violation of the provisions of this Sub-part shall be remitted to the department not later than the tenth of the month following collection and shall be deposited by the department in the state treasury to the credit of the department's fund.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:263 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 263
Alligator parts; buying and selling; license; reports; tagging
Status: in_force

A.(1) Each alligator parts dealer shall secure an alligator parts dealer license from the department before commencing business. The license shall be secured annually and shall be furnished upon the payment of one hundred five dollars.

(2) Each retailer purchasing for retail sale finished alligator parts made from parts other than hides shall secure a license from the department before commencing business. The license shall be secured annually and shall be furnished upon the payment of ten dollars.

B.(1) Any licensed alligator hunter or farmer may sell alligator carcasses or parts, provided he completes an official alligator parts transaction form, furnished or approved by the department, for every alligator part transaction and provides each purchaser with a bill of sale. These forms shall be submitted to the department by the alligator hunter at the end of the calendar year and by the alligator farmer with his annual report which is due by December first of each year.

(2) Any alligator parts dealer purchasing alligator parts shall complete an official alligator parts purchase form for each purchase. Any alligator parts dealer selling alligator parts shall complete an official alligator parts sale form for each sale and provide each purchaser with a bill of sale. These parts transaction forms shall be furnished by the department and shall be submitted to the department annually, no later than June thirtieth.

(3) Any alligator parts retailer purchasing finished alligator parts shall maintain a bill of sale for each purchase for a period of six months after such purchase. These records shall be available for inspection by the department.

(4) The records of transactions involving alligator parts of alligator hunters, farmers, and parts dealers, shall be available for inspection by the department. Each parts dealer shall maintain complete records for a period of one year following any transaction.

C. All other rules and regulations pertaining to commerce in alligator parts shall be determined solely by the department.

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

Added by Acts 1977, No. 557, §2. Amended by Acts 1981, No. 837, §3; Acts 1984, No. 277, §1; Acts 1992, No. 499, §1, eff. June 22, 1992; Acts 2021, No. 356, §2, eff. Nov. 15, 2021.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:499.4 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 499.4
Night shrimping; inside waters; Vermilion Bay; East and West Cote Blanche Bays; Atchafalaya Bay; exceptions; prohibition
Status: in_force

No person shall take shrimp at night, from one-half hour after official sunset until one-half hour before official sunrise, from the inside waters of Vermilion Bay, West Cote Blanche Bay, East Cote Blanche Bay, and Atchafalaya Bay, from the western shore of Vermilion Bay to the western shore of the Atchafalaya River and the Atchafalaya River Ship Channel out to Eugene Island, as described by the inside-outside line in R.S. 56:495, except that night shrimping shall be allowed in the waters of Southwest Pass at Marsh Island south of a line drawn from the following points: the most southeastward point of Southwest Pass at 29 degrees 36 minutes 47 seconds north latitude, 92 degrees 00 minutes 32 seconds west longitude east southeast to the Green Light Channel Marker Number 21 at 29 degrees 36 minutes 44 seconds north latitude, 92 degrees 00 minutes 21 seconds west longitude; thence northeast to a point located at 29 degrees 37 minutes 34 seconds north latitude, 91 degrees 59 minutes 36 seconds west longitude; thence southeast to the western shore of Big Charles Bayou at 29 degrees 36 minutes 43 seconds north latitude, 91 degrees 59 minutes 17 seconds west longitude.

Acts 1995, No. 509, §1, eff. June 18, 1995; Acts 2008, No. 16, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1685.1 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1685.1
Gary James Hebert Memorial Lockhouse
Status: in_force

The lockhouse which is located within the Plaquemine Lock State Historic Site, heretofore known as the Plaquemine Lockhouse, is hereby designated and shall hereafter be known as the Gary James Hebert Memorial Lockhouse.

Acts 1995, No. 27, §1; Acts 1999, No. 709, §3.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1693.1 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1693.1
Exemption from fees; children in state's legal custody
Status: in_force

A. Any child age eighteen or under who is retained in the legal custody of the state through a bona fide contractual service agreement with a public nonprofit community home based organization or "provider", shall be exempt from paying the general day-use entrance fees or any other fees for "day-use" facilities at any state park in Louisiana; however, such use shall be in conjunction with an organized group outing or event sponsored and supervised by the public, nonprofit organization or "provider".

B. The office of state parks shall promulgate regulations to implement the provisions hereof to become effective no later than January 1, 1992.

Acts 1991, No. 347, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:65 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 65
No liability for acts performed in good faith
Status: in_force

A. Neither the department nor any enforcing officer, agent, or other employee of the department shall incur any liability whatsoever for any search, arrest, seizure, or other act done by him in the good faith performance of his duties under this Chapter. The attorney general may defend any employee of the department in any civil action in which the employee is a defendant as a result of acts performed in the course of his duties as an employee when the attorney general determines that the defense by the attorney general is required to protect the interests of the state.

B. If the attorney general does not defend an employee as provided in Subsection A of this Section, the attorney for the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries may so defend such employee. The department's attorney may also defend such employee in any criminal action in which the employee is a defendant as a result of acts performed in the course of his duties as an employee when the department determines that such defense is required to protect the interests of the state.

Acts 1983, No. 430, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:87 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 87
Necessary travel expenses; payment
Status: in_force

All necessary expenses incident to the membership of Louisiana in the commission are payable out of the general fund by the treasurer of this state. Such expenses shall include travel cost and necessary expenses of the commissioners and other representatives of Louisiana to and from meetings of the commission or its duly constituted sections or committees.

Acts 1981, No. 837, §2.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:37.1 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 37.1
Class eight violation
Status: in_force

The following penalties shall be imposed for a class eight violation:

For each offense, the fine shall not be less than five thousand dollars nor more than seven thousand dollars and the violator may be imprisoned in jail for not less than sixty days nor more than six months.

Acts 1991, No. 868, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:474 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 474
Time and method of taking clams
Status: in_force

A. Dredging for clams between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise is prohibited.

B. Clams may not be taken by any method other than by hand in any established bed of aquatic vegetation.

Added by Acts 1979, No. 616, §1; Acts 1992, No. 860, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:68 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 68
Aviation unit; powers and duties
Status: in_force

A. There is hereby created an aviation unit in the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. The unit created herein shall have authority of ownership, control, maintenance, and operation of all state-owned aircraft, including helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, used by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. The secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is authorized to appoint as many employees to the unit as may be permitted by legislative appropriation.

B. The law enforcement employees of the unit shall have the same duties and powers as are provided for other regularly commissioned officers of the enforcement division of the department as provided in R.S. 56:31 through R.S. 56:65 and such other duties and rank as are assigned by the secretary.

Acts 1985, No. 507, §2.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:427.1 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 427.1
State, political subdivisions of the state, and the United States held harmless in coastal restoration
Status: in_force

A. Except as provided in Subsection C of this Section, the state of Louisiana, political subdivisions of the state, the United States, and any agency, agent, contractor, or employee thereof shall be held free and harmless from any claims arising under any oyster lease, renewal, or extension granted to any individual or other entity for any purpose from diversions of fresh water or sediment, dredging or direct placement of dredged or other materials, or any other actions taken for the purpose of coastal protection, conservation, or restoration.

B. All oyster leases, renewals, or extensions granted to any individual or other entity shall include language which shall hold harmless from all claims provided for in Subsection A of this Section the state, political subdivisions of the state, the United States, and any agency, agent, contractor, or employee thereof.

C.(1) A leaseholder whose oyster lease is acquired in whole or in part by the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority pursuant to R.S. 56:432.1 for dredging, direct placement of dredged or other materials, or other work or activities necessary for the construction or maintenance of a project for integrated coastal protection may seek compensation from the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority pursuant to that Section.

(2) A leaseholder may seek acquisition and compensation from the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority pursuant to R.S. 56:432.1 for any portion of an oyster lease that is not acquired by the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority and upon which dredging, direct placement of dredged or other materials, or other work or activities necessary for the construction or maintenance of a project for integrated coastal protection has occurred.

Acts 2000, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 107, §1; Acts 2006, No. 425, §1, eff. June 15, 2006; Acts 2009, No. 523, §4, eff. July 10, 2009; Acts 2016, No. 430, §7.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:338 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 338
Registration of vessels; application; misstatements; penalties
Status: in_force

A. Any vessel which shall be licensed or permitted to engage in commercial fishing or freighting operations for shrimp or fish of any species with any type of nets, seines, or traps in Louisiana waters which has not been registered at a customs port within the state and which fails to pay the fishing boat or net licenses fixed under this Subpart, shall not be entitled to another such license nor permitted to engage in such operations within two years thereafter.

B. Any material misstatement of fact regarding the ownership of the vessel for which application is made, supported by false affidavit, subjects the person making the affidavit to prosecution and subjects the vessel to forfeiture as provided for forfeiture of vessels and equipment in this Sub-part.

C. Violation of this Subpart constitutes a class one violation.

Acts 1974, No. 223, §1. Amended by Acts 1981, No. 837, §3.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1938.2 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1938.2
Program eligibility; application process
Status: in_force

A. The department shall establish a grant program for projects eligible to receive funding through the Louisiana Conservation Incentive Program. Grants shall be awarded only in fiscal years in which the department receives an appropriation for the program. The department may seek additional funding through federal grant programs and other available sources of public or private funding.

B. Projects eligible for funding opportunities on private lands include:

(1) Forest stand improvement.

(2) Increasing prevalence of water on agricultural landscapes to provide habitat for wintering waterfowl and wetland birds.

(3) Management of private wetlands to increase suitability for waterfowl and wetland birds.

(4) Prescribed fire implementation.

(5) Feral swine control.

C. The department shall, in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, promulgate and adopt rules necessary to implement this program. The rules shall include procedures for applying for the program and detailed criteria used to evaluate and select projects to receive funding.

Acts 2025, No. 87, §1, eff. See Act.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:75 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 75
Powers of commission; legislation
Status: in_force

The commission shall make inquiry and ascertain from time to time such methods, practices, circumstances, and conditions as may be disclosed for bringing about the conservation and the prevention of the depletion and physical waste of the fisheries--marine, shell, anadromous--of the gulf coast. The commission may recommend the coordination of the exercise of the police powers of the several states within their respective jurisdiction to promote the preservation of these fisheries and their protection against overfishing, waste, depletion, or any abuse whatsoever, and to assure a continuing yield from the fishery resources of the aforementioned states. To that end the commission shall draft and recommend to the governors and legislatures of the various signatory states, legislation dealing with the conservation of the marine, shell, and anadromous fisheries of the gulf seaboard. The commission shall from time to time present to the governor of each compacting state its recommendations relating to enactments to be presented to the legislature of that state in furthering the interest and purposes of this compact. The commission shall consult with and advise the pertinent administrative agencies in the states party hereto with regard to problems connected with the fisheries and recommend the adoption of such regulations as it deems advisable. The commission may recommend to the states party hereto the stocking of the waters of the states with fish and fish eggs or joint stocking by some or all of the states party hereto. When two or more states jointly stock waters, the commission shall act as the coordinating agency for the stocking.

Acts 1981, No. 837, §2.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1698 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1698
Title to state parks
Status: in_force

The title to all lands acquired heretofore for the purpose for which the Louisiana State Parks and Recreation Commission was created shall be vested in the state of Louisiana including Chicot State Park, in the parish of Evangeline; Fontainebleau State Park, in the parish of St. Tammany; Chemin-A-Haut State Park, in the parish of Morehouse; Longfellow-Evangeline State Park, in the parish of St. Martin; Fort Macomb, in the parish of Orleans; Fort Pike, in the parish of Orleans; and Bogue Falaya State Park, in the parish of St. Tammany.

Acts 1980, No. 827, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:679 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 679
Turkey hunting reciprocity
Status: in_force

The department may negotiate a reciprocal agreement with any state that shares a common boundary with Louisiana if the neighboring state has a similar wild turkey stamp or license requirement and fee. The agreement may permit a resident of the state with which the agreement is made to hunt wild turkey in this state without a Louisiana wild turkey license if the person possesses a wild turkey stamp or license issued by the other state.

Acts 2021, No. 356, §3, eff. June 1, 2022.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:435.1.1 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 435.1.1
Oyster harvest in Calcasieu Lake
Status: in_force

A.(1) Oyster harvesting in Calcasieu Lake shall be prohibited except by special permit issued annually by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries or as authorized by Paragraph (D)(2) of this Section. The commission shall promulgate rules and regulations to delineate the procedures by which the permits shall be issued.

(2) Such permit shall be in addition to all other licenses and permits required for harvesting of oysters. At all times, such oyster harvesting shall be limited to using hand tongs.

B. All vessels used for the commercial harvest of oysters on Calcasieu Lake must be self-propelled. "Self-propelled" means, when used in this Section, that the vessel shall travel under its own power to its harvest area and when loaded with oysters, shall travel under its own power to the place where the oysters are unloaded.

C. The commission shall fix the open season for oyster tonging in Calcasieu Lake, which shall begin on any date between October fifteenth and November first and shall end on April thirtieth. However, in consultation with the Calcasieu Oyster Task Force, the commission may open or close the season as biological data indicate a need and may manage East Cove and West Cove separately.

D.(1) After considering the recommendations by the Calcasieu Oyster Task Force, the commission shall set the harvest limit so that each permittee may harvest an amount not to exceed twenty-five sacks of oysters per day from one, and only one, licensed vessel. In addition, one and only one permittee may harvest from each licensed vessel per day and no vessel shall be used for more than one trip per day.

(2) In addition, recreational fishermen may harvest oysters as provided in R.S. 56:424(C). Harvest limits for recreational fishermen shall be one sack per person per day.

E.(1) Violation of any provision of this Section or of any Wildlife and Fisheries Commission regulation pertaining to taking, possessing, recording or reporting of landings or selling oysters from Calcasieu Lake shall constitute a Class 4 violation. The offender shall also be penalized as follows:

(a) For a first offense, the offender shall forfeit any permit to harvest oysters on Calcasieu Lake and shall be barred from obtaining such permit for the remainder of the period for which it was issued plus one year, during which time the offender shall be barred from participating in any oyster harvesting activity on Calcasieu Lake.

(b) For a second offense, the offender shall forfeit any permit to harvest oysters on Calcasieu Lake and shall be barred from obtaining a permit to harvest oysters on Calcasieu Lake for the remainder of the period for which it was issued plus two years, during which time the offender shall be barred from participating in any oyster harvesting activity on Calcasieu Lake.

(c) For a third offense, the offender shall forfeit any permit to harvest oysters on Calcasieu Lake and shall be permanently barred from obtaining a permit to harvest oysters on Calcasieu Lake and from participating in any oyster harvesting activity on Calcasieu Lake.

(2) Any person who participates in oyster harvesting on Calcasieu Lake while barred shall be penalized under the provisions of a Class 7-B violation.

Acts 2004, No. 479, §1; Acts 2006, No. 398, §1; Acts 2011, No. 329, §1, eff. June 29, 2011; Acts 2012, No. 541, §1, eff. June 5, 2012; Acts 2016, No. 133, §1; Acts 2017, No. 259, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:69.5 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 69.5
Training
Status: in_force

A. Each person accepted into the auxiliary program shall be commissioned as a wildlife volunteer while attending and participating in the training program. Failure to attend and participate in training shall be grounds to revoke a wildlife volunteer commission. Requirements for training may be waived if the auxiliary agent was previously certified by the POST Council, successfully completes a refresher course as described in R.S. 56:69.7(D), and passes the examination required by R.S. 56:69.6(A).

B. No wildlife volunteer shall perform any enforcement duties until he has successfully completed the training program provided in Subsection C. While in the training program, a wildlife volunteer may perform assigned, nonenforcement tasks and may wear a uniform.

C.(1) The secretary shall develop minimum training standards for the auxiliary enforcement program. This program shall be composed of such standards and curriculum sufficient to be recognized as a valid peace officer's training program by the Louisiana Council on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST Council) and shall be designed to prepare auxiliary agents for field work. Standards for training shall include but not be limited to the following:

(a) Fish and wildlife laws, regulations, and rules.

(b) Firearms qualification.

(c) Arrest, search, and seizure.

(d) Use of force.

(e) Officer survival.

(f) First aid.

(g) Investigation and evidence.

(h) Civil liability of peace officers.

(i) Reports and court testimony.

(2) Any program conducted by a POST-certified training academy or by the department under the provisions of this Subpart shall satisfy the training requirements of the auxiliary enforcement training program.

(3) No other training program shall be acceptable in satisfying the requirements of this Subpart unless approved by the secretary.

Acts 1990, No. 498, §2.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1684.1 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1684.1
Cypremort Point State Park; design standards; applicability
Status: in_force

A. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, no rule or regulation of the office of state parks regulating design and aesthetic quality standards, construction, or usage of facilities at state parks shall be applicable to the development, planning, and construction of facilities in Cypremort Point State Park without the review of the oversight committee as provided for in Subsection B of this Section. However any such plans shall be approved by the lieutenant governor prior to commencing any development or construction.

B. An oversight committee comprised of the state representatives and state senators representing the parishes of St. Mary and Iberia, or their designees, and the parish presidents of the parishes of St. Mary and Iberia, or their designees, shall review the proposed plans before any construction begins as provided in Subsection A of this Section.

Acts 1999, No. 1028, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1702 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1702
Palmetto Island State Park; agreements for operation and maintenance
Status: in_force

A. The Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism is hereby authorized to enter into a cooperative agreement with any appropriate public or private entity for the operation and maintenance of the Palmetto Island State Park for a public purpose. Such agreement shall require that the state shall be responsible for any and all costs for road construction and maintenance, and for any and all costs for heating, cooling, and sewerage, except electricity costs.

B. The office of state parks, in consultation with the operating entity, shall develop any rules, regulations, and policies necessary for the operation of the park. Rules and regulations shall be promulgated in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.

Acts 2010, No. 770, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1923 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1923
Wildlife Habitat and Natural Heritage Trust
Status: in_force

A. There is hereby established within the treasury a special fund to be known as the "Wildlife Habitat and Natural Heritage Trust", hereinafter referred to as the "trust", the funds of which may be used solely for the purposes of this Part. The secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries may use the funds deposited to the trust for the purpose of acquiring and managing lands pursuant to this Part. The secretary may accept funds from any source including public and private donations and grants which are to be deposited into the trust.

B. Monies in the trust shall be invested as provided by law. All interest earned on investment of monies in the fund shall be deposited in and credited to the trust. The monies in the trust shall be used solely in accordance with the terms and conditions of the trust and only in the amounts appropriated each year by the legislature. At the end of each fiscal year, all unexpended and unencumbered monies in the trust shall remain in the trust.

Acts 1989, No. 290, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:3 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 3
Ownership of wild birds, quadrupeds, fish, aquatic life, water bottoms, oysters, and shellfish
Status: in_force

A. The ownership and title to all wild birds, and wild quadrupeds, fish, other aquatic life, the beds and bottoms of rivers, streams, bayous, lagoons, lakes, bays, sounds, and inlets bordering on or connecting with the Gulf of Mexico within the territory or jurisdiction of the state, including all oysters and other shellfish and parts thereof grown thereon, either naturally or cultivated, and all oysters in the shells after they are caught or taken therefrom, are and remain the property of the state, and shall be under the exclusive control of the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission except as provided in R.S. 56:4.

B. Wild birds, quadrupeds, fish, other aquatic life, and the beds and bottoms of rivers, streams, bayous, lagoons, lakes, bays, sounds, and inlets bordering on or connecting with the Gulf of Mexico, within the territorial jurisdiction of the state, including all oysters and other shellfish and parts thereof grown thereon, either naturally or cultivated, and all oysters in the shells after they are caught or taken therefrom, shall not be taken, sold, or had in possession except as otherwise permitted in this Title; and the title of the state to all such wild birds, quadrupeds, fish, and other aquatic life, even though taken in accordance with the provisions of this Title, and the beds and bottoms of rivers, streams, bayous, lagoons, lakes, bays, sounds, and inlets always remains in the state for the purpose of regulating and controlling the use and disposition thereof.

Acts 1985, No. 876, §3, eff. July 23, 1985.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1685 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1685
Classification of holdings
Status: in_force

A. The office of state parks shall classify all holdings according to the classification most closely representing their character or potential use, or both. The official names of each existing and future office of state parks holding will include the classification term representing its function and basic purpose. In the event one holding represents several classification functions, the dominant function will determine the primary classification, and the name will represent this consideration.

B. The following office of state parks holdings are hereby recognized and designated state historic sites, and all official reference shall include "State Historic Site" as part of the official name. The office of state parks shall have authority to structure each individual name; however, each name shall end with the term "State Historic Site":

(1) Fort Pike

(2) Audubon

(3) Fort DeRussy

(4) Longfellow-Evangeline

(5) Marksville

(6) Kent House

(7) Fort Jesup

(8) Mansfield

(9) Poverty Point

(10) Port Hudson

(11) Locust Grove

(12) Earl K. Long

(13) Fort Macomb

(14) Fort Livingston

(15) Centenary

(16) Clinton Confederate

(17) Fort St. Jean Baptiste

(18) Jackson Confederate

(19) Los Adaes

(20) Plaquemine Lock

(21) Rebel

(22) Winter Quarters

(23) Huey P. Long Boundary marker

(24) Rosedown Plantation

(25) Watson Brake

C. The following office of state parks holdings are hereby recognized and designated state parks, and all official reference shall include "State Park" as part of the official name. The office of state parks shall have authority to structure each individual name; however, each name shall end with the term "State Park":

(1) Fontainebleau

(2) Fairview-Riverside

(3) Chicot

(4) Sam Houston Jones

(5) Lake Bistineau

(6) Lake Claiborne

(7) Lake Bruin

(8) Chemin-A-Haut

(9) Grand Isle East

(10) St. Bernard

(11) Lake D'Arbonne

(12) Cypremort Point

(13) Grand Isle West

(14) Tickfaw

(15) Lake Fausse Pointe

(16) Larto Lake

(17) North Toledo Bend

(18) South Toledo Bend

(19) Bayou Segnette

(20) Jimmie Davis

(21) Palmetto Island

(22) Bogue Chitto

(23) C. Bikham Dickson

(24) Poverty Point Reservoir

(25) Slidell

(26) Vardie Parsons

(27) Ouiski Bayou

D. The following office of state parks holdings are hereby recognized and designated state preservation areas, and all official reference shall include "State Preservation Area" as part of the official name. The office of state parks shall have authority to structure each individual name; however, each name shall end with the term "State Preservation Area":

(1) Coochie Brake

(2) Tunica Hills

(3) Cheniere-Au-Tigre

(4) Louisiana State Arboretum

(5) Atchafalaya Wilderness Center

(6) Big Cypress

E. Repealed by Acts 2004, No. 389, §2.

Acts 1980, No. 827, §1; Amended by Acts 1981, No. 214, §1, eff. July 20, 1981; Acts 1981, No. 649, §1, eff. July 20, 1981; Acts 1982, No. 511, §3; Acts 1983, No. 64, §1; Acts 1987, No. 260, §2; Acts 1988, No. 326, §3, eff. July 7, 1988; Acts 1988, 2nd Ex. Sess., No. 1, §4, eff. Oct. 13, 1988; Acts 1990, No. 548, §1; Acts 1993, No. 507, §3, eff. July 1, 1993; Acts 1999, No. 709, §3; Acts 2003, No. 345, §1; Acts 2004, No. 389, §§1, 2; Acts 2025, No. 325, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:411 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 411
Legislative findings and purpose
Status: in_force

A. The legislature hereby recognizes that the production of aquatic organisms in private facilities in Louisiana significantly contributes to the vitality of Louisiana's economy. Additionally, as stated in R.S. 56:360.2 and 360.3, the legislature also recognizes that the introduction of nonnative aquatic organisms for the purpose of aquaculture may pose a real threat to Louisiana's native species and their environments. The purpose of this Subpart is to grant the department the authority to maintain a list of approved domesticated aquatic organisms for aquaculture and the regulatory framework for the orderly development of an aquaculture industry in the state of Louisiana, including the manner of possession, propagation, culture, management, transport, or marketing of domestic aquatic organisms and the methods for consideration of approval of new species for aquaculture. The list of approved domesticated aquatic organisms and the methods for consideration of approval of a new species for aquaculture shall be promulgated under the Administrative Procedure Act.

B. For the purposes of this Subpart the following definitions shall apply:

(1) "Aquaculture" means any activity associated with the production of fish in privately owned waters or ponds as defined in R.S. 56:8(103) and (104).

(2) "Aquatic livestock" means native, freshwater fish but does not include any freshwater game fish as defined in R.S. 56:8, any fish which is a threatened or endangered species as defined in R.S. 56:1902, or any saltwater species of fish.

(3) "Culture" means any activity associated with the rearing, nurturing, or growing of a domesticated aquatic organism.

(4) "Domesticated aquatic organism" shall specifically include all domesticated fish as defined in R.S. 56:8, and any aquaculturally raised fish, except aquatic livestock.

(5) "Mariculture" means the rearing, nurturing, or growing of saltwater fish in cages, pens, or any other containment device in or on state territorial waters including those waters over private-owned water bottoms.

(6) "Species specific permits" are special domesticated aquatic organism permits that are required for any species which have restricted methods of aquaculture.

Added by Acts 1964, No. 248, §1; Amended by Acts 1974, No. 223, §3; Acts 1988, No. 778, §1; Acts 1997, No. 1237, §1; Acts 1999, No. 1022, §1; Acts 2008, No. 23, §1, eff. July 1, 2008, and §2, eff. Jan. 1, 2009; Acts 2010, No. 743, §2B, eff. July 1, 2010; Acts 2021, No. 356, §2, eff. Nov. 15, 2021.

NOTE: See Acts 1997, No. 1237, §2, for exception of Atchafalaya Basin.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:722.1 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 722.1
Game and fish commissions, Lafourche Parish
Status: in_force

A. The governing authority of Lafourche Parish may appoint one or more game and fish commissions, each of which may be composed of seven citizens and taxpayers of the parish, whose terms shall be at the pleasure of the governing authority of Lafourche Parish, and who shall serve without compensation. The commission may make rules and regulations as provided in R.S. 56:722, including provisions for leasing of land within Lafourche Parish which is necessary to carry out the provisions of this Section.

B. The Lafourche Parish Game and Fish Commission may govern, regulate, and control Lake Long in Lafourche Parish in the manner provided in this Subpart.

Added by Acts 1982, No. 717, §1; Acts 2010, No. 384, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:117 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 117
Possession limits; game birds; transportation of game birds; tags
Status: in_force

A. A licensee may have in his personal possession anywhere during the open season the kinds of migratory and resident game birds permitted by law or commission regulation to be taken. However, no one person shall have in his possession at any one time or anywhere more than the number of such game birds which he may be lawfully entitled to take in two days. Such fact is prima facie evidence of violation of this Chapter. No licensee shall transport, cause to be transported, attempt to transport, or tender or deliver for transportation to another person or any agent thereof, nor shall any of them accept for transportation or transport any game birds beyond the limits of the state without a special permit issued by the secretary. However, a nonresident licensee may take with him beyond the limits of the state, tagged as provided for in this Section, an aggregate of no more of any kind of such game birds than the licensee may lawfully take in two days. No common carrier or agent thereof shall receive for transportation or transport any migratory or resident game birds unless the same or the package, container, or receptacle, open or closed, containing the game birds, has thereon or attached thereto a tag or tags having the actual signature and license number of the licensee who took the same, the number and species of the birds, the date and place taken, the name of the consignor and of the consignee, and the initial points of shipment and ultimate destination.

B. No person shall attach to any such game bird, or to any package, container, or receptacle containing it, a tag which to his knowledge is false in the statement of any particulars in this section required to be set forth thereon, nor have in his possession any such game birds or any such package to which is attached any tag which to his knowledge is false in any of the particulars aforesaid. No person shall tender or deliver to another person for transportation within or beyond the borders of this state any migratory or resident game birds to which, or to the package, container, or receptacle which contains the same, there is attached a tag as aforesaid, which to the knowledge of that person is false in any of the particulars in this section required to be stated thereon.

Amended by Acts 1974, No. 717, §1; Acts 1981, No. 736, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:409.1 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 409.1
Penalty for the wasting of the state's fishery resources
Status: in_force

A. No person shall waste any fish of this state. As used in this Section, "waste" means the harvesting of any fish for commercial purposes which results in the excessive killing of such fish.

B. Any person in violation of the provisions of this Section may be subject to a civil fine by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries in an amount not to exceed the fair market value of the fish wasted. The fair market value of such fish shall be based upon the prevailing wholesale price of the fish, if such price is available, or shall approximate the price which could otherwise be obtained for the fish.

C. The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries shall promulgate rules and regulations to assign a fair market value to fish under its jurisdiction, determine what constitutes the excessive killing of fish, and to otherwise implement the provisions of this Section, and shall subject such rules and regulations to legislative oversight by the House Committee on Natural Resources and Environment and Senate Committee on Natural Resources.

D. Civil penalties may be assessed only by a ruling of the department based on an adjudicatory hearing held in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act. No civil penalty shall be assessed under this Section for the wasting of fish the value of which is deemed by the department to be less than one thousand dollars.

E. Any proceeds from a fine imposed under this Section shall be placed in the Conservation Fund to be used for the purposes of the fund.

F. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to the taking or use of shrimp.

Acts 1986, No. 919, §1; Acts 2008, No. 580, §7.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:501 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 501
Commercial taking of freshwater shrimp
Status: in_force

A. A properly licensed commercial fisherman may take freshwater shrimp in accordance with this Section.

B.(1) Freshwater shrimp may be taken in the Mississippi River and Intracoastal Waterway and only within one and one-half miles of the boat ramp adjacent to the Port Allen locks in either stream.

(2) A person shrimping pursuant to this Subsection shall use a wire net with a one-quarter inch bar and a maximum length of six feet. The net shall be marked with a one gallon jug painted international orange and displaying the words "Freshwater Shrimp" in black letters. In addition to a commercial fishing license, a fisherman fishing pursuant to this Subsection shall possess a freshwater shrimp net license issued pursuant to R.S. 56:305(B)(1)(d).

(3) Only freshwater shrimp may be taken; all other species shall be immediately returned to the waters from which they were taken. A commercial fisherman shall not possess any other fish while fishing pursuant to this Subsection.

C. The Wildlife and Fisheries Commission may adopt rules and regulations authorizing the commercial taking of freshwater shrimp in areas in addition to those specified in Subsection B of this Section. Such rules and regulations shall specify the gear that may be used, licenses that are required in such areas, and any restrictions on the possession of other species of fish.

D. Freshwater shrimp may be taken from January first through December thirty-first; however, the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission may adopt rules and regulations modifying season times and dates based on biological or technical data.

E. A violation of any provision of this Section or a rule adopted pursuant thereto constitutes a class two violation.

Acts 2004, No. 126, §1, eff. Nov. 15, 2004; Acts 2021, No. 356, §2, eff. Nov. 15, 2021.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:792 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 792
Secretary excepted
Status: in_force

The secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries may kill or have killed obnoxious animals on any such land or section or ensnare or have ensnared thereon any wild animal or bird for propagation, restocking, educational purposes, or scientific investigation.

Amended by Acts 1981, No. 736, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:699.5 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 699.5
Firearm and hunter education requirement
Status: in_force

A.(1) No person born on or after September 1, 1969, shall hunt unless that person has first been issued a certificate of satisfactory completion of a firearm and hunter education course approved by the department.

(2) However, a person under sixteen years of age may hunt without such certificate if he is accompanied by and is under the direct supervision of a person who was born before September 1, 1969, and has a valid hunting license or who is eighteen years of age or older and has proof of successful completion of a firearm and hunter education course approved by the department.

(3) However, a person who has not completed the firearm and hunter education course required by Paragraph (1) of this Subsection may be issued a valid hunting license by the department. Such license shall be issued with a restriction that requires that person be accompanied by and under the direct supervision of a person who was born before September 1, 1969, and has a valid hunting license or who is eighteen years of age or older and has proof of successful completion of a firearm and hunter education course approved by the department.

B. A person who is developmentally disabled and unable to successfully complete a firearm and hunter education course may be issued a restricted firearm and hunter education certificate that permits him to hunt, if he is accompanied by and is under the direct supervision of a person who was born before September 1, 1969, and has a valid hunting license or who is eighteen years of age or older and has proof of successful completion of a firearm and hunter education course approved by the department. Documentation of the developmental disability from a licensed medical doctor shall be presented prior to the issuance of a restricted hunter education certificate.

C. For the purposes of this Section, "direct supervision" means that the person being supervised shall be within a normal audible voice proximity and in direct line of sight of the supervising adult at all times while hunting.

D. The commission may adopt rules to implement the provisions of this Section, including rules to define the circumstances that constitute a person being accompanied by and under the direct supervision of another.

Acts 1995, No. 412, §1; Acts 1997, No. 1282, §1; Acts 2004, No. 100, §1; Acts 2010, No. 292, §1; Acts 2010, No. 335, §1; Acts 2012, No. 364, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:427 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 427
Initial application for lease
Status: in_force

A. Any person who qualifies under this Subpart and who desires to lease a part of the bottom or bed of any of the waters of this state as provided in this Subpart shall present to the secretary a written application, and pay an application fee set by the commission. This application shall contain the name and address of the applicant and a reasonably definite description of the location and amount of land covered by water desired by the applicant. The applicant shall ask that the application be registered and that the water bottom described be leased to the applicant under the provisions of this Subpart. The department shall then register the application, shall order an examination to determine whether the water bottoms applied for are leasable, and shall determine the basis upon which the rental of the lease shall be fixed. If the area is found to be leasable, the applicant shall submit to the department a survey of the area for which the application was submitted. Such survey shall have been conducted in accordance with the standards required by the department. The application shall remain in effect and valid until such time as the survey is complete. If the application is favorably acted upon, the secretary may, at his option, execute a lease for the water bottoms to the applicant as soon as the survey has been made, and the plan or map thereof has been filed with the department.

B. When applications are made by two or more persons for the same water bottoms, the applicant or the heirs or transferors of a deceased applicant who files the first application has prior claim. The department shall not accept any survey plan for any lease that exceeds by ten percent the acreage described in the initial application for the particular lease from the date of adoption of this Subsection, except that the department may accept any lease application, even where the survey plan exceeds by ten percent the acreage described in the initial application, if the lease would not overlap or impact surrounding leases or pending lease applications.

C. The department shall require that the bottoms of water areas to be leased be as compact as possible, taking into consideration such factors as the shape of the body of water, and the condition of the bottom as to hardness or softness which would render it desirable or undesirable for the purpose of oyster cultivation.

D. The provisions of this Section shall apply only to the initial application for an oyster lease, and not to the renewal of a lease.

E. No application for a new lease shall be submitted nor accepted for more than one thousand acres.

F. The secretary may not execute a lease until the department has posted notice of the application for the lease on its website for ninety consecutive days.

(1) Any person claiming ownership of the water bottoms to be leased may protest the issuance of the lease on the grounds that the protesting party owns the water bottoms, but only by delivering via certified mail notice of the protest in writing to the secretary, the administrator of the state land office, and the lease applicant on or before the ninetieth day after notice of the application was posted. The notice of protest shall include all information and documentation that the protesting party believes is relevant to the question of ownership. The right to protest issuance of the lease pursuant to this Subsection shall expire if a protest is not made on or before the ninetieth day after notice of the application was posted.

(2) If a protest is timely made, the administrator of the state land office shall review the state’s claim to ownership of the contested water bottoms and issue a preliminary determination to the secretary, the protesting party, and the lease applicant within ninety days of receiving the notice of protest, as to whether the state claims ownership of the contested water bottoms. The administrator shall issue a final written determination as to whether the state claims ownership of the water bottom within one hundred eighty days of receiving the notice of protest. If a protest is timely made, the secretary may execute the lease as otherwise authorized under this Subpart only to the extent that the administrator of the state land office determines that the state claims ownership of the contested water bottoms. The relief available pursuant to and the results and effects of such a protest and determination are limited to those set forth in this Subsection. The determination by the administrator of the state land office shall not be reviewable under the Administrative Procedure Act, and is appealable only to the Nineteenth Judicial District Court. Any petition for judicial review of the determination pursuant to this Subsection must be filed within sixty days after issuance of the determination. Failure to make a protest pursuant to this Subsection has no effect on the right to claim ownership of the leased water bottom authorized by R.S. 56:423(D) or the reasonable investigation into the ownership of the water bottom by the state required by R.S. 56:425(A).

(3) A lease applicant may withdraw a lease application and receive a full refund from the department of all application fees, by submitting a written request for withdrawal to the department within one hundred twenty days after the department posts notice of the application on its website, within thirty days after issuance of the determination of the administrator of the state land office regarding the state’s claim to ownership pursuant to a protest authorized by this Subsection, or within thirty days after final judgment in any proceeding for judicial review of the determination, whichever is the later date.

G. The secretary shall not lease any water bottom located within seventy-five feet of the centerline of a pipeline that is located on purchased right-of-way. However, if the right-of-way is abandoned and returned to commerce, the secretary may then lease such water bottom.

Acts 1981, No. 752, §1; Acts 1981, No. 925, §1. Amended by Acts 1982, No. 315, §1; Acts 1990, No. 889, §1, eff. July 25, 1990; Acts 1997, No. 1048, §1; Acts 2003, No. 449, §1; Acts 2010, No. 392, §1; Acts 2016, No. 595,§1, eff. July 1, 2016.

NOTE: See Act 595 of the 2016 Regular Session, §2, for details of moratorium lifting procedure.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:577 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 577
Other powers and duties
Status: in_force

The secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries shall have the power to perform any and all acts, and to prescribe, issue, make, amend, and rescind such orders, rules, and regulations as are deemed necessary and proper to carry out the purposes of this Sub-Part, and which are not otherwise provided for herein.

Added by Acts 1980, No. 834, §2.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:801 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 801
Particular game and fish preserves and commissions recognized and continued
Status: in_force

The following preserves and commissions created by the enumerated special statutes, are continued in full force and effect within the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries:

(1) Repealed by Acts 1981, No. 422, §2; Acts 1981, No. 490, §1; Acts 1981, No. 858, §5, eff. Jan. 1, 1982.

(2) Bayou Bonnie Idee Game and Fish Preserve (Acts 1952, No. 248; Acts 1966, No. 455; Acts 1977, No. 222, §1).

(3) Bayou Pierre State Game and Fish Preserve (Acts 1934, No. 139; Acts 1946, No. 382; Acts 1977, No. 222, §1).

(4) Beauregard Old River Fish and Game Preserve (Acts 1958, No. 266; Acts 1966, No. 455; Acts 1977, No. 222, §1).

(5) Black Bayou Game and Fish Preserve (Acts 1940, No. 39; Acts 1952, No. 489; Acts 1977, No. 222, §1).

(6) Bundicks Game and Fish Preserve (Acts 1956, No. 33; Acts 1966, No. 455; Acts 1977, No. 222, §1).

(7) Catahoula Lake Game and Fish Preserve (Acts 1952, No. 320; Acts 1966, No. 455; Acts 1974, No. 434; Acts 1977, No. 222, §1).

(8) Cheniere Brake Fish Preserve (Acts 1940, No. 88; Acts 1977, No. 222, §1).

(9) Cocodrie Lake Game and Fish Preserve (Acts 1957, No. 38; Acts 1966, No. 455; Acts 1977, No. 222, §1).

(10) Concordia Lake Game and Fish Preserve (Acts 1974, No. 434; Acts 1977, No. 222, §1).

(11) Cornie Lake Game and Fish Preserve (Acts 1934, No. 190; Acts 1977, No. 222, §1).

(12) Hard Water State Game and Fish Preserve (Acts 1968, No. 560; Acts 1977, No. 222, §1).

(13) Iatt Lake Game and Fish Preserve (Acts 1940, No. 27; Acts 1962, No. 244; Acts 1977, No. 222, §1).

(14) Lake Bistineau State Game and Fish Preserve (Acts 1930, No. 43; Acts 1942, No. 64; Acts 1969, No. 152; Acts 1977, No. 222, §1).

(15) Lake Catherine and Lake Pontchartrain Sanctuary (Acts 1954, No. 476; Acts 1956, No. 352; Acts 1960, No. 515; Acts 1977, No. 222, §1).

(16) Lake Field Game and Fish Preserve (Acts 1966, No. 379; Acts 1977, No. 222, §1).

(17) Repealed by Acts 1995, No. 1262, §1.

(18) Nantachie Lake State Game and Fish Preserve (Acts 1966, No. 440; Acts 1977, No. 222, §1).

(19) 1 Northwest Louisiana Game and Fish Preserve Commission (Acts 1926, No. 191; Acts 1928, No. 69; Acts 1938, No. 294; Acts 1946, No. 120; Acts 1948, No. 307; Acts 1966, No. 455; Acts 1976, No. 105; Acts 1977, No. 222, §1; Acts 1977, No. 303; Acts 2016, No. 487).

(20) St. Martin-Lafayette Game and Fish Commission (Acts 1950, No. 337; Acts 1966, No. 455; Acts 1970, No. 390; Acts 1977, No. 222, §1).

(21) Saline Lake Game and Fish Preserve (Acts 1976, No. 105; Acts 1977, No. 222, §1; Acts 2016, No. 487).

(22) Spanish Lake State Game and Fish Preserve (Acts 1940, No. 261; Acts 1946, No. 226; Acts 1960, No. 462; Acts 1966, No. 455; Acts 1977, No. 222, §1; Acts 1997, No. 21, §2, repealed the commission).

(23) Turkey Creek Game and Fish Preserve (Acts 1938, No. 159; Acts 1963, No. 94; Acts 1977, No. 222, §1).

(24) West Atchafalaya Floodway Game and Fish Management Preserve (Acts 1960, No. 565; Acts 1962, No. 478; Acts 1977, No. 222, §1).

Acts 1995, No. 1262, §1; Acts 1997, No. 21, §2.

1 SEE ACTS 1990, NO. 539, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1941 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1941
Purpose
Status: in_force

The purpose of this Part is to designate the official route of the Cote Joyeuse, and to designate the Cote Joyeuse as an historic road. It is the intention of the legislature to commemorate this area, through which runs the Cote Joyeuse, as the main route used by nineteenth century planters, their families, and travelers to and from Natchitoches and surrounding points whether by land or water, and also used by steamboats at landings at each plantation.

Acts 1989, No. 467, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:30.2 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 30.2
Notice to legislators
Status: in_force

The department shall provide advance written notice to members of the legislature of any public hearing scheduled by the department to be held within the legislative district of the member. The notice shall be provided not later than thirty days prior to the date of the hearing.

Acts 1999, No. 292, §1, eff. June 11, 1999.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:302.7 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 302.7
Free fishing days
Status: in_force

A. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the commission may designate no more than two days in each year as free recreational fishing days during which residents and nonresidents may exercise the privileges of a licensed recreational fisherman without purchase of any otherwise necessary recreational fishing license.

B. Any person fishing during a free recreational fishing day as may be declared by the commission shall be subject to all of the limitations, restrictions, conditions, laws, and rules and regulations applicable to a holder of a recreational fishing license.

Acts 1987, No. 301, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1804 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1804
Availability of funds
Status: in_force

Projects may be undertaken only after the state liaison officer has determined that sufficient funds are available for meeting the state's share of project costs.

Amended by Acts 1980, No. 827, §2.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:116.4 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 116.4
Special provisions applicable to turkey; times and methods of taking; penalties
Status: in_force

A.(1) Wild turkey may be taken only with a bow and arrow, crossbow, or a shotgun not larger than a No. 10 gauge fired from the shoulder without a rest, and by no other means whatsoever.

(2) No person shall hunt or take turkey by the use or aid of recorded or electrically amplified bird calls or sounds, or recorded or electrically amplified imitations of bird calls or sounds.

(3) No person shall hunt, trap, or take turkey by the aid of baiting, or on or over any baited area. As used in this Subsection, "baiting" shall mean the placing, exposing, depositing, distributing, or scattering of shelled, shucked, or unshucked corn, wheat or other grain, salt, or other feed so as to constitute for such birds a lure, attraction, or enticement to, on, or over any areas where hunters are attempting to take them; and "baited area" means any area where shelled, shucked, or unshucked corn, wheat or other grain, salt, or other feed whatsoever capable of luring, attracting, or enticing such birds is directly or indirectly placed, exposed, deposited, distributed, or scattered; and such area shall remain a baited area for fifteen days following complete removal of all such corn, wheat or other grain, salt, or other feed. Wildlife agents shall be authorized to close such baited area and to place a sign or signs in the immediate vicinity designating the closed zone and dates of closure. However, nothing in this Paragraph shall prohibit:

(a) The taking of turkey, on or over standing crops, grain crops properly shucked on the field where grown, or grains found scattered solely as the result of normal agriculture planting or harvesting; and

(b) The taking of turkey, on or over any lands where shelled, shucked, or unshucked corn, wheat or other grain, salt, or other feed has been distributed or scattered as the result of bona fide agricultural operations or procedures, or as a result of manipulation of a crop or other feed on the land where grown for wildlife management purposes; however, manipulation for wildlife management purposes shall not include the distributing or scattering of grain or other feed once it has been removed from or stored on the field where grown.

(c) The taking of turkey when the person is more than two hundred yards from a baited area.

(4) Violation of the provisions of this Subsection constitutes a class three violation.

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

(a) An illegally taken turkey.

(b) A freshly-killed turkey in the closed season.

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

C.(1) No person shall hunt or take any of the following:

(a) Turkeys from one-half hour after official sunset to one-half hour before official sunrise.

(b) Illegal turkeys in the open season.

(2) Violation of any of the provisions of this Subsection constitutes a class 5-A violation.

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

Acts 1992, No. 966, §1; Acts 2006, No. 109, §1; Acts 2009, No. 55, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:648.1 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 648.1
Harassment and disturbance prohibited
Status: in_force

No person shall engage in any of the following activities on lands or waters managed by the state or upon private lands or waters where a hunter, trapper, or fisherman has been given permission by the owner or his agent to take wild animals:

(1) Interfere with the lawful taking of a wild animal by a hunter, trapper, or fisherman or interfere with the process of taking, with intent to prevent the taking.

(2) Disturb a wild animal, or engage in any activity or place any object or substance that will tend to disturb or otherwise affect the behavior of a wild animal, with intent to prevent or hinder its lawful taking.

(3) Disturb any hunter, trapper, or fisherman who is engaged in the lawful taking of a wild animal or who is engaged in the process of taking, with intent to dissuade or otherwise prevent the taking, or to prevent such person's enjoyment of the outdoors.

(4) Enter or remain upon state-managed lands or waters or upon private lands or waters with intent to violate the provisions of this Section.

(5) Enter or remain upon any private property, including nonnavigable water, owned by another through the use of a floating duck blind or any other float or boat used for the purpose of hunting migratory waterfowl without the express, written permission of the landowner, lessee, lessor, or hunting club or organization authorized to hunt on the land.

Added by Acts 1982, No. 376, §1; Acts 1990, No. 510, §1; Acts 2024, No. 220, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:799.5 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 799.5
Commission duties and responsibilities
Status: in_force

In addition to duties, responsibilities, and powers provided by the constitution and statutory law, the commission:

(1) Shall establish a conservation management plan for the White Lake Property.

(2) May authorize the conduct of lottery hunts on the White Lake Property by the department or through a cooperative endeavor agreement.

Acts 2004, No. 613, §2, eff. Jan. 1, 2005; Acts 2016, No. 203, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1925 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1925
Management
Status: in_force

A. The secretary shall develop a management plan for each site acquired pursuant to this Part. The plan shall identify the significant resources to be conserved consistent with the purposes of this Part and identify the areas with potential for primitive recreation and educational uses. The plan shall specify what types of management activities will be permitted, consistent with the conservation purposes of this Part. The secretary shall make such plans available for review and comment by the public and other state, tribal, and local agencies. The department may hold a public hearing in the vicinity of the site in order to receive the comments.

B. The secretary is authorized to administer lands acquired pursuant to this Part and may enter into management agreements for these areas with other state agencies and local governments, and national, nonprofit membership land conservation organization, pursuant to R.S. 56:1831, when such agreements are consistent with the purposes of this Part and the site management plan. Any moneys derived from the management of these lands or the exploitation of their resources shall be deposited in the Stewardship Account.

Acts 1988, No. 492, §1, eff. July 9, 1988.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:701 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 701
Cooperation with federal government
Status: in_force

The state of Louisiana assents to the provisions of the Act of Congress entitled: "An Act to provide that the United States shall aid the states in wildlife restoration projects and for other purposes." The director shall perform such acts as are necessary to the conduct and establishment of cooperative wildlife restoration projects, as defined in the Act of Congress, in compliance with the Acts and rules and regulations promulgated by the secretary of the interior thereunder, including the making of a survey of the state to determine the actual status of wildlife conditions within the state and the establishment of projects for wildlife conservation, restoration, development and the recommendation of improvements in the administration of sport, fish, and game laws.

Amended by Acts 1974, No. 717, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:40.3 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 40.3
Civil penalties; assessment; administrative hearing
Status: in_force

A. Whenever the department determines that a violation of R.S. 56:40.1 has occurred, resulting in liability of a person for the value of injured or destroyed wildlife or aquatic life, it shall demand restitution from him for the value of such wildlife or aquatic life, the value of which has been determined in accordance with R.S. 56:40.2. The offender shall be given written notice of the alleged violation and of the value of such injured or destroyed wildlife or aquatic life.

B. In lieu of filing a civil suit to recover the penalties provided for in this Subpart, the department may elect to enforce the provisions of this Subpart by adjudicatory hearing, held in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act. The department shall hold the adjudicatory hearing in the regional 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 amount demanded by the department.

C. In any case where the department elects to proceed by adjudicatory hearing, the defendant shall be notified in writing of the time and place of the adjudicatory hearing. Written notice of the time and place of the hearing may be given on any citation or summons issued in connection with the violation or made by certified letter mailed to the defendant at his last known address or at the address that appears on any hunting or fishing license issued to him by the department. The summons or written notice shall notify the defendant and shall constitute notice that the failure to appear at the specified time and location shall result in the assessment of civil penalties and result in the loss of all hunting and fishing privileges while assessed amounts remain unpaid. Notice given by certified mail in accordance with this Subsection shall be deemed effective fifteen days after the notice is mailed.

D. Either party may appeal from a ruling of the administrative hearing officer to the district court in the judicial district where the offense occurred.

E. A judgment from the administrative hearing shall become executory when all delays for appeal have expired according to the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act and the Code of Civil Procedure.

F. The person against whom the civil penalties are assessed shall also be liable for attorney fees and all costs of the adjudicatory hearing.

Acts 1988, No. 169, §2; Acts 1992, No. 852, §1; Acts 2001, No. 804, §2; Acts 2022, No. 124, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:278 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 278
Louisiana Alligator Advisory Council
Status: in_force

A. The Louisiana Alligator Advisory Council is hereby created in the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. The Louisiana Alligator Advisory Council shall be responsible for reviewing and approving recommended marketing, research, and educational programs to be funded from the Louisiana Alligator Resource Account to ensure that any monies from the account are expended for the specific goals of the council.

B. This council shall be composed of members appointed by the secretary as follows:

(1) Three members of the council shall be licensed alligator hunters appointed from a list of five nominations from the Louisiana Trappers and Alligator Hunters Association. The nominees shall have held licenses for the preceding three hunting seasons. One member shall be appointed to represent the area of the state north of United States Highway 90, one member shall be appointed to represent the area of the state south of United States Highway 90 and east of the Atchafalaya River, and one nominee shall be appointed to represent the area of the state south of United States Highway 90 and west of the Atchafalaya River.

(2) Three members shall be licensed farmers appointed from a list of five nominations from the Louisiana Alligator Farmers and Ranchers Association. The nominees shall have held licenses for the preceding three years.

(3) Three members shall be appointed from a list of five nominations from the Louisiana Landowners Association. The nominees shall all own or manage land located in the coastal zone. One member shall be appointed to represent the area of the coastal zone east of Bayou Lafourche, one member shall be appointed to represent the area of the coastal zone between Bayou Lafourche and the parish line between Iberia Parish and Vermilion Parish, and one member shall be appointed to represent the area of the coastal zone west of the parish line between Iberia Parish and Vermilion Parish.

(4) The secretary or his designee shall be an ex officio member of said council and shall be present at all official meetings.

C. A vacancy created whether by reason of death, resignation, expiration of term, or any other cause of a member of the council shall be filled in the same manner as provided in Subsection B of this Section.

D.(1) The members of the council initially appointed shall, at their first meeting, determine by lot their terms of office, which terms shall commence immediately upon their appointment and shall expire, respectively, as follows: one member from each of the nominating authorities in two years, one member from each of the nominating authorities in four years, and one member from each of the nominating authorities in six years, from the first day of July immediately succeeding such appointment. Thereafter all terms shall be six years.

(2) No member shall succeed himself after completion of a six-year term but may be reappointed after not serving on the council for six years. However, if a person has been appointed to fill less than one-half of an unexpired term, such person shall be eligible to serve consecutively an additional six-year term in addition to such partial term.

Acts 2008, No. 272, §2; Acts 2018, No. 612, §18, eff. July 1, 2020; Acts 2019, No. 404, §1, eff. July 1, 2020.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:281 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 281
Nutria control cost-sharing; statement of intent
Status: in_force

Recognizing the escalating deterioration of the state's fragile coastal wetlands due to an overpopulation of furbearing nutria, and recognizing the economic importance of the nutria to the Louisiana fur industry, the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, in accordance with the Wetlands Conservation and Restoration Plan, is authorized to enter into cooperative endeavor agreements which establish a cost-sharing program as an economic incentive to trappers and coastal landowners in those areas of the state experiencing damage or loss of coastal lands due to the overpopulated nutria.

Acts 1990, No. 552, §1, eff. July 1, 1990.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:62 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 62
Time limit for retention of things seized
Status: in_force

Things which have been seized by the department may in any case be disposed of by the department by the methods authorized in R.S. 56:61 after having been held by the department for two years.

Acts 1981, No. 837, §1; Acts 1997, No. 263, §1, eff. June 17, 1997.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:110.1 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 110.1
Quality Deer Management Program
Status: in_force

A. The department shall have authority over the Quality Deer Management Program ("program"), and shall formulate additional guidelines according to property-specific objectives, goals, and limitations.

B. The program shall be developed using a management philosophy that encourages good stewardship and unites landowners, hunters, and managers in a common goal of producing biologically and socially balanced deer herds within existing environmental, social, and legal constraints. The program shall include protocols for the protection of young bucks, including an adequate harvest of female deer to maintain a healthy population in balance with existing habitat conditions and landowner desires. The program shall also promote the production of quality deer, quality habitat, and quality deer hunting experiences.

C. The department shall use its resources to do the following:

(1) Instruct and train qualified personnel as to the policies and procedures for administering the program.

(2) Supply landowners, hunting clubs, and cooperating agencies with pertinent brochures, handouts, and other information containing management techniques and applications.

(3) Properly prepare and suggest wildlife management recommendations.

(4) Develop and maintain a close working relationship with other state and federal agencies or non-governmental organizations that have similar or corresponding programs directly or indirectly affecting public and private land development and management.

(5) Provide incentives to encourage landowners and hunting clubs to participate in the program.

D. The program shall be voluntary, and landowners or hunting clubs who participate in the Quality Deer Management Assistance Program are eligible to participate in this program. Qualification for participation in this program shall be determined by rules and regulations promulgated by the commission, in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.

Acts 2010, No. 337, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:282 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 282
Powers and duties of the secretary
Status: in_force

In carrying out the purposes of the program authorized by R.S. 56:281, the secretary may do the following:

(1) Enter into cooperative endeavors with qualifying coastal landowners which provide for cost-sharing agreements with such coastal landowners to provide financial incentives for the trapping of nutria on land owned by them.

(2) Determine, upon application by coastal landowners, which of the lands owned by such landowners are eligible for such financial incentives.

(3) Have the responsibility for planning, administration and program management, and for monitoring the results of the program authorized by this Subpart.

(4) Adopt and promulgate such rules and regulations, pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act, as necessary to implement this program in order to trap and control overpopulated nutria contributing to coastal wetland loss.

Acts 1990, No. 552, §1, eff. July 1, 1990.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:114 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 114
Open season; curtailment by parish governing authority
Status: in_force

A. The governing authority of any parish may apply to the secretary for the right to adopt an ordinance to close or curtail the open season in the parish, or any part thereof, when it becomes apparent that there is need of a closing or curtailment so that the game bird and game quadruped life may restock themselves by natural breeding.

B. Upon receipt of the application, if conditions indicate the need of adding protection for any game bird or game quadruped or all of them, the secretary may give written consent to the governing authority of the parish to adopt, in its discretion, an ordinance to close or curtail the open season for not more than one year, applicable to everyone, including the residents of the parish.

C. The closing or curtailment becomes effective only after notice of the adoption of the ordinance has been promulgated by the governing authority of the parish in the official parish journal once a week for four consecutive weeks prior to the regular annual open seasons for hunting. Annual special parish closed seasons on game birds and game quadrupeds commence on the legal date of the open season in each year.

Amended by Acts 1974, No. 717, §1; Acts 1981, No. 736, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:303.1.1 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 303.1.1
Fresh products license
Status: in_force

A. A commercial fisherman selling his catch directly to a consumer within the state of Louisiana shall possess a fresh products license.

B. The cost of a fresh products license shall be sixty-one dollars for residents and three hundred dollars for nonresidents. The fresh products license shall be valid for one year, beginning on January first of each calendar year and expiring on December thirty-first of the same calendar year.

C. The fresh products license shall be issued only by the department during normal working hours and may be purchased in person at the Baton Rouge office or at any other location designated by the department.

D. Anyone holding a fresh products license shall, on or before the tenth day of each month, submit to the department, on forms provided or approved by the department for that purpose, information required by the department as provided in R.S. 56:303.7.

E. A commercial fisherman may purchase a secondary fresh products license for any designated individual if he provides the individual's name and social security number to the department. This secondary license will allow the commercial fisherman to continue to fish while the designated individual sells the catch. The secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries shall promulgate rules and regulations implementing the provisions of this Subsection. The department is authorized to collect a fee for issuance of the license not to exceed five dollars which, after compliance with Article VII, Section 9(B) of the Constitution of Louisiana relative to the Bond Security and Redemption Fund, shall be credited to the Conservation Fund.

Acts 1999, No. 1338, §1; Acts 2003, No. 357, §1; Acts 2021, No. 356, §2, eff. Nov. 15, 2021.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:729 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 729
Anacoco-Prairie State Game and Fish Preserve; transfer
Status: in_force

A. All property, both movable and immovable, comprising the Anacoco-Prairie State Game and Fish Preserve in Vernon Parish is hereby transferred from the state of Louisiana, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, to the governing authority for the parish of Vernon. The lands subject to this transfer are those provided for in the creation of said preserve by Act No. 277 of the 1948 Regular Session, which were subsequently transferred to the state of Louisiana, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, pursuant to Act No. 490 of the 1981 Regular Session and R.S. 36:610. All lands are located in Vernon Parish and are more particularly described as follows:

Section Nineteen, Township Two North, Range Nine West (Sec. 19, Twp. 2 N., Range 9 W); and

Sections Two, Three, Four, Nine, Ten, and Eleven, Township One North, Range Ten West (Secs. 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, and 11, Twp. 1 N., Range 10 W); and

Sections Thirteen, Twenty-three, Twenty-four, Twenty-five, Twenty-six, Twenty-seven, Thirty-three, Thirty-four, Thirty-five, Township Two North, Range Ten West (Secs. 13, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 33, 34, 35 Twp., 2 N., Range 10 W).

B. Said preserve and its lands shall be governed by the commission created by the parish governing authority in accordance with the provisions of this Subpart.

Acts 1995, No. 116, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:2036 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 2036
Unplugged wells
Status: in_force

The district is prohibited from accepting any structures, rigs, platforms or any other construction over any wells not properly plugged and abandoned according to all rules and regulations of the state and federal government.

Acts 1991, No. 179, §1, eff. July 2, 1991.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:303.8 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 303.8
Special apprentice license; commercial taking of saltwater fish; requirements
Status: in_force

A. The commission shall provide for the obtaining of a special apprentice license for the authorized commercial taking of saltwater fish.

B. The cost of obtaining the special apprentice license shall be one-half the cost of the regular commercial fisherman's license or permit.

C. The requirements for obtaining the license shall include:

(1) That the applicant shall remain engaged in the fishing activity for at least two years as an apprentice to a person who possesses a valid regular commercial fisherman's license and permit issued by the department, and who is engaged in the commercial taking of saltwater fish by approved methods. The applicant will agree to being aboard the vessel with his mentor while engaged in the fishing activity under this permit.

(2) That the applicant shall meet qualifying fishing income criteria necessary to obtain a license and/or permit for the apprentice program within the two-year apprenticeship. Income may be made from any commercial fishing activity while accompanying a licensed commercial fisherman.

D. The special apprentice license shall authorize, under the same conditions as the regular license or permit, the commercial taking of saltwater fish by the apprentice during the period for which it is valid. The special apprentice license shall be valid for one year.

E. At the end of the two-year period, the holder of a special apprentice license may apply for a regular commercial fisherman's license or permit for spotted sea trout, rod and reel, mullet, or restricted species as provided in R.S. 56:325.4.

F. A person who holds or previously held a commercial fisherman's license, or who has been convicted of a class three or greater violation, shall be precluded from applying for an apprentice license under the provisions of this Section.

G. The commission shall adopt rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Section.

Acts 1997, No. 1413, §1, eff. July 15, 1997.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:103 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 103
License required
Status: in_force

A. No person shall at any time hunt, take, possess, or cause to be transported by any other person any wild bird or any wild quadruped unless he is at the time of such act the lawful holder of a valid license for that purpose issued to him by authority of the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission.

B. Repealed by Acts 2024, No. 266, §1.

C.(1) In order to hunt, take, possess, or transport deer or turkey, in Louisiana, in addition to a basic hunting license, a person shall be required to purchase and have on his person either a deer license or a turkey license, whichever is the appropriate license. In order to hunt, take, possess, or transport waterfowl in Louisiana, in addition to a basic hunting license, a resident shall be required to purchase and have on his person a waterfowl license.

(2) Repealed by Acts 2024, No. 266, §1.

D. In order to hunt, take, possess, or transport black bear in Louisiana, in addition to a basic hunting license, a resident shall be required to purchase and have on his person a black bear hunting license.

E., F. Repealed by Acts 2021, No. 356, §6, eff. June 1, 2022.

Added by Acts 1981, No. 736, §1. Amended by Acts 1982, No. 420, §1, eff. July 1, 1983; Acts 1989, No. 240, §1, eff. June 26, 1989; Acts 1993, No. 73, §1, eff. July 1, 1993; Acts 1997, No. 1234, §1, eff. July 1, 1998; Acts 1998, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 164, §2, eff. Sept. 21, 1998; Acts 2000, 2nd Ex. Sess., No. 1, §§3, 4, eff. June 26, 2000; Acts 2003, No. 1248, §1; Acts 2006, No. 283, §1; Acts 2008, No. 51, §1, eff. June 5, 2008; Acts 2010, No. 100, §1; Acts 2021, No. 356, §§3, 6, eff. June 1, 2022; Acts 2024, No. 266, §1; Acts 2024, No. 443, §2.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:632.7 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 632.7
License fee dedication
Status: in_force

All funds derived from the sale of reptile and amphibian collector's licenses and reptile and amphibian wholesale/retail dealer's licenses shall be placed in the Conservation Fund in accordance with R.S. 56:10.

Acts 1992, No. 256, §1, eff. July 1, 1993; Acts 2010, No. 855, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:306.2 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 306.2
License fee; place of purchase
Status: in_force

A.(1) The cost of the wholesale/retail seafood dealer's license is five hundred fifty dollars for residents and two thousand two hundred dollars for nonresidents. Restaurants and retail grocers may sell native reptiles and amphibians for human consumption under the provisions of this Section.

(2) The cost of the retail seafood dealer's license is two hundred thirty dollars for residents and four hundred sixty dollars for nonresidents.

(3) Validly licensed wholesale/retail seafood dealers shall not be required to obtain licenses which are required by Subpart K of Part VII of Chapter 1 of this Title entitled "Reptiles and Amphibians". However, wholesale/retail seafood dealers are required to comply with any regulations contained within those Sections of law.

B. A wholesale/retail seafood dealer's license and a retail seafood dealer's license shall be issued only by the department during normal working hours at the Baton Rouge office or at any other location designated by the department.

Acts 1986, No. 904, §1; Acts 1997, No. 376, §1; Acts 2006, No. 401, §1, eff. Nov. 15, 2006; Acts 2021, No. 356, §§2, 5, eff. Nov. 15, 2021; Acts 2022, No. 631, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1682 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1682
Office of state parks; purpose
Status: in_force

The office of state parks is hereby authorized and directed to have as its purpose service to the people of Louisiana and their visitors by:

(1) Preserving and protecting natural areas of unique or exceptional scenic value.

(2) Establishing and operating parks that provide recreational use of natural resources and facilities for outdoor recreation in natural surroundings.

(3) Portraying and interpreting plant and animal life, geology, and all other natural features and processes included in the various state parks.

(4) Preserving, protecting, and portraying historic and scientific sites of statewide importance.

(5) Performing functions of the state relating to outdoor recreation development and trails, as provided in part by Chapter 7 of this Title.

Acts 1980, No. 827, §1. Amended by Acts 1982, No. 329, §2, eff. July 18, 1982.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:649.4 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 649.4
Nonresident combination lifetime hunting and fishing license
Status: in_force

Prior to June 1, 2022, any nonresident may obtain a combination lifetime hunting and fishing license which shall entitle the licensee to all of the privileges of both the lifetime hunting and lifetime sports fishing licenses provided for in R.S. 56:649.1 and 649.2.

Acts 1991, No. 184, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1992, No. 859, §1, eff. July 1, 1992; Acts 2010, No. 336, §1; Acts 2021, No. 356, §3, eff. June 1, 2022.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:307 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 307
Transporter; license required
Status: in_force

A. Operators and drivers of any form of commercial transport, except common carriers, who are in the act of loading, unloading, or transporting fish shall have in their possession at least one of the following licenses:

(1) A commercial fisherman's license.

(2) A wholesale/retail dealer's license.

(3) A transport license.

B. Persons who produce and harvest crawfish in private ponds or who produce and harvest catfish in private ponds shall not be required to obtain, maintain, or exhibit any license, permit, or certificate in order to transport crawfish from the place where they were produced or harvested in private ponds or catfish from the private pond to the first point of sale.

C. Transport license requirements shall not apply to fish or fish products which are the result of processing as defined in R.S. 56:8.

Acts 1986, No. 904, §1; Acts 1987, No. 92, §1; Acts 1987, No. 534, §1; Acts 1987, No. 779, §1; Acts 1987, No. 851, §1; Acts 1990, No. 564, §1; Acts 1995, No. 543, §2.

{{NOTE: SEE ACTS 1986, NO. 904, §5.}}
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:700.14 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 700.14
Rules and regulations
Status: in_force

A. In carrying out this Part, the secretary, in conjunction with the board, shall prescribe, and from time to time amend, regulations for the filing, processing, and the fair and expeditious settlement of claims pursuant to this Part, including a time limitation on the filing of such claims. These regulations shall insure that the whole claim procedure is as simple and as expeditious as possible. In no case shall the claim procedure exceed ninety days from the date the request for arbitration is filed with the board. Any designee of the secretary authorized to prescribe and amend such rules and regulations shall do so under the overall supervision and control of the secretary.

B. In the formulation of regulations pursuant to this Part, the secretary, in conjunction with the board, shall establish a procedure whereby an oyster leaseholder may recover for actual damages to his oyster beds or grounds caused by oil and gas activities.

C. Any rule, regulation, and fees for the administration of this Part shall be proposed or adopted pursuant to the rulemaking procedures set forth in the Administrative Procedure Act and shall be subject to approval by the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and the House Committee on Natural Resources and Environment.

D. The secretary, in conjunction with the board, shall promulgate rules for developing a uniform evaluation method to be used in the biological surveys to determine the estimated value of the leasehold before the activity takes place and the estimated damages or loss to the leasehold after the activity is completed.

E. The secretary, in conjunction with the board, shall promulgate regulations implementing the Oyster Lease Damage Evaluation Board's procedures and methods of operation on or before October 1, 1997.

Acts 1995, No. 1304, §1, eff. June 29, 1995; Acts 1997, No. 1115, §1; Acts 2008, No. 580, §7; Acts 2025, No. 458, §10, eff. Oct. 1, 2025.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:34 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 34
Class four violation
Status: in_force

A. The following penalties shall be imposed for a class four violation:

(1) For the first offense, the fine shall be not less than four hundred dollars nor more than nine hundred fifty dollars or imprisonment for not more than one hundred twenty days, or both.

(2) For the second offense, the fine shall be not less than seven hundred fifty dollars nor more than nine hundred ninety-nine dollars and imprisonment for not less than ninety days nor more than one hundred eighty days.

(3) For the third offense and all subsequent offenses, the fine shall be not less than one thousand dollars, nor more than five thousand dollars, and imprisonment for not less than one hundred eighty days nor more than two years.

B. The above penalties in all cases shall include forfeiture to the commission of anything seized in connection with the violation.

Acts 1983, No. 72, §1; Acts 1986, No. 503, §1; Acts 1988, No. 240, §1; Acts 1999, No. 154, §1; Acts 2005, No. 102, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:28 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 28
Official badges, identification cards, other insignia
Status: in_force

Whoever manufactures, sells, or possesses any badge, identification card, or other insignia, of the design prescribed by the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for use by any officer or employee thereof, or any colorable imitation thereof, or photographs, prints, or in any other manner makes or executes any engraving, photograph, print, or impression in the likeness of any such badge, identification card, or other insignia, or any colorable imitation thereof, except as authorized under regulations made pursuant to law, shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.

Acts 1986, No. 502, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1950.12 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1950.12
Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this Part the "Old Metairie Road Business and Cultural District" means that corridor or area along Metairie Road, also designated as Louisiana Highway 3119, beginning at the Jefferson Parish-Orleans Parish line at the Seventeenth Street Canal and extending to the west along Metairie Road to its intersection with Severn Avenue near Airline Drive and including the properties on both sides of such portion of Metairie Road.

Acts 2006, No. 245, §1, eff. July 1, 2006.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:439 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 439
Staking off or bedding oysters on unleased water bottoms
Status: in_force

No person shall stake off the water bottoms enumerated in this Subpart, or bed oysters on the water bottom without previously leasing the same from the department, and then only after payment of the rental and fees provided in this Subpart. However, for emergency purposes in the matter of the preservation of a cargo, the oyster fisherman may temporarily bed his cargo on unleased bottoms and stake it off.

Acts 1981, No. 925, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:355 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 355
Penalty provision
Status: in_force

Penalties for violation of any provision of this Subpart shall be as prescribed in Part II of this Chapter. Violation of any provision of any Section of this Subpart shall constitute a class one violation except where a higher class of violation is specified for a violation of any provision of a particular Section.

Added by Acts 1981, No. 837, §3.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:649.3 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 649.3
Combination lifetime hunting and sports fishing license
Status: in_force

A. Prior to June 1, 2022, any bona fide resident of this state may obtain a combination lifetime hunting and sports fishing license, which shall entitle the licensee to all of the privileges of both the lifetime hunting and lifetime sports fishing licenses provided for in R.S. 56:649.1 and 649.2. After June 1, 2022, the license shall be in lieu of basic hunting, deer, waterfowl, and turkey hunting licenses, basic, saltwater, crab, and recreational fishing gear licenses, and shall permit WMA access.

B. For any license purchased prior to June 1, 2022, a combination lifetime hunting and sports fishing license holder shall be entitled to the individual gear license privileges under the recreational gear license as provided in R.S. 56:302.3.

Acts 1991, No. 184, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1992, No. 859, §1, eff. July 1, 1992; Acts 2003, No. 261, §1; Acts 2004, No. 835, §1, eff. July 12, 2004; Acts 2011, No. 375, §1, eff. July 1, 2011; Acts 2021, No. 356, §3, eff. June 1, 2022.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:325.4 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 325.4
Commercial taking of other saltwater finfish; exceptions; mesh size
Status: in_force

A. During the 1995-1996 and the 1996-1997 season for taking mullet and the two seasons for taking spotted sea trout as defined in R.S. 56:325.3(C), all other species of saltwater finfish, including but not limited to black drum, sheepshead, and flounder, may be taken using a pompano strike net, as defined in R.S.56:8. This gear license and the use of this gear for taking these species shall be prohibited after March 1, 1997. There shall be no commercial taking of finfish pursuant to the provisions of this Section during the period from 5:00 a.m. on Saturday through 6:00 p.m. on Sunday. There shall be no fishing pursuant to the provisions of this Section during the hours after sunset and before sunrise. The provisions of this Section are subject to quotas and size limits as established by law and rules and regulations of the commission.

B.(1) No person shall be issued a license or permit for the commercial taking of underutilized species 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 fishery for these species: black drum (also known as puppy drum), sheepshead, and flounder. Such rules shall include the provisions of Paragraph (1) of this Subsection as minimum requirements.

(3) The commercial taking of black drum (also known as puppy drum), sheepshead, and flounder during the season by using a pompano strike net in excess of one thousand two hundred feet in length or by using more than one strike net from any vessel at any time is prohibited.

(4) Each pompano strike net shall have attached to it a tag issued by the department which states the name, address, and social security number of the owner of the net and the permit number of the permit issued to commercially take black drum (also known as puppy drum), sheepshead, and flounder. The department shall not issue any tag to a person who does not have a social security number.

C. Any person convicted of any offense involving fisheries laws or regulations shall forfeit any permit or license issued to commercially take these species and shall be forever barred from receiving any permit or license to commercially take these species. Any person who, after having been barred from the commercial taking of these species of fish pursuant to this Subsection, violates any provision of this Section shall be penalized under the provisions of a Class 7-B violation, R.S. 56:37.

D.(1) The commission shall monitor and evaluate the condition of the black drum, sheepshead, and flounder species in Louisiana waters and establish management targets to ensure a sustainable population. A report of the status of each stock and an evaluation of management measures shall be submitted every five years to the legislature no later than March first of that year.

(2) If data indicate that a fishery is not meeting or is likely not to meet the established targets, the department shall provide for the commission's consideration management options to ensure that the species can meet the management targets established for that species.

Acts 1995, No. 1316, §2; Acts 1997, No. 527, §1, eff. July 3, 1997; Acts 1997, No. 1413, §1, eff. July 15, 1997; Acts 2008, No. 38, §1; Acts 2010, No. 607, §1; Acts 2015, No. 205, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:325.2 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 325.2
Saltwater recreational finfish; total length
Status: in_force

A. Except as provided elsewhere in this Section, all saltwater recreational finfish shall have the head and caudal fin intact until set or put on shore. All saltwater recreational finfish shall be measured in accordance with applicable law.

B. Except as provided elsewhere in this Section, no person shall possess any finfish parts, such as filleted fish, while aboard a vessel on the water. For the purpose of consumption at sea aboard the harvesting vessel, a person shall have no more than two pounds of finfish parts per person on board the vessel, provided that the vessel is equipped to cook such finfish and such finfish does not exceed applicable bag limits.

C.(1) The provisions of this Section shall not apply to the following:

(a) Any legally harvested saltwater recreational finfish for which there is no size limit, that is being utilized for bait and is not in excess of any daily possession limits.

(b) King or Spanish mackerel, if cut up and utilized for bait, so long as the carcass is retained with the head and caudal fin intact while such parts are in possession aboard a fishing vessel, so that size and number of fish possessed may be determined.

(2) Swordfish possessed by a recreational fisherman shall not be skinned until set or put on shore.

(3) Tuna shall retain the caudal fin intact until set or put on shore, and those species of tuna which have minimum size restrictions may have the head removed as long as the carcass length without the head exceeds the minimum size requirement.

(4) Any garfish caught or possessed by a recreational fisherman in the saltwater areas of the state may have the head and caudal fin removed but, until the fish is set or put on shore, it shall retain a strip of skin sufficient to clearly identify the fish.

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

Acts 1987, No. 383, §1; Acts 1988, No. 35, §1; Acts 1992, No. 528, §1, eff. June 29, 1992; Acts 1999, No. 700, §1; Acts 2001, No. 150, §1; Acts 2010, No. 293, §1; Acts 2012, No. 469, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:55.3 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 55.3
Boats maintained for enforcement; vehicle equipment
Status: in_force

A. The department shall keep and maintain suitable boats for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this Title.

B. Each state owned vehicle, operated by a classified wildlife enforcement agent or officer of the enforcement division who has enforcement authority as defined by R.S. 56:55.2, while acting in his official capacity or performing his duties, may be equipped with such devices as are provided for authorized emergency vehicles in R.S. 32:318(A), (C), (D), (E), and (F). However, the secretary may, at his discretion, exempt special vehicles from the provisions of this Section.

Acts 1985, No. 876, §3, eff. July 23, 1985.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1805 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1805
Agreements on behalf of political subdivisions
Status: in_force

The state liaison officer may enter into and administer agreements with the United States or any appropriate agency thereof for the planning, acquisition, or development of projects involving participating federal aid funds on behalf of any parish, municipality, or other governmental unit which gives necessary assurances to the said state liaison officer that it has available sufficient funds to meet its share of the cost of the project and that the acquired or developed areas will be operated and maintained at its expense for public outdoor recreation use.

Amended by Acts 1980, No. 827, §2.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:640.1 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 640.1
"Right to Fish" Law
Status: in_force

This Subpart shall be known as and may be referred to as the Louisiana Right to Fish Law.

Acts 1986, No. 988, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:648.2 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 648.2
Remedies, damages, and penalties
Status: in_force

A. The secretary may seek injunctive relief to restrain and prevent violations of R.S. 56:648.1, upon request by the person affected or who reasonably may have been affected by such conduct.

B. Any person adversely affected by a violation of R.S. 56:648.1 shall be entitled to recover actual damages, including expenditures of the affected person for license and permit fees, travel, guides, special equipment and supplies, to the extent that such expenditures were rendered futile by the actions of the person violating the provisions of this Section.

C. Violation of the provisions of R.S. 56:648.1 constitutes a class two violation.

Added by Acts 1982, No. 376, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:68.1 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 68.1
Federal enforcement officers; Avoyelles Parish; Cameron Parish; Calcasieu Parish
Status: in_force

The secretary may enter into an agreement with the United States Department of the Interior and the National Marine Fisheries Service of the United States Department of Commerce to allow said secretary to issue special commissions to federal fish and wildlife agents. The commissions shall allow federal fish and wildlife agents to enforce Louisiana wildlife and fisheries laws, rules, and regulations only in Avoyelles Parish, Calcasieu Lake, and the federal wildlife refuges in Cameron and Calcasieu Parishes. The federal agents acting pursuant to such special commissions shall have the same powers and duties as are provided for regularly commissioned officers of the enforcement division of the department. These powers and duties shall include making arrests and conducting searches and seizures. Such federal agents shall also be granted the rights, powers, privileges, and immunities provided by this Subpart and shall be governed by departmental policies in the fulfillment of such powers and duties.

Acts 1991, No. 719, §1, eff. July 18, 1991; Acts 1993, No. 162, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:142 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 142
Catahoula lake area; operation of mud boats for purpose of hunting or fishing prohibited
Status: in_force

A. The operation in the area of Catahoula Lake north and west of the Little River line of power-driven air boats for the purpose of fishing or hunting, and particularly for the hunting of wild geese and ducks, and for the purpose of constructing duck blinds on the Catahoula Lake is hereby prohibited.

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

C. The Wildlife and Fisheries Commission or its agents shall enforce the provisions of this Section.

Added by Acts 1960, No. 292, §§1 to 3. Amended by Acts 1981, No. 837, §3; Acts 1993, No. 242, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:303.1 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 303.1
Commercial fisherman's license; license year; purchase period
Status: in_force

A. A commercial fisherman's license is valid for one year, beginning on January first of each calendar year and expiring on December thirty-first of the same calendar year.

B. A commercial fisherman's license may be purchased at any time of the year for the current license year and from November fifteenth for the immediately following license year.

Acts 1986, No. 904, §1; Acts 1997, No. 376, §1.

{{NOTE: SEE ACTS 1986, NO. 904, §5.}}
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:55.1 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 55.1
Toledo Bend Reservoir; assignment of officers
Status: in_force

The department is authorized to enter into an agreement with the Sabine River Authority, for the permanent assignment of four commissioned wildlife officers and agents to the Toledo Bend Reservoir. Such officers and agents shall be authorized to enforce any laws under the jurisdiction of the department, including those conferred on duly commissioned wildlife officers and agents of the department, pursuant to this Subpart or pursuant to other law. The Sabine River Authority shall bear all costs of the salaries and related benefits, equipment, and land and water transportation expenses of such officers and agents for a period of two years, commencing September 1, 1992; thereafter, the department shall be responsible for all such costs and expenses of the four officers assigned to the Toledo Bend Reservoir. The officers assigned to the Toledo Bend Reservoir shall remain under the supervision and control of the department.

Acts 1992, No. 1088, §2.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:121.1 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 121.1
Traps; wild quadrupeds
Status: in_force

A. No person shall at any time use a hook or set a trap with teeth, for the purpose of taking wild quadrupeds, except that alligators may be taken with the aid of hook and line.

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

Added by Acts 1979, No. 186, §1. Amended by Acts 1981, No. 838, §1; Acts 1992, No. 528, §1, eff. June 29, 1992.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:10.3 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 10.3
Lifetime License Endowment Trust Account
Status: in_force

A.(1) There is hereby created within the Conservation Fund a special account designated as the "Lifetime License Endowment Trust Account". Subject to the exception contained in Article VII, Section 9(A) of the Constitution of Louisiana, all funds collected by the commission under the provisions of this Part shall be credited to the Bond Security and Redemption Fund. Out of the funds remaining in the Bond Security and Redemption Fund after a sufficient amount is allocated from that fund to pay all obligations secured by the full faith and credit of the state which become due and payable within any fiscal year, the treasurer shall deposit, as provided in Subsection B of this Section, an amount equal to the revenues collected under the provisions of this Part. The funds credited to the Lifetime License Endowment Trust Account shall be expended as provided in this Section.

(2) At any such time as the balance in the account reaches twenty million dollars and a determination is made by the department that the account contains sufficient monies to be able to certify all lifetime license holders then those funds in excess of twenty million dollars shall be credited to the Conservation Fund.

B. Of the revenues received from the issuance of each lifetime license, one hundred dollars shall be credited to the Lifetime License Endowment Trust Account, and the remaining funds shall be credited to the Conservation Fund to be used for the purpose of administering and enforcing the provisions of this Chapter or for such other purposes as may be determined by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Acts 2021, No. 356, §3, eff. June 1, 2022.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:110 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 110
Deer Management Assistance Program areas; notice; signs; prohibitions
Status: in_force

A. The department shall direct the owner or operator of the Deer Management Assistance Program area to post suitable signs identifying the lands as a Deer Management Assistance Program area which shall be placed at reasonable distances along the boundaries of the lands and at roads and other entrances for the information of the public. The department shall establish rules and regulations regarding the description and content of the signs and the manner and method of posting signs to reasonably identify the lands as Deer Management Assistance Program areas. No person shall willfully or maliciously remove, destroy, or deface any sign or notice placed or posted.

B. After the posting of the Deer Management Assistance Program area as provided in Subsection A, no person shall knowingly take, attempt to take, disturb, or destroy any wild bird or wild quadruped or the nest, egg, or young thereof on lands designated as Deer Management Assistance Program areas, or shall have in his possession or keep, while on the lands, any firearm, trap, snare, or other device capable of being used in the taking or disturbance of the birds or quadrupeds on such areas, unless the person has been expressly authorized by a permit from the owner, lessee, lessor, or hunting club or organization authorized to hunt on the land to do so and then only for the purpose and under the conditions specified in the permit.

C. The owner or operator of the Deer Management Assistance Program area shall be responsible for the actual direct cost of posting the lands with signs as provided in Subsection A.

D. Violation of the provisions of Subsection A of this Section shall constitute a class one violation.

E. Violation of the provisions of Subsection B of this Section shall constitute a class two violation.

Acts 1990, No. 499, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:125 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 125
Possession of game quadrupeds; tags; deer carcasses
Status: in_force

A. A licensee may have in his personal possession anywhere during the open season the number of game quadrupeds permitted by this Subpart to be taken or possessed by him; but should he have in his personal possession at any time or anywhere more than the possession limit of such game quadrupeds, that fact is prima facie evidence of the violation of the provisions of this Subpart unless each such game quadruped in excess of the possession limit is tagged showing the species of game quadruped, the actual signature and license number of the licensee who took the same, and the date and place taken.

B. Positive evidence of sex identification, including the head or sex organs, shall remain on any deer taken or killed within the state of Louisiana, or on all turkey taken or killed during any special gobbler season when killing of turkey hens is prohibited, so long as such deer or turkey is kept in camp or field, or is en route to the domicile of its possessor, or until such deer or turkey has been stored at the domicile of its possessor or divided at a cold storage facility and has thus become identifiable as food rather than as wild game. Deer and turkey may be divided in camp or field but, in the event of such division, each portion shall be identified by the name, address, and license number of the person killing it and the sex of the animal; however, it is not necessary to affix the license number as required above to portions cut from the carcass immediately prior to their being consumed in camp. Evidence of sex identification of deer shall only be required to be maintained until the deer tag is validated.

Amended by Acts 1974, No. 717, §1; Acts 1977, No. 197, §1; Acts 1981, No. 838, §1; Acts 2012, No. 327, §1; Acts 2025, No. 73, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1761 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1761
Audubon Park Commission; creation; membership
Status: in_force

A. The Audubon Park Commission is hereby created as a political subdivision of the state of Louisiana pursuant to Article VI, Section 19 of the Constitution. The commission shall exercise the powers and duties hereinafter set forth or otherwise provided by law.

B. The commission shall be composed of twenty-four members who shall be appointed by the governor. Each appointment by the governor shall be submitted to the Senate for confirmation. The commission shall be composed as follows:

(1) Seven members, who shall be residents of the city of New Orleans, appointed from a list of fifteen names eight of which shall be names submitted to the governor by the mayor of the city of New Orleans and seven of which shall be names submitted to the governor by the council of the city of New Orleans. Provided that one member shall be a resident of either the Eighth or Ninth Ward of Orleans Parish.

(2) Six members, who shall be residents of the city of New Orleans, appointed from a list comprised of two names submitted to the governor by each legislator who represents any portion of the city of New Orleans.

(3) Five members, who shall be residents of Jefferson Parish, appointed from a list comprised of two names submitted to the governor by each legislator who represents any portion of Jefferson Parish.

(4) Two members, who shall be residents of St. Bernard Parish, appointed from a list comprised of two names submitted to the governor by each legislator who represents any portion of St. Bernard Parish.

(5) One member, who shall be a resident of Plaquemines Parish, appointed from a list comprised of two names submitted to the governor by each legislator who represents any portion of Plaquemines Parish.

(6) Two members, who shall be residents of St. Charles Parish or St. John the Baptist Parish, appointed from a list comprised of two names submitted to the governor by each legislator who represents any portion of St. Charles Parish or St. John the Baptist Parish.

(7) One member, who shall be a resident of St. Tammany Parish, appointed from a list comprised of two names submitted to the governor by each legislator who represents any portion of St. Tammany Parish.

(8) Of the total number of members appointed from the city of New Orleans and Jefferson Parish, at least two shall be residents of the west bank of the Mississippi River. Provided further, one of these members shall be a resident of the west bank of Orleans Parish and one member shall be a resident of the west bank of Jefferson Parish.

(9) All initial nominations shall be made within twenty-one days of the date of signature by the governor, or if not signed by the governor, within twenty-one days of the expiration of the time for bills to become law without signature by the governor, as provided in Article III, Section 18 of the Constitution of Louisiana. All subsequent nominations shall be made no earlier than twenty-eight days prior to the expiration of the term of office nor later than fourteen days prior to the expiration of the term of office. If nominations are not made within the time specified, the governor shall make his appointments without the necessity of nominations.

C.(1) Appointed members shall serve four-year terms. Vacancies shall be filled for the remainder of the term by the Audubon Park Commission. Any person appointed by the commission to fill a vacancy shall be a resident of the same parish as the member he is appointed to replace.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of Paragraph (1) of this Subsection, the terms of the initial members of the commission appointed pursuant to R.S. 56:1761(B) shall expire on December 31 of the year designated below:

(a) The terms of the initial members appointed pursuant to R.S. 56:1761(B)(4), (5), (6), and (7) shall expire in 1984.

(b) The terms of the initial members appointed pursuant to R.S. 56:1761(B)(3) shall expire in 1985.

(c) The terms of the initial members appointed pursuant to R.S. 56:1761(B)(1) shall expire in 1986.

(d) The terms of the initial members appointed pursuant to R.S. 56:1761(B)(2) shall expire in 1987.

(3) The terms of the successors of the initial members shall expire on December 31 of the last year of their respective terms. Members shall serve until their successors are appointed and take office.

D. The commission shall meet and organize immediately after appointment of the members and shall elect from its membership a chairman and a vice chairman and such other officers as it may deem necessary. The commission shall prescribe the duties of its officers. The commission shall adopt rules for the transaction of its business and shall keep a record of its proceedings. Thirteen members shall constitute a quorum.

E. The commission shall meet at least once in each quarter of the fiscal year, or on call of the chairman or any five members.

F. Members of the commission shall receive no compensation for their services.

G. The commission shall be domiciled in New Orleans.

Acts 1983, No. 485, §1, eff. July 27, 1983; Acts 2003, No. 774, §15.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:20 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 20
Releasing game, fowl, or fish; permission; intrastate restocking; importation; violations
Status: in_force

A. No pen-raised or wild animal, fowl, or fish of any species from within or without the state shall be liberated within the state except upon written permission of the secretary.

B. No wild animal, fowl, or fish of any species shall be transported for restocking purposes from a site within the state to any other site within the state except in accordance with rules and regulations adopted by the commission.

C. No person shall import any live cervid from outside the state.

D. Violations of the provisions of this Section shall constitute a class four violation, as provided in R.S. 56:34.

Amended by Acts 1974, No. 717, §1; Acts 1982, No. 319, §1; Acts 1982, No. 380, §1; Acts 1988, No. 237, §1; Acts 2014, No. 287, §1; Acts 2018, No. 67, §2.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:57.1 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 57.1
Forfeitures for fraud
Status: in_force

Where the proof shows that a license as a resident has been obtained by fraud or subterfuge, the vessels and equipment used under that license shall be forfeited by proceedings maintained as provided for the forfeiture of vessels in this Subpart.

Acts 1985, No. 876, §3, eff. July 23, 1985.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:3002 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 3002
Recreational hunting licenses; fees
Status: in_force

A. Resident licenses:

(1) Basic hunting license $20.00/year

(2) Deer hunting license $15.00/year

(includes deer tags, archery and primitive privileges)

(3) Waterfowl license $12.00/year

(4) Turkey license (includes tags) $12.00/year

(5) Youth hunting license $5.00/year

(required for hunting deer, turkey, trapping, and youth lottery hunts)

(6) Bear hunting license $25.00/year

B. Nonresident licenses:

(1) Basic hunting license $200.00/year

(2) Deer hunting license $100.00/year

(includes deer tags, archery and primitive privileges)

(3) Waterfowl hunting license $50.00/year

(4) Turkey hunting license (includes tags) $50.00/year

(5) Five-day basic hunting license $65.00

(6) Five-day deer hunting license $35.00

(7) Five-day waterfowl hunting license $35.00

(8) Five-day turkey hunting license $35.00

Acts 2021, No. 356, §3, eff. June 1, 2022; Acts 2022, No. 229, §1, eff. June 1, 2022; Acts 2024, No. 443, §2.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1764 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1764
Secretary; staff
Status: in_force

The commissioners shall have the power to select a secretary and to fix his salary at a reasonable sum. The commission may employ such other agents and employees as may be required for the discharge of its functions and to prescribe and define their respective duties, authority, and compensation.

Acts 1983, No. 485, §1, eff. July 27, 1983.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:109.1 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 109.1
Use of all-terrain vehicle trails on wildlife management areas
Status: in_force

A. The department shall keep at least one all-terrain vehicle trail on each department-owned wildlife management area that has such a trail open throughout the year. The department may temporarily close the year-round trail if weather or other conditions render the use of the trail a public safety or an environmental hazard. Access to the year-round trail shall be granted for use by all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, horses, and bicycles, under rules and regulations promulgated under the Administrative Procedure Act. Persons using the year-round all-terrain vehicle trails shall possess a WMA hunting permit.

B. A violation of the provisions of this Section, or rules and regulations promulgated pursuant this Section, shall constitute a class one violation.

Acts 2004, No. 847, §1; Acts 2018, No. 618, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:700.11 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 700.11
Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this Part, unless the context requires otherwise, the terms set forth below shall have the following meanings:

(1) "Biological test data" means surveys of oyster beds and grounds by a certified biologist to determine the quality, condition, and value of oyster beds and grounds.

(2) "Board" means the Oyster Lease Damage Evaluation Board.

(3) "Department" means the Department of Conservation and Energy.

(4) "Leaseholder" means an owner of an oyster lease granted by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

(5) "Mineral activity" means exploration (including all seismic operations), production, transportation (of equipment or product), and any other activity associated with the production of oil and gas.

(6) "Owner" means an owner or operator of a mineral activity.

(7) "Secretary" means the secretary of the Department of Conservation and Energy or his designee.

Acts 1995, No. 1304, §1, eff. June 29, 1995; Acts 2023, No. 150, §22, eff. Jan. 10, 2024.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:70.4 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 70.4
Rewards; payments
Status: in_force

A.(1) The secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, or his designee, shall determine which informers are to be granted rewards, specify the amount of each reward, and direct the payment of the rewards from the Conservation Fund.

(2) No reward may be less than two hundred dollars or more than one thousand dollars. No amount in excess of that available in the Conservation Fund shall be payable as a reward under this Subpart.

B. No reward may be granted to a person or an immediate family member of a person who is a peace officer, game warden, prosecutor, employee of the department, or member of the judiciary.

Acts 1995, No. 77, §1; Acts 2018, No. 612, §18, eff. July 1, 2020; Acts 2019, No. 404, §1, eff. July 1, 2020.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:649.7 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 649.7
Infant combination lifetime hunting and fishing license
Status: in_force

Beginning January 1, 2025, the department shall make available for persons under the age of three years a combination lifetime hunting and fishing license which shall entitle the licensee to all of the privileges conferred by basic hunting, deer, waterfowl, and turkey hunting licenses; basic fishing, saltwater, crab, and recreational fishing gear licenses; and basic wildlife management area access permits.

Acts 2000, 2d Ex. Sess., No. 1, §3, eff. June 26, 2000; Acts 2021, No. 356, §3, eff. June 1, 2022; Acts 2024, No. 653, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:106 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 106
Field trials
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, a nonresident may participate in Louisiana in a field trial conducted by recognized field trial associations that are registered with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries using dogs in such field trial without being required to obtain any hunting license so long as the field trial association has given to the office of wildlife and the enforcement division of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, at least five days prior to the date of such field trial, notice of the dates and place of the trial. Such notice may be given electronically through fascimile or e-mail. Requirements for registration of field trial associations will be established by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Participants may carry firearms and discharge live ammunition during such field trials, if required to do so by the rules of the field trial.

Added by Acts 1981, No. 736, §1; Acts 1988, No. 534, §1; Acts 2003, No. 452, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:24 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 24
Contract by commission with private landowners for use of lands for wildlife management areas in consideration for relief from certain taxation
Status: in_force

The commission may contract with any private landowner for the use of his lands for a term of not less than twenty-five years for the purpose of establishing wildlife management areas, and may agree, where such use is granted without compensation or payment therefor, that the lands shall be relieved of all state, parish, and district taxes, except in cases where a tax has been contracted to be levied thereon for the retirement of a bond issue or for other outstanding debts or obligations, so long as the lands are used for the purpose stated. Any existing agreement to the foregoing effect is validated.

Amended by Acts 1974, No. 717, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1848 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1848
Planning considerations
Status: in_force

A. In all planning for the use and development of water and water-related land resources, full and equal consideration shall be given by all local, state, and federal agencies to the potential natural and scenic river areas; and all river basin reports and project plans should discuss any such potential and all economic evaluations should consider aesthetic values as well as monetary values.

B. No agency of the state government shall authorize or concur in plans of local or federal agencies that would detrimentally affect whether, directly or indirectly, a natural or scenic river or upon which the full and equal consideration of the stream's potential as a natural or scenic area with aesthetic values has not been discussed and evaluated.

Added by Acts 1970, No. 398, §1; Acts 1987, No. 606, §1; Acts 1988, No. 947, §1, eff. July 27, 1988.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:329 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 329
Obstruction of streams or lakes by fyke nets or other devices
Status: in_force

A. No person shall obstruct the free passage of fish in any of the streams, lakes, bayous, or in any body of water, including crevasses, coulees, and canals in marsh and swamp areas of the state by any means whatsoever, provided that the provisions of this Section shall not apply to water control structures or dams for the retention of water for conservation purposes.

B.(1) Except as provided in Paragraph (2) of this Subsection, no obstructions including trawls, skimmer nets, butterfly nets, fyke nets, wings or leads, seines, gill nets, or trammel nets which interfere with the free passageway for fish as defined in this Section shall be set within five hundred feet of the mouth of any inlet or pass, or within five hundred feet of any water control structures, dams, or weirs, except for the purpose of retaining and removing invasive species of fish and other nongame freshwater fish of commercial value. When fishing for the purpose of retaining and removing invasive species of fish and other nongame freshwater fish of commercial value, nets are restricted to a mesh size no smaller than three and one-half inches bar. Wings and leads are permitted on hoop nets in overflowed regions where the water is out of the actual bed of the natural stream or lake but not within the restricted five-hundred-feet area.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of Paragraph (1) of this Subsection, hoop nets set in Little River in Grant Parish and LaSalle Parish may be set closer than five hundred feet to the mouth of any inlet or pass or water control structure, dam, or weir.

C. The possession of fish caught in leads or wings is prohibited. Wings and leads on hoop nets below the saltwater line, as defined in R.S. 56:322(A), are permitted. However, the use of monofilament leads or wings shall be prohibited below the saltwater line. No pair of wings or leads shall be within one hundred feet of each other and no single lead shall exceed twenty-five feet in length.

D. "Free passageway for fish" means a minimum passageway opening of five feet in width extending from the surface to the bottom of the water in the deepest portion of the water. The use of wings and leads on nets and seines is a violation of this Section except in overflowed regions as stated above.

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

Acts 1989, No. 247, §1, eff. June 26, 1989; Acts 1992, No. 528, §1, eff. June 29, 1992; Acts 2007, No. 296, §1; Acts 2010, No. 746, §1; Acts 2011, No. 268, §1; Acts 2022, No. 11, §1, eff. May 13, 2022.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:476 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 476
License display
Status: in_force

The vessel license number shall be painted on the cabin roof or any other place which is easily visible from the air. The letters shall be at least eight inches high and of appropriate width and prefaced with the letter "C".

Added by Acts 1979, No. 616, §1. Acts 1986, No. 904, §3.

{{NOTE: SEE ACTS 1986, NO. 904, §5.}}
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:31 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 31
Class one violations
Status: in_force

The following penalties shall be imposed for a class one violation:

(1) For the first offense, a fine of fifty dollars. The fine shall include all costs of court.

(2) For the second offense, a fine of not less than seventy-five dollars nor more than two hundred fifty dollars.

(3) For the third offense and all subsequent offenses, a fine of not less than two hundred dollars nor more than five hundred fifty dollars.

Acts 1981, No. 837, §1; Acts 1988, No. 240, §1; Acts 1990, No. 899, §1; Acts 2001, No. 344, §1; Acts 2004, No. 253, §1, eff. July 1, 2004; Acts 2021, No. 241, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:174 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 174
Shipment of carcasses or parts thereof; tag or label
Status: in_force

Any common carrier may receive and transport carcasses of such animals or birds, or parts thereof. However, to every package containing such carcasses or parts thereof shall be affixed a tag or label, upon which shall be plainly printed or written the name and license number of the person to whom the breeder's license was issued who is thus transporting; the number of carcasses or portions thereof contained therein; and a statement that the animals or birds were killed and tagged in accordance with the provisions of this Sub-part.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:109.4 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 109.4
Use of airboats on the Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area
Status: in_force

A. Use of airboats on the Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area shall be limited to airboat trails. Such trails shall be established by rules and regulations promulgated by the commission, pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act, where airboat operation is feasible and in a manner to best protect public safety and wildlife resources and habitats. An airboat trail shall be established only on trails or rights of way existing as of February 1, 2018. Such rules and regulations shall also include the following:

(1) Require the exhaust of any internal combustion engine used on any airboat operated on airboat trails be equipped with an automotive-style factory muffler, underwater exhaust, or other manufactured device capable of adequately muffling the sound of the exhaust of the engine.

(2) Limit the size of the internal combustion engine of any airboat operated on airboat trails to no greater than three hundred fifty-one cubic inches.

(3) Require every person using an airboat trail to possess a WMA hunting permit, to notify the department annually of the airboat's registration number, and to make such airboat available for inspection by department personnel.

(4) Prohibit the use of established airboat trails by airboats between September first and the following January thirty-first.

B. A violation of the provisions of this Section, or rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to this Section, shall constitute a class one violation. Additionally, any person who violates the provisions of this Section, or rules or regulations promulgated pursuant to this Section, three times within a ten-year period shall be prohibited from operating an airboat on any wildlife management area.

C. The provisions of this Section shall terminate and be null and void on August 1, 2019, and thereafter.

Acts 2018, No. 618, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:118 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 118
Migratory game bird violations
Status: in_force

A. The hunting of migratory birds has long been a source of recreation and tourism in the state of Louisiana. The provisions of this Section are enacted in order to enhance the efforts of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to promote the wildlife laws of the state, to aid in the apprehension and prosecution of violators of the state's wildlife laws, to promote public interest and involvement in the prevention of violations of the wildlife laws, and to increase the efficiency of efforts to protect and preserve one of the state's most valuable assets. This Section is also enacted to create an effective and expedient system to handle violations, prosecutions, and adjudications of violations of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1972, as amended.

B. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, any violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1972, as amended, shall be a violation of the provisions of this Section and shall be enforced as such.

C. Except for failure to sign a federal duck stamp and failure to possess a valid federal duck stamp, any violation of the provisions of this Section shall constitute a class four violation and shall be enforced according to the provisions of R.S. 56:34. The penalty for failure to possess a federal duck stamp or for failure to sign a federal duck stamp shall constitute a class two violation and shall be enforced according to the provisions of R.S. 56:32.

D. Of the revenues received through the collection of fines imposed for violations of this Section, after deposit in the Bond Security and Redemption Fund, an amount equal to fifty percent shall be credited to the conservation fund to be used solely for costs associated with the salaries and related benefits of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents and the purchase of equipment needed by such agents. The remaining fifty percent of the revenues received through the collection of fines imposed for violations of this Section shall be deposited in the criminal court fund of the parish in which the violation occurred.

Acts 1999, No. 154, §1.