reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:659. Penalties

RS 56:659 - Penalties
Any violation by any person, firm, or corporation of any of the provisions of this Part or the failure to comply with said provisions, including the securing of the license herein provided, shall constitute a class two violation.
Added by Acts 1958, No. 455, §9. Amended by Acts 1981, No. 837, §3.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:671. Reciprocal agreement; fishing license

RS 56:671 - Reciprocal agreement; fishing license
The commission may enter into reciprocal fishing license agreements with the authorities of any other state. Any reciprocal agreement shall become effective when ratified in writing both by the commission and the authorities of the reciprocating state and shall remain in effect until ninety days after it has been rescinded in writing by either the commission or the authorities of the reciprocating state.
Added by Acts 1968, No. 239, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:672. Reciprocal agreement; hunting license

RS 56:672 - Reciprocal agreement; hunting license
The commission may enter into reciprocal hunting license agreement with the authorities of any other state. Any reciprocal agreement shall become effective when ratified in writing both by the commission and the authorities of the reciprocating state and shall remain in effect until ninety days after it has been rescinded in writing by either the commission or the authorities of the reciprocating state.
Added by Acts 1968, No. 239, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:673. Reciprocal agreement; common boundaries; taking or protection of fish or other aquatic life

RS 56:673 - Reciprocal agreement; common boundaries; taking or protection of fish or other aquatic life
The commission may enter into reciprocal agreements with the states of Arkansas, Mississippi, and Texas pertaining to seasons, creel limits, and all other rules and regulations pertaining to the taking or protection of any species of fish or other aquatic life in any bodies of water which form the common boundary between Louisiana and the reciprocating state. Any reciprocal agreement shall become effective when ratified in writing both by the commission and the authorities of the reciprocating state and shall remain in effect until ninety days after it has been rescinded in writing by either the commission or the authorities of the reciprocating state.
Acts 1984, No. 843, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:674. Reciprocal agreement; common boundaries; wild quadrupeds or wild birds

RS 56:674 - Reciprocal agreement; common boundaries; wild quadrupeds or wild birds
The commission may enter into reciprocal agreements with the states of Arkansas, Mississippi, and Texas pertaining to seasons, bag limits, and all other rules and regulations for the taking or protection of any species or sex of wild quadrupeds or wild birds in any area forming the common boundary between Louisiana and the reciprocating state. Any reciprocal agreement shall become effective when ratified in writing both by the commission and the authorities of the reciprocating state and shall remain in effect until ninety days after it has been rescinded in writing by either the commission or the authorities of the reciprocating state.
Added by Acts 1968, No. 239, §1. Acts 1984, No. 843, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:675. Reciprocal agreement; statewide application; taking or protection of fish, other aquatic life, wild quadrupeds, or wild birds

RS 56:675 - Reciprocal agreement; statewide application; taking or protection of fish, other aquatic life, wild quadrupeds, or wild birds
The commission may enter into reciprocal agreements with the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Texas pertaining to seasons, creel limits, bag limits, and all other rules and regulations pertaining to the taking or protection of any species or sex of fish, other aquatic life, wild quadrupeds, or wild birds in any area within the boundaries of the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Texas.
Added by Acts 1968, No. 492, §1. Amended by Acts 1981, No. 736, §1; Acts 1984, No. 843, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:676. Reciprocity; license fees; seasons; limits

RS 56:676 - Reciprocity; license fees; seasons; limits
Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, where the commission fails to enter into a reciprocal agreement with a state as allowed in R.S. 56:673, 674, and 675, residents of that state shall be granted or sold privileges and licenses equal to those privileges and licenses granted or sold to Louisiana residents by the nonresident's state.
Acts 1984, No. 843, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:677. Reciprocal agreements; Toledo Bend; Caddo Lake; special fishing licenses; fees

RS 56:677 - Reciprocal agreements; Toledo Bend; Caddo Lake; special fishing licenses; fees
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.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:678. Hunting reciprocity; Mississippi

RS 56:678 - Hunting reciprocity; Mississippi
The holder of a hunting license issued by the state of Mississippi shall have the same rights and privileges to hunt wild game birds and quadrupeds upon islands in and the waters of the Mississippi River and the Pearl River and other land resulting from accretion along the Mississippi River and the Pearl River where those rivers form the boundary between the states of Louisiana and Mississippi as are provided by law for the holder of a Louisiana hunting license. This Section shall take effect and become operative if and when the state of Mississippi grants reciprocal privileges to the holders of hunting and fishing or angling licenses issued by the state of Louisiana.
Acts 2021, No. 356, §3, eff. June 1, 2022.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:679. Turkey hunting reciprocity

RS 56:679 - Turkey hunting reciprocity
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.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:695. Purpose

RS 56:695 - Purpose
This law is enacted by the legislature pursuant to Article X, Section 10(A)(1) of the Louisiana Constitution of 1974 in the exercise of the police power of the state, to promote the public peace and safety by providing better enforcement of the law.
Added by Acts 1975, No. 314, §1, eff. July 17, 1975.
{{NOTE: ACTS 1989, NO. 337, §3 PROVIDES "THIS ACT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE IF AND WHEN THE BASE SALARY OF EACH PERSON ENTITLED TO A SUPPLEMENT PURSUANT TO SUBPART D OF PART III OF CHAPTER 6 OF TITLE 40 AND PART XII OF CHAPTER 1 OF TITLE 56 OF THE LOUISIANA REVISED STATUTES OF 1950 IS INCREASED BY AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO THE SUPPLEMENT TO WHICH THE PERSON IS ENTITLED ON THE DATE THAT THIS ACT BECOMES LAW."}}
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:696. Amount of additional salary

RS 56:696 - Amount of additional salary
Every regularly commissioned wildlife officer employed by the enforcement division of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries shall be paid by the state additional salary in the amount of two hundred sixty dollars per month, provided that funds are available. The salary provided for by this Section shall be in addition and supplemental to any uniform state civil service pay plan. In the event that supplemental pay for deputy sheriffs is increased, then supplemental pay for wildlife enforcement officers shall be increased in the same amount, provided that funds are available.
Added by Acts 1975, No. 314, §1, eff. July 17, 1975. Acts 1983, No. 243, §1.
{{NOTE: CONTINGENT REPEAL - SEE NOTE FOLLOWING §695.}}
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:697. Special fund

RS 56:697 - Special fund
For the payment of the additional salary provided by R.S. 56:696, there is hereby created a special fund in the treasury of the state of Louisiana, to which the appropriations hereinafter made shall be credited, and the funds so credited shall be used solely for the payment of such additional salary as provided in R.S. 56:696.
Added by Acts 1975, No. 314, §1, eff. July 17, 1975.
{{NOTE: CONTINGENT REPEAL - SEE NOTE FOLLOWING §695.}}
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:698. Disbursement of funds

RS 56:698 - Disbursement of funds
A. The funds credited to the special fund as provided in R.S. 56:697 shall be disbursed upon warrants drawn by the secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, which warrants shall have attached to them a detailed list of the names of the officers for whose benefit any particular warrant is drawn, together with such other information as the division of administration or the state treasurer may require.
B. The secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, on the basis of such warrants, shall prepare and sign individual checks representing the amount to be paid out of the special fund created by R.S. 56:697 to each person in accordance with the provisions of this Part. Each such check shall show the legislative appropriation from which payment is made and shall note that it represents additional salary paid by the state under the provisions of this Part. The secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries shall deliver the checks to the individual person in whose favor drawn by mail or by such other means as he shall determine.
C. The secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries shall include the additional salary paid to individuals in accordance with the provisions of this Part in the calculation and deduction from the pay of such individuals of sums required by state or federal laws to be withheld by an employer, such as federal income tax and social security tax or contribution to a state retirement system. The secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries shall be further charged with the responsibility for transmitting the sums so withheld in accordance with the law or laws requiring the withholding.
D. The additional salary paid by the state to state wildlife officers in accordance with the provisions of this Part shall be included in the calculation and computation of the total wages paid to a state wildlife officer in the determination of employer contributions to any retirement system or pension fund of which the individual may be a member as well as in the determination of retirement eligibility and benefits which may accrue to the individual under any retirement system or pension fund, as well as in the determination of any other employee benefits, sick leave, or disability pay to which the individual might be entitled.
Added by Acts 1975, No. 314, §1, eff. July 17, 1975. Amended by Acts 1981, No. 736, §1.
{{NOTE: CONTINGENT REPEAL - SEE NOTE FOLLOWING §695.}}
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:699. Participation in firearm and hunter education course in addition to penalties for hunting violations

RS 56:699 - Participation in firearm and hunter education course in addition to penalties for hunting violations
Whenever any person is convicted of violating any of the provisions of this Chapter governing the hunting or taking of wild birds or wild quadrupeds, other than by trapping, the court may in addition to imposing any fine or penalty provided for by law, order the offender to attend and participate in a firearm and hunter education course taught or approved by the department.
Added by Acts 1978, No. 655, §1. Acts 1984, No. 149, §1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
{{NOTE: SEE SECTIONS 3 AND 4 OF ACTS 1984, NO. 149.}}
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:699.3. Regulation of firearm and hunter education

RS 56:699.3 - Regulation of firearm and hunter education
The commission shall adopt rules to regulate firearm and hunter education which shall:
(1) Provide for firearm and hunter education courses to be taught or approved by the department.
(2) Provide for the testing and certification by the department of residents of this state as firearm and hunter education instructors.
(3) Establish minimum requirements for firearm and hunter education courses conducted by private groups, state and local agencies other than the department, other states, and subdivisions thereof, which the department may approve for purposes of this Part.
(4) Provide for the revocation of any hunting license or hunting permit upon determination that the holder thereof obtained it other than in accordance with this Part.
Acts 1984, No. 149, §1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
{{NOTE: SEE SECTIONS 3 AND 4 OF ACTS 1984, NO. 149.}}
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:699.5. Firearm and hunter education requirement

RS 56:699.5 - Firearm and hunter education requirement
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.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:699.6. Firearm and hunter education exemption

RS 56:699.6 - Firearm and hunter education exemption
The provisions of R.S. 56:699.5 shall not apply to any active or veteran member of the United States armed services or to any POST-certified law enforcement officer or to any individual with current POST-certification. The commission may adopt rules to implement this Section including rules regarding evidence of such service. Application for the exemption authorized in this Section shall be filed in person at the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries main office building in the city of Baton Rouge, or at any other location designated by the department.
Acts 2001, No. 223, §1; Acts 2008, No. 46, §1; Acts 2012, No. 364, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:699.7. Four wheeler and all-terrain vehicle instruction

RS 56:699.7 - Four wheeler and all-terrain vehicle instruction
The department may offer in its firearm and hunter education program an educational block of instruction on the proper way and method of safely riding "four wheelers" or all-terrain vehicles.
Acts 2004, No. 172, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:699.21. Membership

RS 56:699.21 - Membership
A. The Hunting and Fishing Advisory Education Council shall be established within the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to promote the many benefits of hunting and fishing among Louisiana citizens and to educate the citizens of the state on those benefits.
B. Members of the council shall serve on a voluntary basis and shall not receive any compensation or reimbursement for expenses. The council shall meet at least twice annually and shall consist of the following members:
(1) One member appointed by the Louisiana Wildlife Federation.
(2) One member appointed by the Louisiana Coastal Conservation Association.
(3) One member appointed by the Louisiana Wild Turkey Federation.
(4) One member appointed by the Louisiana Bass Federation.
(5) One member appointed by the Charter Boat Captain's Association.
(6) One member appointed by the Trapper and Alligator Hunter's Association.
(7) One member appointed by the secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
(8) One member appointed by the Louisiana Outdoor Writer's Association.
(9) One member appointed by the Cajun Becasse Society.
(10) One member appointed by the Bayou State Bowhunter's Association.
(11) One member appointed by the chairman of the Senate Natural Resources Committee.
(12) One member appointed by the chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources and Environment.
(13) One member appointed by the Louisiana Marine Trades Association.
(14) One member appointed by the Jefferson Parish Marine Fisheries Advisory Board.
(15) One member appointed by the director of the LSU Agriculture Center Cooperative Extension Service who is a specialist or agent assigned to fisheries or wildlife advisory work.
Acts 2001, No. 322, §1; Acts 2008, No. 580, §7.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:699.22. Council powers; duties; responsibilities

RS 56:699.22 - Council powers; duties; responsibilities
The council shall develop plans and strategies to promote public awareness that fees, taxes, and traditional expenditures of hunters and anglers provide financial support for the management of fish and wildlife resources, habitat conservation and management, and the enforcement of fish and wildlife laws, and contribute to the local and national economy.
Acts 2001, No. 322, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:700.10. Purpose

RS 56:700.10 - Purpose
With declining reserves and oil and gas becoming harder to discover it is incumbent upon the state to remove as many obstacles as it can which might impede the future exploration and development of minerals in the public waterbottoms. Oyster leases and oil and gas exploration and production have historically utilized much of the same areas in the waterways and waterbottoms on public lands in the state. The oil and gas industry has been faced with the problem of having to negotiate damages to oyster beds to conduct geophysical surveys, drilling activities, and movement of equipment to and from well sites in an uncertain and unpredictable manner which is creating an undue burden on the industry. The purpose of this Part is to effect an equitable solution to the problem which will result in fair and predictable treatment to the oil and gas industry while assuring the oyster fishermen actual compensation for damages to their oyster beds due to mineral activities. The state has a tremendous interest in preserving the viability of both industries. Since both activities are granted on public waterbottoms by the state it is the obligation of the state to resolve the problems created by this impasse; therefore, the legislature does hereby establish the Oyster Lease Damage Evaluation Board to promulgate rules and regulations to determine the method of establishing a uniform system of compensation for actual damages caused to the beds of leaseholders based on biological test data.
Acts 1995, No. 1304, §1, eff. June 29, 1995.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:700.11. Definitions

RS 56:700.11 - Definitions
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 Energy and Natural Resources.
(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 Energy and Natural Resources or his designee.
Acts 1995, No. 1304, §1, eff. June 29, 1995; Acts 2023, No. 150, §22, eff. Jan. 10, 2024.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:700.14. Rules and regulations

RS 56:700.14 - Rules and regulations
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 fisherman 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.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:701. Cooperation with federal government

RS 56:701 - Cooperation with federal government
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.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:702. Acquisition of necessary property; powers of commission

RS 56:702 - Acquisition of necessary property; powers of commission
The commission may acquire by purchase, gift, expropriation, or otherwise, all property necessary, useful, or convenient for the use of the commission. It may prescribe the methods for taking wildlife and may fix seasons and bag limits or may close seasons on all wildlife or any species thereof in any specific locality when it finds, after investigation, that such action is necessary to assure the maintenance of an adequate supply of wildlife.
Amended by Acts 1974, No. 717, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:703. Lease or sale of lands to federal government by levee boards

RS 56:703 - Lease or sale of lands to federal government by levee boards
The boards of commissioners of the various levee districts may donate, lease, or sell, under such terms and conditions as they deem best, any lands respectively owned by them to the United States of America for use as refuges or sanctuaries for migratory wild fowl. However, in all cases the mineral rights on all such lands shall be reserved.
Amended by Acts 1974, No. 717, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:711. Protection of watersheds of navigable streams

RS 56:711 - Protection of watersheds of navigable streams
The consent of the State of Louisiana is given to the Congress of the United States to make or to authorize the proper authorities of the Government of the United States to make such rules and regulations as the Government of the United States determines to be needful in respect to game animals, fish, and game and non-game birds on such lands and in the waters thereof situated in the state as are purchased by the United States under the terms of the Act of Congress of March 1, 1911, entitled "An Act to enable any State to cooperate with any other state or with the United States for the protection of the watersheds of navigable streams and to appoint a commission for the acquisition of lands for the purpose of conserving the navigability of navigable rivers"1, and Act of Congress supplementary thereto and amendatory thereof.
110 U.S.C.A. §552.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:712. Cooperative agreements

RS 56:712 - Cooperative agreements
The director may enter into cooperative agreements with the proper authorities of the government of the United States for the protection and management of the wildlife resources of the national forest lands within the state and for the restocking thereof with desirable species of game and non-game birds, animals and fish.
Amended by Acts 1974, No. 717, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:713. Powers of director; hunting and fishing licenses; rules and regulations

RS 56:713 - Powers of director; hunting and fishing licenses; rules and regulations
The director may prohibit all hunting and fishing within the lands so contracted for with the government of the United States for such period of time as is in his opinion necessary. He may also prescribe from time to time the open seasons for hunting and fishing therein, may issue special hunting and fishing licenses therefor, and may fix the fees to be charged for the licenses. He may prescribe the maximum number of game animals and birds and the minimum size and maximum number of fish that may be taken therefrom and the conditions under which they may be taken. All such rules and regulations shall be published in accordance with the laws, rules and regulations of the commission.
Amended by Acts 1974, No. 717, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:714. Penalty for violation of rules and regulations

RS 56:714 - Penalty for violation of rules and regulations
Whoever violates any rule or regulation prescribed by the director by virtue of the authority granted to him under R.S. 56:713 shall, for each offense, be fined not less than $25 or more than $100 or be imprisoned for not less than ten days or more than thirty days.
Amended by Acts 1974, No. 717, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:721. Authorization

RS 56:721 - Authorization
A. Any parish may by formal resolution of its governing authority establish, maintain, and operate game and fish preserves, upon lands or waterbodies wholly located within the parish.
B. Two or more parish governing authorities may by separate formal resolutions establish, maintain, and operate game and fish preserves composed of contiguous lands or waterbodies shared by the parishes. All of the parish governing authorities shall adopt formal resolutions in order for the game and fish preserve to become effective.
Acts 2016, No. 173, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:722. Game and fish commission; rules and regulations

RS 56:722 - Game and fish commission; rules and regulations
A.(1)(a) The governing authority of a parish may appoint a commission composed of citizens and taxpayers of the parish, whose term shall be concurrent with that of the governing authority appointing, who serve without compensation, to be known as the _____________ game and fish commission.
(b) For game and fish commissions established by multiple adjoining parishes under the authority of R.S. 56:721, the governing authority of each parish may appoint members, composed of citizens and taxpayers from that parish, to the commission whose term shall be concurrent with that of the governing authority appointing, who serve without compensation, to be known as the _____________ game and fish commission. Each parish shall have an equal number of members on that commission, unless some other composition is adopted by formal resolution approved by all of the parish governing authorities.
(2) The commission may make rules and regulations for the government, regulation, and control of the preserve and for the conservation, protection, and propagation of game and fish in the preserve. In order to adopt such rules and regulations, the game and fish commission shall hold a public hearing conducted in accordance with the Open Meetings Law where public comment and testimony is received by the game and fish commission. Prior to implementation, such rules and regulations shall be finally approved, adopted, and promulgated by the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, in accordance with R.S. 56:727.
B. No game and fish commission or political subdivision may regulate the movement, mooring, or position of any commercial industrial vessel on navigable waterways within its jurisdiction.
Acts 1997, No. 21, §1; Acts 2005, No. 184, §1; Acts 2016, No. 173, §1; Acts 2017, No. 185, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:722.1. Game and fish commissions, Lafourche Parish

RS 56:722.1 - Game and fish commissions, Lafourche Parish
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.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:723. Transfer of lands by levee boards and school boards

RS 56:723 - Transfer of lands by levee boards and school boards
Levee boards and school boards owning land in the bed of nonnavigable streams, where the lands are annually overflowed, may sell the lands to any parish establishing a game or fish preserve, for that purpose. The school boards and levee boards may transfer the property by proper deed whenever the sale is made.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:724. Dykes or dams; excavations

RS 56:724 - Dykes or dams; excavations
The governing authority of a parish may build dykes or dams, dig canals, or excavate lake or stream beds whenever such work is necessary to the creation and establishment of such preserves, and may appropriate and expend the money necessary therefor.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:725. Expropriation of property; revocation of rules and regulations

RS 56:725 - Expropriation of property; revocation of rules and regulations
Governing authorities of parishes availing themselves of the provisions of this Sub-part may expropriate such property, under the rules and regulations provided by law, as is necessary to the establishment of the preserve and to the establishment of fishing and hunting camps provided for in R.S. 56:726, and may annul, revoke, and set aside any rule or regulation made by the commission when petitioned by not less than fifty citizens and taxpayers of the parish.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:726. Fees for privilege of hunting and fishing; erection of camps

RS 56:726 - Fees for privilege of hunting and fishing; erection of camps
The commission may charge an annual fee for the privilege of hunting or fishing in the preserve, not to exceed one dollar per year to residents of the parish nor fifty cents per day to non-residents of the parish. The revenue derived from such fees shall be used and expended by the commission for the benefit of the preserve and for the purpose of erecting and maintaining at suitable points public camping places, boats, and accommodations for the use and benefit of the citizens and patrons of the preserve.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:727. Approval of rules and regulations; promulgation; penalties

RS 56:727 - Approval of rules and regulations; promulgation; penalties
A. Rules and regulations proposed by any game and fish commission shall become effective only after one of the following occurs:
(1) The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, which has concurrent jurisdiction and power over the parish preserve, approves and promulgates the rule or regulation. Such rules and regulations shall be promulgated and adopted in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.
(2) If the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission fails to take action on the proposed rules and regulations within one hundred eighty days after submission by the commission, the proposed rules shall be deemed to be adopted. The game and fish preserve commission shall publish the adopted rule or regulation in the Louisiana Register, shall submit a copy to the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and the House Committee on Natural Resources and Environment. The rule or regulation shall be subject to legislative review in the same manner as provided in the Administrative Procedure Act, R.S. 49:966(D).
B. Any person who violates a rule or regulation adopted as provided in this Section shall be guilty of a class 2 violation.
C. The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission shall not be held liable with regard to any implementation, promulgation, or enforcement of any rules or regulations of a game and fish commission adopted pursuant to Paragraph (A)(2) of this Section or R.S. 56:722(A)(2).
Amended by Acts 1974, No. 717, §1; Acts 1981, No. 736, §1; Acts 1997, No. 21, §1; Acts 2017, No. 185, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:728. Appropriations out of general fund; special taxes; employment of deputy sheriff

RS 56:728 - Appropriations out of general fund; special taxes; employment of deputy sheriff
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.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:729. Anacoco-Prairie State Game and Fish Preserve; transfer

RS 56:729 - Anacoco-Prairie State Game and Fish Preserve; transfer
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.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:754. Penalty for violation of rules and regulations

RS 56:754 - Penalty for violation of rules and regulations
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.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:761. Protection of wild animals and birds on wildlife refuges, wildlife management areas, and public hunting grounds

RS 56:761 - Protection of wild animals and birds on wildlife refuges, wildlife management areas, and public hunting grounds
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.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:762. Imported wild birds and animals protected in general

RS 56:762 - Imported wild birds and animals protected in general
No person shall catch, kill, snare, or pursue any wild animal or bird imported into this state by the federal government, or by any person under the supervision and consent of the commission for the purpose of experimentation or propagation.
Amended by Acts 1981, No. 736, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:763. Acceptance of other lands and designation as wildlife refuges, wildlife management areas, and public hunting grounds; rules and regulations; Rainey Sanctuary; National Audubon Society

RS 56:763 - Acceptance of other lands and designation as wildlife refuges, wildlife management areas, and public hunting grounds; rules and regulations; Rainey Sanctuary; National Audubon Society
A. The commission may accept from any person, from the state, or from the federal government any lands or waters suitable for wildlife refuges, wildlife management areas, and public hunting grounds; may designate and set these apart; and may provide rules and regulations not contrary to law for the conservation of the birds, quadrupeds, and fish found thereon.
B. The commission may make rules and regulations for the protection of the birds, game, and fish on or in the Rainey Sanctuary of the National Audubon Society in Vermilion Parish and on or in the streams and canals forming the boundaries thereof.
Amended by Acts 1970, No. 651, §1; Acts 1981, No. 736, §1; Acts 1981, No. 838, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:764. Penalty for violation of R.S. 56:761, R.S. 56:762 or R.S. 56:763

RS 56:764 - Penalty for violation of R.S. 56:761, R.S. 56:762 or R.S. 56:763
Violation of the provisions of R.S. 56:761, R.S. 56:762, or R.S. 56:763 constitutes a class two violation.
Amended by Acts 1970, No. 651, §1; Acts 1981, No. 837, §3.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:765. Donations for wildlife refuges, wildlife management areas, and public hunting grounds; applicability of certain laws

RS 56:765 - Donations for wildlife refuges, wildlife management areas, and public hunting grounds; applicability of certain laws
The provisions of R.S. 30:148.1 - 148.7 and R.S. 47:648.1 shall not authorize the breach of any term or condition of any donation which has been accepted by the state involving any state wildlife refuge, wildlife management area, or public hunting ground.
Acts 1986, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 36, §1, eff. Dec. 24, 1986.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:766. Taking of mayhaw berries; rules and regulations

RS 56:766 - Taking of mayhaw berries; rules and regulations
Any rules and regulations adopted and promulgated by the department applicable to the taking or collection of mayhaw (Crataegus aestivalis) berries in wildlife management areas and wildlife refuges shall be subject to legislative oversight in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act. The taking of mayhaw berries as provided herein, shall not be subject to the Public Bid Law. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, rule, or regulation to the contrary, no person shall be charged a fee for collecting mayhaw berries in wildlife management areas and wildlife refuges, nor shall any person be limited as to the quantity of mayhaw berries that can be collected.
Acts 1991, No. 1028, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:767. Private property surrounded by certain wildlife management areas; regulation of hunting and fishing

RS 56:767 - Private property surrounded by certain wildlife management areas; regulation of hunting and fishing
A. All privately owned property which is completely surrounded by a wildlife management area shall be subject to all state hunting and fishing provisions, including those provisions regarding seasons. Such private property shall not be subject to the special hunting and fishing provisions which govern the wildlife management area, except that deer may not be taken with the aid of dogs. However, the owner or lessee of such property shall be required to participate in the deer management assistance program provided for in R.S. 56:110. In addition, the owner or lessee of such property shall not be allowed to hunt, trap, or take resident game by the aid of baiting or placing bait intended to attract or entice the resident game to the area where hunters are attempting to take them.
B. The provisions of this Section shall apply only to private property which, as of June 30, 1999, is surrounded by a wildlife management area or property which is privately owned as of June 30, 1999, and is subsequently surrounded by a newly created or expanded wildlife management area.
Acts 1997, No. 1292, §1; Acts 1999, No. 1250, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:768. Private property surrounded by wildlife management areas; access

RS 56:768 - Private property surrounded by wildlife management areas; access
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.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:781. Authorization for creation of wildlife refuges, wildlife management areas, public hunting grounds, upland game preserves, and wildlife sanctuaries

RS 56:781 - Authorization for creation of wildlife refuges, wildlife management areas, public hunting grounds, upland game preserves, and wildlife sanctuaries
The wildlife and fisheries commission shall select lands owned or acquired by the state for the establishment of wildlife refuges, wildlife management areas, public hunting grounds, upland game preserves, and wildlife sanctuaries and may properly equip, maintain, and control the wildlife refuges, wildlife management areas, public hunting grounds, upland game preserves, and wildlife sanctuaries for the protection and management of the wild game and wild animal life therein. The department shall properly stock the wildlife refuges, wildlife management areas, the public hunting grounds, upland game preserves, and wildlife sanctuaries.
Amended by Acts 1981, No. 736, §1; Acts 1981, No. 838, §1.