reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:173. Transportation of birds or animals killed; tags; sale of carcass

RS 56:173 - Transportation of birds or animals killed; tags; sale of carcass
A. No such animal or bird provided for in this Subpart killed as aforesaid and intended for sale shall be shipped, transported, sold, or offered for sale unless each quarter and each loin of each carcass of the animal and the carcass of each bird, or each consignment of feathers, is tagged with an indestructible tag or seal, to be furnished by the department at cost. The quarters, loins, and carcasses, when tagged as aforesaid, may be possessed, sold, or offered for sale at any time.
B. No person shall sell any portion of or sell the carcass of such animal or bird which shall not at all times have affixed thereto the tag or seal. However, the keeper of a hotel, restaurant, boardinghouse or club, or a retail dealer in meat, may sell portions of a quarter or loin of any such domesticated pheasant, quail, duck, goose or other domesticated wild game bird or domesticated wild waterfowl, tagged or sealed as aforesaid, to a patron or a customer for actual consumption, without a license being required.
Amended by Acts 1974, No. 717, §1; Acts 1981, No. 736, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:174. Shipment of carcasses or parts thereof; tag or label

RS 56:174 - Shipment of carcasses or parts thereof; tag or label
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.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:175. License for sale of birds killed and tagged

RS 56:175 - License for sale of birds killed and tagged
A. No person shall sell or offer for sale any birds killed and tagged as herein provided without first obtaining a license to do so from the secretary, and then only if the breeder's tags or seals remain affixed as aforesaid until the portions or carcasses of the birds have been wholly consumed.
B. No person shall sell any portion of such birds provided for in this Subpart which does not at the time have affixed thereto the tag or seal. However, the keeper of a hotel, restaurant, boardinghouse, or club, or a retail dealer in meat, may sell portions of the carcasses of such birds so tagged or sealed to a patron or customer for actual consumption without a license being required.
Amended by Acts 1974, No. 717, §1; Acts 1981, No. 736, §1; Acts 1991, No. 110, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:176. Report of birds or animals killed and sold

RS 56:176 - Report of birds or animals killed and sold
On or before April 15 in each year every licensee shall make a report to the secretary covering the period from October 1 to March 31. The report shall state the total number of each such animal or bird provided for in this Subpart, or the parts thereof, killed, sold, or transported, under the provisions of this Subpart. A second report shall be made on or before October 15 of each year covering the period from April 1 to September 30. The reports shall set forth the name of the person to whom the animals or birds were sold or transported and shall be verified by the affidavit of the licensed breeder, or if the license was issued to a corporation, by an officer thereof.
Amended by Acts 1974, No. 717, §1; Acts 1981, No. 736, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:177. Fencing farms or preserves

RS 56:177 - Fencing farms or preserves
Any farm or preserve used for breeding of deer pursuant to this Subpart shall be surrounded by a fence of a height of not less than seven feet of wire or other material of a pattern to be approved by the secretary.
Amended by Acts 1974, No. 717, §1; Acts 1981, No. 736, §1; Acts 1992, No. 41, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:178. Ownership of birds and animals on fenced breeding area; trespass

RS 56:178 - Ownership of birds and animals on fenced breeding area; trespass
Whoever under the authority of this Sub-part has in his lawful possession on such posted or fenced breeding area any such animal or bird or parts thereof shall have a property right therein and shall be the owner thereof. Whoever enters the game farm or preserve or catches, takes, or molests such animals or birds when the area has been posted or fenced according to law shall be punished as though the animals or birds were ordinary domestic animals and birds subject to the common property rights of the state.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:180. Revocation of license

RS 56:180 - Revocation of license
The secretary may revoke the license of any person violating any provision of this Subpart, and thereafter no similar license shall be issued to that person.
Amended by Acts 1974, No. 717, §1; acts 1981, No. 736, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:181. Penalty for violation of Sub-part

RS 56:181 - Penalty for violation of Sub-part
Whoever violates any provision of this Sub-part for which a punishment has not otherwise been provided shall be fined not less than twenty-five dollars nor more than one hundred dollars, or imprisoned for not more than thirty days, or both.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:192. Purpose

RS 56:192 - Purpose
The purpose of Louisiana Acres for Wildlife is to supplement the commission's efforts of protection, conservation, and fostering of wild birds and game within the state of Louisiana in wildlife management areas, refuges and recreation areas under its jurisdiction by stimulating the application of sound wildlife management practices by providing recommendations to private landowners or lessees producing and maintaining suitable food, water, and cover conditions favorable to the support, replenishment, and propagation of the wildlife of the state.
Added by Acts 1979, No. 481, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:193. Wildlife biologists; duties; qualification

RS 56:193 - Wildlife biologists; duties; qualification
A. To ensure the effective protection and propagation of wild birds and game of the state, the secretary shall employ such personnel as are necessary and are funded by the legislature to carry out the provisions of this program.
B. Biologists appointed pursuant to Subsection A shall be permanent status commissioned employees of the commission, shall administer Louisiana Acres for Wildlife by supplying environmental assistance to qualified landowners or lessees on an annual basis to improve the habitat for wildlife in the state. This assistance may include, but is not limited, to providing seed packages and plant bundles for planting and educational instruction and wildlife habitat evaluation surveys to qualified landowners or lessees. This program shall include dissemination of instructional material in an endeavor to guarantee that certain land throughout the state shall be utilized for wildlife habitats.
C. The Louisiana Acres for Wildlife program shall use its resources to:
(1) Instruct and train qualified personnel as to the policies and procedures for administering the program.
(2) Supply personnel, farmers, landowners, lessees, and cooperating agencies with pertinent brochures, handouts, and other information containing management techniques and applications.
(3) Properly suggest and prepare wildlife management recommendations.
(4) Develop and maintain a close working relationship with other state and federal agencies that have similar or corresponding programs directly or indirectly affecting private land development and management.
D. To be eligible to participate in this program, a plot of land shall be at least one acre in size and be utilized as either farmland, wetland, woodland, or pasture. This program is entirely voluntary, and landowners and other participants who choose to participate in this program shall agree that plots shall be maintained and management practices on such lands shall be continued for at least one year. Land within parks and outdoor recreation areas, and public wildlife management areas, refuges, and other publicly owned lands where wildlife management has already been implemented are ineligible to participate in this program. Qualification for participation in this program shall be determined by rules and regulations promulgated by the commission not inconsistent with law.
Added by Acts 1979, No. 481, §1. Amended by Acts 1981, No. 736, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:252. Residence of alligator hunters, fur buyers and dealers

RS 56:252 - Residence of alligator hunters, fur buyers and dealers
A. Only such persons who are bona fide residents, as defined in R.S. 56:8, may apply for a resident alligator hunters license.
B. Only such persons who are bona fide residents, as defined in R.S. 56:8, may apply for resident fur buyer or dealer licenses.
C. Violation of this Section constitutes a class two violation.
Acts 1970, No. 550, §1. Amended by Acts 1977, No. 558, §3; Acts 1982, No. 730, §2; Acts 1990, No. 194, §1, eff. July 2, 1990.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:255. Alligator records; inspections

RS 56:255 - Alligator records; inspections
A. Every resident or nonresident buyer and every resident or nonresident dealer shall keep within the state a complete record on forms procured from or approved by the department of all purchases and sales made by him of whole alligators and alligator hides and skins, showing the number and kinds that were bought and sold, from whom purchased and to whom sold, the dates of purchases and sales, and when each purchase was made, giving all information to the department that it may require. All records, books, and memoranda of each resident alligator hunter, resident and nonresident buyer, and resident or nonresident dealer, shall be open at all times to the inspection of the duly authorized officer of the department who may inspect the skins on hand at any time and check and verify the books, records, and reports.
B. Every buyer or dealer having raw, green, undressed alligator hides in his possession shall file with the department within sixty days after the date of purchase, prior to shipping out of state, or prior to tanning, whichever comes first, a complete report, on forms procured from or approved by the department wherein is set forth in detail the number of raw, green, undressed alligator hides, with a detailed description thereof, then owned or held in possession as owner or agent by the person filing the report forms. The report shall contain the names and addresses of the persons from whom the hides were purchased and the place and date of purchase.
C. Violation of this Section constitutes a class three violation.
Acts 1970, No. 550, §1. Amended by Acts 1980, No. 591, §1; Acts 1981, No. 736, §1; Acts 1981, No. 837, §3; Acts 1981, No. 838, §1; Acts 1982, No. 730, §2; Acts 1990, No. 194, §1, eff. July 2, 1990; Acts 1992, No. 499, §1, eff. June 22, 1992.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:258. Dealer records; payment of tax; confiscation of furs and skins

RS 56:258 - Dealer records; payment of tax; confiscation of furs and skins
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.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:260. Setting a trap, snare, net, or other device

RS 56:260 - Setting a trap, snare, net, or other device
A. No person shall set any trap, capable of taking any nongame quadruped more than one day before the open trapping or alligator season, or permit such device to remain set after the closing day of the open season. All traps shall be run daily and all traps must be removed from the trapping grounds and alligator hunting areas the last day of open season.
B. Violation of this Section constitutes a class four violation.
Acts 1970, No. 550, §1. Amended by Acts 1977, No. 183, §2; Acts 1981, No. 837, §3; Acts 1982, No. 730, §2; Acts 1992, No. 528, §1, eff. June 29, 1992.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:261. Possession; alligator eggs, live alligators, skins

RS 56:261 - Possession; alligator eggs, live alligators, skins
A. No person shall take or possess the eggs of alligators, or alligators, or their skins in any parish of this state except as provided for by rules and regulations of the commission. Alligators or their skins shall be tagged as provided for by rules and regulations of the commission. The possession or sale of untagged wild harvested alligators or their skins is prohibited. Upon approval by the commission, a special permit shall be issued to take, possess, or sell the eggs of alligators or live alligators.
B. Violation of this Section constitutes a class four violation.
Amended by Acts 1950, No. 450, §1; Acts 1970, No. 550, §1; Acts 1981, No. 837, §3; Acts 1990, No. 194, §1, eff. July 2, 1990; Acts 1991, No. 578, §1; Acts 1992, No. 499, §1, eff. June 22, 1992.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:263. Alligator parts; buying and selling; license; reports; tagging

RS 56:263 - Alligator parts; buying and selling; license; reports; tagging
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.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:264. Scientific research

RS 56:264 - Scientific research
The commission shall conduct scientific researches into the life habits of the nongame quadrupeds through technically trained officers and employees and, when practicable, give full publicity to such biological findings.
Acts 1970, No. 550, §1; Acts 1990, No. 194, §1, eff. July 2, 1990.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:265. Trespass on marshlands to trap or hunt fur bearing animals

RS 56:265 - Trespass on marshlands to trap or hunt fur bearing animals
No person shall go upon marsh or low prairie lands, or swamplands belonging to another, without the consent of the owner or of one authorized to grant consent; and there capture, catch, trap, take, shoot, or ensnare any alligator, mink, muskrat, nutria, otter or raccoon; nor attempt to commit, or be upon such lands for the purpose of committing, any such act; nor aid, assist, or abet another to commit or to attempt to commit any such act; nor conspire with another for any of such purposes. Violation of this Section is a class two violation.
Amended by Acts 1974, No. 141, §1; Acts 1981, No. 837, §3; Acts 1990, No. 194, §1, eff. July 2, 1990.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:280. White or albino alligators; taking from the wild; prohibition; penalties; notification to alligator hunters

RS 56:280 - White or albino alligators; taking from the wild; prohibition; penalties; notification to alligator hunters
A. Recognizing that the Louisiana alligator is an important and integral aspect of a vast and complex ecological system, it shall be the policy of the state that those extremely rare species of alligator whose color substantially deviates from the norm shall be especially protected.
B.(1) No person shall, whether intentionally or unintentionally, take from the wild any alligator that is white or albino.
(2) Subject to the rules and regulations promulgated by the department:
(a) Landowners or licensed alligator farmers or ranching operations, may take the alligator from the wild for its own protection.
(b) Any alligator eggs in the possession of or collected by a licensed alligator farmer or ranching operation which are hatched and contain white or albino alligators may, with prior approval of the department, remain in the possession of such licensed operators.
(3) All such instances of possession shall be reported immediately to the department.
(4) The disposition of white or albino alligators which have been reported to the department under the provisions of this Subsection shall be established by rules and regulations. Any person who unintentionally takes from the wild any alligator that is white or albino which is taken by the state shall be paid just compensation therefor by the state.
C. Any person who unintentionally takes from the wild any alligator that is white or albino by hook and line shall immediately report its presence and location to the department, whether the alligator is dead or alive.
D. It shall be a violation of this Section if any person intentionally takes from the wild any alligator that is white or albino by means of a long or compound bow and barbed arrow, firearm, or by any other means. In addition to the penalties imposed by Subsection E of this Section, any such person who violates the provisions of this Subsection shall immediately report the alligator's presence and location to the department, whether the alligator is dead or alive.
E. Whoever violates any provision of this Section shall be subject to a fine of not less than ten thousand dollars and imprisoned for not less than six months or more than twelve months, or both. For any subsequent violation of this Section, there shall be a fine of not less than ten thousand dollars imposed and imprisonment for not less than two years.
F. It shall be the responsibility of the department to provide notice to all alligator hunters of the provisions of this Section, both orally and in writing, at the time they apply for a resident or nonresident alligator hunter's license.
Acts 1992, No. 644, §1, eff. July 2, 1992.
{{NOTE: SEE ACTS 1992, NO. 644, §2.}}
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:281. Nutria control cost-sharing; statement of intent

RS 56:281 - Nutria control cost-sharing; statement of intent
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.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:282. Powers and duties of the secretary

RS 56:282 - Powers and duties of the secretary
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.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:283. Cooperative agreements; cost-sharing

RS 56:283 - Cooperative agreements; cost-sharing
A. The secretary may enter into cooperative endeavor agreements with coastal landowners who qualify to participate in the program, whereby the following economic incentives are paid to trappers who have agreed to trap nutria on land of the coastal landowners which is experiencing damage or loss of coastal wetlands because of overpopulation by nutria, all on the following cost sharing basis.
B. Each coastal landowner experiencing such nutria problems and desiring to participate in the program shall submit to the department such information as the department may require concerning nutria destruction on his land and shall provide such security as the secretary may require to insure payment by him to the trapper of his portion of the economic incentive provided in Subsection C of this Section.
C. The cooperative endeavor agreement shall provide for cost sharing in that there shall be an additional one dollar economic incentive paid to trappers under contract with qualifying coastal landowners per nutria with a pelt of marketable fur trapped and sold from those lands of the coastal landowner which are experiencing damage or loss because of nutria overpopulation, as determined by the secretary. The state, on a one to one match, shall pay fifty cents of the one dollar incentive per nutria trapped and sold, and the coastal landowner shall pay the remaining fifty cents, directly to the trapper for trapping services. The agreements shall provide that this cost-sharing program shall remain in effect and payments thereunder shall be made only as long as the average market price which the secretary determines will be paid to the trapper does not exceed four dollars per nutria pelt.
Acts 1990, No. 552, §1, eff. July 1, 1990.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:284. Annual proposal; cost-sharing; purpose

RS 56:284 - Annual proposal; cost-sharing; purpose
A. The secretary may annually submit a proposal to provide cost-sharing incentives to nutria trappers on lands determined to be eligible under R.S. 56:282 for approval by the Wetlands Conservation and Restoration Authority, not to exceed fifty thousand dollars annually. If approved, only that portion of the economic incentives paid to trappers on eligible lands may be funded using monies from the Wetlands Conservation and Restoration Fund. No other costs associated with the program shall be borne by the Wetlands Conservation and Restoration Fund.
B. The purposes of this program shall be consistent with the purposes set forth in the Wetlands Conservation and Restoration Plan.
Acts 1990, No. 552, §1, eff. July 1, 1990.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:291. Feeding of wild bears prohibited

RS 56:291 - Feeding of wild bears prohibited
No person shall intentionally feed or attempt to feed a wild bear. The provisions of this Section shall not prohibit legal baiting of deer. The first violation of this Section by any person shall result in the issuance of a warning ticket only. Any subsequent violation by the same person shall be a class two violation. The Wildlife and Fisheries Commission is authorized to promulgate, under the Administrative Procedure Act, rules and regulations for the administration and enforcement of this Section.
Acts 2004, No. 164, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:301. Definitions

RS 56:301 - Definitions
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.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:301.1. License requirements; possession; nontransferability

RS 56:301.1 - License requirements; possession; nontransferability
A. Persons taking fish, whether recreationally or commercially, and persons involved in the fish industry, including wholesale/retail dealers and transporters, and vessels involved in the fish industry must be licensed in accordance with this Part.
B. Persons and vessels engaged in an activity for which a license is required must have in their immediate possession and, in the case of a vessel on board the vessel, a valid, original license and shall show such license upon demand to a duly authorized agent of the department.
C. Licenses are valid in any parish and on any day of the year.
D. Except as provided in this Part, licenses cannot be assigned or transferred to, or used by, any other person or vessel than to whom issued. An officer authorized to enforce the provisions of this Part shall take possession of any license found in the possession of any person or vessel other than the one to whom issued and shall deliver it to the department for cancellation. The license is thereupon void.
Acts 1986, No. 904, §1.
{{NOTE: SEE ACTS 1986, NO. 904, §5.}}
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:301.2. Application requirements; proof of residency; material misstatements; fees for certain alien individual licenses

RS 56:301.2 - Application requirements; proof of residency; material misstatements; fees for certain alien individual licenses
A. The following applies to all licenses required by this Part:
(1) No license may be issued until all information requested on the application is supplied to the issuing agent. When a license application requires the submission of an income tax return, sufficient proof of the accuracy of the return may be by notarized affidavit of the preparer of the return. The affidavit shall include language certifying that the information in the return is complete and accurate.
(2) Forms of acceptable payment for licenses shall be determined by the department.
(3) No resident license may be issued prior to proof of Louisiana residency by the applicant.
(4) The issuance of a license is conditional upon validation of all information on the application. If the department finds any material misstatement of fact regarding the residency of the applicant or the ownership of the vessel for which application is made, the license is void and shall be immediately surrendered to an agent of the department.
B. The license fee for an alien individual for licenses required in Subparts C, D, E, F, G, and I of this Part shall be two times the cost of a similar nonresident license.
Acts 1986, No. 904, §1; Acts 1997, No. 1413, §1, eff. July 15, 1997; Acts 1999, No. 177, §1.
{{NOTE: SEE ACTS 1986, NO. 904, §5.}}
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:301.3. Applicability to other fishing laws

RS 56:301.3 - Applicability to other fishing laws
This Part applies solely to licensing and shall not, in any manner, grant fishing privileges greater than those stated in this Part or in any other Section of this Title.
Acts 1986, No. 904, §1.
{{NOTE: SEE ACTS 1986, NO. 904, §5.}}
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:301.4. Records; confidentiality

RS 56:301.4 - Records; confidentiality
A. All information obtained pursuant to the licensed recordkeeping provisions of this Part shall be used for the equitable and efficient administration and enforcement of the laws pertaining to the fisheries resources of the state and for conservation and management purposes.
B. The department shall draft regulations, prescribing procedures to preserve the confidentiality of all fisheries dependent data, information, or statistics submitted or collected pursuant to the provisions of this Section, for approval by the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission and promulgation in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act. These regulations shall provide for compliance with all procedures set forth by the United States Department of Commerce, or any of its agencies or instrumentalities, for the confidentiality of fishing statistics collected from individuals or firms by that department, its agencies, or instrumentalities.
Acts 1986, No. 904, §1; Acts 1991, No. 234, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:301.5. Commission rules and regulations

RS 56:301.5 - Commission rules and regulations
The commission may promulgate rules and regulations concerning any aspect of licensing not specifically provided for in this Part.
Acts 1986, No. 904, §1.
{{NOTE: SEE ACTS 1986, NO. 904, §5.}}
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:301.6. Special licenses and permits

RS 56:301.6 - Special licenses and permits
A person taking or possessing fish with a permit or license pursuant to R.S. 56:17, 318, 319, 412, 571, or any other Section of the laws of Louisiana, and unless otherwise prohibited by law, may be required to be licensed pursuant to this Part. A decision to require licensing shall be made at the sole discretion of the secretary.
Acts 1986, No. 904, §1.
{{NOTE: SEE ACTS 1986, NO. 904, §5.}}
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:301.7. Dedication of proceeds of licenses

RS 56:301.7 - Dedication of proceeds of licenses
A. Proceeds from all recreational licenses issued under Subpart B of this Part are dedicated to the Conservation Fund and shall be expended by the department for the purpose of maintaining fish hatcheries, sanctuaries, and in the general work of the enforcement of its laws by the department except that proceeds received from the sale of licenses issued for the taking of saltwater finfish shall be expended for the purpose of supporting research, management, and administration of saltwater finfish by the saltwater finfish section of the seafood division and except that proceeds from the sale of freshwater trout licenses shall be expended for the purpose of supporting the stocking, management, and administration of the freshwater trout program by the fisheries section of the freshwater fish division.
B. Proceeds from commercial licenses issued under Subparts C, D, E, and G of this Part are dedicated to the Conservation Fund and shall be expended by the department for the purpose of propagating and developing the fish industry, for fish cultural purposes, and in the general work of the department except that proceeds received from the sale of licenses issued for the taking or selling of saltwater finfish shall be expended for the purpose of supporting research, protection, management, and administration of saltwater finfish by the marine fisheries division and the enforcement division.
C. Proceeds from commercial licenses issued under Subpart F of this Part are dedicated to the Conservation Fund and shall be expended by the department for the purpose of development and administration of the dealer receipt forms program.
Acts 1986, No. 904, §1; Acts 1990, No. 455,§1; Acts 1997, No. 376, §1.
{{NOTE: SEE ACTS 1986, NO. 904, §5.}}
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:301.8. Nonresident recreational fishermen; possession of license; penalty

RS 56:301.8 - Nonresident recreational fishermen; possession of license; penalty
A. Nonresident recreational fishermen engaged in an activity for which a license is required must have in their immediate possession a valid, original license and shall present such license upon demand to a duly authorized agent of the department.
B. Violation of this Section shall constitute a class two violation, unless a higher class is otherwise specified by law.
Acts 1993, No. 246, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:301.9. Issuance of commercial licenses via Internet transactions

RS 56:301.9 - Issuance of commercial licenses via Internet transactions
Notwithstanding the provisions of R.S. 56:303(D), specifically, and any other provision of law to the contrary, the department may promulgate rules and regulations authorizing application and payment via the Internet for commercial licenses issued under the provisions of this Part. Such licenses applied and paid for via an Internet transaction may be issued to the person who held that same license in the immediately preceding license year. The rules shall designate the commercial licenses available for application and purchase via the Internet and may impose a fee not to exceed two dollars per license for use of such application and payment system. The fee shall be used by the department for costs necessary to develop and operate the application and payment system and shall be in addition to any license or transaction fee imposed by a contractor that has been hired by the department to operate the system. The rules shall also specify the payment methods to be used by the system.
Acts 2012, No. 61, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:302. Recreational fishing; recreational gear

RS 56:302 - Recreational fishing; recreational gear
A. A recreational fisherman must purchase and possess the appropriate required license as defined in R.S. 56:3001 in order to use the following gear or to possess on the fishing grounds fish which have been caught for recreational purposes:
(1) Hook and line (using a rod or fishing pole, hook and line, without a reel and without using artificial bait).
(2) Bow and arrow.
(3) A barbless spear, or a multi-pronged barbed gig.
(4) Castnets with a radius not to exceed eight feet six inches.
(5) Frog gigs or catchers.
(6) Scuba gear.
(7) Crawfish nets.
(8) Dip nets.
(9) Landing nets.
(10) Minnow traps.
(11) Crab nets.
(12) Crab lines.
(13) Crab traps: for use of no more than ten crab traps.
(14) Hoop nets: for use of no more than five hoop nets.
(15) Oyster tongs: for use of no more than one tong.
(16) Slat traps: for use of no more than five slat traps.
(17) Trawls: for use of no more than one trawl less than twenty-five feet in length.
(18) Wire nets: for use of no more than five wire nets.
(19) Crawfish traps: for use of no more than thirty-five traps.
B. A fisherman taking fish for sale, using any legal gear listed in R.S. 56:305, or legally taking fish in excess of any limitation as to size, length, or quantity for recreational fishermen must purchase a commercial fisherman's license, commercial gear license, and vessel license if applicable. This includes recreational fishermen taking fish using any gear listed in R.S. 56:305 and fishermen taking fish for sale using any legal gear.
C. No recreational fisherman shall use gill nets, trammel nets, strike nets, or seines, except bait seines in compliance with R.S. 56:323.
Acts 1986, No. 904, §1; Acts 1990, No. 455, §1; Acts 1991, No. 523, §1; Acts 1991, 871, §1; Acts 1992, No. 54, §1; Acts 1999, No. 1207, §1; Acts 2000, 2d Ex. Sess., No. 1, §4, eff. June 26, 2000; Acts 2004, No. 460, §1; Acts 2021, No. 356, §3, eff. June 1, 2022.
NOTE: SEE ACTS 1986, NO. 904, §5.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:302.7. Free fishing days

RS 56:302.7 - Free fishing days
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.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:302.9.1. Charter boat license; skiff fee; charter fishing trip license

RS 56:302.9.1 - Charter boat license; skiff fee; charter fishing trip license
A. For a charter fishing operation which does not have a charter boat fishing guide present, a charter boat license shall be required. Such license shall be for a charter fishing operation which consists of a large motorized vessel carrying small skiffs attached to it to be used by no more than two people for fishing purposes. The main motorized vessel shall be required to carry a charter boat license and proof of liability insurance, and the captain shall have a valid captain's license issued by the United States Coast Guard with the license on his person. For those vessels which carry up to six skiffs, the license fee shall be one thousand five hundred dollars per year. For those vessels which carry more than six skiffs, the license fee shall be three thousand dollars per year. No main motorized vessel licensed under the provisions of this Section shall enter any wildlife management area managed by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. The liability insurance required by this Subsection shall meet the requirement of R.S. 56:302.9(A)(2).
B. In addition, each skiff shall be required to have a charter skiff license which identifies the charter vessel to which it is attached. A licensed skiff shall be used only for fishing purposes while the charter vessel with which it is identified is located in Louisiana's territorial waters. Each charter skiff license shall be issued for an annual cost of seventy-five dollars per skiff.
C. The charter boat license and charter skiff 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.
D. Repealed by Acts 2021, No. 356, §5, eff. Nov. 15, 2021.
E. Any person fishing in or with a licensed charter skiff shall have in his possession a copy of the charter boat license, a copy of the charter skiff license, his charter fishing trip license, or an equivalent license that grants both basic and saltwater fishing privileges.
F. The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries may develop and promulgate rules and regulations necessary for the implementation of the provisions of this Section.
Acts 2001, No. 449, §1, eff. June18, 2001; Acts 2003, No. 463, §1, eff. June 20, 2003; Acts 2012, No. 844, §1; Acts 2021, No. 356, §§2, 5, eff. Nov. 15, 2021.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:302.10. Sale of recreational catch

RS 56:302.10 - Sale of recreational catch
A. No person shall sell or barter any fish that has been taken recreationally or under the authority of any type of recreational fishing license or with any recreational gear.
B. A violation of this Section shall constitute a class four violation. In addition to the penalties provided in R.S. 56:34, any person convicted of a violation of this Section shall be further penalized as follows:
(1) For the first violation, a person shall forfeit his fishing privileges and shall be barred from participating in any type of recreational fishing for a period of one year from the date of conviction.
(2) For the second violation, a person shall forfeit his fishing privileges and shall be barred from participating in any type of recreational fishing for a period of two years from the date of conviction.
(3) For the third violation, a person shall forfeit his fishing privileges and shall be forever barred from participating in any type of recreational fishing.
C. Any person who, after being barred, participates in a recreational fishing activity during a time of revocation shall be penalized under the provisions of R.S. 56:37(A)(2), upon conviction.
Acts 1995, No. 1316, §2; Acts 2003, No. 325, §1; Acts 2021, No. 356, §3, eff. June 1, 2022.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:303.1. Commercial fisherman's license; license year; purchase period

RS 56:303.1 - Commercial fisherman's license; license year; purchase period
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.}}
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:303.1.1. Fresh products license

RS 56:303.1.1 - Fresh products license
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.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:303.2. License possession; menhaden

RS 56:303.2 - License possession; menhaden
A. The person in charge of the operation of each vessel engaged in commercial fishing must have, in his possession and in his name, a valid, original commercial fisherman's license. This person must also have in his possession a gear license indicating that the applicable gear fee has been paid and, if applicable, a vessel license.
B. For the purposes of commercial menhaden fishing, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the commercial gear license and the vessel license may be issued in the name of the person in charge of the operation of the vessel, his employer, or the owner of the vessel, and may be issued to any individual person, partnership, corporation, or other legal entity recognized by law. Each vessel engaged in commercial menhaden fishing shall carry and have aboard a gear license and vessel license. The licenses shall be in the possession of the person in charge of the operation of the vessel.
C. For the purposes of this Subpart, only one commercial fisherman's license is required for each menhaden seine being used to take menhaden or other herring-like fish.
D. Violation of any of the provisions of this Section constitutes a class 2-B violation.
Acts 1986, No. 904, §1; Acts 1997, No. 4, §1, eff. May 7, 1997; Acts 2021, No. 241, §1.
NOTE: SEE ACTS 1986, NO. 904, §5.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:303.3. Helpers

RS 56:303.3 - Helpers
When a person in charge of the operation of a commercial fishing vessel, whether or not that person is the owner of the commercial fishing vessel, has a commercial fisherman's license and is on board the commercial fishing vessel, then any person assisting in commercial fishing under the supervision of such licensed person need not have a commercial fisherman's license in his name; provided, however, nothing in this Section shall be construed to authorize any person to engage in commercial fishing in any of the waters of this state at any time when the commercial fisherman's license of the person has been revoked or suspended.
Acts 1986, No. 904, §1.
{{NOTE: SEE ACTS 1986, NO. 904, §5.}}