reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:637.1. Definitions; applicability

RS 56:637.1 - Definitions; applicability
A. For purposes of this Subpart, the following words and phrases shall have the meaning ascribed to them in this Section, unless the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
(1) "Box turtle" means any species of the genus Terrapene, that is indigenous to the state of Louisiana. This includes any hybrids of these species. All box turtles in Louisiana shall be deemed to be native to Louisiana.
(2) "Farm raised box turtle" means any box turtle that was hatched and raised on a turtle farm.
(3) "Turtle farm" means any pet turtle farm that is located and operating inside the state of Louisiana that is also licensed by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry to do business in this state.
(4) "Wild box turtle" means any box turtle not hatched and raised on a turtle farm. A box turtle shall be considered as wild unless a valid bill of sale, clearly demonstrating it to be a farm raised box turtle, is produced.
B. Administration; enforcement; penalties
(1) Commercial use of box turtles:
(a) With the exception of farm raised box turtles, no box turtle, no box turtle egg, or any part of a box turtle shall be sold, traded, or otherwise entered into commerce.
(b) There shall be no taking of wild box turtles for commercial purposes.
(c) Except as provided in Paragraph (2) of this Subsection, any violation of this Section shall be a class four violation, R.S. 56:34.
(2) Recreational use of wild box turtles. No more than two wild box turtles per day may be taken for recreational purposes, and no person shall have in his or her possession more than four box turtles at any time. A violation of this Paragraph shall constitute a class one violation, R.S. 56:31.
Acts 1999, No. 81, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:638.1. Fish conservation, management, and sustainability; legislative intent

RS 56:638.1 - Fish conservation, management, and sustainability; legislative intent
Recognizing that there are ever-increasing numbers of both sport and commercial fishermen utilizing the waters of the state for recreational and commercial pursuits resulting in conflicts over limited space and competition for the same fish, and acknowledging that both the sport and commercial fishing industries are vital to the economy of the coastal region and the entire state, the fishery standards for conservation, management, and sustainability of all species of fish are hereby declared to be fair and in the best interest of the state.
Acts 1991, No. 708, §1; Acts 2014, No. 553, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:638.2. Findings

RS 56:638.2 - Findings
The state of Louisiana recognizes that:
(1) Its fish resources are of great value and are renewable. These fish resources make many contributions to the state, including but not limited to the food supply, economy, and health of the state and recreational opportunities. With proper regulations of the harvest by fishermen, coupled with protection and enhancement of their freshwater, saltwater, and estuarine habitat, Louisiana's fish resources should be available to provide these benefits to the state indefinitely.
(2) As a consequence of increased fishing pressure or other factors and because of the limitations of fish conservation, management, and sustainability practices, certain stocks of fish may have been or will become overfished.
(3) The future productivity of renewable fish resources and their supporting habitats may be seriously jeopardized as a consequence of the continued loss of Louisiana coastal wetlands, or because of human actions affecting the functionality and value of the state's renewable fish resources and their supporting habitats.
(4) Both commercial and recreational fishing constitute a major source of employment and contribute significantly to the economy of the state. Many coastal areas are dependent upon such fishing and related activities and their economies have been damaged by pollution, habitat degradation, or overfishing.
(5) Fish resources are finite but renewable. If timely placed under sound management, the fisheries can be conserved and maintained so as to provide optimum and sustainable yields on a continuing basis.
(6) A strong state program for the wise conservation, management, and sustainability of the fish resources of Louisiana is necessary to maintain plentiful fish populations, to prevent overfishing, to rebuild reduced stocks, to ensure conservation, and to realize their full potential.
(7) The safe development or improvement of fisheries that are not fully or properly utilized by the Louisiana commercial and recreational fishermen and fishing industries should help to ensure that Louisiana benefits from the employment, food supply, recreation, and social and economic benefit that could be maintained or generated thereby, if pursued in such a fashion that is socially, scientifically, economically, anthropologically, and biologically sound for the state, the species, any related species, and their supporting habitats.
(8) A strong state program is necessary to advocate the importance of the functionality and value of Louisiana's waters and coastal wetlands as estuary and habitat for fish resources, the social and economic value of these resources to the state and the nation, and the need to actively seek to avoid any net loss of this functionality and value.
Acts 1991, No. 708, §1; Acts 2014, No. 553, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:638.3. Purposes

RS 56:638.3 - Purposes
A. In order to implement the objectives and purposes of this Subpart, the commission shall:
(1) Take timely action to conserve, manage, protect, and sustain fish species.
(2) Promote the use of sound conservation, management, and sustainability principles in the regulation of commercial and recreational fishing.
(3) Actively advocate, on behalf of the fish constituency, improvement of or no net loss of the functionality and value of the fisheries' habitat and estuary.
(4) Provide for the preparation and implementation of fish management plans, including plans for habitats, estuaries, and their supporting ecosystems, in accordance with this policy that will prevent overfishing and will achieve and maintain plentiful fish populations to ensure, on a continuing basis, the optimum yield from each fishery while ensuring its sustainability.
(5) Recognize that fish populations are subject to both natural and man-induced increases and decreases, and that changes in harvest levels may need to be recommended. If changes are required, these increases and decreases should be distributed among all fishermen in a fair and equitable manner that considers among other factors historical usage, ensuring that no historical user groups will be arbitrarily excluded.
B. A sustainable fishery is one that is scientifically monitored and actively managed to be viable today and in the future, conserving fish and their environment and supporting the communities and economies that depend upon these resources.
Acts 1991, No. 708, §1; Acts 2014, No. 553, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:638.4. Policy

RS 56:638.4 - Policy
The policy of the state of Louisiana is hereby declared to be the following:
Stewardship of the state's renewable fish resources shall have as its utmost concern the continued health and abundance of the resource and its habitat, shall provide for optimum sustained benefits to the state, shall be responsive to the needs of interested and affected citizens, shall ensure the proper and fair utilization of these resources for the citizens of the state in present and future generations, shall preserve the state's exclusive right to manage the fisheries within or beyond its jurisdiction, shall be based on the best scientific and technical information available. In addition, such stewardship of the state's fish resources shall draw upon federal, state, and academic capabilities and promote efficiency in carrying out research, administration, management, and enforcement.
Acts 1991, No. 708, §1; Acts 2014, No. 553, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:638.5. Fishery standards

RS 56:638.5 - Fishery standards
The commission shall adopt such rules and regulations consistent with the authority granted by this Chapter and in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, for the harvesting, conservation, management, and sustainability of all species of fish, in accordance with the following standards:
(1) Conservation, management, and sustainability measures shall prevent overfishing while achieving, on a continuing basis, the optimum yield while maintaining healthy, plentiful stocks. In fact, every effort will be made at all times to prevent a harvest from exceeding the safe upper limit of harvests which can be taken consistently year after year without diminishing the stocks so that the stock is truly inexhaustible and perpetually renewable.
(2) Conservation, management, and sustainability measures shall be based upon the best scientific, economic, biological, anthropological, and sociological information available.
(3) To the extent practicable, an individual stock or unit of fish shall be managed as a unit throughout its range within the state's jurisdictional authority and interrelated stocks of fish and other renewable fish resources shall be managed in close coordination while considering their supporting habitats.
(4) If it becomes necessary to allocate or assign fishing privileges among various fishermen, such allocations to the extent practicable shall be:
(a) Fair and equitable to all such fishermen.
(b) Reasonably calculated to promote conservation.
(c) Carried out in such a manner that no particular individual, corporation, or other legal entity acquires an excessive share of such privileges.
(d) In the best interest of the citizens of Louisiana.
(5) Conservation, management, and sustainability measures shall, where practicable, promote efficiency in the conservation, management, and sustainability of fish resources; except that no such measure shall have economic allocation as its sole purpose.
(6) Conservation, management, and sustainability measures shall, where practicable, minimize costs and avoid unnecessary duplication.
(7) Conservation, management, and sustainability measures may take into account and allow for variations among, and contingencies in, fisheries, resources, and catches.
Acts 1991, No. 708, §1; Acts 2014, No. 553, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:639.2. Purposes

RS 56:639.2 - Purposes
The purpose of this Subpart is to promote and facilitate effective establishment and maintenance of artificial reefs in the offshore waters of Louisiana, as provided in this Subpart and in compliance with the National Fishing Enhancement Act. It is the further purpose of this Subpart to provide for the jurisdiction and cooperation of various state agencies in the implementation of any plan or program developed pursuant to this Subpart.
Acts 1986, No. 100, §1, eff. June 23, 1986.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:639.3. Definitions

RS 56:639.3 - Definitions
As used in this Subpart, the following terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this Section, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
(1) "Artificial reef" means a structure or system of structures which is constructed, placed, or permitted in waters covered under this Subpart for the purpose of enhancing fishery resources and commercial and recreational fishing opportunities.
(2) "CCEER" means Center for Coastal, Energy, and Environmental Resources.
(3) "Department" means the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
(4) REPEALED BY ACTS 1993, NO. 271, §2.
(5) "Initiative" means the Artificial Reef Initiative at Louisiana State University, which is developing a Louisiana Artificial Reef Development Plan.
(6) "National Fishing Enhancement Act" means the federal artificial reef development legislation, PL 98-623, Title II.
(7) "Reef materials" means any materials allowed under the National Artificial Reef Plan, adopted pursuant to the National Fishing Enhancement Act for construction of artificial reefs.
(8) "Secretary" means the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
(9) "Waters covered under this Subpart" means the navigable waters of Louisiana and waters of the federal exclusive economic zone adjacent to Louisiana waters.
(10) REPEALED BY ACTS 1993, NO. 271, §2.
(11) "Sea Grant" means the Louisiana Sea Grant College Program.
Acts 1986, No. 100, §1, eff. June 23, 1986; Acts 1993, No. 271, §§1, 2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:639.4. Establishment of standards

RS 56:639.4 - Establishment of standards
Artificial reefs in waters covered under this Subpart shall be sited, constructed, and subsequently maintained, monitored, and managed based upon the best scientific information available, and in a manner which shall:
(1) Enhance and conserve fishery resources to the maximum extent practicable.
(2) Facilitate access and utilization by Louisiana recreational and commercial user groups.
(3) Minimize conflicts among competing uses of waters covered under this Subpart and the resources in such waters.
(4) Minimize environmental risks and risks to personal and public health and property.
(5) Be consistent with generally accepted principles of international law and national fishing law, and not create any unreasonable obstructions to navigation.
Acts 1986, No. 100, §1, eff. June 23, 1986.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:639.5. Artificial Reef Development Program; authorities and responsibilities of cooperating agencies

RS 56:639.5 - Artificial Reef Development Program; authorities and responsibilities of cooperating agencies
A. There is hereby created the Louisiana Artificial Reef Development Program, hereinafter called the "program", to promote, develop, maintain, monitor, and enhance the artificial reef potential in the waters covered under this Subpart. The department, CCEER, and Sea Grant shall be primary participants in this program and shall operate out of the Artificial Reef Development Fund under the direction of the department.
B.(1) The department shall administer and enforce the program as provided in this Subpart and in accordance with the National Fishing Enhancement Act. The department shall:
(a) Plan and review permit applications with advice from CCEER.
(b) Coordinate with relevant state and federal agencies.
(c) Hold joint public hearings on proposed reefs.
(d) Oversee maintenance and placement requirements of the reefs.
(e) Develop additional technical information needed to carry out the program.
(2) The department shall also serve as liaison with the United States Department of the Interior regarding interaction of the program with federal outercontinental shelf leasing and production activities.
C. CCEER shall provide technical support to the department for program development. CCEER shall additionally:
(1) Prepare, update, and provide the department with technical, biological, and operational criteria for site selection and development.
(2) Assist the department in preparing permit applications for artificial reefs.
(3) Assist in biological monitoring.
(4) Evaluate and recommend reef sites.
(5) Evaluate reef potential and design.
(6) Update exclusion mapping.
(7) Promote public awareness of the program.
(8) Provide geotechnical support for reef siting by determining bottom suitability and identifying geologic hazards, evaluating the potential for future oil, gas, and other mineral production in reef sites, and by analyzing the potential for using artificial reefs to supplement the state's coastal protection efforts.
D. REPEALED BY ACTS 1993, NO. 271, §2.
E. The Louisiana Sea Grant College Program shall coordinate fisheries research projects that might be proposed by Louisiana universities to support the program.
Acts 1986, No. 100, §1, eff. June 23, 1986; Acts 1993, No. 271, §§1, 2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:639.6. Louisiana Artificial Reef Development Council

RS 56:639.6 - Louisiana Artificial Reef Development Council
A. To oversee the program, there is hereby created the Louisiana Artificial Reef Development Council, hereinafter referred to as the "council", which shall be within the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. The council will be composed of the secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, the executive director of CCEER, and the executive director of Sea Grant, or their designees. The council shall select a chairman.
B. The council is empowered to oversee development and implementation of the Louisiana Artificial Reef Development Plan. The council is charged with providing guidance to the department on policy and procedural matters concerning the program and shall make recommendations to the department regarding the allocation of funds to various program components.
Acts 1986, No. 100, §1, eff. June 23, 1986; Acts 1993, No. 271, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:639.7. Preparation of the Louisiana Artificial Reef Development Plan

RS 56:639.7 - Preparation of the Louisiana Artificial Reef Development Plan
A. The Louisiana Artificial Reef Initiative is directed to complete its work on the Louisiana Artificial Reef Development Plan, hereinafter called the "plan", within one year of the effective date of this Subpart.
B. The initiative shall present the plan to the council for approval. Upon unanimous approval by the council, and after review by the department, the plan shall be presented by October 1, 1987, to the House and Senate Natural Resources Committees for their approval.
C. All artificial reefs developed in state waters shall be consistent with the approved plan. State agency comments and recommendations on artificial reefs in federal waters shall also be consistent with the approved plan.
D. The plan shall include:
(1) Operational guidelines for the program, including specific participant roles and projected funding requirements for program elements.
(2) Geographic, hydrographic, geological, biological, ecological, social, economic, and other criteria for permitting and siting artificial reefs.
(3) Design, material, and other criteria for establishing, constructing, and maintaining artificial reefs.
(4) Mechanisms and methodologies for monitoring artificial reefs in compliance with the requirements of permits issued under Section 205 of the National Fishing Act.
(5) Mechanisms and methodologies for managing the use of artificial reefs.
(6) An exclusionary map which depicts priority areas for artificial reef development consistent with this Subpart and the National Fishing Enhancement Act.
(7) Provisions for updating the plan based on findings of the Artificial Reef Development Program.
(8) Provisions for managing the Reef Fund in a manner which will assure successful program implementation.
Acts 1986, No. 100, §1, eff. June 23, 1986.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:639.9. Permitting for the construction and management of artificial reefs

RS 56:639.9 - Permitting for the construction and management of artificial reefs
A. The state of Louisiana is empowered to serve as permittee for artificial reefs in waters covered under this Subpart, provided such reefs are consistent with and established within the guidelines of this Subpart and the National Fishing Enhancement Act. The secretary is hereby empowered to administer and enforce the program for the state of Louisiana.
B. In acquiring necessary federal permits for artificial reefs, the secretary or his designee shall:
(1) Consult with and consider the views of appropriate federal agencies, state, and local governments, and other interested parties.
(2) Ensure that the provisions for siting, constructing, monitoring, maintaining, and managing any artificial reef developed pursuant to this Subpart be consistent with the criteria and standards established under this Subpart and the National Fishing Enhancement Act.
(3) Ensure that title to any artificial reef component or construction material is unambiguous.
(4) Consider the National Artificial Reef Plan developed under Section 204 of the National Fishing Enhancement Act, and notify the secretary of the United States Department of Commerce of any need to deviate from that plan. The secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, in consultation with the other members of the council, shall also review and comment on other artificial reef permit applications to insure that artificial reef permits sought by groups other than Louisiana are consistent with the state plan developed under this Subpart and the National Fishing Enhancement Act.
Acts 1986, No. 100, §1, eff. June 23, 1986.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:639.10. Liability

RS 56:639.10 - Liability
A. The department, the state of Louisiana and its agencies, and any insurer of these groups shall not be liable for damages caused by activities required to be undertaken under the terms and conditions of state and federal permits acquired for reef development.
B. Any person or company who has transferred title of artificial reef construction materials to the state of Louisiana shall not be liable for damages arising from the use of such materials in an artificial reef, if such materials meet applicable requirements of the National Artificial Reef Plan published under Section 204 of the National Fishing Enhancement Act, and United States Department of Interior regulations.
Acts 1986, No. 100, §1, eff. June 23, 1986.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:640.2. Definitions

RS 56:640.2 - Definitions
The terms used herein shall have the following meanings ascribed to them, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
(1) "Fisheries operation" means any type of operation involving the harvesting, processing, storing, canning, or landing of fish, any operation providing fishery support services, or any piece of equipment used therein, including but not limited to fishing vessels, fishing gear and equipment, processing plants, canning plants, docks, piers, loading areas, landing areas, and ice houses.
(2) "Generally accepted fisheries practices" means any practices conducted in a manner consistent with proper and accepted customs and standards as established and followed by similar fisheries operations in similar communities or locales and under similar circumstances.
Acts 1986, No. 988, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:640.3. Right to fish; legislation; scientific data

RS 56:640.3 - Right to fish; legislation; scientific data
A. The legislature recognizes that under the public trust doctrine the marine fishery resources, among other natural resources, are managed by the state in trust for the benefit of all its citizens.
B. The legislature also recognizes that all citizens of the state have a right to fish in and otherwise enjoy marine waters as long as they are in compliance with current licensing requirements. Furthermore, conservation and management decisions shall be fair and equitable to all the people of the state and implemented in such a manner that no individual, corporation, or other entity acquires an excessive share of such rights and privileges. The right to fish does not convey any property right or ownership in the fishery resource, but rather recognizes continued public access to fishing opportunities in marine waters.
C. The legislature further recognizes that the state's marine fishery resources require proper management in order to be sustained biologically and to continually produce a maximum yield of social and economic benefits. To this end, restrictions on legal fishing methods to harvest finfish, shrimp, oysters, crabs, and other marine fish species may become necessary.
D. The department shall recommend the elimination or restriction of any fishing gear currently in use or which may be used in recreational or commercial fisheries in implementing its management responsibilities or in response to any emergency situation. While elimination or restriction may have uneven impacts on different groups of fishermen, the proposed measures should be applicable to all people of the state. In addition to acquiring the best available biological data, the department shall use all practicable means to collect all relevant social and economic data in support of such allocation decisionmaking efforts.
Acts 1986, No. 988, §1; Acts 1995, No. 1316, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:641. Exclusive licensing authority; rules and regulations

RS 56:641 - Exclusive licensing authority; rules and regulations
A. The legislature finds that it is in the best interests of protecting, conserving, and replenishing the wildlife and fisheries resources of the state that the department, through its secretary, shall have authority to provide for the issuance of hunting and fishing licenses through an electronic issuance system.
B. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the secretary shall promulgate rules and regulations to implement an automated license issuance system which includes but is not limited to the following nonexclusive authorization:
(1) To enter into contracts for the provisions of licensing services.
(2) To provide for regulations, qualification criteria, and compensation of licensing agents.
(3) To provide for the funding for an automated license issuance system and related services including license agent commissions.
(4) To provide for criteria to accept or reject applicants or suspend a licensee.
(5) To provide for effective license numbers.
(6) To provide that a license may become effective immediately upon issuance of an effective license number.
(7) To provide for special lottery-type issues.
(8) To enter into agreements for any manner of license issuance, distribution, and compensation therefor, including contingency fee contracts.
Acts 1995, No. 513, §1; Acts 2021, No. 356, §3, eff. June 1, 2022.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:641.2. Certification of certain not-for-profit organizations involved in charitable hunting and fishing activities; exemption from license requirements

RS 56:641.2 - Certification of certain not-for-profit organizations involved in charitable hunting and fishing activities; exemption from license requirements
The secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is hereby authorized to certify a not-for-profit organization as an "organization involved in charitable hunting and fishing activities". Individuals engaged in hunting or fishing activities conducted by a not-for-profit organization certified by the secretary as an"organization involved in charitable hunting and fishing activities" shall be exempt from the requirement for a hunting or fishing license while engaged in activities sponsored by that organization.
Acts 2020, No. 178, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:645. Fishing and hunting license checkoff; donation for veterans with disabilities

RS 56:645 - Fishing and hunting license checkoff; donation for veterans with disabilities
A. Each individual who purchases a fishing or hunting license may make a donation to help provide disabled veterans with hunting and fishing licenses. The donation shall be made at the time of the purchase and shall be made upon the license form prescribed by the secretary.
B. There is hereby created within the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries a special escrow account known as the "Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation Escrow Account". The escrow account is created to receive deposits of donations made for the benefit of disabled veterans when an individual purchases a fishing and hunting license. The monies in the account shall be used solely to purchase hunting and fishing licenses for disabled veterans. No more than ten percent of the monies in the account shall be used for administrative costs. All unexpended and unencumbered monies in this account at the end of the fiscal year shall remain in the account. The monies in the account shall be invested by the state treasurer in the same manner as monies in the state general fund.
Acts 2021, No. 356, §3, eff. June 1, 2022.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:647. Suspension or denial of hunting and fishing license; failure to pay child support, individual income tax, or unemployment compensation overpayment

RS 56:647 - Suspension or denial of hunting and fishing license; failure to pay child support, individual income tax, or unemployment compensation overpayment
A.(1) Regardless of the requirements for the issuance or renewal of a license pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter, all hunting and fishing licenses issued pursuant to this Chapter are also subject to the provisions of R.S. 9:315.30 et seq., suspension of license for nonpayment of child support and R.S. 23:1749.1 et seq., suspension of license for nonpayment of unemployment compensation overpayment.
(2) The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries shall adopt rules and regulations in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act to effectuate the orderly and expeditious suspension and reissuance of hunting and fishing licenses in accordance with R.S. 9:315.30 et seq. and R.S. 23:1749.1 et seq.
B.(1) Regardless of the requirements for the issuance or renewal of a license pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter, all recreational hunting and fishing licenses issued pursuant to this Chapter are also subject to the provisions of R.S. 9:315.40 et seq., revocation of license for nonpayment of child support and R.S. 23:1749.1 et seq., suspension of license for nonpayment of unemployment compensation overpayment.
(2) The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries shall adopt rules and regulations in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act to effectuate the orderly and expeditious suspension and reissuance of recreational hunting and fishing licenses in accordance with R.S. 9:315.40 et seq. and R.S. 23:1749.1 et seq.
C.(1) Regardless of the requirements for the issuance or renewal of a license pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter, all hunting and fishing licenses issued pursuant to this Chapter are also subject to the provisions of R.S. 47:296.3, suspension, revocation, or denial of license for nonpayment of individual income taxes, and any rules and regulations adopted to administer R.S. 47:296.3.
(2) The secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, in cooperation with the secretary of the Department of Revenue, shall adopt rules and regulations, in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act, to effectuate the orderly and expeditious suspension, revocation, or denial, and reissuance of hunting and fishing licenses, in accordance with R.S. 47:296.3.
Acts 1995, No. 751, §2; Acts 1995, No. 1078, §4, eff. Jan. 1, 1996; Acts 2003, No. 380, §2, eff. Jan. 1, 2004; Acts 2012, No. 263, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:648. Definitions

RS 56:648 - Definitions
As used in this Subpart, the following definitions shall apply:
(1) "Wild animal" means any wild creature, including fish, wild birds, and wild quadrupeds, the taking of which is authorized by the provisions of this Title.
(2) "Process of taking" means any act directed at the lawful taking of a wild animal, including the acts of travel, camping, or other activity occurring in preparation for the taking which occurs on state-managed lands or waters governed by the provisions of R.S. 56:781-R.S. 56:787 or which occurs on private lands or waters with the permission of the owner or his agent.
Added by Acts 1982, No. 376, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:648.1. Harassment and disturbance prohibited

RS 56:648.1 - Harassment and disturbance prohibited
No person shall engage in any of the following activities on lands or waters managed by the state pursuant to R.S. 56:781 through R.S. 56:787, or upon private lands or waters where a hunter, trapper, or fisherman has been given permission by the owner or his agent to take wild animals:
(1) Interfere with the lawful taking of a wild animal by a hunter, trapper, or fisherman or interfere with the process of taking, with intent to prevent the taking.
(2) Disturb a wild animal, or engage in any activity or place any object or substance that will tend to disturb or otherwise affect the behavior of a wild animal, with intent to prevent or hinder its lawful taking.
(3) Disturb any hunter, trapper, or fisherman who is engaged in the lawful taking of a wild animal or who is engaged in the process of taking, with intent to dissuade or otherwise prevent the taking, or to prevent such person's enjoyment of the outdoors.
(4) Enter or remain upon state-managed lands or waters or upon private lands or waters with intent to violate the provisions of this Section.
(5) Enter or remain upon any private property, including nonnavigable water, owned by another through the use of a floating duck blind or any other float or boat used for the purpose of hunting migratory waterfowl without the express, written permission of the landowner, lessee, lessor, or hunting club or organization authorized to hunt on the land.
Added by Acts 1982, No. 376, §1; Acts 1990, No. 510, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:648.2. Remedies, damages, and penalties

RS 56:648.2 - Remedies, damages, and penalties
A. The secretary may seek injunctive relief to restrain and prevent violations of R.S. 56:648.1, upon request by the person affected or who reasonably may have been affected by such conduct.
B. Any person adversely affected by a violation of R.S. 56:648.1 shall be entitled to recover actual damages, including expenditures of the affected person for license and permit fees, travel, guides, special equipment and supplies, to the extent that such expenditures were rendered futile by the actions of the person violating the provisions of this Section.
C. Violation of the provisions of R.S. 56:648.1 constitutes a class two violation.
Added by Acts 1982, No. 376, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:648.3. Failure to obey order; violation

RS 56:648.3 - Failure to obey order; violation
A. It shall be unlawful for any person to continue any conduct in violation of R.S. 56:648.1 when ordered to desist by an enforcement officer who has observed such conduct or who has reasonable grounds to believe that the person has engaged in such conduct on that day or plans or intends to engage in such conduct that day on a specific property.
B. Violation of the provisions of R.S. 56:648.3(A) shall constitute a Class three violation.
Added by Acts 1982, No. 376, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:649. Purpose

RS 56:649 - Purpose
The legislature recognizes the inestimable importance to this state and its citizens of conserving the wildlife resources of Louisiana, as well as developing and maintaining public hunting and fishing areas within the state. The legislature further recognizes the desires of many citizens to make a lifetime contribution to preserve our rich legacy of wildlife resources for future generations and to develop and maintain public hunting and fishing areas in this state. In furtherance of these purposes, the legislature herein establishes the Lifetime License Endowment Program, and herein creates the Lifetime License Endowment Trust Fund, and the lifetime hunting and fishing licenses and the combination lifetime hunting and fishing licenses as provided in this Part.
Acts 1991, No. 184, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1992, No. 859, §1, eff. July 1, 1992.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:649.1. Lifetime hunting license

RS 56:649.1 - Lifetime hunting license
Prior to June 1, 2022, any bona fide resident of this state may obtain a lifetime hunting license. The lifetime hunting license shall be in lieu of the following recreational hunting licenses: basic hunting, big game, primitive firearms, bow hunting, the Louisiana duck license, the WMA hunting permit, and the wild turkey license. After June 1, 2022, the license shall no longer be sold, but shall continue to provide to any holder privileges in lieu of basic hunting, deer, waterfowl, and turkey hunting licenses and shall permit WMA access.
Acts 1991, No. 184, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1992, No. 859, §1, eff. July 1, 1992; Acts 1995, No. 110, §1; Acts 1997, No. 950, §1; Acts 2001, No. 186, §1; Acts 2001, No. 270, §1; Acts 2008, No. 51, §1, eff. June 5, 2008; Acts 2010, No. 100, §1; Acts 2021, No. 356, §3, eff. June 1, 2022.
NOTE: See Acts 1995, No. 110, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:649.2. Lifetime sports fishing license

RS 56:649.2 - Lifetime sports fishing license
Prior to June 1, 2022, any bona fide resident of this state may obtain a lifetime sports fishing license. The lifetime sports fishing license shall be in lieu of the following recreational and sports fishing licenses: basic recreational fishing and saltwater recreational fishing. After June 1, 2022, the license shall no longer be sold, but shall continue to provide to any holder privileges in lieu of a basic fishing, saltwater, crab, and recreational fishing gear licenses and shall permit WMA access for purposes other than hunting.
Acts 1991, No. 184, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1992, No. 859, §1, eff. July 1, 1992; Acts 2021, No. 356, §3, eff. June 1, 2022.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:649.3. Combination lifetime hunting and sports fishing license

RS 56:649.3 - Combination lifetime hunting and sports fishing license
A. Prior to June 1, 2022, any bona fide resident of this state may obtain a combination lifetime hunting and sports fishing license, which shall entitle the licensee to all of the privileges of both the lifetime hunting and lifetime sports fishing licenses provided for in R.S. 56:649.1 and 649.2. After June 1, 2022, the license shall be in lieu of basic hunting, deer, waterfowl, and turkey hunting licenses, basic, saltwater, crab, and recreational fishing gear licenses, and shall permit WMA access.
B. For any license purchased prior to June 1, 2022, a combination lifetime hunting and sports fishing license holder shall be entitled to the individual gear license privileges under the recreational gear license as provided in R.S. 56:302.3.
Acts 1991, No. 184, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1992, No. 859, §1, eff. July 1, 1992; Acts 2003, No. 261, §1; Acts 2004, No. 835, §1, eff. July 12, 2004; Acts 2011, No. 375, §1, eff. July 1, 2011; Acts 2021, No. 356, §3, eff. June 1, 2022.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:649.4. Nonresident combination lifetime hunting and fishing license

RS 56:649.4 - Nonresident combination lifetime hunting and fishing license
Prior to June 1, 2022, any nonresident may obtain a combination lifetime hunting and fishing license which shall entitle the licensee to all of the privileges of both the lifetime hunting and lifetime sports fishing licenses provided for in R.S. 56:649.1 and 649.2.
Acts 1991, No. 184, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1992, No. 859, §1, eff. July 1, 1992; Acts 2010, No. 336, §1; Acts 2021, No. 356, §3, eff. June 1, 2022.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:649.7. Infant combination lifetime hunting and fishing license

RS 56:649.7 - Infant combination lifetime hunting and fishing license
Until June 1, 2022, the department shall make available for persons from birth to five years old who were born in Louisiana a combination lifetime hunting and fishing license. Any such license purchased prior to June 1, 2022, shall entitle the licensee to all of the privileges of both lifetime hunting and lifetime sports fishing licenses provided in R.S. 56:649.1 and 649.2. After June 1, 2022, the license shall be in lieu of basic hunting, deer, waterfowl, and turkey hunting licenses, basic, saltwater, crab, and recreational fishing gear licenses, and shall permit WMA access.
Acts 2000, 2d Ex. Sess., No. 1, §3, eff. June 26, 2000; Acts 2021, No. 356, §3, eff. June 1, 2022.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:651. License

RS 56:651 - License
Any person, firm or corporation desiring to establish, maintain or operate a hunting preserve within the state of Louisiana to permit the releasing and shooting or taking of pen-raised quail and pen-raised mallard by the public for a fee or otherwise may apply to the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission for a license to do so, and said commission is hereby authorized to issue such an applicant a license for that purpose, upon the conditions set out.
Added by Acts 1958, No. 455, §1; Acts 1988, No. 87, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:652. Rights under license

RS 56:652 - Rights under license
Any license issued hereunder shall permit the licensee to propagate, possess, and release for shooting or taking on the preserve covered by such license any pen-raised quail and pen-raised mallard and in addition thereto, import, propagate, possess, and release for shooting or taking on the preserve covered by such license any foreign game bird not a native of the state of Louisiana, if approved by the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission.
Added by Acts 1958, No. 455, §2; Acts 1988, No. 87, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:653. Information to accompany applications; annual fee

RS 56:653 - Information to accompany applications; annual fee
A. The application for such a license shall be accompanied by a fee of four hundred twenty dollars to be the annual charge for the issuance of such license, and shall be further accompanied by information as to both of the following:
(1) The location and description of the premises, including a legal description of the land.
(2) Copies of parish or ward maps with the area or areas clearly outlined and a description of the facilities thereon, together with the interest of the applicant therein.
B. It shall further be accompanied by information on the applicant as to his place of residence or, if a corporation, the place of incorporation, and the location of its principal place of office, and if a partnership, the names and addresses of each partner, the address of its principal office, together with full details as to the intended operations on said hunting preserve. Also, the applicant shall further furnish to the commission any additional information required or which may be requested by said commission.
Added by Acts 1958, No. 455, §3; Acts 1988, No. 87, §1; Acts 2021, No. 356, §2, eff. Nov. 15, 2021.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:654. Conditions

RS 56:654 - Conditions
The following conditions must be complied with before the applicant shall be eligible for the issuance of a hunting preserve license as herein provided:
(1) The land to comprise said preserve shall consist of not more than 2,000 acres nor less than 100 acres and must be owned or leased by the applicant. In the event the property is under lease to the applicant, said lease shall be for a term of not less than one year from date of application, and such lease is subject to inspection and approval by the commission in the consideration of the granting of such license.
(2) The boundary lines of said premises shall be marked by signs located not more than four hundred feet apart, indicating that they are boundary line signs of the preserve in letters not less than two inches in height.
(3) Only pen-raised mallard or black ducks, at least two generations removed from the wild, or pen-raised quail are approved state game birds which may be used for preserve hunting.
(4) All open-raised quail and pen-raised mallard released on a hunting preserve shall have a band on one leg which shall contain information as to permit number and an identification number. The band must be approved by the commission and shall remain on the bird whether it be removed from the preserve dead or alive until said bird is ready for consumption. All game birds taken from any such hunting preserve must be tagged in a manner as specified and approved by the commission.
(5) A complete record of all birds propagated, released or taken on said preserve, including complete records of all operations of said preserve, shall be furnished the commission within 60 days after the hunting season has closed.
Added by Acts 1958, No. 455, §4; Acts 1988, No. 87, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:655. Regulation of operations

RS 56:655 - Regulation of operations
The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission shall have the authority to regulate the operations of hunting preserves licensed hereunder, and to set seasons, bag limits, and any other rules and regulations on the operation of said hunting preserves as are deemed necessary for the best interest of the public.
Added by Acts 1958, No. 455, §5. Amended by Acts 1974, No. 682, §1; Acts 1988, No. 846, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:656. Hunting and game laws to prevail; special licenses

RS 56:656 - Hunting and game laws to prevail; special licenses
All laws, rules and regulations in force pertaining to hunting or pertaining to game shall, except as herein provided, prevail on hunting preserves hereunder licensed by the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission. The regular appropriate hunting licenses as provided by the legislature shall apply to all persons hunting on said preserves, except that should the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission so desire, it may provide for a special resident or non-resident license to be issued at a reasonable fee applicable to any particular hunting preserve; provided further that such special license shall apply only to the person to whom issued and to the particular preserve for which issued.
Added by Acts 1958, No. 455, §6.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:657. Revocation of license; appeal

RS 56:657 - Revocation of license; appeal
Should any licensee under this Part violate any of the provisions of this Part, or violate any law, rule, or regulation pertaining to game in this state, or should he fail to comply with the provisions of this Part or any other provision by law, rule, or regulation pertaining to game in this state, then, the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is hereby empowered to immediately and without notice revoke the license hereunder issued. In the event of a revocation of license by the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, the licensee to whom such license was issued may appeal within ninety days the action of the secretary to the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission and he shall be given a hearing before said commission for a determination of his rights, which hearing shall be granted upon application by said licensee within ninety days of receipt by said commission of a written request for such hearing. Such appeal for hearing must set out all grounds for such appeal and, upon failure of the appealing licensee to set out proper grounds for such a hearing in such written request, then, the commission may in its discretion deny such hearing, provided that the appealing licensee is so notified within ninety days from the receipt by the commission of his written request.
Added by Acts 1958, No. 455, §7. Amended by Acts 1981, No. 736, §1.