Louisiana Administrative Code › Title 76 - WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES › Part V - Wild Quadrupeds and Wild Birds › Chapter 7 - Alligators › Section V-701 - Alligator Regulations

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 6, June 20, 2024
A. The
				Department of Wildlife and Fisheries does hereby establish regulations
				governing the harvest of wild populations of alligators and alligator eggs,
				raising and propagation of farmed alligators, tanning of skins and regulations
				governing the selling of hides, alligator parts and farm raised alligators. The
				administrative responsibility for these alligator programs shall rest with the
				department secretary; the assistant secretary, Office of Wildlife; and the
				Coastal and Nongame Resources Division.
1.
				Purpose. These regulations are to govern the taking, possession, selling,
				raising and propagation of alligators statewide, both in the wild and in
				captivity. They are enacted to prevent depletion or waste, while enhancing
				utilization of this renewable resource. These regulations are based upon
				scientific study and population monitoring and are consistent with federal
				requirements to qualify alligators and alligator parts from Louisiana for
				international export under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered
				Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Alligators in Louisiana are not
				endangered but their similarity of appearance to endangered crocodilian species
				requires controls on commerce to minimize illegal trafficking of these species
				and to regulate and maintain the wild population of alligators. These
				regulations provide rules to enhance alligator farming operations; establish
				the methods of alligator harvest; establish minimum facility requirements for
				alligator farming; regulate commerce in alligators, eggs and parts; streamline
				necessary reporting requirements; and, establish a regulated nuisance alligator
				control program.
2. Definitions.
				The following words and phrases for purposes of these regulations shall have
				the meaning ascribed to them in this Section, unless the context wherein the
				particular word or phrase is used clearly indicates a different meaning.
Alligator
-American
alligator
(
Alligator
				  mississippiensis
).
Alligator Egg Collection Permit
-a permit
				  issued by the department allowing for the collection of alligator eggs on
				  designated properties described as part of the permit. The permit will be
				  signed by the secretary or his designee, the permittee and the landowner/land
				  manager.
Alligator Farm
(nongame quadruped)-an
				  enclosed area, constructed so as to prevent the ingress and egress of
				  alligators from surrounding public or private lands or waters and meeting other
				  specifications and requirements set by the department, where alligators are
				  bred, propagated, or raised as a commercial enterprise under controlled
				  conditions.
Alligator farm
also includes alligator ranching
				  wherein eggs are collected from the wild, and raised, pursuant to departmental
				  license or permit.
Alligator Farmer
-a properly licensed person
				  who raises alligators under controlled conditions which prohibit free movement
				  of the animals onto and off of the farm or controlled area, or who collects and
				  sells wild alligator eggs, and who may harvest alligators under the supervision
				  of the department. An alligator farmer must possess a valid nongame quadruped
				  breeder's license.
Alligator Hide Tag
-an official CITES
				  serially numbered tag issued by the department.
Alligator Hunter
-a properly licensed
				  resident or nonresident person who takes wild alligators.
Alligator
				  hunters
are divided into five classes:
i.
commercial
-anyone who is
				a bona fide resident licensed by the department to take wild alligators after
				having filed application(s) approved by the department which authorizes the
				issuance of alligator hide tags to him;
ii.
helper
-anyone who is a
				bona fide resident licensed by the department to act as an authorized agent of
				a commercial or nonresident landowner alligator hunter(s) in conducting
				alligator harvest activities. The
helper
may hunt
				independently of the commercial or nonresident landowner alligator hunter(s) he
				is assigned to assist. The
helper's
license must bear the name
				and license number of the commercial or nonresident landowner alligator
				hunter(s) authorizing the licensing of the helper;
iii.
sport
-anyone who is
				licensed by the department and guided by a commercial, nonresident landowner or
				helper alligator hunter(s) during alligator harvest activities; alligator hide
				tags cannot be issued to a sport license holder.
Sport
license
				holders may be a bona fide resident or a nonresident;
iv.
nuisance
-a bona fide
				resident licensed alligator hunter who is contracted or otherwise selected by
				the department to remove designated
nuisance
alligators and
				who can be assigned alligator hide tags by the department;
v.
nonresident
				landowner
-anyone who is a nonresident licensed by the department to
				take wild alligators on his own property located within Louisiana, after having
				filed an application(s) approved by the department which authorizes the
				issuance of alligator hide tags to him.
Alligator Part
-any part of the carcass of an
				  alligator, except the hide and includes the bony dorsum plates, if detached
				  from the tagged alligator hide.
Alligator Parts Dealer
-any properly licensed
				  person who deals in alligator parts other than hides and who:
i. buys unprocessed alligator parts from an
				alligator hunter, another parts dealer, or an alligator farmer for the purpose
				of resale; or
ii. manufactures
				within the state nonedible alligator parts into a finished product;
				or
iii. purchases unprocessed
				alligator meat or processes alligator meat for wholesale or retail
				sale.
Alligator Parts Retailer
-any properly
				  licensed person who purchases for retail sale finished alligator parts made
				  from parts other than hides.
Alligator Shipping Label
-a serially numbered
				  green label issued by the department required on each shipment of alligators
				  being transported out of the state.
Alligator Skin
or
Hide
-whole or partial alligator skins, flanks, chalecos and
				  bellies (including those bellies attached to or separated from the tail portion
				  of the alligator skin). Once the tail portion of the skin is separated from the
				  flanks, chaleco and belly, the tail is considered an alligator part.
Alligator Tail
-includes the tail portion of
				  the alligator skin once it is separated from the flanks, chaleco and belly. For
				  the purposes of this Subsection, the alligator tail is considered an alligator
				  part.
Bona Fide Resident
-
i. any person who has resided in the state of
				Louisiana continuously during the twelve months immediately prior to the date
				on which he applies for any license and who has manifested his intent to remain
				in this state by establishing Louisiana as his legal domicile, as demonstrated
				with all of the following, as applicable:
(a).
				if registered to vote, he is registered to vote in Louisiana;
(b). if licensed to drive a motor vehicle, he
				is in possession of a Louisiana driver's license;
(c). if owning a motor vehicle located within
				Louisiana, he is in possession of a Louisiana registration for that
				vehicle;
(d). if earning an income,
				he has filed a Louisiana state income tax return and has complied with state
				income tax laws and regulations.
ii. As to a corporation or other legal
				entity, a
resident
shall be any which is incorporated or
				otherwise organized under and subject to the laws of Louisiana, and as to which
				the principal place of business and more than 50 percent of the officers,
				partners, or employees are domiciled in Louisiana.
Closed Season
-that period of time of a
				  calendar year not specifically included in the open season.
Commission
-The Louisiana Wildlife and
				  Fisheries
Commission
.
Common Carrier
-any agency or person
				  transporting passengers or property of any description for hire.
Confiscation
-the exercise of a right under
				  the police power wherein property is seized and held pending court order if the
				  seized material is nonperishable, or disposed of without judicial intervention
				  if perishable.
Consumer
-restaurants and other places where
				  alligator, fish, shrimp, or other aquatic life is prepared for human
				  consumption; or any person using alligator, fish, shrimp, or other aquatic life
				  for bait or personal consumption.
Department
-the Louisiana
Department
of Wildlife and Fisheries.
Designated Collection Agent
-anyone who is
				  permitted by the department to assist an alligator egg collection permittee
				  during alligator egg collection.
Dressing, Dressed Skins
or
Dressed
				  Furs
-see
tanning
.
Finished Alligator Part
-any nonedible
				  alligator part that has been completely processed from parts other than hides
				  for retail sale.
Fur Buyer
-anyone who buys whole nongame
				  quadrupeds for the purpose of pelting, carcasses of fur bearing animals, raw
				  furs or skins from fur trappers, alligator hunters, alligator farmers,
fur buyers
, or fur dealers and who sells to another
fur buyer
or fur dealer within the confines of the state or to
				  a nonresident fur dealer licensed by the state of Louisiana in interstate
				  commerce, or who acts as an agent of another
fur buyer
or fur
				  dealer in this state in such purchase or sale.
Fur buyers
are
				  divided into two classes, resident and nonresident. Resident
fur
				  buyers
are those who are bona fide residents of this state. All others
				  are nonresident
fur buyers
.
Fur Dealer
-anyone who deals in whole nongame
				  quadrupeds for the purpose of pelting, carcasses of fur-bearing animals, raw
				  furs and skins and who:
i. buys from a
				fur trapper, alligator hunter, or alligator farmer, either directly or
				indirectly, and ships or exports from this state, either directly or
				indirectly, the raw furs and skins so bought; or
ii. buys from a fur buyer or other fur dealer
				and exports from this state the raw furs and skins so bought; or
iii. buys from a fur trapper, alligator
				hunter, alligator farmer, fur buyer, or other dealer and sells such raw furs
				and skins for manufacturing into a finished product in this state; or
iv. manufactures such furs and skins into a
				finished product in this state, buying directly from a fur trapper, alligator
				hunter, alligator farmer, fur buyer, or
fur dealer
;
				or
v. transports raw furs or skins
				into this state for the purpose of sale within the state. Fur dealers are
				divided into two classes, resident and nonresident. Resident
fur
				dealers
are those who are bona fide residents of this state. All
				others are nonresident fur dealers;
vi. converts raw alligator skins through the
				tanning process into finished or partially finished leather and/or converts raw
				(green or dried) fur pelts into dressed furs ready for manufacturing.
Hatchling
-a young of the year alligator
				  which is less than 23 inches in length.
Hide
-see
pelt
.
Hook
-any curved or bent device attached to a
				  line or pole for the purpose of taking alligators.
Hunt
-in different tenses, attempting to
				  take.
Incubator
-an apparatus designed and used for
				  the primary purpose of incubating alligator eggs.
Land Manager
-any authorized person who
				  represents the landowner.
Landowner
-any person who owns land which the
				  department has designated as alligator habitat.
Licensee
-any resident or nonresident lawful
				  holder of an effective license duly issued under the authority of the
				  department.
Nongame Quadruped
-alligators, beavers,
				  bobcats, coyotes, gray foxes, minks, muskrats, nutrias, opossums, otters,
				  raccoons, red foxes, skunks, and other wild quadrupeds valuable for their furs
				  or skins.
Nongame Quadruped Breeder
-a person properly
				  licensed to engage in the business of raising, exhibiting and selling nongame
				  quadrupeds on alligator or fur farms.
Nongame Quadruped Exhibitor
-a person
				  properly licensed to engage in the business of raising and/or exhibiting
				  nongame quadrupeds.
Nonresident
-any person who is not a bona
				  fide resident as that term is defined by
				  R.S.
				  56:8.
Nuisance Alligator
-a specific (particular)
				  alligator that poses a threat to human life or property.
Open Season
-that period of time set by the
				  Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, during which wild alligators or
				  their eggs may be lawfully taken.
Out-of-State Shipping Seal
-a special locking
				  device or seal supplied by the department and placed on or across a shipping
				  container by department personnel prior to shipping out of state.
Out-Of-State Shipping Tag
-an official,
				  serially numbered tag, yellow in color, issued by the department required on
				  each shipment of alligator hides shipped out of state.
Part
-for purposes of this Section, a
part
is a division of a Subsection.
Pelt
-the skin or hide of a quadruped.
Pelting
-removing the skin and/or fur of a
				  quadruped in such a manner as to render it marketable.
Person
-includes any individual person,
				  association, corporation, partnership, or other legal entity recognized by
				  law.
Pithing
-insertion of a rod into the foramen
				  magnum of the alligator followed by four to six circular motions of such rod to
				  destroy the brain.
Pole Hunting
-the act of taking an alligator
				  from a den with a hook pole or snagging device of any type and includes using
				  such devices to induce an alligator to move from a den prior to taking.
Possess
-in its different tenses, the act of
				  having in possession or control, keeping, detaining, restraining, or holding as
				  owner, or as agent, bailee, or custodian for another.
Processed Alligator Part
-any part (and its
				  resulting products) that has been removed from a legally taken alligator and
				  for commercial purposes converted into a finished alligator part, or meat
				  prepared and packaged for retail sale.
Propagation
-the holding of live alligators
				  for production of offspring.
Raising
-the production of alligators under
				  controlled environmental conditions or in outside facilities.
Rearing
-see
raising
.
Resident
-see
bona fide
				  resident
.
Secretary
-the secretary of the Louisiana
				  Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
Skin
-see
pelt
.
Slaughter
-killing farm-raised alligators
				  for the purpose of harvesting commodities such as meat, hides, or parts.
Take
-in its different tenses, the attempt or
				  act of hooking, pursuing, netting, capturing, snaring, trapping, shooting,
				  hunting, wounding, or killing by any means or device.
Tanning
-the conversion of alligator skins or
				  fur pelts into an intermediate or finished form and includes the following:
				  crust
tanning
alligator leather, dyeing alligator leather,
				  glazing alligator leather,
tanning
fur pelts, shearing fur
				  pelts, and dyeing fur pelts, and includes the dressing of skins and
				  furs.
Transport
-in its different tenses, the act
				  of shipping, attempting to ship, receiving or delivering for shipment,
				  transporting, conveying, carrying, or exporting by air, land, or water, or by
				  any means whatsoever.
Wildlife
-all species of wild
				  vertebrates.
Wildlife Management Area
-any area set aside,
				  maintained, and supervised by the department for the purpose of managing and
				  harvesting wild birds, wild quadrupeds, fish and other aquatic life under
				  controlled conditions to afford maximum public hunting and fishing
				  opportunity.
Wildlife Refuge
-any area set aside and
				  designated by the department as a refuge on which wild birds and animals are
				  protected. Control of certain forms of wildlife may be conducted by the
				  department.
3. General Rules
a. No person shall take, possess, purchase or
				sell alligators, alligator eggs, alligator hides, alligator parts, or goods
				manufactured from alligators, except as provided in these regulations and R.S.
				title 56.
b. Each alligator,
				alligator hide, alligator egg, or alligator part taken or possessed in
				violation of these regulations shall constitute a separate offense.
c. Alligators or hides of alligators
				harvested in Louisiana shall be tagged in accordance with provisions as
				prescribed in Subparagraph A.6.e of this Section and deviation from those
				requirements shall be a violation and subject hides to confiscation. Violation
				of this Subparagraph is a class four violation as described in R.S. title
				56.
d. Pole hunting is prohibited.
				It is legal for a hunter to retrieve a shot alligator with a hook pole or to
				retrieve with a hook pole an alligator taken on a hook and line. Violation of
				this Subparagraph is a class two violation as described in R.S. title
				56.
e. An alligator hunter must
				possess on his person one or more current alligator hide tags issued for the
				property on which he is hunting; and if participating in a joint hunting
				operation at least one licensed hunter needs to possess current hide tags
				issued for the property on which they are hunting among a group of licensed
				hunters who are physically present in the same location. Violation of this
				Subparagraph is a class two violation as described in R.S. title 56.
f. No person shall release any alligator from
				any taking device for any purpose without first dispatching the alligator,
				except as provided in Subparagraph A.5.e. After the alligator is removed from
				the taking device the hide tag shall be properly attached immediately upon
				possession. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class four violation as
				described in R.S. title 56.
g.
				Taking or collection of any wild alligator illegally is strictly prohibited.
				Violation of this Subparagraph is a Class Four violation for each alligator
				taken as described in R.S. Title 56. All alligators taken in violation of this
				Subparagraph shall be confiscated and in addition to all other penalties
				provided herein, all alligator licenses of any type held by the offender(s)
				shall be revoked for a period of three calendar years. If violation(s) of this
				Subparagraph involves a farm operation, no alligators shall be raised or
				propagated on the offender's facilities for a period of three calendar years.
				Any live alligator(s) confiscated pertinent to any violation of this
				Subparagraph must be returned to the wild when appropriate. Selection of the
				release site and time of year of the release shall be accomplished only after
				consultation with and in agreement with biological staff of Coastal and Nongame
				Resources Division.
h. The shipment
				of alligator eggs out of state is prohibited except where special scientific
				permits have been obtained in advance from the department which specify all
				such shipments. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class four violation as
				described in R.S. title 56.
i. No
				person, firm, or corporation shall transport into this state or possess whole
				alligator(s) with skin on, alligator parts or alligator skins/hides unless that
				person, firm or corporation is a Louisiana licensed alligator parts dealer or
				fur dealer and is in immediate possession of an alligator parts dealer's
				license or fur dealer's license, except that a copy of such license shall be
				sufficient during transportation only. Persons, firms or corporations violating
				this Subparagraph shall be subject to the penalties as provided in R.S. title
				56:34, a class four violation; except that when such a violation involves
				alligator parts only, such offenses shall be subject to the penalties as
				provided in R.S. title 56:32, a class two violation.
j. It is unlawful to ship alligator eggs into
				the state of Louisiana unless they are to be used for department sponsored
				scientific studies and these shipments shall have prior written department
				approval. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class four violation as described
				in R.S. title 56.
k. The shipment
				of live alligators or alligator eggs out of the United States is strictly
				prohibited unless they are used for department sponsored scientific studies
				with an accompanying authorization signed by the secretary. The transfer of
				ownership of live alligators out of their natural range for commercial purposes
				is strictly prohibited. However, this Subparagraph does not prohibit a licensed
				Louisiana alligator farm from raising alligators of Louisiana origin in a
				nonrange state provided the nonrange farm is in complete compliance with all
				applicable state(s) and federal regulations. Violation of this Subparagraph is
				a class three violation as described in R.S. title 56.
l. An alligator hunter or alligator farmer
				may give alligator parts to anyone for personal use. Any part of an alligator
				shall have affixed thereto the name, address, date, hide tag number, and the
				license number of the person donating the alligator part(s). This information
				shall be legibly written in pen or pencil on any piece of paper or cardboard or
				any material which is attached to the part(s) or to the container enclosing the
				part or parts. This information must remain affixed until the part(s) has been
				stored at the domicile of the possessor. Violation of this Subparagraph is a
				class two violation as described in R.S. title 56.
m.
i.R.S.
				56:280, passed in the Regular Session of the
				1992 Louisiana Legislature established a state policy which protects white or
				albino alligators and except under department permit prohibits the taking of
				white or albino alligators from the wild.
ii. Conditions under which any alligator that
				is white or albino may be taken from the wild and under official department
				permit include:
(a). landowners or licensed
				alligator farmers or ranching operators may capture live and unharmed a white
				or albino alligator for its own protection. All such instances of possession
				shall be reported immediately to the department;
(b). any white or albino alligator hatchling
				produced from wild collected eggs authorized by a department alligator egg
				collection permit will remain in the possession of such licensed operators. Any
				white or albino hatchling must be reported immediately upon hatching to the
				department on a standard activity report form;
(c). any person who intentionally 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. Department
				personnel of the Coastal and Nongame Resources Division will on a case by case
				basis determine the disposition of any such white or albino alligator which is
				unintentionally hooked.
iii. Any white or albino hatchling produced
				from a licensed breeding pen will remain in the possession of such licensed
				operators but must be reported immediately upon hatching to the department on a
				standard activity report.
iv. It
				shall be a violation if any person intentionally takes from the wild any
				alligator that is white or albino by any means.
v. Violation of
				R.S.
				56:280 shall subject the violator to a fine
				of not less than $10,000 and imprisonment for not less than 6 months or more
				than 12 months, or both.
n. Alligator meat and parts may be shipped in
				containers that are sealed and the parts identified to the CITES tag of origin.
				A fully executed alligator hunter, farmer, or parts dealer alligator parts sale
				or transaction form and shipping manifest shall meet the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
				Service parts identification requirements, provided such form(s) is/are
				prominently attached to the outside of each shipping container. Alligator
				meat/parts shipped to another state must meet applicable state/federal
				requirements of the receiving state. Alligator meat/parts exported from the
				United States must meet the requirements of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
				as well as those of the receiving country. Alligator skulls being exported
				shall carry a "tag" containing the CITES tag number and the hunter's name and
				license number. The skull must also be physically marked with the number of the
				original CITES tag used for the hide of the individual alligator. Violation of
				this Subparagraph is a class three violation as described in R.S. title
				56.
o. For the purpose of bona fide
				educational or promotional functions, including but not limited to school
				activities, civic groups, fairs and festivals within the state of Louisiana, an
				alligator farmer/rancher or his designee may transport his own live farm
				alligators or alligator eggs to such function without the need for a special
				permit from the department while in possession of a valid nongame quadruped
				breeder's or exhibitor's license or copy thereof. Such farmer/rancher shall not
				barter, trade, exchange or attempt to barter, trade or exchange live
				alligator(s) or alligator eggs while transporting to/or attending such
				function.
4. Licenses,
				Permits and Fees
a.
i. The licenses and fees required for
				activities authorized by these regulations are as prescribed under provisions
				of R.S. title 56, or as prescribed in these regulations, and are:
(a). Resident Alligator Hunter's License
				(including commercial, helper, sport and nuisance classes)-$25;
(b). Nonresident Alligator Hunter's License
				(including landowner and sport classes)-$150;
(c). Resident Fur Buyer's License-$55 (except
				for license years 2022 and 2023, in which the fee will be $40);
(d). Nonresident Fur Buyer's License-$215
				(except for license years 2022 and 2023, in which the fee will be
				$157.50);
(e). Resident Fur
				Dealer's License-$400 (except for license years 2022 and 2023, in which the fee
				will be $275;
(f). Nonresident Fur
				Dealer's License-$800 (except for license years 2022 and 2023, in which the fee
				will be $550);
(g). Nongame
				Quadruped Exhibitor's License-$20 (except for license years 2022 and 2023, in
				which the fee will be $15);
(h).
				Nongame Quadruped Breeder's License-$50 (except for license years 2022 and
				2023, in which the fee will be $37.50);
(i). Alligator Parts Dealer License-$105
				(except for license years 2022 and 2023, in which the fee will be
				$77.50;
(j). Alligator Parts
				Retailer License-$10 (except for license years 2022 and 2023, in which the fee
				will be $7.50);
(k). Alligator Hide
				Tag Fee-$4 for each alligator hide tag, except for license year 2023, in which
				the fee for each alligator hide tag shall be $3;
(l). $4 for each whole alligator leaving the
				state as alligator shipping label fee;
(m). $25 for a designated agent collection
				permit.
ii. All license
				types prescribed above except nongame quadruped exhibitor and breeder and
				resident and nonresident alligator hunter expire annually on June 30. Nongame
				quadruped exhibitor and breeder and resident and nonresident alligator hunter
				licenses expire annually on December 31.
b. No person may take, attempt to take, or
				possess a wild alligator in this state during the open season for taking wild
				alligators unless he or she has acquired and possesses an alligator hunter's
				license. An alligator hunter must have in possession a valid alligator hunter
				license to take or sell alligators, their skins, or parts. Violation of this
				Subparagraph is a class three violation as described in R.S. title
				56.
c. No person may engage in the
				business of buying alligators for the purpose of skinning or buying and selling
				alligator skins unless he has acquired a resident or nonresident fur buyers
				license. No resident or nonresident fur buyer shall ship furs, alligators, or
				alligator skins out of state. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class three
				violation as described in R.S. title 56.
d. No person may engage in the business of
				buying alligators for the purpose of skinning or buying and selling alligator
				skins or shipping alligator skins out of state or tanning alligator skins
				within the state unless he has acquired a resident or nonresident fur dealers
				license. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class three violation.
e. No person may engage in the business of
				raising and/or exhibiting alligators unless he or she has acquired and
				possesses a valid nongame quadruped exhibitor license. Violation of this
				Subparagraph is a class three violation as described in R.S. title
				56.
f. No person may engage in the
				business of raising, breeding, collecting and selling alligator eggs from the
				wild, propagating, exhibiting and selling alligators alive or selling their
				parts, and killing and transporting them and selling their skins and carcasses
				unless he or she has acquired and possesses a valid nongame quadruped breeder
				license and complies with Paragraphs A.14 and 15 of this Section. Violation of
				this Subparagraph is a class three violation as described in R.S. title
				56.
g. No person shall engage in
				the business of buying and selling unprocessed alligator parts unless he has
				acquired and possesses a valid alligator parts dealer license. Violation of
				this Subparagraph is a class two violation as described in R.S. title
				56.
h. Each retailer purchasing for
				retail sale, finished alligator parts made from parts other than hides, shall
				secure from the department an alligator parts retailer license prior to
				commencing business. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class two violation as
				described in R.S. title 56.
i. No
				person shall remove and possess alligator eggs from wild nests unless he has
				acquired and possesses a valid nongame quadruped breeder license or a valid
				designated agent collection permit and also has in his possession a valid
				alligator egg collection permit. Egg collection permits will only be issued to
				those persons who demonstrate competency in egg collection and handling, have
				necessary equipment accessible and comply with all department requirements as
				described in Paragraph A.14 of this Section. Violation of this Subparagraph is
				a class four violation as described in R.S. title 56.
j. No person shall ship or transport
				alligators out of the state without first applying for and receiving an
				alligator shipping label which shall be affixed to each shipment of alligators
				and is properly completed and validated by department personnel. Violation of
				this Subparagraph is a class three violation as described in R.S. title
				56.
k. Every alligator hunter or
				alligator farmer shipping or transporting his own catch of alligator skins out
				of state is liable for the alligator hide tag fee, and shall apply for an
				official out of state shipping tag to be attached to the shipment and shall pay
				the alligator hide tag fee. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class two
				violation as described in R.S. title 56.
l. Valid holders of alligator hunter license,
				nongame quadruped breeder license, fur dealers license and alligator parts
				dealer license must comply with the receiving state/country requirements and
				with federal licensing, tagging and permit requirements to engage in interstate
				and international commerce involving alligators, alligator hides, alligator
				parts and fully manufactured alligator hide products. Violation of this
				Subparagraph is a class two violation as described in R.S. title
				56.
5. Wild Harvest
				Methods
a. Alligators taken from the wild may
				be removed from hook and line, and other legal capture devices which may be
				used, only during daylight hours, between official sunrise and official sunset.
				Violation of this Subparagraph is a class four violation as described in R.S.
				title 56.
b. There are no size
				restrictions on wild alligators taken during the general open season.
c.
i. Legal
				methods for taking alligators in the wild are as follows:
(a). hook and line;
(b). long (including compound) bow and barbed
				arrow; and
(c). firearms (the
				possession of shotguns is prohibited while hunting or taking wild alligators;
				except as authorized by the department for taking of nuisance alligators by
				nuisance alligator hunters).
ii. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class
				two violation as described in R.S. title 56.
d. Hooks and arrows may be used only when a
				line of at least 300-pound test is securely attached to the hook or head of the
				arrow in such a manner to prevent separation from the hook or head until the
				carcass is retrieved. The other end of the line must be attached to a
				stationary or floating object capable of maintaining the line above water when
				an alligator is attached. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class two
				violation as described in R.S. title 56.
e. Alligator hunters shall inspect their
				hooks and lines and remove captured alligators daily. All hooks and lines shall
				be removed when an alligator hunter's quota is reached. In the event an
				alligator is hooked and the hunter's quota has been reached the hunter must
				release the alligator in the most humane method possible. Violation of this
				Subparagraph is a class two violation as described in R.S. title 56.
f. Baited hooks and lines may be set no more
				than 24 hours prior to the general open season and shall be removed no later
				than sunset of the last day of the open season. Violation of this Subparagraph
				is a class two violation as described in R.S. title 56.
g. No person possessing alligator hide tags
				issued for privately-owned land or water may take alligators on adjacent
				publicly-owned water unless the taking device is anchored to privately-owned
				land or the person is on privately-owned land when the taking occurs, provided
				that any alligator captured on a legal taking device that is anchored to
				privately-owned land or held by a person on privately-owned land may be
				dispatched from a floating craft on public water. Violation of this
				Subparagraph is a class two violation as described in R.S. title 56.
h. A person possessing alligator hide tags
				for publicly-owned areas may take alligators by legal means from a floating
				craft on public water for which the tags are issued.
6. Alligator Hide Tag Procurement and Tagging
				Requirements
a. Alligator hide tags may be
				obtained as follows and only to properly licensed alligator hunters and nongame
				quadruped breeders.
b.Landowners,
				Land Managers and Hunters. Upon application to the department on forms provided
				for tag issuance, applications for alligator tag allotments will be taken
				annually beginning June 1. For alligator hunters submitting applications with
				new/additional properties, applications are due by August 20; for alligator
				hunters submitting an application for property previously hunted, applications
				are due by the day before the season opens.
i. Maximum tag issuance to individual
				landowners, land managers, or their hunters shall be determined solely by the
				department. Landowners, land managers, or their hunters shall certify total
				acreage owned or represented on a form prescribed by the department at the time
				of application. The location and acreage of the property must be provided which
				includes parish, township, range and section delineation figures.
ii. Land managers and hunters must present a
				signed document from the landowner verifying their selection to represent that
				landowner and the total acreage represented to obtain hide tags.
iii. Alligator hide tags shall be issued to
				licensed alligator hunters without charge. Numbered alligator hide tags shall
				only be issued in the name of the license holder and are nontransferable. All
				unused alligator tags shall be returned within 15 days following the close of
				the season.
c. Alligator
				Farmers. Alligator hide tags shall be issued to properly licensed alligator
				farmers without charge upon request at any time at least two weeks prior to
				scheduled harvesting, subject to verification of available stock by department
				personnel. All unused alligator tags shall be returned to the department within
				15 days following the last day of the year that issued tags are
				valid.
d. If an alligator hunter is
				cited for hunting alligators out of season, or at night, or on property other
				than that for which hide tags were issued, all unused hide tags and alligators
				in possession shall be confiscated and the violator's alligator hunting license
				shall be revoked. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class four violation as
				described in R.S. title 56.
e. A
				hide tag shall be properly attached and locked using the tag's locking device
				in the alligator's tail immediately upon possession by an alligator hunter.
				Alligator farmers, fur buyers and fur dealers may wait until farm raised
				alligators are skinned prior to tagging, but under no circumstances can the tag
				be attached using the locking device more than 48 hours after dispatching the
				alligator during the open wild alligator harvest season, or more than seven
				days after dispatching the alligator outside of the open wild alligator harvest
				season. Live or dead farm raised alligators may be transported with their
				accompanying tags from a licensed alligator farm to a licensed processing
				facility, however each shipment shall be accompanied with the exact number of
				alligator hide tags. In the event that an alligator tag contains a factory
				defect rendering it unusable for the purpose intended or becomes detached from
				an alligator or hide, the tag must be reattached to the tail of the
				alligator/hide. The department will be responsible for the replacement of
				reattached tags prior to shipping out-of-state or prior to tanning within the
				state. It shall be unlawful to tag or attempt to tag an alligator with a tag
				that has been locked prior to the taking. Locked tags may be replaced upon
				request at the discretion of the department. The alteration of hide tags is
				strictly prohibited and will result in the confiscation of all tags and
				alligators/hides and the revocation of the violator's alligator hunting
				license. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class four violation as described
				in R.S. title 56.
f. In the event
				that an alligator hide tag cannot be located when in the possession of a
				buyer/dealer, then the following procedure shall be followed.
i. Following discovery of an untagged
				alligator or alligator hide by the buyer/dealer, they shall notify the
				Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Coastal and Nongame Resources Division
				within 24 hours and the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will place a state
				tagging device on the alligator or alligator hide.
ii. Upon discovery of an untagged alligator
				or alligator hide by Department of Wildlife and Fisheries personnel, such
				personnel shall place a state tagging device on the alligator or alligator
				hide.
iii. The state tagged
				alligator or alligator hide will remain in the possession of the buyer/dealer
				following the placement of the state tagging device until such time as the hide
				tag is located or until December 31 of that year, whichever comes first. Upon
				presentation of the missing hide tag and the corresponding buyer/dealer record
				which documents a match between the tag number and the alligator/hide being
				held, and if the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries then confirms that such
				tag number has not been previously shipped, the Department of Wildlife and
				Fisheries shall attach a replacement alligator hide tag.
iv. If the buyer/dealer does not locate the
				missing hide tag following the placement of the State tagging device by the end
				of the allotted time period but is able to identify the tag number on a
				Department of Wildlife and Fisheries issued or approved buyer/dealer record
				which documents a match between the tag number and the skin being held, and if
				the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries then confirms that subject tag number
				has not been previously shipped, the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries may,
				in its discretion, issue a replacement alligator hide tag.
v. The failure of the buyer/dealer to produce
				the correct hide tag and/or correct documentation by the end of the allotted
				time period shall constitute a violation of this Subparagraph.
vi. The previous or subsequent attachment to
				an alligator or alligator hide of the missing hide tag as described above shall
				constitute a violation of this Subparagraph.
vii. Violation of this Subparagraph is a
				class four violation as described in R.S. title 56.
7. Open Season, Open Areas, and
				Quota
a. Open seasons are as follows.
i. The state shall be divided into the east
				and west alligator hunting zones by the following boundary: Beginning at the
				southwestern most part of Point Au Fer Island thence north along the western
				boundary of Terrebonne Parish to the Atchafalaya River, thence north along the
				Atchafalaya River to the East Atchafalaya Protection Levee, thence north along
				the East Atchafalaya Protection Levee, to Interstate 10, thence east along
				Interstate 10 to Interstate 12, thence east along Interstate 12 to Interstate
				55, thence north along Interstate 55 to the Mississippi state line. The season
				for taking alligators in the wild shall open on the last Wednesday of August in
				the East Zone and the first Wednesday of September in the West Zone and will
				remain open for 60 days thereafter in each zone. The secretary shall be
				authorized to close, extend, delay, or reopen the season as biologically
				justifiable.
ii. Nuisance control
				hunters may take nuisance alligators at any time as prescribed by the
				department. An individual landowner may be issued landowner nuisance tags for
				minimal acreage of isolated parcels of noncontiguous wetlands and harvest
				alligators at any time prescribed by the department.
iii. Farm raised alligators may be taken at
				any time following the issuance of hide tags by the department.
iv. The open season for collection of
				alligator eggs from the wild shall be from May 15-September 1 of each calendar
				year. Violation of this Clause is a class four violation as described in R.S.
				title 56.
b. The open
				areas are as follows.
i. For the general open
				season, those areas designated by the biological staff of the department as
				alligator habitat and which can sustain an alligator harvest.
ii. The department may select public lakes
				and lands for an experimental alligator hunting program. The harvest will be
				controlled by a tag allotment for each lake as determined by department
				personnel. Applicants for public lake hunting must be 16 years of age or older.
				Applications must be received by the date specified on the annual application
				form. A public drawing will be held to select hunters. An alligator hunter can
				receive tags for and hunt on only one public lake per season. The tag quota for
				each lake and hunter will be established by the biological staff of the
				department. Alligator tags issued on public lakes and lands are
				nontransferable.
iii. Wild
				alligators in the remainder of the state may be taken only under provisions as
				prescribed by the department.
iv.
				The open alligator egg collection season shall include those areas designated
				by the biological staff of the department as alligator habitat which can
				sustain an egg collection harvest and egg quotas will be determined by
				department biologists.
c.
				The daily and season quota is equal to the number of valid alligator hide tags
				that a licensed alligator hunter possesses. Violation of this Subparagraph is a
				class four violation as described in R.S. title 56.
d. Harvest rates will be calculated annually
				by department personnel based on biological data. Alligator hide tag allotments
				will be established prior to issuance of alligator hunting
				licenses.
8. Possession
a. No person shall possess alligators or
				alligator hides in Louisiana without valid official tags properly attached in
				the tail using the locking device as prescribed in Subsection A.6.e. Violation
				of this Subparagraph is a class four violation as described in R.S. title
				56.
b. Alligator farmers may
				request hide tags or shipping labels from the department to be used on
				farm-raised alligators that have died and may hold those alligators in freezers
				until receipt of the requested hide tags or shipping labels. These alligators
				may be held in freezers for a maximum of 60 days prior to disposal. All farm
				raised alligators 24 inches and greater in length that die may be skinned and
				tagged with an alligator hide tag within 48 hours of death during the open wild
				alligator harvest season, or within 7 days of death outside of the open wild
				alligator harvest season. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class three
				violation as described in R.S. title 56.
c. No person other than a licensed alligator
				hunter, licensed alligator farmer, licensed fur buyer or licensed fur dealer
				may possess a tagged or labeled alligator, a tagged raw or salted hide of an
				alligator at any time, provided that legally documented tagged or labeled
				alligators or tagged hides may be possessed without license while in transit,
				or during processing for tanning or taxidermy. However, properly tagged and
				documented alligators or hides may be stored at any location at the owner's
				discretion. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class four violation as
				described in R.S. title 56.
d. No
				person other than a licensed alligator farmer or licensed nongame quadruped
				exhibitor shall possess live alligators at any time other than by a permit
				issued by the department upon request for use in displays and educational
				purposes, and by holders of valid department issued permits for scientific
				purposes. Live, farm raised alligators and their accompanying alligator hide
				tags may be held for processing by a properly licensed alligator skinning
				facility without a license or permit. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class
				four violation as described in R.S. title 56.
e. No person other than a licensed alligator
				farmer or licensed nongame quadruped exhibitor shall possess alligator eggs at
				any time other than department permitted designated collection agents assisting
				a licensed and permitted alligator farmer during wild egg collection, or a
				holder of a valid department issued permit for scientific purposes. Violation
				of this Subparagraph is a class four violation as described in R.S. title
				56.
f. Any alligators hatched from
				scientific permits issued by the department shall be returned to the wild under
				departmental supervision following completion of the research project.
				Violation of this Subparagraph is a class two violation as described in R.S.
				title 56.
9. Importation,
				Exportation, Purchase, and Sale
a. Live
				alligators may be brought into the state only if the person, firm or
				corporation bringing the alligators into the state has obtained written
				permission from the department. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class four
				violation as described in R.S. title 56.
b.
i. All
				alligators, alligator hides (raw or salted), or parts of alligators possessed,
				sold, purchased, exported, imported, or brought into the state from another
				state shall be accompanied by documented evidence that they were lawfully
				taken. Documented evidence shall consist of, but not be limited to:
(a). a resource user license or permit number
				allowing the taking of alligators and tags or other identification required by
				the state or country of origin shall be firmly attached to the alligator,
				alligator hide, or parts of alligators; and
(b). a tag or label is affixed to the outside
				of any package or container of alligators, alligator hides, or alligator parts
				that specifies type of contents, indicates quantity contained, and lists
				applicable license or permit numbers.
ii. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class
				two violation as described in R.S. title 56.
c. Purchases of alligators, alligator hides,
				alligator eggs, and alligator parts are restricted as follows.
i. A licensed alligator hunter may not
				purchase alligators or alligator hides from anyone.
ii. A licensed fur buyer may purchase whole
				alligators or alligator hides from a Louisiana licensed alligator hunter,
				licensed alligator farmer, licensed fur dealer, or another fur buyer.
iii. A licensed fur dealer may purchase whole
				alligators or alligator hides from a licensed alligator hunter, licensed
				alligator farmer, fur buyer or another fur dealer.
iv. A licensed alligator farmer may purchase
				live alligators only from another licensed alligator farmer (with a
				department-approved alligator transfer authorization permit) or the
				department.
v. An alligator farmer
				may purchase alligator eggs only from another alligator farmer, a
				landowner/land manager (with an approved department alligator egg collection
				permit), or the department.
vi. A
				licensed alligator parts dealer may purchase alligator parts from a licensed
				alligator hunter, alligator farmer, another alligator parts dealer, or the
				department.
vii. A licensed
				alligator parts retailer may purchase finished alligator parts for retail
				sales.
d. Sales of
				alligators, alligator eggs, and alligator parts are restricted as follows.
i. A licensed alligator hunter may sell
				alligators, alligator hides, or alligator parts taken by the licensee during
				the general open season to anyone who may legally purchase.
ii. A licensed alligator farmer may sell
				alligators, alligator eggs, alligator hides, or alligator parts to anyone who
				may legally purchase. The sale of alligator eggs or live alligators shall only
				occur following the issuance of a transfer authorization permit. Application
				for the permit shall be made at least two weeks prior to the
				transfer.
iii. A licensed fur buyer
				may sell whole alligators or alligator hides to a fur dealer or another fur
				buyer within the confines of the state.
iv. A licensed fur dealer may sell whole
				alligators or alligator hides to anyone who may legally purchase.
v. A licensed alligator parts dealer may sell
				alligator parts, other than hides, to anyone.
vi. A licensed alligator parts retailer may
				sell finished alligator parts to anyone.
e. Legally tagged and documented alligators,
				alligator hides, and parts of alligators taken in Louisiana may be shipped out
				of state or exported by alligator hunters, alligator farmers, fur dealers and
				alligator parts dealers subject to Paragraph A.11 of this Section (relating to
				report requirements) provided that no live alligators or eggs originating in
				Louisiana may be exported outside of their natural range without specific
				department authorization and the concurrence of the United States Fish and
				Wildlife Service, to be used only for scientific purposes. Violation of this
				Subparagraph is a class three violation as described in R.S. title
				56.
f. A special permit is required
				of anyone who sells alligator eggs, or live alligators. Violation of this
				Subparagraph is a class four violation as described in R.S. title 56.
10. Nuisance Alligator Control
a. Nuisance alligator hunters will be
				selected by the department with proper screening by enforcement personnel in
				the region of appointment. Selection may be based upon recommendations received
				from the local governing body. Applicants with prior alligator hunting
				violations will be rejected.
b.
				Nuisance alligator hunters shall purchase a valid alligator hunter license and
				are bound by all laws, rules and regulations governing alligator hunting with
				the exception that nuisance alligators may be taken at anytime.
c. Nuisance alligator complaints will be
				verified by department personnel prior to being approved for removal.
d. Tags will be issued without charge to
				nuisance alligator hunters. Nuisance alligator hunters will attempt to catch
				nuisance alligators and relocate to natural habitat selected by the department.
				It is unlawful for any nuisance alligator captured alive to be sold or
				otherwise disposed of on an alligator farm. Alligators and alligator parts
				taken under these provisions may be retained and sold by the nuisance alligator
				hunter as any other legally taken wild alligator or alligator part. Violation
				of this Subparagraph is a class four violation as described in R.S. title
				56.
e. Nuisance alligator hunters
				may take alligators by any means prescribed by the department. Failure to
				comply with departmental instructions may result in immediate termination of
				the individual's participation in the nuisance alligator program. Violation of
				this Subparagraph is a class two violation as described in R.S. title
				56.
11. Report
				Requirements
a. Report forms provided by or
				approved by the department must be completed and filed with the department by
				all persons who have been issued an alligator hunter's license, fur buyer's
				license, fur dealer's license, nongame quadruped exhibitor's license, nongame
				quadruped breeder's license, alligator parts dealer's license, or alligator egg
				collection permit in accordance with this Paragraph. Reports shall include but
				not be limited to the information specified in this Paragraph.
b.
i.
				Alligator hunters receiving hide tags from the department are responsible for
				disposition of all issued tags and must:
(a).
				complete an official alligator parts transaction form furnished by or approved
				by the department for each alligator part transaction. These forms shall be
				submitted to the department at the end of the calendar year;
(b). complete an official lost tag form,
				furnished by the department for any hide tags lost or stolen. These forms shall
				be submitted to the department within 15 days following the close of the
				season. Lost or stolen tags will not be replaced;
ii. All unused tags must be returned to the
				department within 15 days following the close of the season;
iii. Each licensed alligator hunter disposing
				of one or more tagged alligators or alligator skins deemed to be of no value,
				must:
(a). remove the CITES alligator tag(s)
				from each alligator/alligator skin at the time of disposal;
(b). return to the department all CITES
				alligator tags removed from disposed of alligators/alligator skins within 15
				days following the close of the season;
(c). provide the department total lengths by
				corresponding CITES tag number of each alligator/alligator skin so disposed of
				within 15 days following the close of the season.
iv. The department must be notified of any
				trophy skins not sold to commercial buyers or dealers within 30 days following
				the close of the season, on official forms provided by or approved by the
				department.
v. Each licensed
				alligator hunter selling alligator parts to a person or a restaurant shall
				provide that person with a bill of sale for each transaction.
vi. All records of commercial transactions
				involving alligator parts by alligator hunters shall be available for
				inspection by the department.
vii.
				The alligator hide tag fee shall be collected by the department from the
				alligator hunter who is shipping his own alligators or raw alligator skins, or
				who intends to custom tan, or use for taxidermy, the alligators or raw
				skins.
viii. Violation of this
				Subparagraph is a class two violation as described in R.S. title
				56.
c. A nuisance
				alligator hunter shall comply with the same report requirements as a commercial
				alligator hunter and complete any other reports required by the department.
				Violation of this requirement shall result in immediate termination of nuisance
				alligator hunter status. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class two
				violation as described in R.S. title 56.
d.
i.
				Alligator farmers receiving hide tags from the department are responsible for
				disposition of all issued tags and must:
(a).
				complete an official alligator parts transaction form, furnished by or approved
				by the department for each alligator parts transaction. These forms shall be
				submitted to the department along with the annual report. Violation of this
				Clause is a class two violation as described in R.S. title 56;
(b). complete an official lost tag form,
				furnished by the department, for any hide tags lost or stolen. These forms
				shall be submitted to the department within 15 days following the last day of
				the year that issued tags are valid. Violation of this Clause is a class two
				violation as described in R.S. title 56.
ii. All unused hide tags must be returned to
				the department within 15 days following the last day of the year that issued
				tags are valid. Violation of this Clause is a class two violation as described
				in R.S. title 56.
iii. Each
				alligator farmer in possession of one or more tagged farm alligator skins
				deemed to be of no value, must notify the department of the tag number and
				belly width of each farm alligator skin and must arrange for delivery of the
				farm alligator skin(s) to the department. Department personnel will remove the
				CITES alligator tags and dispose of the farm alligator skins. Violation of this
				Clause is a class two violation as described in R.S. title 56.
iv. Each alligator farmer in possession of
				one or more tagged farm alligators deemed to be of no value, must notify the
				department of the tag number and belly width of each farm alligator prior to
				disposal of the alligator. Alligator farmers must remove the CITES alligator
				tag(s) at the time of disposal and immediately return the tag(s) to the
				department. Violation of this Clause is a class two violation as described in
				R.S. title 56.
v. Each alligator
				farmer shall report annually, no later than December 1, on an official form
				provided by the department, all activities that have occurred on the farm for
				the past year including but not limited to the number of live alligators as of
				that date, separated by sizes, the number of eggs collected and hatched, the
				purchase and sale of alligators, hides, and parts for the past year and the
				numbers of alligators lost. Failure to complete this form properly and
				completely will result in nonrenewal of the nongame quadruped breeder's
				license. Violation of this Clause is a class three violation as described in
				R.S. title 56.
vi. Each licensed
				alligator farmer selling alligator parts to a person or a restaurant shall
				furnish that person with a bill of sale for each transaction. Violation of this
				Clause is a class two violation as described in R.S. title 56.
vii. Each alligator farmer collecting
				alligator eggs, hatching alligator eggs, selling alligators for processing, or
				selling alligator skins shall submit completed forms as provided by the
				department within 10 days following completion of the activity. Violation of
				this Clause is a class three violation as described in R.S. title 56.
viii. The alligator shipping label fee or the
				alligator hide tag fee shall be collected by the department from the alligator
				farmer who is shipping alligators or raw alligator skins, or who intends to
				custom tan, or use for taxidermy, the alligators or raw skins.
e.
i. Fur buyers, fur dealers, alligator farmers
				and alligator hunters engaged in the business of buying and/or selling whole
				alligators or alligator hides must keep within the state a complete record on
				forms provided by or approved by the department, all purchases and sales of
				whole alligators or alligator hides as described in R.S. title 56;
				and
ii. every fur buyer, fur dealer,
				alligator farmer or alligator hunter having undressed alligator hides in his
				possession shall file with the department within 60 days of purchase or within
				60 days of tagging or prior to shipping out of state or prior to tanning skins
				in Louisiana, whichever occurs first, a complete report, on forms provided by
				or approved by the department, a detailed description of alligator hides to be
				shipped or tanned. At the time of shipment or prior to tanning whole alligator
				skins, department personnel will inspect whole hides and replace any broken or
				reattached tags. Department personnel will issue the appropriate number of
				yellow shipping tags, one for each shipment. At that time, department personnel
				will affix a seal or locking device to each container. It shall be a violation
				of this Subparagraph for any person other than department personnel or federal
				personnel to reopen any sealed or locked container. In conjunction with the
				inspection and prior to department issuance of shipping tag(s) and seal(s) or
				locking device(s), department personnel must collect:
(a). all completed buyer/dealer records for
				skins in each shipment;
(b).
				official shipping manifest including total length in inches (or feet and
				inches) referenced to CITES tag number of each whole wild skin in shipment and
				including total belly width in centimeters (measured at the fifth scute)
				referenced to CITES tag number of each whole farm raised alligator skin in
				shipment. A fully executed (filled out) shipping manifest containing all
				information required in the buyer/dealer record may be substituted with
				department approval for the buyer/dealer record requirement on farm raised
				alligator skins;
(c). stub portion
				of yellow shipping tag completely filled out;
(d). severance tax and alligator hide tag
				fees owed by alligator hunter, alligator farmer or fur dealer.
iii. Prior to cutting raw
				alligator skins into pieces, every fur buyer, fur dealer, alligator farmer or
				alligator hunter desiring to cut raw skins into pieces (flanks, bellies, or
				chalecos), must request department personnel to inspect the whole alligator
				hides and (with appropriate assistance) apply CITES tags to each flank,
				chaleco, and belly so separated. Prior to tagging the flanks, chaleco and
				belly, department personnel must receive an official manifest including
				measurement (as specified below) of each skin. For wild skins, the total length
				in inches (or feet and inches) referenced to the CITES tag number of each whole
				wild skin to be cut into pieces must be provided. For farm raised alligators
				skins, the total belly width in centimeters (measured at the fifth scute)
				referenced to the CITES tag number of each whole farm raised alligator skin to
				be cut into pieces must be provided. Prior to cutting the raw alligator skin,
				CITES tags will be attached to each flank and chaleco (tag applied to each hind
				leg area), and to each belly if either is to be separated from the tail. Once
				the tail portion of the skin is separated from the flanks, chaleco and belly,
				the original CITES tag must be removed and returned to the department within 15
				days of the cutting of the tail.
iv.
				Every fur dealer, alligator farmer or alligator hunter prior to shipping out of
				state or prior to tanning in state, partial alligator skins (flanks, bellies or
				chalecos) must provide an official shipping manifest listing a description of
				the partial alligator skins in the shipment along with the CITES tag number for
				each partial skin piece, referenced to the original CITES tag number that was
				placed on the wild alligator or farm raised alligator when harvested.
				Department personnel will review the manifest for accuracy and determine the
				number of original CITES tags referenced for the first time in order to assess
				the alligator hide tag fees owed by the shipper. Shipper will be thus informed
				by the department within 10 working days of receiving the official shipping
				manifest.
v. At the time of
				shipment or prior to tanning, department personnel will inspect alligator skin
				pieces and replace any broken or reattached tags. Department personnel will
				issue the appropriate number of yellow shipping tags, one for each shipment. At
				that time, department personnel will affix a seal or locking device to each
				container. It shall be a violation of this Subparagraph for any person other
				than department personnel or federal personnel to reopen any sealed or locked
				container. In conjunction with the inspection and prior to department issuance
				of shipping tag(s) and seal(s) or locking device(s), department personnel must
				collect:
(a). all completed buyer/dealer
				records for skins in each shipment;
(b). stub portion of yellow shipping tag
				completely filled-out;
(c).
				alligator hide tag fees owed by alligator hunter, alligator farmer or fur
				dealer for partial alligator skin pieces being shipped as referenced in Clause
				A.11.e.iv.
vi.If any of
				the above requirements are not satisfied, the shipment will not be authorized.
				Violation of this Clause is a class three violation as described in R.S. title
				56.
f. Fur dealers
				engaged in the business of buying and selling alligator hides must maintain
				complete records of alligator hides purchased inside and outside the state as
				described in R.S. Title 56. Fur dealers in the business of tanning alligator
				hides must provide a monthly report, on forms provided by or approved by the
				department, of all alligator hides being held in inventory. Failure to maintain
				complete records and to pay the required alligator hide tag fees subjects any
				dealer to the full penalties provided and the immediate revocation of his
				license by the department. No license shall be issued to a dealer who has not
				paid the tax and alligator hide tag fees for the preceding year. Violation of
				this Subparagraph is a class three violation as described in R.S. title 56.
g. Each fur buyer or fur dealer in
				possession of one or more tagged alligator skins deemed to be of no value, must
				notify the department of the tag number and total length of each wild alligator
				skin or belly width of each farm alligator skin and must arrange for delivery
				of the alligator skin(s) to the department. Department personnel will remove
				the CITES alligator tags and dispose of the alligator skins. Violation of this
				Subparagraph is a class two violation as described in R.S. title 56.
h. Each fur buyer or fur dealer in possession
				of one or more tagged alligators deemed to be of no value, must notify the
				department of the tag number and total length of each wild alligator or belly
				width of each farm alligator prior to disposal of the alligator. Fur buyers or
				fur dealers must remove the CITES alligator tag(s) at the time of disposal and
				immediately return the tag(s) to the department. Violation of this Subparagraph
				is a class two violation as described in R.S. title 56.
i. Alligator parts dealers acquiring
				alligator parts, shall complete an official alligator parts purchase form at
				the time of each purchase. Alligator parts dealers selling alligator parts,
				shall complete an official alligator parts sale form at the time of each sale.
				These forms shall be furnished by or approved by the department and shall be
				submitted to the department annually, no later than June 30; and
i. alligator parts dealers shall furnish a
				bill of sale to anyone purchasing alligator parts;
ii. the records of transactions involving
				alligator parts shall be available for inspection by the department and shall
				be maintained complete for a period of one year following any
				transaction;
iii. violation of this
				Subparagraph is a class two violation as described in R.S. title 56.
j. 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 and these records shall
				be available for inspection by the department. Violation of this Subparagraph
				is a class two violation as described in R.S. title 56.
12. Alligator Meat
a. Alligator meat from lawfully taken
				alligators can only be sold according to state and federal laws, Louisiana
				Department of Health and Hospitals regulations and Louisiana Wildlife and
				Fisheries Commission regulations. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class
				three violation as described in R.S. title 56.
b. Alligator meat processed in the state of
				Louisiana and sold for human consumption must be processed in a licensed
				facility approved by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals and the
				facility must display a valid permit issued by that agency. Violation of this
				Subparagraph is a class two violation as described in R.S. title 56.
c. All processed alligator meat for sale must
				be packaged in suitable containers which identifies the contents as alligator
				meat, marked with a valid department license number and comply with all state
				and federal packaging and labeling requirements. Violation of this Subparagraph
				is a class two violation as described in R.S. title 56.
d. All alligator meat shipped into the state
				and being offered for sale must meet all of Louisiana's health, processing,
				packaging and labeling requirements. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class
				two violation as described in R.S. title 56.
13. Disposal of Alligators by the Department
a. The department may sell alligators,
				alligator eggs or parts of alligators taken for any purpose deemed necessary
				for proper management of the species pursuant to R.S. title 56.
b. The department may dispose of alligators,
				alligator eggs, or parts of alligators by donation or lending to a scientific
				institution or other institutions that the department deems have need for such
				alligators, however these institutions cannot sell or barter these animals
				which must be returned to the department at the conclusion of the program or
				need.
c. Confiscated alligator
				hides and parts may be destroyed by the department pending the outcome of the
				criminal trial.
d. Confiscated
				alligator eggs or live alligators may be sold or may be cared for by the
				department and released in suitable alligator habitat when and where they can
				survive when appropriate. All costs incurred by the department in the
				maintenance of these eggs and animals in captivity shall be the responsibility
				of the offender and restitution shall be made to the department. The department
				may consign confiscated alligators to a licensed farm for raising purposes and
				may compensate the farmer for his expenses by transferring ownership to him of
				a percentage of the confiscated alligators; not to exceed 50 percent.
14. Alligator Egg Collections
a. Alligator egg collection permits are a
				three party permit between the department, the permittee and a
				landowner/manager who owns or leases alligator nesting habitat determined by
				department biologists to be capable of producing alligator eggs. The numbers of
				eggs to be collected will be based upon biological management criteria and will
				be determined annually by technical staff of the department. The department
				only estimates the numbers of eggs available and assumes no responsibility or
				offers no guarantee that those numbers of eggs will be available. Alligator egg
				collection permits may be obtained upon application to the department on forms
				provided by the department. The annual deadline for submitting applications for
				alligator egg collection permits is June 1. This program is experimental and
				may be changed at any time based on biological data to insure for proper
				management of the wild alligator population.
b. Alligator egg collection permits may be
				issued by the department provided:
i.
				permittee is a properly licensed alligator farmer and meets all applicable
				requirements in Paragraph A.15 of this Section (alligator farm facility
				requirements);
ii. all land
				documentation required on the alligator egg collection permit has been
				presented to the department;
iii.
				department biologists determine the properties described on the permit
				application are indeed alligator nesting habitat and can sustain alligator egg
				collections;
iv. applicant has
				obtained all legal and necessary signatures from landowners/land
				managers.
c. It is
				unlawful for an alligator farmer or a permitted designated collection agent to
				collect eggs from properties other than those described in the alligator egg
				collection permit. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class four violation as
				described in R.S. title 56.
d. An
				alligator farmer or designated collection agent in the act of collecting or
				possessing alligator eggs must possess on his or her person a copy of the fully
				executed alligator egg collection permit. The designated collection agent must
				also possess a valid designated collection agent permit. Violation of this
				Subparagraph is a class three violation as described in R.S. title
				56.
e. Collection of wild alligator
				eggs can only be made after contacting the appropriate regional supervisor of
				the Enforcement Division no less than 24 hours prior to each collection trip.
				Violation of this Subparagraph is a class three violation as described in R.S.
				title 56.
f. Alligator eggs can
				only be collected from the wild from official sunrise to official sunset and
				only during the established alligator egg collection season and shall not
				exceed the number on his alligator egg collection permit. Violation of this
				Subparagraph is a class four violation as described in R.S. title 56.
g. Alligator eggs collected from the wild
				must be collected and transported in a manner which insures the greatest
				survival of viable eggs as determined by department biologists. Violation of
				this Subparagraph is a class three violation as described in R.S. title
				56.
h. Failure to hatch at least 70
				percent of viable alligator eggs collected from the wild shall be considered a
				waste of Louisiana's natural resources. All alligator egg collection permits
				shall be revoked and no new permits issued should an alligator farmer be found
				to waste the resources of this state for two consecutive years.
i. Alligator egg collection permits shall be
				revoked and no new permits issued to alligator farmers who fail to average a
				minimum hatchling survival rate of 85 percent for two consecutive
				years.
j. The alligator egg
				collection permittee and the landowner are responsible for the return of the
				percentage of live alligators to the wild described on the alligator egg
				collection permit. This requirement is nontransferable. Minimum return rates
				will be based upon the state average hatching success which is 78 percent. In
				no case shall the return rate be less than 5 percent at 48 inches total length.
				Each alligator shall be returned to the original egg collection area within a
				maximum time of two years from date of hatching. Each alligator shall be a
				minimum of 36 inches and a maximum of 60 inches (no alligator over 60 inches
				total length will be accepted for release) in total length and the returned sex
				ratio should contain at least 50 percent females. The alligator egg collection
				permittee/landowner are responsible for and must compensate in kind for
				alligator mortality which occurs for department-authorized return to the wild
				alligators while being processed, stored, or transported. The department shall
				be responsible for supervising the required return of these alligators. A
				department transfer authorization permit is not required for return to the wild
				alligators which are delivered to the farm of origin no more than 48 hours
				prior to being processed for wild release. Releases back to the wild will only
				occur between March 15 and August 25 of each calendar year provided that
				environmental conditions as determined by the department are favorable for
				survival of the released alligators. Any farmer who owes 1000 or more
				alligators at 48 inches must release at least 1/4 of the total owed for that
				year by April 30; at least another quarter by June 15; at least another quarter
				by July 31; and the remainder by August 25. A farmer may do more than the
				required 1/4 of his releases earlier if available unscheduled days allow.
				Should an alligator egg collection permittee be unable to release the required
				number of alligators to the wild from his own stock, he shall be required to
				purchase additional alligators from another farmer to meet compliance with the
				alligator egg collection permit and these regulations, as supervised by the
				department. Department-sanctioned participants in ongoing studies involving
				survivability and return rates are exempt from these requirements during the
				period of the study. Violation of this Subparagraph is a Class Four violation
				as described in R.S. 56.
k. The
				percentage of alligators to be returned to the wild shall be selected from the
				healthiest of all alligators of that year class. Abnormal or deformed
				alligators are not acceptable for release into the wild. It is unlawful for
				alligators that are to be returned to the wild to be transported out of state.
				Violation of this Subparagraph is a class four violation as described in R.S.
				title 56.
15. Alligator
				Farm Facility Requirements
a. All first time
				applicants for a nongame quadruped breeder's or exhibitor's license who will
				house alligators on their premises shall show compliance of the following
				minimum facilities as applicable to their particular operation during a
				required facility examination by department personnel prior to license
				issuance:
i. secured premises with adequate
				barriers to prevent escape of enclosed alligators and entry by alligators from
				outside the farm and to deter theft of alligators;
ii. source of clean, fresh water which shall
				be adequate to ensure for proper care of all alligator stock and facilities.
				This requirement shall be determined by department personnel;
iii. provisions for both dry area and pooled
				water within the secured area adequate for the numbers of alligators to be
				housed on the premises. This requirement will be determined by department
				personnel;
iv. provision for winter
				protection, either through adequate denning space or an enclosed,
				controlled-temperature environment of a design acceptable to the
				department;
v. all
				controlled-temperature alligator sheds (environmental chambers) shall be of a
				design acceptable to the department.
vi. all alligator egg incubators shall be of
				a design acceptable to the department. Each incubator shall maintain a water
				and air temperature of 85 degrees to 91 degrees Fahrenheit during the egg
				incubation;
vii. applicant must be
				in compliance with all laws and regulations pertaining to zoning, construction,
				health and environmental standards and must possess any and all applicable
				permits and licenses;
viii. all
				alligator facilities should be constructed in a suitable location so as to
				minimize contact with people.
b. Following initial issuance of applicable
				license, all applicable facility requirements shall be adhered to and
				department personnel have the authority to inspect any and all of the
				facilities at any time. Failure to adhere to the requirements shall be a
				violation of these rules and violators will be given 60 days to correct the
				problem. Failure to comply shall result in confiscation of all animals and/or
				closure of all facilities. Violation of this Subparagraph is a Class Three
				violation as described in R.S. 56.
c. All alligator farmers possessing alligator
				eggs outside an alligator nest should house these eggs in an incubator
				providing constant temperature and humidity conditions. All incubators used to
				incubate alligator eggs shall be of a design to allow for maximum temperature
				control and conform to department requirements to allow for the maximum
				hatching success. All alligator hatchlings shall be removed from incubation
				material and placed in clean fresh water and fed within 10 days after hatching.
				Violation of this Subparagraph is a Class Three violation as described in R.S.
				56.
d. All alligator farmers
				possessing alligator hatchlings shall house hatchlings in controlled
				environmental chambers containing wet areas of sufficient surface area to
				permit all alligators to partially submerge in water. An acceptable temperature
				range to house alligators is 70 degrees-90 degrees Fahrenheit year-round.
				Alligator farmers shall make every reasonable effort to avoid or minimize the
				occurrence of temperatures outside of this acceptable range. Any changes in
				temperature should take place over a minimum of 4 hours. All alligators 48
				inches or less in length shall be housed in environmental chambers unless a
				special permit is issued by the department to move them to outside growth
				areas. Violation of this Subparagraph is a Class Three violation as described
				in R.S. 56.
e. Alligator farmers
				shall house alligators of different lengths into at least three groups,
				providing separation for all alligators less than two feet in length, two to
				four feet in length, and over four feet in length. Violation of this
				Subparagraph is a class three violation as described in Title 56.
f. All facilities, alligator stock, and
				records are subject to examination by department personnel prior to permitting
				and thereafter during farm operation. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class
				three violation as described in R.S. title 56.
g. It shall be unlawful for alligator eggs or
				alligators to be moved from a licensed premises without permitting/approval of
				the department. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class three violation as
				described in R.S. title 56.
h. Any
				alligator egg or alligator raised on an alligator farm shall be cared for under
				conditions that do not threaten the survival of such egg and alligator as
				determined by the biological staff of the Coastal and Nongame Resources
				Division. In making such determination, Coastal and Nongame Resources Division
				biologists shall take into consideration sanitary conditions, temperature
				control, feeding, overcrowding and other conditions which affect the survival
				of alligator eggs and alligators. If the biological staff of the Coastal and
				Nongame Resources Division determines that the survival of any alligator egg or
				alligator is threatened due to the conditions on an alligator farm, the
				department shall notify the alligator farmer and shall provide the farmer with
				60 days to take corrective action. If the farmer fails to take corrective
				action within 60 days, the department shall have the authority to confiscate
				any alligator egg or alligator which remains under conditions that threaten the
				survival of such alligator egg or alligator and to dispose of such alligator
				egg or alligator as the department deems necessary. Violation of this
				Subparagraph is a class four violation as described in Title
				56.
16. Farm-Raised
				Alligator Slaughter Methods
a
.i. Legal methods for the slaughter of
				farm-raised alligators are as follows:
(a).
				death by penetrating captive bolt;
(b). death by non-penetrating captive
				bolt;
(c). death by gunshot (except
				for rounds fired from shotguns); and
(d). other slaughter methods may be
				acceptable if they are approved in writing by the department after review and
				consultation with a trained veterinarian; any slaughter method presented for
				review must quickly inflict severe damage to the brain, be humane and not pose
				a high risk to administering personnel; spinal cord severance with pithing of
				the brain may be used as an adjunct measure, but shall only be used after an
				approved slaughter method has been performed to render the alligator
				unconscious.
ii. Selected
				slaughter method must be administered properly so as to cause a rapid loss of
				consciousness and death.
iii.
				Violation of this Subparagraph is a Class Three violation as described in R.S.
				56.
17.
				Exceptions
a. The department or an authorized
				representative of the department may take by any means and possess alligators,
				alligator eggs, or parts of alligators while in the performance of official
				duties.
b. These regulations shall
				not prohibit a person from killing an alligator in immediate defense of his or
				her life or the lives of others. Alligators killed under this provision must be
				reported to the department within 24 hours.
18. Penalty for Violation
a. In order to facilitate greater control
				over alligator trafficking, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
				finds that public welfare imperatively requires emergency action when the
				provisions of these regulations are violated.
b. In addition to all penalties set forth
				herein, violators may be subject to criminal prosecution under provisions of
				the
Louisiana Revised Statutes
, particularly titles 14 and 56
				and under federal law.
c. In
				addition to all other penalties provided by these rules and by statute,
				violation of any part of these regulations may result in the suspension and/or
				revocation of any or all alligator licenses/permits held by the violator and,
				as further penalty, for serious, repeat, or multiple violations, the department
				shall have the right to deny a violator any and all licenses/permits relating
				to alligators for a period not to exceed three years.