hunting 2014

HUNTING AND FISHING 2014 AUGUST 31, 2014 3The Daily News

State wildlife and fisheries offi-cials are asking shrimp harvesters to report catches of Asian tiger prawns.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says there is little known about the effects of tiger prawns on indigenous Louisiana shrimp.

But, officials say the reports they’re seeking will help state biolo-gists monitor the distribution of the prawns and determine the possible presence of spawning populations.

Tiger prawns are easily identifi-able by their large size, dark body color and white banding found along the head and between segments of the tail. Occasionally, red or yellow stripes are present too.

The department asks that harvest-ers retain the prawns by freezing and contact the state with the date, loca-tion and size of capture. Photos also are encouraged.

Prior to the 2011 fall inshore shrimp season, reported captures in

Louisiana waters numbered fewer than 25, with none taken any far-ther westward than Vermilion Bay. However, since then, commercial shrimpers have reported Asian tiger prawn catches in all of Louisiana’s major estuarine basins including adjacent offshore waters.

“Reports of tiger prawns have remained between 70 and 100 over the last three years. It is uncertain whether this is due to population stabilization or under reporting by the public,” the department said in a news release Thursday.

To aid shrimp dealers in document-ing tiger prawn landings, the depart-ment has added tiger prawns (spe-cies code 19) to the Commercial Trip Ticket reporting system. Harvesters also are asked to report catches to the following state biologists: Robert Bourgeois at [email protected] or 225-765-0765 or Martin Bourgeois at [email protected] or 985-594-4130.

State asks shrimpers to report tiger prawnsInvasive species has dark body, light striping

HUNTING AND FISHING 20144 AUGUST 31, 2014 The Daily News


Pearl River

reboundAfter a devastating fish kill,

the waterway is getting hot againBY RANDY HAMMONSTHE DAILY NEWS

Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries officials say they have observed some interesting facts about the Pearl River since the August 2011 fish kill.

“In looking at the Pearl River watershed, one thing that makes the watershed interesting beyond fishing is there is the greatest concentration of aquatic spe-cies of concern in Louisiana. It is a pretty special river sys-tem,” Biologist and Manager of the Inland Fisheries Section Gary Vitrano said.

He said his office has monitored the Pearl for the last three years, adding that the findings have been interesting.

“We look at all species of fresh water mussels in our monitoring plan,” Vitrano said. “We’ve identi-

fied 58 species of fish, which covers all species affected in the fish kill. We’ve seen some good recoupment. We know the fish are reproducing and have seen good signs of repro-duction.”

Vitrano said his office has received good reports of fishing in the Pearl.

”We have good reports of nice sized bass being

caught, both large mouth and spot-

ted bass,” Vitrano said. “They’re being caught at four main locations.

At the Highway 10 launch, south

of the launch in deep holes, all three

species of catfish, especially flathead and chancel cat, are being caught. Pool’s Bluff off Highway 21,


people are catching flathead, blue cat and channel cat north of the launch in deep water.”

Vitrano said the Fisherman’s Landing launch off Highway 41 at the Bogue Chitto fill and the Lock 1 launch off Highway 41 are prime spots for catching fish.

“At Fisherman’s Landing, peo-ple are catching spotted bass and largemouth bass,” Vitrano said. “At Lock 1, go north, and look for cover and structure in the water, and you’ll find large mouth and spotted bass,” Vitrano said.

“There are also three species of catfish in deeper holes,” he added. “Go out on a day when the river is clear with low water levels.”

Vitrano said people fishing on the lower Pearl have reported catching 5-pound catfish.

Local fishing enthusiast Jeff Bruhl said bass and catfish are indeed the top species hitting lines.

“Poole’s Bluff is the best spot for fishing on the Pearl in rela-tion,” Bruhl said. “They’re using topwater baits, spinnerbaits and

texas rigs. Best times to fish are early in the morning. The heat has been tough. We fished

Saturday off Highway 90 and had seven keepers all day. Usually, a limit of 12 fish is not a problem.”


Louisiana deer hunting regulationsDeer Tagging Information

Prior to hunting deer, all deer hunters, regardless of age or license status, must obtain deer tags and have them in his or her possession when hunting deer. Immediately upon harvesting a deer, the hunter must tag the deer with the appropri-ate carcass tag before it is moved from the kill site, and the hunter must document the kill on the har-vest report card portion of the deer tag license.

The hunter must record the date of kill and the parish of kill on the carcass tag. The tag must remain attached to the deer while kept at camp or while it is transported to the domicile of the hunter or to a cold storage facility. Hunters who keep the carcass or meat at camp must also comply with the game possession tag regulations. Within seven days the hunter must validate the kill using the toll free valida-tion phone number 866-484-4805 or

the web link www.la.wildlifelicense.com.

Hunters harvesting deer on Deer Management Assistance Program lands should follow the instructions provided to them by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. When deer check stations are in operation, hunters on WMAs can validate deer during mandatory deer check hunts.

Bag LimitsOne antlered and one

antlerless deer per day (when legal) except on some federal lands where the daily limit shall be one deer per day (see specific federal lands regu-lations for details). Season limit is six, not to exceed three antlered or four antlerless deer (all segments included) by all methods of take, except deer harvested on property

enrolled in DMAP will not count in the season or daily bag limit for hunters. See DMAP Regulations

(LAC 76:v.111) for more information. Antlerless deer may be harvested during entire deer season on private lands (all seg-ments included) except as specified in the deer hunt-ing schedule. Consult the deer hunting schedule for either-sex days for these parishes and areas. A legal antlered deer is a deer with at least one visible antler of hardened bony material,

broken naturally through the skin.

Hunter OrangeAny person hunting any wildlife

during the open firearms deer hunt-ing season and possessing buckshot, slugs, a primitive firearm or a cen-terfire rifle shall display on his head, chest and/or back a total of not less

than 400 square inches of “hunter orange.” Persons hunting on private-ly owned, legally posted land may wear a hunter orange cap or hat in lieu of the 400 square inches. These provisions shall not apply to persons hunting deer from elevated stands on property that is privately owned and legally posted or to archery deer hunters hunting on legally posted lands where firearm hunting is not allowed by agreement of the land-owner or lessee. However, anyone hunting deer on such lands where hunting with firearms is allowed shall be required to display the 400 square inches or a hunter orange cap or hat while walking to and from elevated stands. While a person is hunting from an elevated stand, the 400 square inches or cap or hat may be concealed. Warning: Deer hunt-ers are cautioned to watch for per-sons hunting other game or engaged in activities not requiring “hunter orange.”


Why Hunter Education?Hunter Education provides a foun-

dation for safe and responsible hunt-ing. Because of hunter education, hunting accidents have dropped significantly. Each year some 18,000 individuals graduate from a hunter education course in Louisiana. The major objectives of the hunter educa-tion program are:

• Reduce hunting accidents;• Improve the image of hunting

through ethical and responsible con-duct; and

• Promote the shooting sports.

What is taught in a Hunter Education course?

Major subjects covered are:Ethics and responsibility, wild-

life management and conservation, understanding firearms and ammu-nition, safe firearms handling and personal safety in the outdoors. Students are also required to partici-pate in a live fire exercise and suc-cessfully complete a written exam.

Who is required to take the Hunter Education course?

Act 149 of the 1984 Louisiana Legislature enacted a mandatory education requirement for any-one born on or after Sept. 1, 1969. All hunters born on or after this date must successfully complete the course in order to hunt in the State of Louisiana. Some exemptions apply. Visit www.wlf.louisiana.gov for more information.

Who can participate?Anyone can participate in the basic

student course, but only those per-sons 10 years of age or older are eligible for certification. Upon suc-cessful completion of the course, stu-dents receive a Louisiana Hunter Education Certification Card that is recognized by all states and prov-inces that require hunter education.

How much does it cost?There is no charge to attend a stan-

dard or field day hunter education course. There is a $15 fee to use the

online version of the home study course.

How do I take a Hunter Education course?

There are two ways to take a hunter education course:

• Classroom course – This method requires a student to attend 10 hours of instructions provided by a certi-fied hunter education instructor; or

• Home study – This method allows a student to take a hunter educa-tion course by studying the course material either on the internet or by CD-ROM at the students conve-nience. To complete the process stu-dents are required to attend a field day taught by a certified instructor.

Who teaches Hunter Education courses?

Courses are taught by Hunter Education staff and volunteer instructors. The majority of courses are taught by volunteers recruited from schools, law enforcement agen-cies, sporting groups and many other conservation-minded organizations.

Do I Need Bowhunter Education?Bowhunter Education cours-

es are offered through the LDWF. Although not mandatory in the State of Louisiana this course does provide a bowhunter with knowledge such as shot placement, shot selection, ani-mal recovery and other important details that will make you a more competent bowhunter. In addition, some states do require bowhunter education before bowhunting in that state. Check regulations before you hunt.

Where are hunter education courses offered?

The LDWF website provides a list-ing of both standard and home study courses.

Get smart, get safeA Hunter Safety class will be offered at

the Franklinton Fire Department on Sept. 27 and 28, 1-6 p.m. There is no cost for the course and your instructors will be Sgt. Chad Dorsett of the Franklinton Police Department and Deputy Angela Whaley of the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office.


Hunting feral hogs and other nuisance animals

JANET MCCONNAUGHEYASSOCIATED PRESS

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Feral hogs are rooting up levees and snarfing down crops all around Louisiana, but nobody’s sure exactly how much damage they’re doing. The LSU AgCenter is working to get a handle on that with a pair of surveys.

Forestry economist Shaun Tanger says he’s sending a link to a quick online survey to about a dozen groups and agencies which will forward the link to their members or contact lists.

The AgCenter also is buying a mailing list for a six-page survey that will be sent to about 3,000 randomly chosen farmers and agricultural landowners and managers for a scientifically valid survey.

Tanger says the initial, bare-bones online survey will offer a glance at the problem within months, indicating which parishes and crops have been hardest hit.

Hog damage studyHolders of a valid Louisiana

hunting license may take coy-otes, feral hogs where legal and armadillos year round during legal daylight shooting hours. The running of coyotes with dogs is prohibited in all turkey hunting areas during the open turkey season. Coyote hunt-ing is restricted to chase only when using dogs during still hunting segments of the fire-arm and archery-only season for deer. Foxes are protected quad-rupeds and may be taken only with traps by licensed trappers during the trapping season. For the remainder of the year, chase only allowed by licensed hunt-ers.

Nighttime Take of Nuisance Animals and Outlaw Quadrupeds

On private property, the land-owner or his lessee or agent with written permission and the land-

owner’s contact information in his possession, may take outlaw quadrupeds (coyotes, armadillos and feral hogs), nutria or beaver during the nighttime hours from one-half hour after official sun-set on the last day of February to one-half hour after official sun-set the last day of August of that same year. Beginning Aug. 15, 2011, the method of such taking shall be with any legal firearm and may be with or without the

aid of artificial light, infrared or laser sighting devices or night vision devices. Anyone taking part in these activities at night is required to notify the par-ish sheriff’s office 24 hours in advance of any such hunt.

Sound Suppressors — Legal Use for Take of Outlaw Quadrupeds at Night

Beginning Aug. 15, 2011, out-law quadrupeds may be taken at night using sound suppres-sors on the firearm(s) utilized. Anyone using such a weapon must have in possession a valid permit issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The use of sound suppressed weapons is restrict-ed to the take of outlaw quadru-peds, including armadillos, coy-otes and feral hogs, from March through August on private prop-erty.


The 2014 Louisiana Second Amendment Weekend Sales Tax Holiday takes place Friday, Sept. 5, through Sunday, Sept. 7.

Act 453 of the 2009 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature enacted the “Annual Louisiana Second Amendment Weekend Holiday Act” that pro-vides an exemption from state and local sales and use taxes on individuals’ purchases of firearms, ammunition and hunting supplies on the first Friday through Sunday of each September.

Purchases Eligible for Exemption

The sales tax holiday applies to all consumer purchases of fire-

arms, ammunition and hunting supplies. Firearms eligible for the sales tax exemption include shotguns, rifles, pistols, revolv-ers, or other handguns, which may be legally sold or purchased in Louisiana. Ammunition intended to be fired from a gun or firearm is eligible for the sales tax exemption. Hunting supplies are eligible for the sales tax exemption only if used for and designed for hunting. Eligible hunting supplies include:

• Animal feed that is manu-factured and marketed as being for consumption primarily by game, which can be legally hunt-ed. This does not include food for animals kept as pets;

• Apparel such as safety gear, camouflage clothing, jackets,

hats, gloves, mittens, face masks and thermal underwear manu-factured and marketed as being primarily for wear or use while hunting;

• Archery items used for hunt-ing such as bows, crossbows, arrows, quivers and shafts;

• Bags to carry game or hunt-ing gear;

• Belts that are manufactured and marketed as being primar-ily for use in hunting;

• Binoculars only if purchased to be used for hunting;

• Blinds;• Chairs to be used for hunting.

This excludes purchases by an individual of chairs or other fur-niture for household, business or other recreational use;

• Decoys;

Hunting sales tax holiday set for upcoming weekend

• Firearm, archery, and other accessories designed for hunting;

• Float tubes only if purchased to be used for hunting;

• Hearing protection gear and enhance-ments;

• Holsters;• Hunting shoes or

boots designed and used for hunting;

• Knives that are man-ufactured and market-ed as being primarily for use in hunting. This excludes the purchase of knives by an indi-vidual to be used for household, business or other recreational use;

• Miscellaneous gear that is manufactured and marketed as being primarily for use in hunting. This includes other hunting-related gear or supplies not previously listed. This excludes the purchase of toy guns and vessels or off road vehicles uti-lized as children’s toys;

• Off-road vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles designed and intended primarily for hunting. The exemp-tion does not apply to golf carts, go-carts, dirt bikes, mini-bikes, motorcycles, tractors, motor vehicles that may be legally driven on the streets and high-ways of Louisiana or heavy equipment such as cranes, forklifts, backhoes and bulldoz-ers;

• Optical equipment such as rifle scopes and impact resistant glasses for shooting;

• Range finders;• Slings;• Tools that are manu-

factured and marketed as being primarily for use in hunting;

• Tree stands; and

• Vessels such as airboats and pirogues designed and intended for hunting.

Purchases That Are Not Eligible

Consumer purchases do not include the pur-chase of animals, such as dogs. Hunting sup-plies do not include the purchase of toy guns and vessels or off road vehicles utilized as chil-dren’s toys. Firearms other than those listed are not eligible for the exemption. Purchases made by a business or for business purposes are not eligible for the sales tax exemption.

Conditions for Exemption

The following activi-ties will be eligible dur-ing the three days of the Second Amendment

Weekend Sales Tax Holiday:

• Buying and accept-ing delivery of consum-er purchases of fire-arms, ammunition and hunting supplies.

• Making final pay-ment on a consumer purchase previously placed on layaway or ordering a consumer purchase for immediate delivery, even if deliv-ery must be delayed, provided that the cus-tomer has not request-ed delayed shipment; and

• Placing consumer purchases on layaway.

Special Provisions• Purchases made

during the holiday with “rain checks” issued before the three day holiday are eligible for



the exemption, but purchases after the holiday with “rain checks” issued during the holiday are not eligible for the exemption.

• Orders for immediate shipment are eligible for exemption, even if the shipment is after the holiday, provided that the customer does not request delayed shipment.

• When a customer purchases an eligible item during the three-day holiday, returns it without addition-al cash consideration after the three-day holiday and exchanges it for an essentially identical item of different size, caliber, color or other feature, then it will be eligible for the exemp-tion.

• When a customer purchases an

item eligible for the sales tax exemp-tion during the three-day holiday, returns it after the sales tax holiday and then receives credit on the pur-chase of a different item, the sales tax is due on the purchase of the new item.

• For a 60-day period after the holi-day, dealers who issue a refund or credit for the return of merchan-dise that was eligible for the sales tax exemption during the three-day holiday can issue a refund or credit for the state and local sales tax only if the customer returning the con-sumer purchase has receipts or other documentation proving that the sales tax was actually paid on the original purchase.


Know before you goWant to check the weather and

river stages before you leave on your next fishing trip? Call the National Weather Service’s Dial A Forecast for regularly updated marine forecasts.

• Shreveport: 318-635-7575 • Lake Charles: 337-439-0000• New Orleans: 504-522-7330Also stay tuned to the NOAA

Weather Radio for up-to-the minute broadcasts.

Louisiana is known around the world as a premier sport fishing destination. The Office of Fisheries uses scientific man-agement methods to protect and enhance fish environments, habitats and other populations of aquatic species. As an angler, the decisions you make and your catch help us sustain the fisher-ies for present and future gen-erations.

Sale of recreational fish prohibited

All aquatic species caught must be for personal use only and are not to be sold or used for commercial purposes. It is illegal to buy, sell or trade any game fish.

Best practices for catch-and-release fishing

Proper fish handling tech-niques are critical for the sur-vival of your catch.

• Never play the fish to com-plete exhaustion.

• Handle the fish as little as possible and use wet hands, wet towel or wet glove.

• Avoid any contact with the gills.

• Keep the fish in the water as much as possible. Do not let the fish flop on a deck or beach.

• If you must remove the fish from the water, keep air expo-sure to a minimum.

• Use a landing net only when necessary. A soft knotless mesh or rubber net is less damaging to the fish’s eyes, fins and mucus coating (slime).

• Circle hooks, barbless hooks or hooks with crimped barb make removal easier.

• If the hook is deeply buried, cut the line as close to the hook as possible.

• Return the fish to water as quickly as possible. If it is slug-gish, gently hold it and move it forward and back to get water moving across the gills.

A fish that appears to be in poor condition probably has a low chance of survival. If legal, consider keeping that fish for consumption.


$13

$10 $10


The great outdoors begs to be explored. From week-long camping trips to spending an afternoon at the park with the kids, there’s so much to see and do during the warm weather months that it may be hard to choose where to start.

If you’re packing up for a long hik-ing trip through the mountains or taking the boat out for some after-noon fishing, be sure to include some essentials to ensure everyone is safe and has fun.

• First-aid kit – Keep one of these in your vehicle or with your camp-ing supplies. You can purchase pre-assembled kits from stores, or you can make your own. Include essen-tials like bandages, antiseptic tow-elettes, antibiotic cream, insect relief creams, gauze and an instant cold pack. Pack your first-aid kit to reflect how many people will be in your party and the duration of your time spent outdoors so you have enough.

• Sun and bug sprays – Everyone will be exposed to sun and bugs while outside, so be sure to pack bug spray and sunblock with an SPF 15 or high-er. If your outdoor adventures take you deep into the woods, consider getting insect repellent with DEET. If you’re spending time in the back-yard or on a picnic, non-DEET prod-ucts work well for families and kids. Sunblock creams and insect repel-lents will work to keep your skin pro-tected — just be sure to apply more as needed.

• Pocket knife – You never know

when a small knife, screwdriver or saw might come in handy when enjoying the outdoors. That’s why it’s always a smart idea to carry a pocketknife. The iconic Swiss Army Knife from is a great option because it contains a wide variety of use-ful tools, including a corkscrew, tweezers, screwdriver, can opener, wood saw and blades. The company’s Delemont Collection includes several new tools, including a heavy-duty nail clipper and a retractable needle nose pliers. Take a reliable pocket knife with you while camping, hik-ing, boating or on a picnic so you can open that can of baked beans or cut kindling for the campfire. To find the perfect knife, check out SwissArmy.com.

• Water purification – In most areas of the country, safe drinking water is available from water foun-tains or by purchasing bottled water in a store. However, if you’re in an area where you are unable to trans-port enough water, having water purification tablets available is a good idea. Just gather some water from a stream or lake in a container, immerse the purification tablets and let it sit for the recommended time. Make certain you pack plenty of tab-lets to purify enough water for the entire group over the duration of your trip.

With these tips, you’ll be able to ensure that everyone on your outing will be happy and comfortable while enjoying the great outdoors.

Essentials for fun in the outdoors

hunting 2014

Documents