DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 278 Original 2016 Regular Session Bagley
Abstract: Provides for permits, licenses, authorities, and notifications required to take certain
outlaw quadrupeds.
Present law authorizes the secretary of the Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries to direct any enforcement
agent or reputable citizen of this state to take and dispose of wild birds or wild quadrupeds that have
been so destructive to private property as to be a nuisance. Proposed law retains present law.
Present law authorizes the La. Wildlife and Fisheries Commission to promulgate rules and
regulations to permit taking and disposal of such wild birds or wild quadrupeds. Any person
authorized to take any outlaw quadruped or outlaw bird under present law shall be exempt from
obtaining any other permits or licenses while engaged in taking such animals and may do so by use
of aircraft. The rules shall prohibit the sale of any part of the animal.
Proposed law requires that any permit license issued or authority given pursuant to present law
authorizing the taking of depredating outlaw quadrupeds shall be valid for an undetermined term.
However, the permit, license, or authority shall be revoked upon conviction of any hunting or
trapping violation.
Present law allows taking of outlaw quadrupeds, nutria, and beaver on private property at night by
the landowner or lessee or agent with written permission and the landowner's contact information
on his person. Such taking is limited to the period of time from the last day of Feb. to the last day
of Aug. each year. Taking may be with or without the aid of artificial light, infrared or laser sighting
devices, or night vision devices. Proposed law retains present law.
Present law requires notification to the sheriff by any person attempting to take outlaw quadrupeds
on private property at night within 24 hours prior to the attempted taking.
Proposed law retains the notification requirement, but removes the requirement that the notification
be within 24 hours prior to the attempted taking.
(Amends R.S. 56:116.1(D)(2), Adds R.S. 56:112(C))