HLS 23RS-691 ENGROSSED
2023 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 85
BY REPRESENTATIVE MINCEY
HUNTING/DEER: Urges and requests the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to
research, evaluate, and make recommendations relative to allowing the use of dogs
for deer hunting on the Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area
1 A RESOLUTION
2To urge and request the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) to assess
3 the potential for an experimental season allowing deer hunting with the use of dogs
4 on a portion of the Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area (WMA).
5 WHEREAS, R.S. 56:109 establishes the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission's sole
6authority to establish rules and regulations pertaining to wild quadrupeds on WMAs; and
7 WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission to
8enhance and protect wildlife habitat in the state, to ensure the protection of the natural
9resources, and to preserve, protect and promote biological diversity; and
10 WHEREAS, additionally, it is the responsibility of the Wildlife and Fisheries
11Commission to enhance, protect, and restore natural wetland and upland habitats to promote
12environmental education and research; and
13 WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of the LDWF to enhance and promote hunting
14opportunities; and
15 WHEREAS, certain portions of the state have enjoyed a dog hunting culture and
16tradition to hunt deer as a recreational pursuit; and
17 WHEREAS, portions of the Maurepas Swamp WMA, prior to becoming a state
18property managed by the LDWF, provided areas for some Louisiana hunters to pursue deer
19with dogs; and
Page 1 of 2 HLS 23RS-691 ENGROSSED
HR NO. 85
1 WHEREAS, the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission adopted regulations
2restricting the use of dogs for hunting deer on Maurepas Swamp WMA; and
3 WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Legislature of Louisiana to review the rationale
4for prohibiting hunting deer with dogs on the Maruepas Swamp WMA and to determine if
5any deer hunting opportunity with the use of dogs could be allowed during an experimental
6season.
7 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
8urge and request the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to complete an
9assessment and review of the use of dogs to hunt deer on the Maurepas Swamp WMA,
10including proposed hunting guidelines and proposed hunting area and season guidelines.
11 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a written report of the assessment and review
12completed by the department, including proposed guidelines, be submitted to the House
13Committee on Natural Resources and Environment and the speaker of the House of
14Representatives no later than January 18, 2024.
15 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
16secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
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)]
HR 85 Engrossed 2023 Regular Session Mincey
Urges and requests the La. Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries to assess the potential for an
experimental season allowing deer hunting with dogs on the Maurepas Swamp Wildlife
Management Area. Requires a written report of the assessment to be completed by the
department, including proposed guidelines, and submitted to the House Committee on
Natural Resources and Environment and the speaker of the House of Representatives by Jan.
18, 2024.
Page 2 of 2