ENROLLED
2023 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 85
BY REPRESENTATIVE MINCEY
A RESOLUTION
To urge and request the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) to assess
the potential for an experimental season allowing deer hunting with the use of dogs
on a portion of the Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area (WMA).
WHEREAS, R.S. 56:109 establishes the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission's sole
authority to establish rules and regulations pertaining to wild quadrupeds on WMAs; and
WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission to
enhance and protect wildlife habitat in the state, to ensure the protection of the natural
resources, and to preserve, protect and promote biological diversity; and
WHEREAS, additionally, it is the responsibility of the Wildlife and Fisheries
Commission to enhance, protect, and restore natural wetland and upland habitats to promote
environmental education and research; and
WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of the LDWF to enhance and promote hunting
opportunities; and
WHEREAS, certain portions of the state have enjoyed a dog hunting culture and
tradition to hunt deer as a recreational pursuit; and
WHEREAS, portions of the Maurepas Swamp WMA, prior to becoming a state
property managed by the LDWF, provided areas for some Louisiana hunters to pursue deer
with dogs; and
WHEREAS, the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission adopted regulations
restricting the use of dogs for hunting deer on Maurepas Swamp WMA; and
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Legislature of Louisiana to review the rationale
for prohibiting hunting deer with dogs on the Maruepas Swamp WMA and to determine if
any deer hunting opportunity with the use of dogs could be allowed during an experimental
season.
Page 1 of 2 HR NO. 85 ENROLLED
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby urge and request the Louisiana Department of Wildlife
and Fisheries to complete an assessment and review of the use of dogs to hunt deer on the
Maurepas Swamp WMA, including proposed hunting guidelines and proposed hunting area
and season guidelines.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a written report of the assessment and review
completed by the department, including proposed guidelines, be submitted to the House
Committee on Natural Resources and Environment and the speaker of the House of
Representatives no later than January 18, 2024.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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