Louisiana Taking Steps To Ensure Hunting Heritage Lives On
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Louisiana Taking Steps To Ensure Hunting Heritage Lives On





Louisiana sportsmen are urged to ask Gov. Kathleen Blanco to sign two bills that will help ensure the future of hunting in the state.

Senate Bill 30, a bill that will ensure no net loss of hunting opportunities on state hunting and fishing areas, has been approved by the legislature and sent to Gov. Blanco. Under the bill, the state will be required to open compensatory hunting land if an area is closed to the sport.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Joe McPherson, D-Woodworth, passed the Senate on April 25 by a vote of 37 to 0. The House of Representatives approved the bill with amendments on June 15 by a vote of 97-0. The Senate accepted the changes.

In addition to protecting hunting lands, Sen. McPherson also sponsored legislation to help stimulate hunter recruitment.

Senate Bill 329 would allow the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to create a special hunting license that will allow people 17 years and over to hunt for 30 days prior to completing hunter education, as long as they are accompanied in the field by a licensed hunter.

On May 16, SB 329 unanimously passed the Senate, 38-0. The House of Representatives approved the “try before you buy” measure by a vote of 98-0 on June 12. It awaits Gov. Blanco’s signature, and will become law in 20 days if she does not sign or veto it.

Such hunter recruitment efforts are very important. According to the Youth Hunting Report, a national study on hunter retention conducted by the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, National Wild Turkey Federation and National Shooting Sports Foundation, Louisiana replaces only 42 hunters for every 100 that leave the sport. Senate Bill 329 is a good first step toward revitalizing sportsmen’s numbers. The USSA supports the concept and encourages the passage of SB 329 and similar bills in other states.

Take Action! Louisiana sportsmen should encourage the governor to sign SB 30 and SB 329. Explain that these bills help ensure the future of hunting in Louisiana by protecting public hunting lands and encouraging newcomers to get involved in the sport. Contact Gov. Blanco at (225) 342-7015 or use the Legislative Action Center at www.ussportsmen.org.

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