COMPLAINT IN BAY JUNOP YIELDS DUAL VIOLATIONS

ST. JAMES MEN CITED FOR HUNTING DEER AT NIGHT

NIGHT HUNTER APPREHENDED AFTER CHASE

TWO CITED FOR HUNTING OVER BAIT IN PLAQUEMINES PARISH

AGENTS ARREST ORLEANS PARISH NIGHT HUNTERS

AGENTS CATCH SUSPECTED OYSTER THIEVES

EVANGELINE PARISH MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO NIGHT HUNTING

VERNON PARISH MAN CITED FOR ALLEN PARISH NIGHT HUNT 

RICHLAND PARISH MAN ARRESTED FOR OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE IN WILDLIFE CASE

RICHLAND PARISH NIGHT HUNTERS CITED 

HI-TECH NIGHT HUNTER CITED 

IBERVILLE PARISH MEN ARRESTED FOR NIGHT HUNTING

W.M.A. HUNTER CITED FOR BAIT VIOLATION

TWO ST. BERNARD MEN CAUGHT IN NIGHT HUNTING VIOLATION

OYSTER FISHERMEN CITED FOR VIOLATING STATE SANITARY CODE IN ST. BERNARD PARISH

Wildlife and Fisheries Agents Take Down "Operation Red Hook"

L.D.W.F. BACK IN BOURG FOR LICENSE SALES

DEER HUNTERS TAKE TO WOODS WITH MODERN FIREARMS

COMMERCIAL RED SNAPPER SEASON TO CLOSE DECEMBER 7 IN STATE AND FEDERAL WATERS

COMMISSION ESTABLISHES RECREATIONAL SPOTTED SEATROUT REGULATION FOR
CALCASIEU LAKE, SABINE LAKE, AND SURROUNDING AREAS

COMMISSION AUTHORIZES SECRETARY TO RE-OPEN COMMERCIAL RED SNAPPER SEASON IF NECESSARY 

COMPLAINT IN BAY JUNOP YIELDS DUAL VIOLATIONS

 Two Houma men were cited on December 28 for allegedly taking oysters 
from Bay Junop, where oyster harvesting is prohibited.  Louisiana Department 
of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Sergeant Bryan Marie, assigned to 
the Oyster Strike Force, responded to a report of boats taking oysters from 
the bay during the closed season on the seed ground. The season ended on 
the last day of October. 

Two boats were found dredging oysters in the west Terrebonne seed ground.
The captains of the vessels were identified as Mario Gomez, 31, and Miguel
Torres, 29, both of Houma.  Further investigation led to sanitary code
violations ranging from not completing harvester logbook information to
misrepresenting the area of harvest. 

 The oysters were seized and returned to the water. 
 The penalty for taking oysters during closed season is a fine of not 
more than $300, jail for not more than 60 days, or both, plus court costs.
The penalty for violating the sanitary code is a fine of $25 or imprisonment
for not more than 10 days, or both, for the first offense and loss of oysters.

ST. JAMES MEN CITED FOR HUNTING DEER AT NIGHT

 On December 13, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement
Division agents cited two St. James Parish men for allegedly hunting deer
during illegal hours.  According to agents, Michael Pierre, 44, and Jeffery M. Rodrigue, 20, 
both of St. James, were seen at 11:30 p.m. on Hwy 3127 in a sedan.  Noting 
that the vehicle was strangely driving back and forth along the highway, and
having seen deer feeding earlier in the same area, the agents became
suspicious. Their suspicions were confirmed when the car pulled to the side
of the highway and a firearm was discharged from the vehicle in the
direction of the deer.

 The vehicle was stopped and the two were cited for hunting deer during
illegal hours, hunting deer from a public road, hunting from a moving
vehicle, and hunting on Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) lands
without permission. A 12-gauge shotgun loaded with buckshot was seized. 

 The penalty for hunting deer during illegal hours is a fine of up to $950,
jail for up to 120 days, or both, plus court costs. Hunting from a moving
vehicle is punishable by a fine of up to $500, or jail for not more than 90
days, or both, plus court costs. Hunting deer from a public road and hunting
on DMAP lands without permission both carry fines of up to $350, jail for
not more than 60 days, or both, plus court costs. In addition, anything
seized in connection with these violations may be forfeited. 
 Agents participating in the case were Senior Agents Jamie Folse and 
Aron Hastings.

NIGHT HUNTER APPREHENDED AFTER CHASE 

On December 14, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement
Division agents, working with deputies from the St. John Parish Sheriff's
Office, apprehended a Wallace man for allegedly hunting during illegal hours.
 Deputies allegedly saw Raymond Groves, 35, of Wallace, using a headlight to
hunt rabbits behind the Mississippi River levee near Wallace at about 2:30
in the morning. Wildlife enforcement agents were called to assist. After 
initially providing false information as to his identity, Groves attempted
to flee, and after a brief pursuit, was apprehended by the wildlife agents
in a wooded area behind the levee.  

The agents seized a 12-gauge shotgun, 11 shotgun shells and a headlight. A
rabbit was also seized and donated.  Groves was arrested and booked into the
St. John Parish Jail. The offenses include hunting wild quadrupeds during
illegal hours, resisting an officer, flight from an officer, misrepresentation during the 
issuance of a misdemeanor, and contempt of court.  

 The penalty for hunting wild quadrupeds during illegal hours is a fine of up
to $500, up to 90 days in jail, or both, plus court costs. The penalties for
flight from an officer, resisting an officer and misrepresentation during
booking are fines of up to $500, jail for not more than 180 days, or both,
for each conviction.

 Agents participating in the case were Sgt. Davis Madere, Senior Agents 
Aron Hastings,  Jamie Folse, and Agent Jason Romero.

TWO CITED FOR HUNTING OVER BAIT IN PLAQUEMINES PARISH

 Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents
have cited two south Louisiana men for federal migratory waterfowl
violations. On December 13, citations were issued to Huey Gonzales Jr, 52,
of Violet, and Ronald Gerard Becnel, 52, of Braithwaite, for allegedly
hunting migratory game birds over a baited area after the agents watched the
duo shoot and kill ducks over a pond in Plaquemines Parish. The pond was
baited with several varieties of grain.  

 After receiving an anonymous complaint that a pond in the Scarsdale area had
been baited in anticipation of the opening day of the second split of the
duck season, wildlife agents investigated the complaint and found grain in
the pond. Samples were taken and surveillance planned for the area on
opening morning. After witnessing the hunt, the agents issued federal
citations for the bait violation. Several ducks were seized including teal
and scaup. One gallinule was also seized. 

 The penalties for hunting migratory game birds over bait are fines of up to
$15,000 and up to six months in jail. Community service and probation with
loss of hunting privileges may also be imposed for up to five years. 

 Agents participating on the case were Lt. Allen Adam, Sgt. Scott Keller, and
Senior Agents Kris Bourgeois, Todd Laviollette, Rachel Zechenelly, and Jason
Gernados.  

AGENTS ARREST ORLEANS PARISH NIGHT HUNTERS

 Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents
arrested two St.  Bernard Parish men on December 21 for alleged night
hunting violations. Matthew J. Scallon, 18, and Nathaniel Hebert, 18, both
of Chalmette were arrested and booked into the Orleans Parish Prison. 
 The agents were investigating reported illegal night hunting activity near
Chef Menteur Highway when they heard a shot close to their location. 
When they arrived at the location of the shooting, Scallon and Hebert were found
loading a deer into the bed of a pickup truck.  A twelve-gauge shotgun was
also discovered. The deer, shotgun, and truck were seized as evidence.  The
deer was later donated to charity.  

 Each subject was charged with hunting from a moving vehicle, hunting deer
from a public road, taking deer during illegal hours, and taking illegal
deer (doe) during open season.  Because Orleans Parish is closed to all
hunting, both subjects were also charged with taking deer in a closed area.
In addition to the criminal charges, each subject was cited for violating
Parish Ordinance 54:336.A, illegal discharge of a firearm in Orleans Parish.
Each subject was also issued a civil citation for the restitution value of
the deer.

 Hunting from a moving vehicle carries a fine up to $500, imprisonment for
not more than 90 days, or both, plus court costs. Hunting deer from a public
road has a fine up to $350, imprisonment for not more than 60 days, or both,
plus court costs. Taking deer during illegal hours and taking deer in a
closed area are both punishable by fines of up to $950, imprisonment for not
more than 120 days, or both, plus court costs and forfeiture of anything
seized. Taking illegal deer (doe) during an open season has a fine up to
$750 and imprisonment for not more than 30 days.  The court sets the penalty
for the parish ordinance violation.  The restitution penalty for the illegal
deer is approximately $530. 

 Agents participating in the investigation were Sgt. Glen Jackson, and Sr.
Agents Eddie Skena, Kris Bourgeois, and Rachel Zechenelly.

AGENTS CATCH SUSPECTED OYSTER THIEVES

 On December 12, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement
Division agents issued citations to Thu Nguyen, 43 of Empire, Trong Quang
Tran, 42 of Harvey, Dinh X. Nguyen, 36 of Buras, Kiet T. Le, 37 of Buras,
and Tam M Vu, 34 of Buras, for alleged oyster violations. They were each
cited for taking oysters from an unapproved (polluted) area, unlawfully
taking oysters from a private lease, and failure to have written permission
to harvest oysters on the private lease. The taking oysters in a closed area
located in near Quarantine Bay in Plaquemines Parish had been reported to
enforcement agents.

 Three boats manned by the group were seen dredging for oysters in the area
described in the complaint.  The area was closed to oyster fishing by the
Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals due to high bacteria counts.
The agents confirmed one of the boats was taking oysters from a private
lease and that the men did not have permission to harvest oysters from the
lease.  Citations were issued to the men and the dredges were seized from
each vessel.  All of the oysters were returned to the water. 

 The violations of taking oysters from an unapproved area and failing to have
written permission are both punishable by a fine of up to $750, jail for not
more than 120 days, or both.  The penalty for unlawfully taking oysters from
a private lease is a fine of up to $950, jail for not more than 120 days, or both.   

Agents participating on the case were Senior Agents Todd Laviolette and Michael Garrity.

EVANGELINE PARISH MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO NIGHT HUNTING

 On December 11, Jimmy Don Bolfa, 44, of Ville Platte pled guilty to hunting
wild quadrupeds during illegal hours.  Judge John Larry Vidrine of the 13th
Judicial District Court sentenced Bolfa to pay a fine of $500 plus $121.50 in court costs. 
 Judge Vidrine suspended a six-month jail sentence and ordered Bolfa placed
on six months of supervised probation, with a fee of $30 per month, followed
by 18 months of unsupervised probation. Bolfa's hunting privileges were
revoked for two years. In addition, a .22-magnum caliber rifle and a
spotlight were forfeited to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division.

 Wildlife enforcement agents cited Bolfa on September 18, 2003 in the Chicot
area. He was stopped as he exited the woods east of Hwy 167 North, and
further investigation revealed that Bolfa had been hunting over a food plot during illegal hours.  

 Agents participating in the case were Senior Agents Scott Fontenot and Steve Vidrine.  

VERNON PARISH MAN CITED FOR ALLEN PARISH NIGHT HUNT 

 Travis W. Nolen, 21, of Pitkin was cited on December 4 for allegedly hunting
deer at night with an artificial light, hunting from a moving vehicle,
hunting from a public road and hunting deer with an illegal weapon.
 Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Senior Agent Joey
James cited Nolen at 10 p.m. for the offenses, after stopping him for
shining a spotlight from a pickup truck. Nolen was shining the spotlight in
a timber cutover area along Highway 112, west of Elizabeth. A .22-magnum
rifle with scope, seven live cartridges and a hand held spotlight were seized.  

The penalty for hunting deer during illegal hours or with artificial light
is a fine of up to $950, jail for not more than 120 days, or both, plus
court costs and forfeiture of anything seized.  The violations of hunting
from a moving vehicle, hunting from a public road, and hunting deer with an
illegal weapon each carry a fine of up to $350, jail for not more than 60
days, or both, plus court costs.

RICHLAND PARISH MAN ARRESTED FOR OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE IN WILDLIFE CASE

 Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Agents have
served a warrant and arrested Michael W. Collins, 46, of Rayville, for
obstruction of justice.  The December 15 arrest resulted from Collins's
alleged battery of a witness who provided information to wildlife
enforcement agents. The information provided by the witness led to charges
being filled against Collins for killing an illegal deer during the open season.  

 Collins was booked into the Richland Parish Correctional Facility with a
bond set at $10,000.  The penalty for retaliating against a witness for
providing information, or aid, relating to the commission of a crime is a
felony and carries a fine of not more than $10,000, imprisonment for not
more than five years, with or without hard labor, or both.

 Agents involved in the investigation were Senior Agents Brian Rawls, Billy
Richardson, James Hagan, and Joe Chandler Jr.

RICHLAND PARISH NIGHT HUNTERS CITED 

Two Richland Parish residents, Clint E. Roberts, 23, of Baskin and a
15-year-old juvenile were cited on December 11, by Louisiana Department of
Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Agent Brian Rawls. They were cited for
allegedly hunting deer during illegal hours, hunting from a moving vehicle
and hunting from a public road.  The pair was seen hunting at night in the
vicinity of Highway 132 near Hatch Bridge in Richland Parish.   A spotlight
was shining from the vehicle as it traveled along the road.  The two were
found in possession of a loaded .22-caliber rifle.  The rifle and a
spotlight were both seized in conjunction with the case.  

The penalty for hunting deer during illegal hours is a fine of up to $950,
jail for not more than 120 days, or both, plus court costs and forfeiture of
seized items.  Hunting from a moving vehicle is punishable by a fine of up
to $500, jail for not more than 90 days, or both, plus court costs.  The
penalty for hunting deer from a public road is a fine of up to $350, jail
for not more than 60 days, or both, plus court costs.

HI-TECH NIGHT HUNTER CITED 

An anonymous tip led to citations for illegal hunting and the seizure of
"hi-tech" archery equipment on December 12 in East Baton Rouge Parish. 
Brad L. Bowman, 49, of Baker, was cited for hunting deer during illegal
hours and hunting deer by illegal methods.Late on the night of December 
12, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agent
Jason Dreher found Bowman in a deer stand with a bow and arrows. The bow
was equipped with a laser sight and a flashlight. Both could be operated by push
buttons installed on the bow at the grip. It is illegal to hunt deer from one-half hour after sunset 
until one-half hour before sunrise. It is also illegal to bow hunt with a laser sight 
or any device which projects a beam of light to the target or illuminates the
target. The bow with illegal attachments was seized and Bowman was issued citations
for the alleged violations.Hunting deer during illegal hours carries a penalty of fines of not more
than $950, up to 120 days in jail, or both plus court costs.  Hunting deer
by illegal methods or with illegal gear is punishable by fines of up to $500 fine, up to 90 days in jail, 
or both plus court costs.  

  
IBERVILLE PARISH MEN ARRESTED FOR NIGHT HUNTING

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents
arrested three Iberville Parish men on December 8 for alleged night hunting
violations.  The three were cited for hunting deer during illegal hours with
artificial light, hunting from a moving vehicle and hunting from a public
road. Arrested were Roger Anthony Brigalia Jr., 25, Clifton J. Young, 30, and John
M. Ganaway, 27, all of Plaquemine.  The men were booked into the Iberville
Parish jail for the alleged violations after agents apprehended them with a
doe deer. A .22-caliber rifle and the doe deer were seized in connection
with the case.  The deer was donated to charity. The penalty for hunting deer during
illegal hours with artificial light is a fine of up to $950, jail for not more than 120 days, 
or both, plus court costs and forfeiture of anything seized.The violations of hunting from 
a public road and hunting from a moving vehicle each carry a fine of up to $500, jail for 
not more than 90 days, or both, plus court costs. The men were each assessed civil restitution 
for the deer, which has been set at $524.54. Participating in the case were Sergeant 
Ronald Hebert and Senior Agents Jerry Stassi and Jordan Bayham.

W.M.A. HUNTER CITED FOR BAIT VIOLATION

 Ronald J. Gautreaux, 53, of St. Amant was cited by Louisiana Department of
Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents on Sherburne Wildlife
Management Area on November 29 for allegedly not abiding by rules and
regulations on a WMA by baiting deer.

 On the morning of November 29, agents were tipped by hunters that someone
had distributed whole kernel corn in a food plot and may have been hunting
over it.  It is unlawful place bait or hunt deer with the aid of bait on a
wildlife management area.  The corn was located and later that evening
Gautreaux was found hunting deer at the site. He was cited for the offense.

 The penalty for not abiding by rules and regulations on a W.M.A. is a fine
of up to $350, jail for up to 60 days, or both, plus court costs.
 Agents participating in the case were Sgt. Brad Garon and Sr. Agent Cliff
Ortis. 

TWO ST. BERNARD MEN CAUGHT IN NIGHT HUNTING VIOLATION

 On December 2, enforcement agents from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife
and Fisheries cited two men for allegedly hunting nutria during illegal
hours and with the use of artificial lights. 
 
The agents saw Kimmie Serigne Jr., 22, and David Anthony Blanchard, 20, both
of St. Bernard, spotlighting and shooting nutria from pirogues in an area of
marsh near the fishing community of Delacroix Island in St. Bernard Parish.
At the end of the illicit hunt, the two were stopped and 31 dead nutria were
found in their possession. Both were cited for hunting wild quadrupeds
during illegal hours. The nutria, two pirogues, two .22-caliber rifles and
two headlights with batteries were seized.

 The penalty for hunting wild quadrupeds during illegal hours is a fine 
of up to $500, imprisonment for not more than 90 days, or both, plus court costs.
 Agents participating in the investigation were Sgt. Scot Keller, Sr. Agent
Todd Laviolette and Capt. Brian Clark.

OYSTER FISHERMEN CITED FOR VIOLATING STATE SANITARY CODE IN ST. BERNARD PARISH
 Three men were cited on November 21 for alleged violations of the state
sanitary code specific to oysters.  Louisiana Department of Wildlife and
Fisheries Enforcement Division agents assigned to LDWF's Oyster Strike Force
investigated log books held on oyster vessels near Karako Bay in St. Bernard
Parish.  They found three vessels had oysters from the previous day on board
and were exceeding a 24-hour time limit for holding oysters before placing
them under refrigeration.  Captains of the vessels were identified as Jace
Michael Sirgo, 24, Conrad C Wiegand, 36, Jose Luis Ramos, 39, all of St.
Bernard. 

 State sanitary code regulations require oysters for shucking or serving on
the half shell must be refrigerated within 24 hours from the time harvest
begins during the month of November. The oysters in violation were seized and 
returned to the water.  The three captains were cited for violating the State Sanitary Code.
 The penalty for violating the sanitary code is a fine of $25 and loss of oysters.
 Agents participating in the case were Sgt. Stephen McManus and Sgt. Bryan
Marie.

 Wildlife and Fisheries Agents Take Down "Operation Red Hook"
 Colonel Winton Vidrine, chief of the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Law
Enforcement Division revealed today, December 8, 2003, the details of a
sixteen-month undercover investigation of illegal fish transactions.  The
investigation involved over 40 restaurants and several wholesale/retail
seafood dealers alleged to have illegally purchased red fish, red snapper
and other recreational fish from undercover agents posing as recreational
fishermen.

 Agents charged chefs, restaurant owners, managers and seafood dealers with
over 300 violations of Louisiana law designed to protect, conserve and
manage our states valuable fishery resources. 

 "Operation Red Hook, involved several undercover agents posing as
recreational fisherman selling their fish to restaurants throughout south
Louisiana, Vidrine said." During the investigation businesses purchased over
17,000 pounds of fish including 9,722 pounds of red fish, 1,551 pounds of
red snapper, 1,001 pounds of spotted seatrout and various other species,
which may not be sold by or purchased from recreational fishermen.  
 "The operation was limited to our availability of fish and identifies the
need to increase and maintain adequate enforcement efforts in this area,"
Vidrine added.

 Violations alleged to have been committed during the operation include not
having wholesale/retail seafood dealers licenses, failing to maintain
records, failing to report fisheries information, buying fish from
unlicensed fishermen, purchasing game fish "red drum", purchasing spotted
seatrout during closed season and from un-permitted fishermen, violating
interstate commerce regulations and violating commission rules and
regulations for red snapper, grouper, and cobia.  Penalties for each
transaction may carry fines up to $1,000, 6 months imprisonment and loss of
licenses to operate for license year and one year thereafter.

 Charged in the "Operation Red Hook" are the following:
In Orleans parish were, Willis Harwood, 64, of New Orleans, John Tran, 39,
of New Orleans, Che Thi Tran, 52, of New Orleans, Pak Y. Ng, 59, of
Metairie, La P. Tran, 43, of New Orleans,  Rose Mary Cristina, 50, of New
Orleans, Salvadore Christina, 54, of Metairie, Tuat T. Nguyen, 45, of New
Orleans, Hoa Nguyen 27, of New Orleans, Joel Diejoia, 60, of Chalmette, Lisa
Nguyen, 44, of New Orleans,  Cheng Chiu,41, of Metairie, Din Yu Kong, 49, of
New Orleans, Tan Duy Pham, 40, of Terrytown and Paggy Y. Lee, 56, of Metairie.
 In East Baton Rouge Parish were, Isaias Gomez, 37 of Baton Rouge, Mohammed
A. Akasha, 41, of Baton Rouge, Ngoc T. Nguyen, 39, of Baton Rouge, John Chi
Sai Ng, 53, of Baton Rouge, Cai Yu Tan, 32, of Baton Rouge, Cui Qin Situ,
33, of Baton Rouge, Yiyou Ren, 46, of Baker, Kwok Nuen Wong, 56, of Baton
Rouge, Feng Chen, 40, of Baton Rouge. 
 In Jefferson Parish were, Irene Yu, 52, of Metairie, Shaolin Lin, 47, of
Metairie, Man Li, 34, of Kenner, Shu Zen Wong, 40, of Metairie, Ming Wai Ng,
31, of Metairie, Julia Kuan Ieong, 53, of Kenner, Shu Wong, 45, of Metairie,
Yong, Z. Huang, 54, of Metairie. 
 In Plaquemines Parish were, Van Cam Thai, 43, of Belle Chase and Nancy M.
Tran, 49, of Harvey. 

 James H. Jenkins, Jr., Secretary of the Department of Wildlife and
Fisheries, said, "I am pleased with the results of this investigation.
Enforcement of wildlife and fisheries regulations is a primary
responsibility of this agency. We must ensure our enforcement mission is
fulfilled."  

 The investigation is ongoing and more charges are expected in the near
future.  Agents of region 6, 7, 8, 9 and the Special Investigations Unit
participated in the operation.
 

L.D.W.F. BACK IN BOURG FOR LICENSE SALES
 A small contingent from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
Licensing Section will descend on Bourg once again.  The department 
will be offering commercial fishing licenses out of their small field office 
for the fifth time from December 2 until December 4.  The department is 
visiting the south Louisiana community in order to allow commercial fishermen to 
renew or purchase licenses for the upcoming season without having to travel to 
Baton Rouge.

 The licenses will be sold out of the field office located at 468 Texas 
Gulf Road.  The office will be open from 8:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. each day.
Cash, cashier's checks and money orders will be the only accepted 
methods of payment.  Fishermen are asked to bring their renewal notices when they 
come to purchase their licenses.  Licenses can still be renewed through the 
mail with an expected seven-day turnaround.

DEER HUNTERS TAKE TO WOODS WITH MODERN FIREARMS
The Thanksgiving holidays have passed, and the hectic Christmas shopping
season has begun.  But for Louisiana deer hunters, a more important season
begins on December 6.  Saturday marks the opening of modern firearms dog
hunting season for four of the state's eight deer hunting regions.  Regions
1, 2, 6, and 8 will open for deer hunting with or without dogs.  Region 7's
season opened on December 1.

 While all eight regions opened to modern firearms without dogs (or "still
hunting") in October or November, this is the last remaining variation of
the deer season to open.  It is important to remember, however, that in
Regions 3, 4, and 5, dog hunting is not allowed.  Region 3 covers most of
the southwest corner of the state, while Regions 4 and 5 are small areas in
the northeast.

 Hunters stalking their prey on one of the state's wildlife management areas
need to verify the season dates for their particular area.  Some WMAs have
individual season dates and regulations.

The cool air that has come to the state will attract many hunters to the
woods this month.  The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries would
like to remind all hunters of the regulations that are in place to help
conserve the state's valuable resources and to protect its hunters.  Anyone
with questions regarding season dates, limits or regulations should check
the 2003-2004  Louisiana Hunting Seasons and Wildlife Management Area
Regulations pamphlet produced by the department.  It may be found at any
license vendor or by contacting the department.  It is also available for
downloading from the LDWF website, www.wlf.state.la.us, under "Departmental
Publications."

COMMERCIAL RED SNAPPER SEASON TO CLOSE DECEMBER 7 IN STATE AND FEDERAL
WATERS

 The fall commercial red snapper season will close at noon on December 7.
The decision was made by Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
Secretary James H. Jenkins Jr., as authorized by the Louisiana Wildlife and
Fisheries Commission.

 Jenkins acted following notification by the National Marine Fisheries
Service that the federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico will be closed for the
commercial harvest of red snapper on December 7, when the commercial red
snapper quota for the fall season is projected to be filled, and that the
season closure is necessary to prevent overfishing of the species.

All commercial harvest, purchase, barter, trade, sale or attempts to
purchase, barter, trade or sell red snapper are prohibited until noon
February 1, 2004, the date set for the opening of the spring season.  The
prohibition on the sale or purchase of red snapper during the closure does
not apply to red snapper harvested, landed ashore and sold prior to the
effective date of the closure and held in cold storage by a dealer or
processor, provided appropriate records are maintained, in accordance with
state law (Louisiana Revised Statutes 56:306.5 and 56:306.6).
  

COMMISSION ESTABLISHES RECREATIONAL SPOTTED SEATROUT REGULATION FOR
CALCASIEU LAKE, SABINE LAKE, AND SURROUNDING AREAS

A declaration of emergency to modify regulations for recreationally
harvested spotted seatrout was issued by the Louisiana Wildlife and
Fisheries Commission. The new regulation establishes a five fish limit to
the number of fish greater than 25 inches that can be harvested for
Calcasieu Lake, Sabine Lake, and surrounding areas. The rule will go into
effect 12:01 am, Monday, December 29, 2003 and reads as follows: 

Except as provided in R.S.56:325.1, no person shall possess, regardless of where
taken, more than five (5) spotted seatrout exceeding twenty-five inches
(25") total length, within those areas of the state, including coastal
territorial waters, south of Interstate 10 from its junction at the
Texas-Louisiana boundary eastward to its junction with Louisiana Highway
171, south to Highway 14, and then south to Holmwood, and then south on
Highway 27 through Gibbstown south to Louisiana Highway 82 at Creole and
south on Highway 82 to Oak Grove, and then due south to the western shore of
the Mermentau River, following this shoreline south to the junction with the
Gulf of Mexico, and then due south to the limit of the state territorial
sea. 

The spotted seatrout exceeding twenty-five inches (25") in length shall
be considered as part of the 25 fish daily recreational bag and possession
limits. The existing size restriction requiring all spotted seatrout
retained to be at least 12 inches remains unchanged. This emergency
regulation is in effect for 120 days.

COMMISSION AUTHORIZES SECRETARY TO RE-OPEN COMMERCIAL RED SNAPPER 
SEASON IF NECESSARY

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Commission authorized the
Secretary of the Department, through declaration of emergency, to re-open
and close the commercial red snapper season outside of the season framework
established at the January 2003 Commission meeting.  The Secretary may
re-open or close the season in Louisiana state waters if he is informed by
the Regional Administrator of the National Marine Fisheries Service that the
season dates for the commercial harvest of red snapper in the federal waters
of the Gulf of Mexico have been modified to re-open and close after noon
December 7, 2003 and that the Regional Administrator of NMFS requests that
the season be modified in Louisiana state waters.