Rabbits in the Slip

By Sr. Agent Eddie Skena

Have you ever noticed when people first meet each other that one of the first questions asked is; what do you do for a living? Personally, I love to see the expression on the face of a new acquaintance when I tell them I am a Wildlife Enforcement Agent in the New Orleans area. After the initial quizzical look, most people ask if there really is any wildlife that close to the city. You can imagine the disbelief when I tell them that the New Orleans area is one of the best venues for hunting and fishing in South Louisiana.

Like many other areas of Louisiana, New Orleans has healthy populations of large and small game as well as excellent off shore, tidal salt marsh, and fresh water estuary systems that can accommodate the most demanding anglers. Unfortunately, this area also has its share of those individuals who choose to not abide by the laws that help sustain these healthy populations of wildlife. These individuals keep the Enforcement Agents from Region Eight busy throughout the year.

On January 13, 2002, Agents Mike Etheridge, Billy Vosbein, and I were scheduled to work an area of Orleans Parish that is a closed to all hunting. The patrol was almost over without incident when we heard several shots from an area known as the Michoud Slip. The Michoud Slip is a dead end, industrial canal that branches off of the Intercoastal Waterway. Because of the diverse vegetation, the area surrounding the Michoud Slip is a perfect habitat for rabbits. When we heard the shots, we knew there was a group of hunters in the Slip hunting rabbits. A concrete wall that is approximately ten feet high with ladders spaced about every two hundred yards apart surrounds the end of the Slip. We decided to use these ladders to access and observe the area. Once we were in position on the wall, we called Agent Kris Bourgeois to assist. When we identified ourselves to the hunting party, several of the men fled the scene. Agent Vosbein stayed with the portion of the party that did not run while Agent Etheridge and I attempted to locate the other subjects. After a brief effort to locate those who fled, Agent Etheridge and I apprehended the violators without incident.

The hunting party consisted of eight New Orleans men who were all charged with Failure to Abide by Commission Rules- hunting in a closed area. Four of the men were also charged with hunting with an unplugged gun and three men were assessed civil penalties. The agents seized eight shotguns and fifty-one rabbits from the violators.

If you are planning to make a hunting or fishing trip to south Louisiana, look into some of the areas surrounding New Orleans. The area has some excellent guide services as well as a number of state owned wildlife management areas that are open to the public. Just remember that it is your responsibility to know the law. If you are unsure of the law or if you have any questions, contact the local Region office.