February 4, 2009
Deer-dog hunting changes in Kisatchie considered
Town Talk staff
Possible changes are being considered to the deer-dog season within the Kisatchie National Forest, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
The Forest Service is discussing possible changes with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries because of complaints received about deer-dog hunting.
Some hunters are worried that there will be a ban on deer-dog hunting in the Kisatchie National Forest. They have invited the public to attend a Feb. 21 meeting in Dry Prong about the issue.
The meeting is set for 4 p.m. Feb. 21 at the Woodmen of the World Lodge in Dry Prong.
For more information on the meeting, call Trent Hollingsworth at (318) 899-1444.
Forest Service officials and sheriff's offices annually receive a number of complaints about deer dogs crossing onto private property, which can conflict with private landowners and other forest users, according to a news release from the Forest Service.
Private land lessees who attempt to manage deer herds with food plots and supplemental feeding complain when dogs leave national forestland and enter private leases, the release stated. "Illegal and dangerous activities concerning shooting from and across roads has concerned Forest Service and Wildlife and Fisheries law enforcement officers for years as they have often observed reckless driving concerning dog hunters attempting to 'cut off' the deer," the release stated.
The Wildlife and Fisheries Commission last year considered closing dog-deer season within Kisatchie, but doing so would be a "very difficult decision because dog-deer hunters without leases would have no place else to go," according to the release.
"However, complaints and safety concerns continue to increase," the release said. The Forest Service release said the agency is "committed to providing hunting opportunities within the national forestlands. There are no plans to significantly change other hunting seasons."
Kisatchie National Forest is recommending a state change to regulations regarding free-ranging dogs when hunting season is not open. The Forest Service is recommending limiting the number of days that dogs beyond voice command can be trained, according to the release.
"Allowing free-ranging dogs throughout the year can negatively affect the behavior and welfare of deer and other wildlife," the news release said.
Anyone with questions or concerns can call Forest Service public affairs and recreation staff officer Jim Caldwell at (318) 473-7160 or e-mail him at
jcaldwell@fs.fed.us.
Deer-dog hunting changes in Kisatchie considered
