CWD Rules Changing for Louisiana Deer Hunters
During the April 3rd meeting of the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, there was somewhat of an eerie feeling of fear and uncertainty, however commissioners have a plan to combat this feeling.
It was during this meeting that the commission discussed their response to the discovery of a confirmed positive case of CWD (Chronic Wasting Disease) in a wild whitetail deer harvested by a hunter in Catahoula Parish.
This is the first CWD confirmed positive case of in a wild deer outside of Tensas Parish. CWD was first detected in Louisiana in 2022. The latest positive brings the total number of CWD detections for Louisiana to 40.
According to LDWF:
CWD is a neurodegenerative disease of white-tailed deer and other members of the family Cervidae. It is caused by a prion, an infectious, misfolded protein particle, and is 100-percent fatal. There is no treatment or preventative vaccine for CWD. CWD-infected deer may exhibit signs of weight loss and emaciation, salivation, frequent drinking and urination, incoordination, circling, lack of fear of people, and always results in the death of the animal.
Staying consistent with LDWF's CWD protocols, due to this new case, the commission has approved a Declaration of Emergency (DE) and Notice of Intent (NOI) to expand the Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Control Area in northeast central Louisiana beginning May 1.
The Proposed Addition To The CWD Control Area Would Include 4 More Parishes
The newly proposed area would include a 25-mile radius from the Catahoula index case and would include portions of Caldwell, Richland, La Salle and Catahoula parishes.
All of Tensas Parish and portions of East Carroll, Madison, Franklin and Concordia parishes were included in the original control area. In addition, the control area will be expanded in Franklin and Concordia parishes.
The Declaration of Emergency prohibits the baiting and supplemental feeding of deer. Transport of deer carcasses outside of the control area also is prohibited except for the specific parts listed, or by permit for purposes of taxidermy.
The DE is a temporary action that will become effective May 1 and remain in effect for a period of 180 days or until the NOI becomes final and replaces the DE.
LDWF Reminds Hunters This Is Not Law Yet, Only A Proposed Rule
Hunters are reminded that the NOI is a proposed rule and would not go into effect until final passage by the LWFC, which could be August 2025 at the earliest.
There is no statewide feeding ban included in either the DE or the NOI.
To see the DE and NOI, go HERE to the LDWF website.
Public comment on the NOI may be submitted until July 3. Comments may be submitted to LDWF Deer Program Manager Johnathan Bordelon by email at jbordelon@wlf.la.gov, by phone at 318-487-5334 or by mail to LDWF, 1995 Shreveport Highway, Pineville, LA. 71360.