Latest news with #LouisianaDepartmentofWildlifeandFisheries
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Church in Baton Rouge placed on lockdown due to bear sighting
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — A bear sighting prompted a lockdown at a church in Baton Rouge on Friday morning. A spokeswoman with the Baton Rouge Police Department confirmed a bear was seen in a tree near Broadmoor United Methodist Church. The church, located on Mollylea Drive, currently hosts a summer camp program. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is at the scene. Earlier this week, the Central Police Department confirmed a Black bear was seen walking in near Glen Watts Road and Hooper Road. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries shared the following tips for anyone who may come in contact with a bear. Remove any attractants such as pet food, trash, and bird feeders. Do not approach a bear. Do not feed a bear. Contact local authorities if a bear is seen in the area. Don't run. Instead, hold your arms above your head. This is a developing story. Please check back for updates. Bear boom: Livingston Parish neighborhoods see surge in sightings EBRSO investigating shooting that left 1 hurt in Baton Rouge Denham Springs sports center offers cheer, gymnastics camps for summer Todd Chrisley maintains innocence, vows to fight for prisoners Taylor Swift finally owns all her music after deal: 'Endlessly thankful' Port Allen police enforce zero-tolerance policy for juvenile curfew violations Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Yahoo
8 men accused of driving boats while intoxicated on Tickfaw, Blind River arrested
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Agents with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) and state troopers arrested eight people for DWI during the 2025 Tickfaw 200 Poker Run on May 2 and 3. They also issued several boating safety citations. On May 2, LDWF agents arrested Wallace Wolfe, 54, of Gonzales, Todd Bourgeois, 38, of Paulina, and Dustin Miller, 24, of Franklinton after allegedly operating a boat while impaired on the Blind River and Diversion Canal. Agents also arrested Brandon Lecompte, 43, of Youngsville on the Tickfaw River the same day. On May 3, Chase Hebert, 30, of Prairieville, was arrested and charged with a second-offense DWI on the Blind River. Three others—Courtland Ray, 31 of Livingston, Joseph Bardzilowski, 58, of South Dakota, and Stephen Holland, 29, of Kentwood—were also arrested on the Tickfaw River and charged with DWI. LDWF said Blake O. Comardelle, 31, of Maurice, was cited for careless operation of a vessel after being involved in a boating incident on May 2 that resulted in serious but non-life-threatening injuries to himself and a passenger. LDWF said anyone arrested for DWI on the water faces the same penalties as on the road. This includes losing both driving and boating privileges, fines, and possible jail time. Rapper 50 Cent visits Gov. Landry to discuss Louisiana projects Pope Leo XIV previously shared criticism of Trump administration on social media Trump pushes Republicans to have rich pay more taxes 8 men accused of driving boats while intoxicated on Tickfaw, Blind River arrested Changes made to Louisiana bill inspired by Make America Healthy Again movement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Yahoo
What are the rules for turkey hunting Louisiana?
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) would like to remind hunters that taking juvenile male turkeys (jakes) is prohibited except for properly licensed youth 17 and under, who may only take one per season. A jake is defined as having a beard less than six inches and a spur less than 0.5 inch. Adult hunters may take one adult gobbler (male turkey) per day and two per season. An adult gobbler is defined by having one of the following: Wing feathers that have white barring all the way to the tip, tail feathers that are the same length, beard that is longer than six inches or a spur that is at least 0.5 inch long. The Louisiana turkey season begins Saturday (April) 5. Turkey hunting in Area A runs from April 5-May 4, Area B from April 5-27 and Area C from April 5-20. Turkey hunters are required to have a basic hunting license and wild turkey license, or an equivalent combination. A youth hunting license and turkey tags are required for those 17 or younger hunting turkey. To purchase a hunting license, go to Prior to hunting turkey, all turkey hunters, regardless of age or license status, must obtain turkey tags. They must have the tags in their possession while hunting turkey, and immediately after harvesting a turkey, tag the turkey before moving it from where it was killed. Hunters must record required information for tagged turkeys and validate tags within 72 hours of harvesting a turkey. To obtain turkey tags and to validate tags online, go to Many LDWF Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) offer turkey hunting during the season, including, but not limited to, Fort Johnson-Vernon, Fort Johnson North, Clear Creek, Bodcau, Big Lake and Tunica Hills WMAs. However, turkey season is closed on some WMAs, including Richard K. Yancey and Sherburne WMAs. For a complete list of WMAs open to turkey hunting and more information on WMA turkey hunting, go to All visitors to LDWF WMAs must have either a WMA Access Permit, Senior Hunting/Fishing License, Louisiana Sportsman's Paradise License or Lifetime Hunting/Fishing License. Go to for more information. For more information on turkey hunting in Louisiana, go to or contact LDWF Small Game/Wild Turkey Program Manager Cody Cedotal at ccedotal@ This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: What are the rules for turkey hunting Louisiana?
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Rare and endangered birds in Louisiana. These 6 can be found in the state
While the exact number is difficult to gauge, there are approximately between 11,000 and 20,000 different bird species. Out of all these species, 12% of all living birds, approximately 1,200 species, are considered endangered, threatened or vulnerable. In relation to this, approximately 6% of all living birds, which is around 573 species, are defined as ecologically rare. A species of bird is considered rare if it has a small population size, a limited or declining range, is found outside of its usual habitat or is found during unusual times. In Louisiana, there are a number of rare birds that can potentially be found, with some being resident, non-migratory species and others being migratory species that make Louisiana their wintering habitats. The Black-capped Petrel is a pelagic seabird that's known to forage in the Gulf Stream and has been observed off the coast of Louisiana. Although, this bird nests exclusively on Hispaniola Island in the Caribbean, according to the Environmental Conservation Online System. Black-capped Petrels are medium-sized with a blackish-brown cap and collar, blackish-brown upper-body, a primarily white under-side, pink feet and long, black-framed wings. These birds are currently listed as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. The whooping crane stands at nearly five feet tall and are considered the tallest birds in North America. These birds have a wingspan of seven-and-a-half feet and are white with rust-colored patches on the top and back of the head, have yellow eyes, as well as black legs and bills. Whooping cranes are listed under the Endangered Species Act and are also protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, as well as under Louisiana state law. Historically, whooping cranes were found in Louisiana as a resident, non-migratory flock, and were also migratory birds that wintered in the state, according to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Documentation of Eastern Black Rails in Louisiana is rare, as the species is cryptic in nature and difficult to observe, however, a small population was recently documented in the southwest region of the state. This elusive bird is often difficult to spot due to its dark colors, with speckles of white throughout, which camouflage it within dense marshes. The Eastern Black Rail was listed under the Endangered Species Act in 2020 and is considered critically endangered. Currently, the bird is listed as a Tier 1 Species of Greatest Conservation Need in the Louisiana Wildlife Action Plan, according to Audubon Delta. The Piping Plover is a small, migratory shorebird that is known to nest and feed along coastal sand and gravel beaches in North America. This species migrates to the southern Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, and Louisiana's southwestern shoreline is considered a critical wintering habitat, according to BioOne. Piping Plovers are listed under the Endangered Species Act, and Louisiana's barrier islands support approximately 85% of the wintering population. However, due to coastal erosion throughout the Gulf Coast, this species' crucial wintering habitats are rapidly disappearing, although, recovery plans are in place. The Red-cockaded woodpecker has a black-and-white barred back with a large, bright-white cheek patch. This species predominantly resides in mature, open longleaf pine forests within the Southeastern U.S. Red-cockaded woodpeckers are listed under the Endangered Species Act and has very limited habitat requirements, which makes long-term viability of the species difficult. However, through the Safe Harbor Program, the bird's habitats are being restored and maintained, says the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. The rufa red knot is considered a federally threatened species and was listed under the Endangered Species Act in 2014. This bird migrates annually from its breeding grounds in the Canadian Artic to wintering regions, such as the Southeastern U.S., Northwestern Gulf waters and the Gulf Coast of Louisiana. Rufa red knots are medium-sized shorebirds, measuring about nine to 11 inches length, with distinctive red plumage appearing during mating season. Within the Gulf Coast of Louisiana, the area of Laguna Madre is a crucial wintering ground for this species, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Red River Wildlife Refuge: Bossier City C. Bickham Dickson Park: Shreveport Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge: Tallulah Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge: Monroe J.C. "Sonny" Gilbert Wildlife Management Arena: Harrisonburg Kisatchie National Forest's Longleaf Trail: Cloutierville North Toledo Bend State Park: Zwolle South Toledo Bend State Park: Anacoco Pintail Wildlife Drive: Cameron Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge: Franklin Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area: St. Francisville Louisiana State University Campus Lakes: Baton Rouge City Park: New Orleans Bayou Petit Caillou at Marguerite Moffett Audubon Sanctuary: Chauvin Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@ This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: What are Louisiana's rarest birds and where can they be observed?
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Yahoo
Abbeville man cited for shooting a black bear
ABBEVILLE, La. (KLFY) — Abbeville man is cited for allegedly shooting a Louisiana black bear in Vermilion Parish, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) said. Authorities said they cited Shannon R. Parker, 50, of Abbeville, for allegedly shooting a bear during a closed season. During the investigation, authorities said Parker admitted to shooting the bear with his .270 rifle. Lafayette veteran takes state record black bear during recent hunt According to authorities Parker admitted he shot at a dark silhouette that he believed was a wild hog and failed to identify his target prior to firing his rifle. Later on it was discovered Parker failed to have written permission to hunt on property at night, did not have the landowner's contact information in his possession and failed to notify the Vermilion Parish Sheriff's Office of his intention to attempt to take wild hogs at night, authorities said. The black bear was killed near Palmetto State Park on private land and died sometime around early March, authorities said. Experts said described the bear to be female, about 10 years old and weighed around 200 pounds. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now In 2024, LDWF held the first black bear hunting season in Louisiana in over 35 years by issuing 11 tags to select lottery applicants. A total of 10 black bears were harvested during the open season from Dec. 7-22, 2024. In 2025, the black bear hunting season will be from Dec. 6-21 with 26 tags being issued to select lottery said taking a bear during a closed season brings a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Failing to comply with wild quadruped times and methods of taking carries a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in will also face civil restitution totaling $10,000 for the replacement value of the illegally taken bear, authorities said. Trump administration in court over deportations Abbeville man cited for shooting a black bear Major changes may be coming for student loans Child tests positive for fentanyl after ingesting pills allegedly found at California day care Baylor holds off Mississippi State in final seconds to win 75-72 in March Madness Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
