It’s that wonderful time of year when our state government is gathering in Baton Rouge to talk a bunch and get little done. We can usually count on one or two bills, amendments, or line items that come out of left field. Every now and then, they do something good as well. Their progress (or lack thereof) can be tracked on the Louisiana State Legislature website.
If you need to spend time doing something small while waking up, the LA State Legislature website has daily schedules of what is happening and what is being discussed. One of the few good things I’ll say about the internet is that there are fewer secrets in the governments. Not “zero” secrets, just fewer. You can see in real time what is up for discussion today. And today, Thursday May 18, I noticed that there is a resolution being discussed to ask the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to introduce a black bear hunting season.
Now our most famous bear here in Louisiana has been growing out of a precarious position in the last several years. The Louisiana black bear was considered “Threatened” from 1992-2016. The bear population is now considered viable for the next 100 years (assuming proper and appropriate management and conservation practices). The LDWF website has a lot of information about the black bear, the species recovery plan, and more.
I think this would be an interesting and welcome change for hunters. Hunting is a great way to connect with the outdoors and gain understanding and respect of the animals we chase. Conservation success stories show that a proper understanding of the past and reasonable limitations in the present and future can keep animal populations alive and thriving. Most hunters I know use most or all of the animals they harvest, which would continue to hold true with bears.
Let’s make it happen, LA Legislature! I’ve always wanted a bearskin rug.
Sources:
https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/subhome/louisiana-black-bear
https://legis.la.gov/legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1320242
Bayou Observant 