Forest Service Proposes Prohibiting Deer Hunting with Dogs in Louisiana Kisatchie National Forest
PINEVILLE—The U.S. Forest Service is proposing to prohibit hunting deer with dogs within Kisatchie National Forest beginning with the 2010-2011 hunting season. Other types of hunting with dogs such as raccoon, squirrel, rabbit and game birds will not be affected. The public is invited to comment on the proposed action or offer alternatives to the proposed action. Although the Forest Service will accept comments at any time, the comments will be most beneficial for the process if received by October 1, 2009. Common among complaints voiced about dog deer hunting are deer dogs trespassing onto private land and leases.
The environmental assessment process should be completed by December 2009 with a decision reached by January 2010. These dates are approximate depending on the number of comments to be processed. To receive more information including a scoping letter or to comment please email: comments-southern-kisatchie@fs.fed.us or write to Forest Supervisor, 2500 Shreveport Highway Pineville , La. 71360. For any additional information call Jim Caldwell at 318-473-7168 or email jcaldwell@fs.fed.us.
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Alright, this is reasonable I think.
I think dogs should not be allowed on any public lands. The problem is (at least in our situation) there is about 30 feet of public forest land that runs the length of our property along a gravel road. Dog hunters turn dogs loose on the edge of the road in that 30 foot strip knowing they will go into our private land and run deer out. They then get in their vehicles and drive around to the east side to another gravel road and wait for the dogs to run the deer out. In doing so the dogs have crossed our 300 acres. You can go to the store down the road and listen as they plan their drives/hunts talking about deer they have seen cross the road so they are intentionally trying to drive bucks off private property they can’t hunt.
While I am all for access to public lands and I do hunt on public land often it is sad that many do not respect the rights of private land owners near public lands.
I think the state should have a dog hunting only season after the still season, requiring a dog hunting license in addition to all the other licenses we must hold. No still hunting allowed during this time. Not all dog hunters operate wrecklessly. The problem is the state does not have enough enforcement officers. So those willing to abuse the system have free rein, I’m sure ALL the still hunters abide by every rule. Another season requiring a license would generate more revenue. Why do you think we went from plain deer season to archery season, black powder season. I am really surprised we are not required to have a “deer stamp”.