https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2245285029246516
I believe this goes before the LDWF commission this Thursday, the first Thurs of the month.
Haven't found a whole lot to get worked up about this potential change so largely abstaining from involvement or sending input.
That said, as a coastal hunter in tidal areas, Ryan's assertion about hunting just not happening at all during these negative events I think is a tad overblown. The tide range and timing is not the end all, be all, and the weather gets a say in that. If you have big fronts and low tide ranges below the mean, yes you'll have mudflats and birds holding offshore and in big lakes. But get some southerly and/or easterly winds in those periods, and you're largely still hunting without issue.
Many other potential South Zone hunters are not tide-impacted at all, so really his logic and thus largest issue taking to task, is only of limited applicability here to the larger collective. Bulk of the proposed letter they're asking hunters to send in is excerpted below:
Dear LDWF Commission,
I want to begin by expressing my deep appreciation for the work your department does in conserving our state’s waterfowl resources and for your commitment to gathering public input through surveys and listening sessions. As an engaged Louisiana hunter, I understand the complex task of setting seasons that are both biologically sound and responsive to the varied environments we call home.
In light of the recent waterfowl survey and its results, I would like to respectfully suggest a shift in the current zone structure—from the existing East/West zones to a North/South zoning approach. Many hunters, especially those in southern coastal regions influenced by tidal movement, feel that the current structure fails to reflect the environmental and migratory realities on the ground.
A North/South division would allow for better alignment with habitat types, weather patterns, and waterfowl migration behaviors. In particular, southern tidal marshes experience unique conditions that differ significantly from inland and northern areas of the state. These differences merit a season structure that allows more precise tuning to local patterns of bird movement and habitat availability.
Additionally, I strongly recommend that both the North and South zones be given three distinct splits during the waterfowl season. This flexibility would allow LDWF to tailor season dates more effectively, particularly in areas where bird presence peaks outside the traditional framework. Three splits would also provide greater opportunity to respond to early migrations, late pushes, or seasonal environmental changes such as arctic fronts and negative tides that impact access and bird behavior.
Ultimately, the goal we share is to ensure that Louisiana hunters have sustainable, meaningful access to waterfowl hunting opportunities that reflect our state’s rich diversity of habitat. A North/South structure with three seasonal splits would be a major step forward in achieving that goal.
Thank you again for your stewardship, your transparency, and your willingness to hear from those of us who live, work, and hunt in these landscapes every season.
NOTE: It's asking for three "splits," presumably wanting three open periods to hunt. However, the seasons are set in segments, and the "splits" are the off periods when season is closed, despite rampant use (including by LDWF at times) of the term "split" as that time of which the season is open and we're hunting. Jason O is currently working to get that verbiage alignment more consistent moving forward.
