Number 1 Volume 35 W inter, 2007

DuckingDucking thethe DeltaDelta

FeederFeeder TimeTime

My Favorite Martin

Baton Rouge, LA LA Rouge, Rouge, Baton Baton

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DEPARTMENTS Number 1 Volume 35 Winter, 2007

Official Publication of the Wildlife Federation

3 From The President and Executive Director VOL. 35 Winter 2007 NO.1 14 Conservation Line Editorial Creed: To create and 30 Tibby Sez encourage an awareness among the people of Louisiana of the need for wise use and proper management of those resources of the earth upon which the lives and welfare of all people depend: the soil, the air, the water, the forests, the minerals, the plant FEATURES life, and the wildlife.

Magazine Staff Randy P. Lanctot: Editor 4 Ducking the Delta with J. W. & Gus

8 Feeder Time! Louisiana WILDLIFE Federation magazine (ISSN 0738-8098) is the official publication 11 My Favorite Martin of the Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Inc. The Federation office is located at 337 South 12 Orphaned Bear Cub Rescued Acadian Thruway, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806. All editorial and subscription 13 Bare Cypress & Bald Eagles in the Atchafalaya Basin correspondence should be mailed to P.O. Box 65239 Audubon Station, Baton Rouge, LA 22 The Quiet Pollution 70896-5239 (Phone/Fax 225-344- 6707;mailto:[email protected]. 24 "After the Hunt" Looking for Recipes

28 Grebe Killing at Kincaid Lake Postmaster: Send change of address to: 29 New Book Profiles Gulf Finfish Louisiana Wildlife Federation, P.O. Box 65239 Audubon Station, Baton Rouge, LA 70896-5239.

Membership: For information, see page 31 or mailto:[email protected].

Visit Our Website http://www.lawildlifefed.org

On the Cover..... Ducks! For over 30 years the Atchafalaya Delta has been a Mecca for ducks and duck hunters. The 1973 accelerated land building in the Atchafalaya Bay depositing tons of rich sediment. The emerging land was quickly colonized by vegetation and the process continues. The variety of ducks and other fowl found on the delta is astonishing and worth a visit in any season. Photo by Jon Barry.

Page 2 Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Winter 2007 FROM THE PRESIDENT

responsive to their constituents. . While they are a common sight in my Terry L. By now you have probably determined yard and around the neighborhood, this flock Melancon whether or not your hunting season was as of doves prefers the swamp - something I have successful as you anticipated it to be, or if the never seen before. I like to call them my fall and winter fishing was comparable to pre- swamp doves. vious years. This time of the year is usually My neighborhood is one of the fastest filled with big adventures for me but I have growing areas in the state. The development been slowed down by an illness this winter. is not necessarily smart and I fear the commu- The few trips that I have made here close to nity will suffer the consequences in the future. home have been enjoyable. I saw several Just this week I saw a large track hoe grubbing I would like to offer a special LWF wel- species of wildlife that are somewhat unusual out a coulee near what will be the main come to the new LDWF Secretary, former or were observed under unusual circumstances entrance of a large subdivision which is under State Representative Bryant Hammett of for my neck of the woods. Turkeys, normally construction. The little area of swamp has Ferriday. I look forward to working with him a rare sight in the I haunt near my existed for lifetimes. It is a frequent haunt of in the future. Soon after being appointed, home just south of Baton Rouge, have become egrets, herons and woodducks and over the Secretary Hammett, an LWF member and a regular sight on our hardwood ridges. years many a sack of crawfish has been netted recent Sponsor, thought to call our office LDWF stocked this area with turkeys more from its waters. But alas, now it will probably while browsing through the fall issue of this than a decade ago, and while the habitat is cer- be reduced to a with a spraying fountain magazine. He called to express his desire to tainly not ideal, I suspect they must have had just like every other new development in the work with the Federation as he pursues the a couple of good nesting seasons because I see neighborhood. Why the developer could not conservation work of the Department and to that the population is increasing. For some see the importance and character that this wet- be available to participate in LWF functions. reason unknown to me a flock of mourning land could add to his development I don’t It is nice to have people in government leader- doves has been making regular visits to a Continued on page 20 ship roles that are eager to work with and be pipeline right-of-way near the edge of the FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

my living room window. I was startled to the sword of politics has two edges, oppor- Randy see this species so early in the year. They tunity on one side, danger on the other. don’t normally appear until April. I was This will be the year, I hope, that the people Lanctot informed by a more knowledgeable birder of our state adopt a plan to live better on the that a few of these strikingly-colored birds coast, a practical and doable plan that avoids winter in our area rather than head to the the poor assumptions and mistakes of the tropics in the fall with others of their species. past. That plan will include what will be Regardless, seeing one in the yard the second done for protection from storms from the week of January was a first, and a treat, for Gulf and for restoration of the land that has me. Another interesting find were the four vanished before our eyes over the past 80 You might say this issue of Louisiana white-winged doves that visited my feeder a years. That land, between our communities WILDLIFE Federation magazine is “for the few days ago. It’s always fun to see some- and the sea, not only provided the space and birds.” If you look through the pages you’ll thing different from the routine, and with friction to reduce threats to more inland se something about eagles and ducks, finch- watching birds, you can count on it. areas from storms, it was Nature’s cornu- es, martins and grebes. I think that birds Talking about birds puts me in a good copia of abundance that seeded and nur- link us, a lot like social culture and music frame of mind to look at the challenges of tured a large portion of Louisiana’s economy does. There’s a seemingly infinite variety of the new year. In some respects, this will be and culture. The plans and programs should them and they are ever-present in the out- a watershed year for Louisiana, and I don’t distinguish between want and need, between doors. They are colorful and unique, inter- mean because we are having one of the raini- gamble and reality. That is essential. We’ll esting and entertaining, even educational. est Januaries ever. The tragic hurricanes of be spending a lot of other people’s money. They soar and flutter like musical notes 2005 are distant enough to allow for calm The “Louisiana Speaks” process is ongoing, plucked by the Master. Because they are so and progressive thinking about the future of as is the development of the Master Coastal apparent, they are easy subjects for wildlife our state. There’s enough “edge” to both Protection (and Restoration) Plan. It is vital observation, and in the South this time of state and national politics for ideas to that all citizens take notice and be involved year, they are abundant. emerge that can meaningfully address in the processes. Take the survey. Visit the Last week I saw a little male painted longterm health, economic, conservation, bunting scratching in the rose bed outside and other quality of life issues. Of course, Continued on page 26

Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Winter 2007, Page 3 Ducking the Delta with J. W. and Gus

haven for waterfowl and a duck hunter’s par- adise was just beginning to seep beyond local knowledge. In the company of other LSU wildlife grad students, we probed the fowling prospects of the newly-emerging delta. The big Mississippi River flood of 1973 pro- duced land almost overnight as billions of cubic feet of sediment-laden water diverted through the Atchafalaya Floodway and spilled into the sprawling bay. Delicacies like delta duck potato, a mallard favorite, proliferated in the new mud, along with a variety of aquatics savored by the storied canvasback and other divers. Willows sprouted on the higher ground with bull rush, roseau cane and other grasses and moist-soil waterfowl food plants invading the openings and edges. Just getting to the bay was an adventure. Piloting small alu- minum boats stacked with decoys and other gear down the Intracoastal Waterway and then the Lower in pitch blackness, aided by the superfluous beam of quickly populate with wetland plants on the emerging delta landscape. small headlamps, then, as the delta rose from the bay in the growing dawn light, with by Randy Lanctot duck boat. “Did I mention GAS?” he skeins of ducks, wading and shorebirds fill- reminded. ing the horizon in every direction.....we shiv- It was early in the week and I was at the I was pumped; my heart lighter, the ered like retrievers in anticipation. office working my way through a pile of “to- world brighter as I anticipated the adven- A few years later, Governor Edwards dos” when the phone rang. It was the call I’d ture. claimed the developing delta for the state been waiting for, for years! Atchafalaya Bay is where I cut my and the Atchafalaya Delta Wildlife “Hey, boy, you want to make a hunt Louisiana duck hunting teeth. It was the Management Areas was established. If for next week?” came J. W.’s voice over the line. mid-seventies and the Bay’s reputation as a nothing else, that one act of wisdom is worth He was inviting me to join him for a few days of duck hunting on the Atchafalaya Delta. Although he had made the offer a time or two before, it had been on short notice requiring spontaneous acceptance, something work and other obligations too often prevent me from doing. Now, he was actually giving me advance notice and a cou- ple of days to decide. I pondered the invitation, my mind peering over the horizon into next week. This could work, I thought. I accepted without further hesitation and took down the details. I would meet J. W. next Wednesday at “Serenity,” his little houseboat moored in a pass of the west delta, and hunt with him and Gus the next three mornings. He gave me instructions on how to get to the landing and what to bring — food & bever- age, gun, ammo, camo, sleeping bag, the Houseboats are restricted to a designated mooring on the Atchafalaya Delta Wildlife Management Area. usual personal items and extra gas for the

Page 4 Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Winter 2007 within the delta complex. I had never been to “The Wax” before, so it would be unfa- miliar territory, from the landing to the des- ignated houseboat mooring. After back- tracking a few times while trying to match J. W.’s directions with my surroundings, I arrived at a very nice landing off LA 182 west of Morgan City. It appeared to be the one J. W. described over the phone, but it seemed strange that there were no other vehicles or trailers in the lot. Since it was the middle of the week and close to dark with the wind whipping white caps from a frontal passage, it made sense that few boaters would be out. But none? That should have told me something. I put my launch fee in the slot and backed down the ramp. The sun was setting as I put the boat in and secured my gear and several boxes “Serenity”- home sweet home on the delta. filled with ice and supplies. I buttoned my shirt up to the collar, zipped the life vest remembering for. Area, has formed its own distinctive delta and got underway despite my growing That was then and this was now, though. It had been a long time since I had hunted Atchafalaya Bay and I tried to refresh my memory of where the landing was, the best way to get there and what to expect. Since I had written down J. W.’s instruc- tions, at least as I understood them, I figured that it would be a breeze. I’d be running my old Louisiana Traveler boat which was cer- tainly sea-worthy enough, but had not been in the water for months. I spent the next few evenings piling my waterfowling gear on the floor in the spare bedroom and getting the boat and trailer ready with freshly-charged battery, new gas, tire, lube and light check. After I ran the outboard on the hosepipe for a few minutes, I was satisfied that the rig could make the trip. That done, I readied for a weekend deer hunt immediately ahead. Since this story is about ducking, the only thing I’ll say about the deer hunt is that I had a great time and did harvest a nice buck. There would be fresh venison to share with J. W. and Gus. I was running late when I pulled the boat out of the carport. I’d be lucky to get to camp before dark and was counting on the day’s lingering light to “keep ‘er between the buoys” when navigating the . J. W.’s camp is located in the western part of Atchafalaya Bay, referred to by some as the delta to distinguish it from the Lower Atchafalaya . Same bay and same delta, but the more recent Wax Lake Outlet, which was dredged to give added flood protection to the Morgan City J. W. piloting the duck boat.

Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Winter 2007, Page 5 bucked the hull as I swung it around and idled back in the direction from which I came, wondering how I could have passed the designated houseboat area without see- ing it. I drifted off course and found myself stuck in the mud. By that time dawn was creeping and I knew I’d be late for the morn- ing hunt. I was somewhat amazed at how calm I was. After killing the motor, I sat down for a moment to assess the situation, then trimmed it up and grabbed the push-pole to free the boat from the mud. A few minutes later I was back underway, more confident of my position. I noticed lights to the left and proceeded toward them. There were the house boats and a few hunters prepping for the morning’s hunt. I realized then that when I had passed this point in the dark, the hunters were still in bed. That’s why there were no lights. This close to the hunting ground, there was little need to get up so Poule d’eaus scatter ahead of the boat. early. Rather than search for Serenity, I asked one of the hunters for J. W.’s location. doubts. I navigated south toward Hwy 90 cab of my truck and room the night before. “Over there,” he said, pointing to a little expecting a bridge to pass under. There was The hotel was a little on the sleazy side and I white houseboat on the other side. “Go get no bridge, just a dead end and closed flood- didn’t want gear, gas tanks and battery to his _ _ _ out of bed.” I eased across and saw gate. Must be the other direction, I thought. “walk away” in the night. The exertion got Gus, tail wagging, perched on the deck. So I turned the wheel and headed back up my blood flowing and I was on my way. I was surprised there was no activity in past the landing, just knowing the channel I was the first to the landing, but even at the camp, so I hollered to J. W. that I had would break to the west giving passage to the that early hour, a small line of vehicles trai- finally arrived. A moment later he emerged outlet. By this time it was dark. I was run- lering boats and carrying duck hunters cued from the doorway. “How’d you get here?” he ning with the paltry aid of a penlight head- up as I launched. I was edgy as I cranked the asked. I guess he was still waking up. “How lamp and my boat’s navigation lights. The motor and pointed the bow down the outlet else?” I replied, gesturing to my boat. “You big beam was at home in the garage. I made in the windy darkness. Done this before, I came in the dark?” he questioned. “When a mental note: Bring the light next time, thought. I relaxed and enjoyed the thrill of you didn’t show up yesterday I thought you dummy! After burning a couple gallons of a nighttime cruise on unfamiliar water. decided not to come.” He said something gas, I was back at the landing, demoralized Fortunately, the Wax Lake Outlet is and pulling out. Later I would learn that I arrow-straight and roomy enough for safe had been cruising in Teche. navigation, even by a stranger in the dark of I tried to call J. W. to report my status, night. The run from the landing to the still hoping to make the run before bedtime. camp was about 11 miles and it was com- No reception. It was almost 8 PM when I forting to think that I could no longer get stopped at a convenience store. After talking sidetracked (like the day before); that the sky a few minutes with the night manager, I at would get lighter rather than darker as I pro- once recognized the error I made interpret- ceeded. After the first barge tow pushed up ing J. W.’s directions. I reconsidered chanc- the channel past me, I focused all my atten- ing a night run down the white-capping out- tion on reaching Serenity in one piece. let and opted for a hotel room and early There was a little crescent moon rising morning start. But first, for peace of mind before the sun that helped keep me oriented and a good nights’ sleep, I rode down to the as the channel passed through Wax Lake landing. There it was in the logical place, the toward the delta. Sensing proximity to the parking area scattered with vehicles and trail- cut where the house boats would be moored, ers. I’d been better off without those direc- I intently searched the west bank hoping to tions, I thought. see lights from the camps of early-rising As if planned, a freight train rumbled by hunters that would guide me to Serenity. the hotel about 3:30 AM, a perfect wake-up There was nothing but darkness so I contin- call. I hustled to reload and secure the boat ued down the channel. Before I knew it, the Gus keeps his place beside J. W. on the ride back to the camp. with everything I had removed to the locked channel opened to the bay. Wind and waves

Page 6 Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Winter 2007 hunts. Having just had his knee replaced, setting this rig up solo would be a challenge, and impossible in bad weather regardless of physical condition. Gus took his spot between us and we settled back to talk and watch the sky for approaching birds. Since it was getting late in the morning, with a light breeze, partly cloudy skies and relatively warm temperatures, the duck activ- ity was light. There were a few divers about, and I bagged a beautiful drake redhead and a hen for my first ducks of the season while J. W. scratched on some teal and do gris. He looked at his gun with irritation. “Your on today,” he complimented. I’m sure my wing-shooting reputation for sporadic and sometimes no accuracy had preceded me, but after the journey to get here, the pressure was off. I was relaxed and having fun. “Just pointing and shooting,” I said. We whiled Two limits hang from the hooks on the houseboat “porch.” away the time assessing the qualities of mutual friends and acquaintances. I bagged about being impressed with my navigation “Keep them thick,” J. W. admonished more a straggling ringneck before we pulled up skills. I shrugged. “It’s a long story. Let’s go than once. We obviously had different con- and went in. hunting.” cepts of what “thick” was. Then we raised I enjoyed the scenic ride back, watching First there was orientation. J. W. gave the blind frame which was covered with poule d’eaus scatter ahead of the boat and instructions on what gear to leave on the woven grass and we stuck palmetto fronds in harriers gliding and dipping low over the deck and what could and should not be the mesh to provide added screening and to . The place was a huge playground for brought in the cabin, when and where to break up the angular outline. I fastened the many species in addition to waterfowl, and clean off boots, and the sequence of loading gear and loosing the lines when shoving the duck boat off. Then, there was a mental walk-through of duties required to set up the boat and decoy spread for the hunt. “Aye, Aye, Sir,” I was thinking (but not saying). Some details sunk in. Others would have to be repeated, several times, over the next cou- ple of days. I was too fired up for hunting to absorb everything at once. It was well past sunrise when we set off with Gus to a submerged flat way out in the bay. A rule of thumb for hunting the delta is to get as far out into the bay as you can safe- ly hunt, which, if you have a duck boat, is as far out as the water is still shallow enough to set the spuds. That first set was a doozy. Although the spud stakes were pointed, the sand below was reluctant to yield under my “jooging” as J. W. called the motion of work- ing the spuds up and down through guide holes that were welded to each corner of the Evening falls over the Atchafalaya Delta. boat. Even J. W. with his considerable heft struggled. “Sometimes it takes awhile,” he said as I pressed my full 160 pounds to the step for Gus off the bow and we draped grass for people, mostly hunters who braved the task. We were both sweating in our heavy “skirts” to cover the openings fore and aft, boat ride, the weather, mud and the strenu- waders when we finally drove the stakes to and over the deck to reduce glare. I was ous field work of setting up to shoot ducks. their full length. That finished, we spread 6 impressed with J. W.’s system and under- dozen decoys off either end of the boat. stood why he likes to have company on these Continued on page 27

Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Winter 2007, Page 7 Feeder Time!

By Randy Lanctot er is high entertainment and provides a real seed and then go to the vines where they pin spirit boost during this often dreary time of the seed against a vine to pry it out of the “Yikes, low 20s and I haven’t put out my year. Of course, there are more reasons to hull. Not able to resist the action, there came feeders yet,” I thought as I listened to the feed than that. For those curious about a diminutive kinglet, a ruby-crowned. This weather radio in the kitchen. “They’ll just nature, it is of great interest to know the res- is one of my favorite birds. Mostly drab olive have to hunker down till the weekend.” ident and visiting wildlife in the neighbor- plumage helps to keep it under cover, but a It was mid December - about the time of hood, to compare the variety and abundance distinct white eye ring, a tiny tuft of ruby year I usually hang the silo feeder and the of species from year to year in response to feathers on the back of its head and highly thistle “socks” to provide the birds in the weather patterns and population trends, and animated movement along with its bold and neighborhood a winter snack. But I had to one-up fellow feeders by being the first to curious nature combine to give this little bird been busy with other things and the cold observe a new migrant or unusual species. a whimsical, endearing character. On occa- weather crept up on me. By Saturday I had I know others, like my mother way up in sion I’ve had them join me in the deer stand, a fresh sack of black sunflower seeds along Illinois, who keep the feeder (or should I say, just to see who else was up there in that tree. with safflower and thistle seeds. I filled the feederS) going all year long. There’s one An insect-eater, the kinglet didn’t visit the silo feeder with the sunflower and safflower hanging from the soffit, another just outside feeder, but gleaned scale insects and other seed making attractive, contrasting black and the kitchen window, one on a stand just far tiny bugs from the vines. white layers in the feeder and hung it, along enough from the apple tree to keep squirrels The goldfinches didn’t show until the from leaping to it, and a couple hanging day after Christmas. That’s about right for from tree limbs that are usually empty. She’ll my yard in Baton Rouge, based on my feed- tell you that the action at the feeders is better er experience over the years. They come than watching Dr. Phil. Despite the irrita- between Christmas and New Years days. By tion of wiping out all the feed and chewing January 3rd I had a couple dozen working up the feeders, even the bold and greedy fox over the thistle socks. The American and gray squirrels bring a smile with the goldfinch comes south with white wing bars drama and action they bring to the scene. and mostly olive plumage, but as winter She made a request, though, that on my next wanes, the males will gradually molt into the visit I bring the pellet rifle in addition to “J” breeding suit that earns them the name “wild my Jack Russell terrier. (She didn’t say to canary” on the breeding grounds up north. bring the Dutch oven, but....). (When I see one on my Mom’s feeder and One truth should be told here; feeding call her attention to a goldfinch, she says, birds is more for the feed provider than for “Oh, there’s a wild canary.” That’s what we the birds. Wildlife can fare well enough called them when we were kids, too, fre- without handouts from people. There may quently coming upon them while exploring be a few exceptions and circumstances that the now mostly-gone prairies of those won- warrant artificial feeding to help wildlife sur- derful times.) vive a brief extreme situation, but those are If you attract goldfinches to your feed- uncommon. Really, if birds needed people to ers, you may notice that the birds disappear feed them to survive, there wouldn’t be very as spring nears, but a week or two later, they A silo style bird feeder being used by house finches. many around to feed. are back. This time most of the males have It took a few days for the action to pick made the transition to the bright yellow with the two “socks” bulging with thistle up at the silo feeder. First the English spar- under black wing breeding plumage. What I seed, on a line strung between the garage and rows (exotic weaver finches that make a nui- think is happening is that the birds that dis- the muscadine trellis in the backyard. sance of themselves by displacing native appear from the feeder have begun their Surprising to me there was not much activity species and tucking their messy nests in every migration north while those showing up later over the next few days, despite the recent available cranny, nests that absorb moisture in their new yellow suits are birds that win- cold temperatures. I should have remem- and rot the wood under the eaves of your tered further south. They stop and spend a bered that it takes a while for the birds to home), then the mourning doves and house few days to fuel up before resuming their locate the goods. finches came in flocks. The cardinals noticed flight to the breeding grounds. It’s hard to I do not feed in the spring, summer and the action and timidly darted in to pick up a imagine a more striking combination of color fall months. For me, there are just too many sunflower seed, then back to the peace of the than the bright canary yellow of the other yard things to do to make tending and muscadine arbor. Here and there came a tit- goldfinches against the new green leaves of watching feeders an attractive pastime. In mouse after the safflower, and a Carolina spring. the winter, though, watching birds at a feed- chickadee or two. The chicks pick a safflower If you haven’t tried it, now is a good

Page 8 Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Winter 2007 time to get started feeding birds. I recom- Rouge Public Library is participating in a Bare Cypress: Continued from page 13 mend trying a thistle sock which is available program called “The Big Read: One in most garden sections of retailers like Book/One Community.” It’s a community- conspicuous birds can be spotted. Lowe’s, Home Depot and WalMart as well as wide reading program sponsored by the Remember, over 175 bird species can be Baton Rouge Area Chamber (covering 9 found in the area through the course of a parishes) and funded with $20,000 from The year. National Endowment for the Arts with sev- eral other prominent supporting funders. Eagle Expo Soaring Into Second Year The idea is to get everyone to read the same The Second Annual Eagle Expo will be book (“To Kill A Mockingbird”) with the thought that it will help bring the region held in Morgan City on February 8-10, together through citizens sharing the experi- 2007. The Eagle Expo is a tribute to the ence of reading the same good book, and return of the American Bald Eagle. This talking about it and how it relates to their year’s events include a series of boat tours community. This is a serious endeavor and I into Lake Verret, Bayou Black, the Gulf think that it’s an excellent idea. It got me to Intracoastal Waterway via Bayou Boeuf and thinking, though, that feeding birds and talk- ing about what you observe to other feeders the Atchafalaya Basin. Other events include is another way for a community to share an a welcome reception, an evening social and educational and thought-provoking experi- dinner with presentations at the Louisiana ence. We could call it “The Big Feed.” Just State Museum at Patterson sponsored by the about everyone with a place to hang a bird America’s WETLAND Campaign, break- feeder could participate, although there’s a fast, seminars and a picnic lunch at Brownell little more expense involved than with just Memorial Park, a designated birding sanctu- Thistle “socks” are a favorite of the American goldfinch. borrowing or buying a book. But for a cheap The birds extract the thistle seed through the sock mesh. or handmade feeder and $10 worth of feed, ary. anyone can “join the club,” so to speak. You The Cajun Coast Visitors & local hardware and garden stores. The thistle don’t have to go all out with multiple feeders Convention Bureau has partnered with the seed is fairly expensive, but a few pounds, or and tons of seed. Plus, it’s WILD and more Barataria-Terrebonne National a sock-full will probably get you through the entertaining than most books, and raises lots Program, the America’s WETLAND rest of the goldfinch season. Silo-style feed- of good questions, some with answers, some Campaign, Louisiana Department of ers are a good choice for feeding other seeds. Wildlife & Fisheries, Louisiana Department You can spend $10, or more than $50 on of Natural Resources, Brownell Memorial these rigs. Fill it with black oil sunflower Park & Carillon Tower and volunteer bird- seed to attract cardinals and other finches, ing enthusiasts to host an event that will mourning doves, chickadees and titmice. It’s showcase the American Bald Eagle along a fun, easy and relatively inexpensive way to with numerous species of birds and wildlife enjoy wildlife while learning a little some- found within the Atchafalaya Basin and sur- thing about the wild world we live in. rounding areas. The inaugural Eagle Expo Note: An important precaution to avoid was held February 3-4, 2006, and sold out unintended bird mortality associated with with nearly 50 participants, including some feeding is to locate your feeder away from out-of-state visitors. This year, the CCVCB windows with large reflective surfaces. Birds will be able to accommodate nearly 100 par- perceive the sky reflected off a window as the ticipants on boat tours in search of these real thing, and when a disturbance causes majestic birds. them to flee the feeder, they may hit the win- For a complete event schedule, costs dow at breakneck speed causing, you guessed and a registration form, please visit the Eagle it, a broken neck. If such collisions occur, Expo website, http://eagles.btnep.org or either move the feeder or apply paper cutouts contact the Cajun Coast Visitors & to the window so the birds will recognize it as Convention Bureau at (985) 395-4905; http://www.cajuncoast.com. For more a surface rather than open air. Another pre- Three male goldfinches in bright breeding plumage make caution is to locate bird feeders where the a stop at the feeder before resuming their migration information about Southern Bald Eagles, feeder and the area around them, including north. contact the Barataria-Terrebonne National the ground under them, is not susceptible to Estuary Program - http://www.btnep.org. ambush by your or your neighbor’s roaming without. The Big Read/The Big Feed. cats. It’s a bird feeder, not a cat feeder! Sounds like a good idea to me. The Big Feed You may have heard that the East Baton

Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Winter 2007, Page 9 Louisiana Wildlife Federation Officers: E. R. “Smitty” Smith, III District 4 Vacant (Caddo, Bossier, President Terry L. Melancon, 14062 415 Azalea Dr., New Iberia, Webster, Claiborne, Lincoln, Ridge Rd., Prairieville, LA LA 70563; 337 (res.) 364- Bienville, Jackson Parishes) 70769; 225 (res.) 673-8453 9431 District 5 Ann B. Smith, 306 K St., mailto:[email protected] mailto:[email protected] Monroe, LA 71201 (res.) 318 387-9365, (fax) 1st-V.P. Eugene J. Dauzat, Jr., 608 Edgar F. Veillon, 342-1149 (wk.) 342-1144 Meursault Dr., Kenner, LA Rep. to NWF, mailto:[email protected] 70065; 504 (res.) 468-8408 905 Harrison Ave., (Union, Morehouse, East Metarie, LA 70005; 504 (res) Carroll, West Carroll, 2nd-VP Ken Dancak, Ph.D, 224 833-9298 (wk) 454-1212 (fax) Ouachita, Richland, Shady Crest Lane, Pineville, 885-4887 Madison, Caldwell, Franklin, LA 71360; 318 (res) 487- Tensas Parishes) 8879 (fax) 473-7117 mailto:[email protected] Executive Director District 6 Greg Cedotal, 40239 LaRochelle Rd., Prairieville, Randy P. Lanctot, P.O. Box Secretary Barney Callahan, 314 W. LA 70769; 225 (res.) 622- 65239 Audubon Station, Manfred St., Gonzales, LA 6385 Baton Rouge, LA 70896-5239 70737; 225 (res) 445-6870 mailto:[email protected] Office: 337 South Acadian mailto:[email protected] (Washington, Tangipahoa, St. Thruway, Baton Rouge, LA Helena, Livingston, Ascension, 70806; 225 (ph./fax) 344- Treasurer Clinton Mouser, 4428 Toby East Feliciana, West Feliciana, 6707(res.) 346-0752 Lane, Metairie, LA 70003; East Baton Rouge, West Baton mailto:[email protected] 504 (res.) 887-8475 Rouge, Pointe Coupee mailto:[email protected] Parishes) District Vice-Presidents: District 7 Jerome C. Haas, Jr., 52 Executive Committee: District 1 Vacant (St. Tammany, Horseshoe Lane, Sulphur, LA Above 5 Officers and 4 Persons Listed Below: Orleans, St. Bernard, 70663; 337(res.) 625-4232 Joe L. Herring, 1021 Rodney Plaquemines Parishes) mailto:[email protected] Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70808; (Beauregard, Allen, Calcasieu, 225 (res.) 766-0519 District 2 Clinton Mouser, 4428 Toby Cameron, Jefferson Davis, mailto:[email protected] Lane, Metairie, LA 70003; Acadia Parishes) 504 (res.) 887-8475 District 8 Rick Bryan, 2405 Evergreen Keith R. Saucier, 13086 She mailto:[email protected] Ln., Pineville, LA 71360; 318 Lee Place Rd., Gonzales, LA (Jefferson, Lafourche, St. (res.) 640-0198; 70737; Charles, St. James, St. John mailto:[email protected] 225 (res.) 647-6653 (wk.) the Baptist Parishes) (Grant, LaSalle, Catahoula, 242-5561 (fax) 677-7416 District 3 Chad Leblanc, Concordia, Rapides, Avoyelles, mailto:[email protected] 407 Candleglow Dr., Evangeline, St. Landry New Iberia, LA 70563 Parishes) 337 (res.)367-9873 District 9 Sharon Miller, 345 Point 3 mailto:[email protected] Dr., Florien, LA 71429; 318 (Lafayette, Vermilion, St. (res.)565-4990 Martin, Terrebonne, Iberia, St. mailto:[email protected] Mary, Iberville, Assumption (DeSoto, Red River, Sabine, Parishes) Natchitoches, Winn, Vernon Parishes)

Page 10 Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Winter 2007 My Favorite Martin

By Randy Lanctot last one in’s tail sticking out the entry hole. mile away and followed them to a colony of I’ll smile, but say a little prayer for quick relief three martin houses amidst tall pine trees. I Purple martins are not just my favorite from the cold. Martins feed solely on flying have more open space in my yard than that, I herald of spring, but the favorite of tens of insects which are sparsely available, if at all, thought, so I went out and bought another thousands of martin “landlords” around the when the temperature drops, and an extend- house just knowing I could do as well or bet- country who diligently maintain nesting ed spring cold front can cause significant ter. gourds or multi-room apartment houses for mortality. I soon learned that not only could I these chatty sky rockets. The deep, black- The purple martin is our largest species attract a nice colony of purple martins, I was purple plumaged mature male “scouts” may of swallow, and like all swallows, has the spec- creating a predation problem for them. tacular flying skills needed to intercept insects Seems that the neighborhood crows had a on the wing. If you’ve got martins you have sixth sense about just when the martins would an air show the envy of the Blue Angels avail- be laying. They would swoop in as silent as able for your viewing pleasure right out your an owl, and if the nest was unattended, they backdoor. They also can make understate- would be in an out with a martin egg unde- ment of the term “hot pursuit.” Fierce tected. I have to admire the crows for being defenders of their homes, martins, unless so shrewd. They would grasp the rail on the overwhelmed (I’ll get to that situation later), “porch” of the martin house and poke their will chase away intruders with abandon. One head in the hole just far enough to reach an day while picking squash out back I heard a egg or chick. Even if adult martins were in commotion and looked up just in time to see the area and tried to harass the crow off the a Mississippi kite, also a master at dodging house, they couldn’t deter it once it had hold and weaving, swoop UNDER my muscadine of the rail. A few marauding crows met their arbor with screaming martins on its tail. I shook my head to clear my vision. Did I real- Martins gather on 8-holer before laying begins. ly see that? WOW! To appreciate the wonder of that scene you have to know that there is have already arrived along the Louisiana coast only about 5 feet of clearance between the and should be appearing over my yard around ground and the horizontal of the main vines, the end of the month (January). I’ll hear a and at the time, the new growth was thick faint but unmistakable chortling way up in with foliage, some drooping almost to the the blue yonder while weeding the flower ground. The back of my house is only about beds or pruning the roses, and squint skyward 8 feet from the edge of the vines, so that kite, to see if it’s just my imagination or one of the with its 3-foot wingspan, dove between the neighborhood mocking birds warming up to house and the vines, under the vines and out fool me all spring with its mimicry. But sure the other side through the new growth with enough, there he’ll be, a speck in the blue, the martins right behind it and me standing “scouting” the landscape below for attractive there with my mouth open only 15 feet away. Pops (right) cruises in with a morsel for the chicks. apartments and attentive landlords. If by Funny how displays like that never happen then I haven’t raised my 2 houses on their when a video cam is handy. poles, I’ll drop everything and get to it. Not I mentioned “chatty” and “chortling” to demise from a well-placed .177 cal. air rifle all wannabe martin landlords are chosen. describe the voice of these friendly spring yard pellet, but trying to deal with the problem Success or lack thereof is the topic of friendly birds. It’s liquid and pleasing and, in mild that way was fruitless. The West Nile Virus ribbing, even among some of my associates spring weather, worth raising your bedroom epidemic helped by dramatically reducing the down at the state capitol who, though usually window to enjoy. crow population in the area, but numbers are on the wrong side of the fence on conserva- When I first put up a martin house, I was beginning to rebound and they’ll be back up tion issues, have a soft spot for martins. It’s not optimistic of attracting residents since to their old tricks soon enough. especially fun to inform them that “I got ‘em” there is only a small amount of relatively open Visiting with martin and bluebird fanci- when they don’t. space in my yard. Martins prefer plenty of er Kenny Kleinpeter at the National Hunting In March, a little hen or two will appear flying room between their homes, and build- and Fishing Day celebration last fall I learned on one or both of the “houses” along with and large trees from which predators like that I could modify my martin houses to all soon-no-longer-to-be bachelor males, and the CROWS can launch silent attacks. But I was but eliminate the crow problem. He showed housekeeping will begin in earnest. A late honored with a pair the first year. Later that me photos of some of his houses that he mod- cold front will find them, come evening, all season, I noticed a flurry of martins in a heav- ified by converting one compartment into jammed into the same compartment with the ily forested part of my neighborhood about a two, thus allowing the martins to use the back

Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Winter 2007, Page 11 or side chamber for their nest, well beyond the reach of any crow, hawk or owl. To do this he covers the entry hole opening to one OrphanedOrphaned BearBear CubCub compartment, then drills a 2” diameter hole in the back or side wall so that the martins enter from the outside through one hole then RescuedRescued pass through the other to an inner compart- trying to subsist on sugar cane stubble left Louisiana Department of Wildlife and in a harvested field. The cub weighed 15 Fisheries (LDWF) personnel rescued an pounds when caught, well outside the 30- orphaned male black bear cub in St. Mary to-50-pound range a 10-to-11-month- old Parish last November and transported the bear should reach. All cubs are born in cub to the Appalachian Bear Rescue (ABR) January or February each year. Center in Tennessee for rehabilitation Following the capture, the young bear prior to return to the wild. was then transported to Baton Rouge, given emergency care and nourishment and then transferred to Appalachian Bear Rescue, a nonprofit organization located in Tennessee just outside the Smokey Mountain National Park that specializes in bear rehabilitation. According to ABR’s Web site at: http://www.AppalacianBearRescue.org, the cub will be placed on commercial for- Near fledging, two chicks impatiently survey the outside mula along with natural wild foods gath- world as adults stand sentinel. ered by local volunteers. It will be housed Orphaned bear cub in transport box being taken to the with other cubs for comfort and compan- Appalachian Bear Rescue, a bear rehab center in the ionship with minimum human contact. ment to build their nest. He reported that Smokey Mountains of Tennessee. Photo by Chris Davis. the martins readily adapt to this arrangement Prior to release into the wild, the cub will and the results are a significant increase in live in a one-acre bear enclosure with hard- fledglings produced each year. I’m in the Arlen Carter, of Franklin, observed wood trees, natural dens and man-made process of making this conversion to my two the cub in his hunting area while in a deer streams and water sources. In the enclo- houses and am looking forward to a better stand overlooking a food plot at 8:15 a.m. sure, the cub will not see humans or result for both me and my martin tenants. “I watched the cub and waited for his receive human contact unless medical Photos illustrating these modifications can be mother to arrive,” Carter said. “After 30 attention is required. Cubs will forage for viewed on the Internet at: minutes, I came to the conclusion that the randomly placed food within the enclo- http://purplemartin.org/update/9(3)trio.html. cub was alone and called LDWF authori- sure. A martin house is a good investment for ties.” Each cub must grow to at least 60 folks who take time to enjoy their yards and Carter said that he has hunted this pounds in weight and exhibit normal for- gardens, and an active colony of these fine same area for the last four years and has aging behavior, while interacting and birds will provide endless hours of entertain- seen quite a few bears, some coming with- vocalizing with other cubs and demon- ment for young and old alike. I’ll warn you in yards of his deer stand. strating climbing skills, before being though that if you buy one of those prefab “Situations like this are extremely rare released into the wild. Normal wild bear metal houses, assembly rivals assembling a and hunters should not assume bear cubs behavior can also be verified if a cub bicycle, so plan to spend an good hour with seen without a female nearby are orphans,” spends its days above ground in a tree and screwdriver in hand dealing with tiny screws said LDWF Wildlife Biologist Maria on the ground at night looking for food. and nuts before its ready to mount. And if Davidson. “This cub was very small, ABR has released 78 bears back into there are crows in your neighborhood, don’t undernourished and near starvation, which the wild without any being reported as a forget to take advantage of the pre-assembly prompted the decision to capture him. nuisance by the public. Their goal is to condition to crow-proof the structure. You’ll Had he been in good health, he would make sure bears are wary of humans. have more and happier martins if you do. have been left in the area.” Davidson hopes this cub will be ready To learn more, type “purple martin” in Wildlife Management Area (WMA) to return to Louisiana by the spring of one of the popular search engines on the Technician Tim Marcentel from LDWF’s 2007 for release in north Louisiana where Internet. You’ll be impressed with not only New Iberia office, along with student bear densities are lower. the information that is available but with just worker Brent Castille and WMA Story courtesy of the Louisiana how many human fans the purple martin has. Technician Guy Patout, retrieved the cub. Department of Wildlife & Fisheries According to Davidson, the cub had been

Page 12 Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Winter 2007 Bare Cypress & Bald Eagles in the Lower Atchafalaya Basin

By Jay V. Huner, Ph. D. ly distinguish these striking birds from the into dense groups where they can easily be wintering Turkey Vultures and Red-shoul- eaten. Sometimes, the fish are actually dri- Winter’s chill winds first turn cypress dered and Red-tailed Hawks common to the ven to the shore where a free-for-all develops tree needles a golden reddish brown and region. as Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets, and then blow them to the water or ground The resurgence of Bald Eagles in the Snowy Egrets throng to the site to secure a around the massive knees at their bases. The lower Basin is a wonderful biological success meal while the frantic fish flop in the shal- changing colors coincide with the arrival of story for a species once classified as being low water, and even onto the shore itself. Southern Bald Eagles that, unlike their endangered throughout the lower 48 states. Laughing and Ring-billed Gulls and The principal diet of the eagles is fish caught Caspian and Forster’s Terns are almost in the nutrient rich, shallow waters in the always present along the shores of Lake area, either directly or sometimes stolen Palourde in good numbers during the win- from Ospreys. They’ll also take small mam- ter. At times, hundreds, even thousands, of mals and feast on road-killed nutria which graceful Tree Swallows with snow-white are plentiful in the area. At one time, cont- breasts and metallic, bluish-green backs and aminants in the environment, primarily the wings fill the air above the water as they feed residue of persistent pesticides like DDT, on mosquitoes and midges hovering above threatened our Bald Eagles, and our Brown the water surface. Pelicans, with extinction. They bioaccumu- The avid birder will find woodpeckers, Bald Eagle glides to perch. Photo by Mike Musumeche. lated in the food chain and when the birds vireos, phoebes, titmice, chickadees, robins, ate the fish the dose of pesticide ingested dis- kinglets, wrens, gnatcatchers, warblers, and northern cousins, nest in the winter rather rupted the birds’ metabolic processes includ- sparrows in wooded areas throughout the than the summer. ing that necessary to produce egg shells of area. An especially good area to “bird” is the There is no better place to view the normal strength and thickness. The shells grounds of the Brownell Memorial Park magnificent Bald Eagles than the broke before the chicks were ready to emerge with excellent walking trails through the Stephenville- Morgan City area along causing extensive reproductive failure in the cypress-tupelo swamp on its grounds. . LA 70 follows the population. With the development of more Eastern Protection Levee of the Atchafalaya targeted, less persistent pesticides and more Basin Floodway between Belle River and stringent regulations for their use, Bald Lake Palourde. The levee prevents Eagles began a steady comeback. Louisiana Atchafalaya River flood waters from inun- now hosts the third largest population (over dating the communities outside the flood- 250 active nests have been located in the way. Lake Palourde, a large, shallow lake state) of breeding Bald Eagles in the country, fronts LA 70 for about a mile from Lake behind Alaska and Florida, and the Lower End Park on the southwest to Brownell Basin is the population epicenter. This suc- Memorial Park & Carillon Tower on the cess has warranted upgrading the status of southeast. Stephenville, a low-lying com- the Bald Eagle from “endangered” to Bald Eagle soaring over Grassy Lake in the Atchafalaya munity comprised of recreational dwellings “threatened” by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Basin. Photo by Mike Musumeche. and permanent homes, is about a mile to the Service. north past Lake Palourde. A winter visitor to the Stephenville- Winter birding in the Morgan City- Over 150 active Bald Eagle nests have Morgan City area will surely encounter sev- Stephenville area can be an especially been documented in the cypress-tupelo gum eral Bald Eagles, both adults and brownish, rewarding experience to people at all levels swamp in this region that includes several immature juveniles, but visitors will also of “birding” expertise. There is a good vari- other important water bodies like Lake find other conspicuous birds to enjoy. Large ety of large birds, especially Bald Eagles, pel- Verret and Grassy Lake. While the eagles are schools of shad, silvery freshwater herrings, icans, cormorants, herons, and egrets that most active over the lakes, it is not uncom- abound in Lake Palourde. These fish attract can be enjoyed with or without binoculars mon to see them flying or gliding gracefully large flocks of iridescent black, goose-sized and spotting scopes. But, birding here is not over Morgan City and Stephenville on just Double-Crested Cormorants and American just a winter opportunity. There are three about any day from mid-October to mid- White Pelicans. Hundreds of these birds can other “seasons” in the year when interesting, March. Even the casual observer can quick- often be viewed herding the schools of shad Continued on page 9

Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Winter 2007, Page 13 CONSERVATION LINE

New Individual Fishing Quota Program Approximately 750 commercial fishermen Wildlife Service (USFWS) Office of Law for Red Snapper Begins and 200 seafood dealers will be eligible to Enforcement special agents are seeking NOAA Fisheries Service has enter the new program. The Gulf of information regarding the killing of a fed- announced a new Individual Fishing Mexico red snapper IFQ program also erally protected southern bald eagle. Quota (IFQ) program for the commercial may help reduce bycatch of undersized red Agents believe the eagle was killed on or red snapper fishery in the . snapper and other reef fish species by about Dec. 6 in the West Bank area of This program was approved by the Gulf of encouraging fishery participants to be Jefferson Parish. A concerned citizen con- Mexico Fishery Management Council and more selective in targeting fish. IFQ pro- tacted the LDWF dispatch office at 4:20 began January 1, 2007. It is the first IFQ grams have been used worldwide since the p.m. on Dec. 6 and reported finding a program implemented in the Gulf of late 1970s in countries such as Canada, dead eagle behind the Mississippi River Mexico designed to eliminate problems New Zealand, and Iceland. They were levee in the town of Waggaman in associated with derby-style fishing in the first implemented in the in Jefferson Parish. LDWF Sgt. Eddie Skena red snapper fishery. IFQ programs are a 1990 when the Mid-Atlantic surf clam responded to the area and discovered the type of Dedicated Access Privilege and ocean quahog IFQ program was illegally killed eagle. The eagle was deliv- Program (DAPP), which allocate harvest- adopted. Other domestic fisheries with ered to the USFWS and will be forensical- ing privileges to individual fishermen or IFQ programs are South Atlantic wreck- ly tested for cause of death. The southern corporations. Fishermen are allowed to fish (1992), Alaskan halibut and sablefish bald eagle is listed on the Endangered take a specific share of the total allowable (1995), and Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands Species list, and fines up to $100,000 may catch of a species each fishing year and can crab (2005). Regional fishery manage- be imposed for shooting or injuring the fish until their individual quota is met. ment councils are currently considering bird. Anyone providing information lead- The Bush Administration outlined dou- similar programs for fisheries such as the ing to the arrest and conviction of the bling the number of DAPPs in the United Pacific groundfish, South Atlantic snap- guilty party is eligible for significant cash States by 2010 as an Ocean Action Plan per-grouper and Gulf of Mexico grouper. rewards. Anyone with information may priority. IFQ programs create market- call Special Agent Stephen Clark at the based incentives to reduce fishing capacity LWFC Sets 2007 Turkey Season USFWS office in LaCombe at 985-882- to a level that is more appropriate to the The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries 3756, the LDWF Operation Game Thief amount of fish available to the fishery. Commission (LWFC) has approved the Hotline at 800-442-2511 or Cpt. Brian The rapid growth and overcapitalization turkey season dates and regulations for the Clark at the LDWF Region 8 of the red snapper fishery in the Gulf of 2007 turkey season. The statewide open- Enforcement Office at 504-282-4375. Mexico have intensified the “race for fish.” ing date is March 24. The season in Area This is a situation where participants A will extend to April 22, Area B to April LWFC Sets Spring Squirrel Season compete with each other to harvest as 15 and Area C to April 8. A private land The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries many fish as possible before the season is youth and physically challenged hunter Commission approved the first ever spring closed each month. The competition cre- weekend is set for March 17 and 18. The squirrel season for Louisiana at its January ates negative social and economic condi- daily bag limit is one gobbler, and the sea- meeting. The season dates will run from tions by reducing or eliminating consider- son limit is two gobblers. Youths under May 5 to 27 in 2007 and from May 3 to ations about weather conditions affecting 16 and wheelchair-confined hunters of 25 in 2008 on private lands. Wildlife safety at sea, flooding the market with fish any age hunting on private lands can hunt Management Area (WMA) hunts will be certain times of year, and making it diffi- during the youth season. Each youth open from May 5 to 13 in 2007 and from cult to comply with and enforce fishery must be accompanied by an adult 18 years May 3 to 11 in 2008 on the following regulations. IFQ programs provide par- of age or older. Youths under 16 years old WMAs: Bodcau, Boeuf, Clear Creek, ticipants more flexibility in deciding may hunt and must possess a hunter safe- Little River, Maurepas Swamp (East when, where and how to fish. This flexi- ty certificate or proof of completing a Tract), Russell Sage and Sherburne. bility can improve the quality of fish sold hunter safety course unless the adult Squirrel hunting will be closed in the at the market, enhance safety at sea and supervisor already has one of these Kisatchie National Forest, on National increase the profitability of fishing opera- requirements. Disabled hunters must Wildlife Refuges, Wildlife Management tions. This IFQ program will replace the have a Physically Challenged Hunter Areas not listed above and U.S. Army previous license limitation program, Permit with wheelchair classification to Corps of Engineers property. which was designed to cap the number of participate. participants in the commercial red snap- St. Amant Man Jailed for Overbagging per fishery and prolong the duration of Bald Eagle Poacher Sought Deer on Maurepas WMA the fishery throughout the year. The in Jefferson Parish LDWF enforcement officers cited a license limitation program was not suc- Louisiana Department of Wildlife St. Amant man on Nov. 26 for allegedly cessful in decreasing fleet harvesting costs, and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement killing four deer on the Maurepas Swamp overcapacity and derby fishing conditions. Division officers and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Management Area. James M.

Page 14 Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Winter 2007 CONSERVATION LINE

Duhe, 47, of St. Amant was cited after turkeys during a closed season is a fine Corrections, Department of Economic agents set up surveillance and apprehend- between $900 and $950, or jail for not Development, Department of Natural ed Duhe near Highway 641, in St. James more than 120 days, or both plus court Resources, and State Police. Additional Parish. Duhe and three other men were costs. The penalty for hunting turkeys information on the statewide anti litter observed dragging two button bucks, a with a rifle is a fine between $250 and campaign and upcoming KLB events can doe and a 10-point buck through the $500, or jail for not more than 90 days, or be found at: swamp to the edge of the highway. After both plus court costs. The penalty for http://www.KeepLouisianaBeautiful.org. further investigation and interviews by the hunting turkeys without a turkey license is agents with the four men, Duhe ultimate- a fine of $50 or jail for not more than 15 LDWF Reminds Shrimpers of Fall ly confessed to killing all four deer. The days. Agents participating in the case Inshore Season Closure legal daily limit for deer on a WMA is one were Sgt. Duane Taylor, Senior Agent Shrimpers are reminded that the fall antlered and one antlerless deer (when Scott Jeansonne and Agent John inshore shrimp season in all Louisiana legal) per day. Duhe was placed under Volentine. shrimp management zones has closed, arrest and booked into the St. James LDWF Officers Write 78 Litter except in the open waters of Breton and Parish jail. Agents seized the rifle used by Citations in Region 7 Chandeleur Sounds as described by the Duhe as evidence. The four deer were also With the help of a $15,000 grant double-rig line (LA R.S.56:495.1.(A)2), seized and later donated to charity. If from Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB), which shall remain open to shrimping convicted, Duhe faces fines up to $750 or LDWF Region 7 enforcement officers until 6 a.m. March 31, 2007. Zone 1 jail time between 15 and 30 days for pos- wrote 78 gross littering citations from July includes state waters from the Mississippi- session of illegally taken deer. For taking 31 to Dec. 31, 2006. “Louisiana Louisiana state line to the eastern shore of over the daily limit of deer, he faces fines Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and South Pass of the Mississippi River. Zone up to $500, or jail time up to 90 days, or its enforcement agents are some of our 2 includes state waters from the eastern both plus court costs. Failure to comply best partners,” said KLB Executive shore of South Pass of the Mississippi with rules and regulation on a WMA car- Director Leigh Harris. “They are serious River to the western shore of Vermilion ries fines up to $350, or jail not more than about holding litter violators accountable Bay and Southwest Pass at Marsh Island 60 days, or both plus court costs. Duhe for their actions.” KLB chose Region 7, and Zone 3 extends from the western also faces civil restitution penalties of which includes East Feliciana, West boundary of Zone 2 to the Louisiana- $524.54 per deer. Enforcement Officers Feliciana, East Baton Rouge, Ascension, Texas state line. Catastrophic losses to the participating in the case were Sgt. Aron Livingston, St. Helena, Tangipahoa, St. shrimp fleet following hurricanes Katrina Hastings and Agent Robert Turner. Tammany and Washington parishes, and Rita have significantly decreased the because they wrote the most littering cita- number of participating vessels and fish- Man Cited for Taking Turkey tions in 2005. The KLB grant money was ing trips taken in the Louisiana shrimp in Closed Season spent to cover the cost of overtime hours fishery. Despite these reductions in fish- A Ouachita Parish man was cited by accrued by LDWF agents. With the ing effort, LDWF Marine Fisheries LDWF enforcement officers on Jan. 5 for money, LDWF was able to add overtime Division biologists have indicated that allegedly taking a wild turkey during a patrols with a focus on gross litter viola- 2006 shrimp landings are well above the closed season, hunting turkey with a rifle tions in an effort to combat, prevent and average of recent years and may potential- and hunting turkey without a turkey deter gross littering. Each first conviction ly rival the previous annual record of 93.8 license. Joel R. Guess Jr., 46, of West gross littering citation carries a possible million pounds reported in 2000. Monroe, was questioned after agents fine between $500 and $1,000 and eight According to preliminary LDWF trip received an anonymous tip that he killed a hours of community service in a litter ticket data, Louisiana shrimp landings turkey in November while hunting deer in abatement work program. Keep Louisiana through August of this year total approxi- Caldwell Parish. The investigation led the Beautiful is a volunteer-based service mately 57.4 million pounds (heads-off agents to a taxidermist shop in Ouachita organization dedicated to litter reduction weight/all species combined). In compari- Parish where they located a turkey gobbler through education, enforcement and son, this preliminary total represents an with an 11-inch beard that appeared to cleanups. The honorary chairman of the increase of 15.8 million pounds over the have been shot with a rifle. Agents locat- organization is Raymond Blanco, and corresponding pre-hurricanes period of ed Guess at his residence where he alleged- partners in KLB’s efforts include the last year. Biologists have indicated that ly admitted to shooting the wild turkey Louisiana Governor’s Office of high shrimp production in January was with a rifle after mistaking it for a hog. Environmental Education, Department of attributed to larger populations of white The turkey and a 7mm magnum rifle were Environmental Quality, Department of shrimp over-wintering in shallow offshore seized as evidence. Guess will also be Transportation and Development, waters. Brown shrimp landings in May assessed civil restitution payable to LDWF Louisiana Department of Wildlife and and June were influenced by a series of in the amount of $802.50 for the value of Fisheries, Department of Culture, factors. Several periods of strong souther- the wild turkey. The penalty for taking Recreation and Tourism, Department of ly winds and high tides in March and

Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Winter 2007, Page 15 CONSERVATION LINE

April created favorable mechanisms for states that properly licensed recreational fines up to $950, plus court costs or be the transport of post-larval shrimp into fishermen using legal recreational fishing sentenced up to 120 days in jail. Agents the . A mild winter, low river gear would be able to take paddlefish participating in the case were Sgt. stages and rainfall levels resulted in higher under the following conditions: Winston Michel and Agent Tyler Marroy. than normal water temperatures and salin- • The taking or possession of paddle- ities; environmental factors favorable for fish would be closed in all saltwater areas Proposal Would Allow the Use brown shrimp development and growth. of the state and in border waters shared of Certain Bait Skimmer Nets These same conditions were also con- with Texas. At its January meeting the LWFC ducive to the rapid growth of over-winter- • All possessed paddlefish must be mission adopted a notice of intent to ing white shrimp re-entering inshore dead and intact, and the transportation of amend the Special Bait Dealer Permit rule waters in early spring. The size and value live paddlefish would be prohibited. to allow for the use of certain skimmer of white shrimp landings in May and June • No person shall possess paddlefish nets. The proposal would allow permitted were exceptionally high which suggests eggs that are not fully attached to the fish bait dealers to use two skimmer nets hav- the success of management actions on state waters. ing an individual net frame size not more designed to protect these shrimp from • The daily take and possession limit than 12 1/2 feet measured horizontally or harvest as they over-winter during late would be two per person. 12 feet measured vertically or 17 1/3 feet winter and early spring in portions of state • All paddlefish greater than 30 inch- measured diagonally. Current regulations outside waters. Likewise, white shrimp es measured by the lower jaw fork length limit special bait dealer permittees to the landings in August reached near record standard would be returned to the water use of a single trawl not to exceed 25 feet levels and were also influenced by the exis- immediately. Lower jaw fork length is the measured along the cork line and 33 feet tence of favorable environmental condi- distance from the tip of the lower jaw to along the lead line. Acting in response to tions conducive to high survival and rapid the mid-line of the caudel fin. increased public demand for live bait, growth. • Commercial take and possession of which has often exceeded available bait paddlefish would be prohibited. dealer supplies, the amended rule would Maurepas Man Cited for Taking Grebe Public comment may be submitted to allow the use of skimmer nets in the per- LDWF enforcement officers cited a Gary Tilyou, Administrator, Inland mitted bait fishery. Several studies have Maurepas resident on Nov. 18 for alleged- Fisheries Division, Louisiana Department cited the efficiency of skimmer nets in ly killing grebes. John C. Marston, Jr., of Wildlife and Fisheries, P.O. Box 98000, harvesting shrimp resulting in a number 42, was cited after officers found him in Baton Rouge, LA 70898-9000, prior to of advantages over traditional otter trawls possession of two grebes he killed on the March 6, 2007. including increased survival of both target Manchac Wildlife Management Area in and non-target catch. The commission St. John Parish. Grebe does not have a Pierre Part Man Netted for also intends to allow permitted bait deal- hunting season and it is a federal violation Shad Gillnet Violations ers to harvest live croaker in addition to to hunt or take them. The waterfowl were LDWF enforcement officers cited live shrimp, require applicants to post discovered during a compliance check four Pierre Part men in December for cash bonds rather than optional surety after Marston was observed hunting allegedly violating rules governing the use bonds, prohibit transfer of any shrimp or ducks. Marston was issued a federal cita- of shad gillnets. Eno Domingue, 43, Eric croaker taken under the permit from one tion for taking grebe during a non-hunt- Hue Sr. 50, Lance Metrejean, 29, and vessel to another and revise record keeping ing season for the waterfowl. The case Derrick Daigle, 21, all of Pierre Part were requirements. Last amended in 1997, the will go before a federal magistrate in the returning to a landing in two separate ves- Special Bait Dealer Permit Rule is intend- Eastern District in . If con- sels when agents stopped them and found ed solely for the benefit of the recreation- victed Marston faces fines up $5,000, or 45 pounds of garfish, 4 pounds of fresh- al fishing public which desires to use live jail not more than six months or, both water drum, 4 pounds of mullet and 54 shrimp and live croaker as bait during plus court costs. LDWF agents involved pounds of catfish with shad gillnets and closed shrimp season between the spring in this case were Sgt. Davis Madere and shad. Agents seized the fish and donated and fall inshore shrimp seasons. Its pur- Agent Edward Ridgel them to charity. Agents also placed both pose is to allow the uninterrupted opera- vessels and two 1,200-foot gill nets under tion of those commercial establishments Notice of Intent on a departmental seizure order pending trial. which sell live bait to the fishing public. Paddlefish Adopted Agents received complaints of fisherman The special bait dealer permit is not In action taken at the January meet- keeping fish other than shad and skipjack intended for the direct use of recreational ing, the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries taken with shad gillnets. By law, fisher- fishermen, charter boats, commercial fish- Commission adopted a notice of intent men using shad gillnets may only keep ermen who sell dead bait, or for any other that would allow the incidental take and skipjack and shad when using such nets in entity which may wish to catch bait for possession of paddlefish, also called Verret, Palourde and Lac Des Allemands their own use during closed shrimp sea- spoonbill catfish. The notice of intent lakes. If convicted, the men could pay son. Interested persons may submit writ-

Page 16 Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Winter 2007 CONSERVATION LINE ten comments relative to the proposed well as how much money hunting and and was sentenced to 60 days in the rule to Martin Bourgeois, Marine fishing contributes to fish and wildlife Avoyelles Parish Jail. Judge Mark Fisheries Biologist, Marine Fisheries conservation efforts, coupled with a visi- Jeansonne of the 12th Judicial District Division, P.O. Box 98000, Baton Rouge, ble increase in deer in urban areas and the Court in Marksville, La. also fined Rico LA 70898-9000 prior to Monday, March need to actively manage their populations, $1,051. LDWF enforcement officers dis- 5, 2007. Responsive Management’s research shows covered Rico hunting with the aid of a that the public continues to approve of deer feeder equipped with lights on Dec. Nationwide Survey Shows Most hunting. Responsive Management is a 15, 2005. Agents cited him for hunting Americans Support Hunting and Fishing Virginia-based public opinion polling and without a basic and big game hunting A recent nationwide survey of survey research firm specializing in natur- license, failure to wear hunter orange and Americans 18 years old and older shows al resources, fisheries, wildlife, outdoor hunting deer with illegal methods and that a strong majority of Americans sup- recreation, and environmental issues and during illegal hours with an artificial light. port hunting and fishing. Conducted by has been assessing public attitudes on On the following day, investigating agents Responsive Management of Harrisonburg, these issues for 18 years. Surveys are con- learned that Rico was a convicted felon. Virginia, the survey found that support ducted with scientific rigor according to He was then arrested and booked into the for hunting and fishing has remained the standards of the Council of American Avoyelles Parish Jail. District Attorney strong over the past decade with approxi- Survey Research Organizations. For more Charles Riddle III personally handled the mately every 3 out of 4 Americans approv- information, please visit the firm’s Web case and stated, “We will not tolerate ing of legal hunting and more than 9 out site at: night hunting and the associated crimes of 10 approving of recreational fishing. http://www.responsivemanagement.com. with this activity. Hopefully, this punish- “We have been seeing public support for ment will send a message that a hunting hunting increase in several states over the Invasive Species Found in Louisiana license is required and hunting will be past decade where we had data but this is An exotic invasive species of freshwa- allowed only during legal hunting hours the first nationwide study where we could ter snail has been discovered in Louisiana. along with the requirement of obeying verify that public support has increased Several specimens, commonly referred to rules that the vast majority of our hunters over the past decade,” said Mark Damian as the channeled apple snail, were collect- follow. The few that violate these laws Duda, executive director of Responsive ed from a canal in Gretna by the U.S. will be dealt with accordingly,” Riddle Management. “In 1995, 73 percent of Department of Agriculture, Animal and said. Agents participating in the investi- Americans approved of hunting while in Plant Health Inspection Service, at the gation include Cpt. Peter Oliver, Sgt. 2006, 78 percent approved of hunting. request of the Louisiana Department of Gabe Guidry and Senior Agent Jay Support for fishing nationwide, as well as Wildlife and Fisheries. These mollusks Callegari. in numerous states where we have con- are known for their voracious appetite for ducted studies, remains very high,” Duda aquatic vegetation. This group of snails King Elected LWFC Chairman said. Although approval of fishing has has been a serious pest to rice farmers in At its January meeting, the Louisiana decreased slightly, dropping only 1.7 per- parts of southeast Asia. Away from agri- Wildlife and Fisheries Commission elect- centage points from 95 percent in 1995 to cultural areas, these snails can severely ed its vice-chairman, Earl P. King of 93.3 percent in 2006, most Americans impact native vegetation altering aquatic Amelia to serve as chairman for 2007. approve of recreational fishing. The habitats. These species can be separated Patrick Morrow of Opelousas was elected results of this survey reflect the opinions from native snails by their size, up to 4 vice-chairman. King succeeds outgoing of randomly selected U.S. adult residents inches, and their peculiar pink egg masses. chairman, Terry Denmon. When asked based on a scientific telephone survey of The pink egg masses are attached to vege- about his motivation for serving on the 813 Americans conducted from August 31 tation, boat docks or other structures commission, King said, “My respect for to September 9, 2006. The sampling above the surface of the water. Under our wildlife and fisheries resources began error is 3.44 percentage points. The poll ideal conditions these snails reach maturi- at an early age. My grandfather stressed was conducted as part of two larger pro- ty in three months and can lay clutches of managing and nurturing our natural jects-a book being written on sportsmen’s eggs, averaging 200 to 300, every few resources, and was an early conservation- issues by Duda, Marty Jones, and Andrea weeks. LDWF is asking anyone who finds ist. Growing up in south Louisiana, I Criscione of Responsive Management that snails that fit this description to please enjoyed hunting and fishing on our many was commissioned by the Congressional contact their nearest LDWF regional lakes and . Not only did this pro- Sportsmen’s Foundation and a study on office. vide food for our table, but also recreation the future of hunting and the shooting that I want future generations to be able sports under a grant from the U.S. Fish Illegal Night Hunter Sentenced to Jail to enjoy.” King believes that, as a com- and Wildlife Service. As Americans Burt Rico, 47, of Moreauville pled no missioner, he has a duty, an obligation, become more knowledgeable about the contest to hunting deer illegally at night and a moral and ethical responsibility to role of hunting in wildlife management as with a .22 caliber rifle on Nov. 14, 2006 make informed decisions based on the

Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Winter 2007, Page 17 CONSERVATION LINE best interests of the people and the state of its Director. Mr. Davis will also be join- horseback riding, boating, birding, map Louisiana. He explained that his broad ing the Law School’s faculty as a Senior and compass skills, outdoor photography, agenda is to balance the commercial, Research Fellow. “The Institute on Water camp cooking and more. Expert instruc- sports and recreational interests with con- Resources Law and Policy is an important tors donate their time and skills in classes servation of Louisiana’s wildlife and fish- addition to the Law School that will allow taught in and around the nearby streams, eries resources, noting that he has an us to better serve both our students and lakes, wooded ridges, and forest trails. appreciation for the economic “engines” the community,” said Law School Dean Women can register beginning Jan. 16, these interests provide for the coastal Lawrence Ponoroff. According to Mr. 2007 for the educational hands-on out- parishes and across the state. Davis, the challenges Louisiana and New door three-day workshop. All applica- Orleans are facing in the wake of tions must be accompanied with a $140 Sulfur Man Cited for Hunting Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, as well as check or money order. The fee includes Turkeys on Thanksgiving Day decades of coastal collapse, have made instruction for four selected classes, pro- LDWF enforcement officers cited clear the need to better understand and gram materials, use of demonstration Adam K. Foster, 26, of Sulfur, for alleged- improve the laws and policies that govern equipment, lodging, meals and a T-shirt. ly killing two wild turkeys on water resource and coastal management. Interested women are urged to register as Thanksgiving Day in Beauregard Parish. “Years of work to save our coast and pro- soon as possible. Two Liz Barthel Agents received a tip that Foster had been tect its communities have made clear that Memorial Scholarships are available for deer hunting on the morning of Nov. 23 we need to do more than have good sci- this workshop to any new participant that and shot two turkeys from his deer stand. ence and engineering on our side. We is of low income and has children under Agents conducted an investigation and need to have laws, policies, and decision the age of 18. The scholarship pays $125 questioned Foster at his residence in making processes that allow the best sci- of the $140 registration fee. The scholar- Sulfur on Wednesday, Nov. 29. Foster ence and engineering to be put to work ship recipient will be responsible for a $15 admitted he had killed two turkeys on for us. The Tulane Center on Water fee. To apply for the scholarship go to Thanksgiving Day and that one of the Resources Law and Policy will advance LDWF’s Web site at: turkeys had already been consumed. The that goal.” In his fourteen years as http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov. Natural remaining turkey was seized as evidence Executive Director of the Coalition to resource scientist Christine Thomas of the along with the shotgun that was used to Restore Coastal Louisiana, the leading University of Wisconsin founded the commit the violation. Agents cited Foster public interest voice for the conservation, Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program. for two counts of hunting turkeys during restoration and stewardship of Louisiana’s She completed a survey in 1991 entitled a closed season. He was also issued a civil coast, Mr. Davis has worked to shape state “Barriers to Women Participating in restitution penalty for the replacement and federal laws and polices central to the Hunting and Fishing.” The survey docu- costs of the two illegally taken turkeys. survival of coastal Louisiana and its ecolo- mented that the most obvious problem Louisiana does not have a fall turkey sea- gy, communities, and economy. Mr. was lack of instruction and encourage- son. During the spring season in portions Davis currently is a member of the ment. To receive a registration form con- of the months of March and April, Governor’s Advisory Commission on tact Bill Breed in Monroe at 318-343- hunters may harvest gobblers only. The Coastal Conservation and Restoration and 1241 or Dana Norsworthy in Monroe at limit is one per day and two per season. is a member of the Mineral Management 318-345-3912. Forms can be faxed, The penalty for taking turkeys during a Service Advisory Committee on Outer mailed or can be accessed from the LDWF closed season is a fine up to $950, up to Continental Shelf Activity. website at: 120 days in jail, or both plus court costs, http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov and clicking and forfeiture of anything seized for each Becoming an Outdoors Woman on the “Education/research” drop down count. The civil restitution value is Weekend Scheduled menu. The first 125 completed registra- $802.50 for each turkey. Agents involved Women will fill the woods in Pollock tion forms received with payment will be in the investigation were Sgts. David Liles at Camp Grant Walker in the rolling hills accepted. Registration will be taken until and Keith Aucoin. of central Louisiana on March 16-18, the workshop is full. All forms received 2007 for the 19th Becoming an after the workshop is full will be placed on CRCL’s Davis to Direct Tulane Law Outdoors-Woman (BOW) workshop a waiting list in case of cancellations. Join School’s New Water Policy Institute sponsored by the Louisiana Department the fun and be one of those 125 women in Tulane University School of Law has of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF). the woods. Register for the Becoming an announced that it is creating a new insti- Women 18 and older from throughout Outdoors-Woman workshop and become tute to focus on the laws and policies of Louisiana and neighboring states can skilled in something that you always water resource management and that enroll in four classes from a selection of dreamed about doing. Becoming an Mark Davis, who has headed the more than 30 topics. These subjects Outdoors-Woman is sponsored by LDWF Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana for include bucks and does, shotgun, rifle, and is a registered trademark. It is not to the past fourteen years, has been named fly-fishing, canoeing, camping, archery, be confused with the Women in the

Page 18 Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Winter 2007 CONSERVATION LINE

Outdoors program that is sponsored by 58,000 phase II Florida largemouth bass just launched a website to let people living the National Wild Turkey Federation. into the five pools of the Red River on in or moving to the lake area become Dec. 13. The Red River Waterway familiar with the many facets of this orga- Three Men Arrested for Commission (RRWC) donated $50,000 nization. The new web site can be found Alleged Deer Violations to the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries at: http://www.Toledo-Bend.com/TBLA. LDWF enforcement officers arrested Foundation, who then purchased the bass. The website informs both the public and three Louisiana residents for alleged deer This will mark the sixth consecutive year TBLA members about the many commu- violations that took place in and around that the RRWC has donated money to nity and social activities of the TBLA. It the area of the Estelle 2 pump station in purchase bass for the Red River. The 5- showcases many TBLA activities which Marrero on Dec. 15. Agents responded to to-7-inch bass are considered phase II fin- greatly benefit the area and explains how a call that gunshots were heard after legal gerlings. These bass are released to help anyone can become involved. For exam- shooting hours in a wooded area near the introduce their superior genetic traits to ple, the TBLA annually raises approxi- pump station. They set up surveillance on the Red River that will in turn produce mately $80,000 from its Bass Unlimited the scene and saw three men cleaning larger bass for local anglers. About Banquet and invests all of the proceeds white-tailed deer at the pump station. 11,600 bass per pool were stocked out of into the fisheries, lake improvements and The men were stopped and identified as the Clarks, Coushatta, Grand Ecore, Fort other contributions which help make Jeremy Kinley, 25, of Harvey, Jason M. Buhlow, and Broulette landings on the Toledo Bend such a delightful place to Daigle, 21, of Covington, and Brian M. Red River. live. The Bass Replica Program provides Baudoin, 47, also of Harvey. Baudoin is any fisherman who catches a bass between employed as the pump operator for the Rapides Parish Men 10 and 11.99 lbs with a realistic fiberglass Estelle 2 pump station and was on duty at Cited for Overbagging Ducks replica of their catch if they release the the time. Further investigation deter- LDWF officers cited six men on Nov. fish to breed again. (The Louisiana mined that Baudoin had opened the 11, the opening day of the 2006-07 West Department of Wildlife and Fishers has locked gates around the pump station, Zone duck season, for allegedly violating the same program for larger bass.) giving Kinley and Daigle access to the the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act by Additionally, TBLA’s very popular bass wooded area surrounding the pump. taking more than the daily limit of ducks and crappie restocking programs are all Kinley and Daigle both gave statements on Douglas Farms in Rapides Parish. detailed on the website - including how that Baudoin had allowed them to shoot Michael Fisher Jr., 60, and Ricky L. bass can be stocked right in the cove the deer from the pump station property McMickens, 45, both of Alexandria, along where you live! The Lake Association’s after legal shooting hours and then left his with Neal L. McMickens, 42, Francis community events as well as those of other station and transported them onto private Melder, 59, Joseph M. Vincent, 46, and organizations are also highlighted with a property to retrieve the deer. The two Thomas R. Vincent, 48, all of Pineville, spotlight on the Annual Bass Unlimited high-powered rifles used in the violation were cited for taking over the legal limit of Banquet which helps finance many of were seized as evidence. Three whitetail ducks and failure to maintain field posses- TBLA’s activities. TBLA Board Member deer were also seized and later donated. sion of migratory game birds. Fisher and Jerry Lehman worked with a number of Baudoin, Kinley and Daigle were each Melder were also cited for hunting ducks members of the organization to gather arrested for hunting deer during illegal without a federal waterfowl stamp. Sgt. information and photos to present a com- hours, possession of illegally taken deer, Travis Burnett and Senior Agent Spencer prehensive overview of the organization to possession of over the legal limit of deer Cole checked the hunters and found them the public. Lehman then worked with and criminal trespassing. The above vio- to be in possession of 11 wood ducks, Frank Dutton to develop the new site lations vary from Class 3 to Class 6 and three teal and one gadwall. Further inves- which is also hosted by Frank can carry a penalty range between a $250 tigation by the agents revealed more wood Dutton/Toledo-Bend.com. Whether you to $950 fine, or jail time up to 90 days, or ducks concealed where the men had been are from East Texas or West Louisiana, both plus court costs for each offense. hunting and in a decoy bag hidden in the you should be aware of this organization Civil penalties will also be assessed for the bushes near their parked ATVs. A total of and you may even want to become a part value of the three-whitetail deer at 48 ducks were seized from the hunters. of it. Come visit the Toledo Bend Lake $524.54 per deer. Agents participating in Violations of the Migratory Bird Treaty Association website at: the case were Lt. Stephen McManus, Sgt. Act are punishable by fines up to $5,000, http://www.Toledo-Bend.com/TBLA James Gregoire and Senior Agents Kris imprisonment for up to six months or Bourgeois and Jason Gernados. both. The case will be prosecuted by the Three Men Cited for Migratory Bird U.S. Attorney’s Office. Violations in Baton Rouge LDWF Stocks Red River LDWF enforcement officers cited with Largemouth Bass Toledo Bend Lake Association three men last October for allegedly vio- LDWF Inland Fisheries Division per- Launches New Web Site lating the Federal Migratory Treaty Act by sonnel stocked a total of approximately The Toledo Bend Lake Association has taking mourning doves illegally on Tom

Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Winter 2007, Page 19 CONSERVATION LINE

Drive in Baton Rouge. Kane C. Altazin, agents cited a Chauvin man on Nov. 6 for from a moving vehicle carries a fine 37, and Justin Courrege, 21, both of allegedly illegally hunting deer in between $250 and $500, or jail for not Baton Rouge and Erick N. Hussein, 26, Terrebonne Parish. Richard Luneau, 24, more than 90 days, or both plus court of Greenwell Springs, were cited for hunt- was cited after agents found him butcher- costs. Taking deer from a pubic road is ing migratory birds over bait and taking ing two deer near his residence on punishable by a fine between $100 and mourning doves by illegal methods. Bayouside Drive in Terrebonne Parish. $350, or jail for not more than 60 days, or Altazin and Courrege were also cited for An anonymous person told the agents that both plus court costs. Hunting without a placing bait for the purpose of taking Luneau had taken the two deer with a rifle basic and big game hunting licenses each migratory birds. Acting on a tip, agents during the archery only season that was carry fines of $50 or jail time for the first conducted surveillance on several differ- ongoing in Terrebonne Parish. When the offense. The penalty for discharging a ent days and were eventually able to film agents arrived, they found Luneau in the firearm from a public road is a fine up to the illegal activity. A search of the Tom process of cleaning the two deer, one doe $50, or up to 30 days in jail, or both, plus Drive business, where the three worked, and one button buck, that he allegedly court costs. Mulina and Husser were also revealed 44 doves held in a freezer and two admitted to killing with a .270 caliber assessed civil restitution in the amount of freshly dressed doves, a bag of bait, two air rifle. Luneau was issued citations for tak- $524.54 payable to the Louisiana rifles and dove decoys. Violations of the ing deer by illegal methods and taking Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for Migratory Bird Treaty Act are punishable over the limit of deer. It is currently a vio- the value of the deer. Agents participating by fines up to $5,000, imprisonment for lation of state law to take more than one in the case were Sgt. Darryl Galloway and up to six months or both. The case will be antlerless deer per day. If convicted, Senior Agent Robert Larsen. prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Luneau faces fines between $250-$500, or Agents participating in the case were jail time up to 90 days, or both plus court St. Charles Parish Resident Senior Agent Todd Lewis, Sgt. Paul costs per violation. He also faces civil Cited For Night Hunting Stuckey, Lt. Dennis Bueche and U. S. Fish restitution penalties of $524.54 per deer. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Wildlife Service Special Agent Phillip Both of the allegedly illegally taken deer and Fisheries Enforcement Division Siragusa. were seized by the agents and later donat- agents cited a St. Charles Parish resident ed to charity. Agents involved in this case on Dec. 3 for alleged hunting violations. Lincoln Parish Man were Sgt. Richard Purvis and Agent Dean Christopher J. Morales, 25, of Montz, was Sentenced in Deer Case Aucion. cited for hunting wild quadrupeds during A Lincoln Parish man was sentenced illegal hours and for hunting from a mov- Dec. 13th in 3rd Judicial District Court Washington Parish Men Jailed for ing vehicle. Agents were on patrol near in Ruston after pleading guilty to taking Night Hunting Violations the east bank hurricane protection levee two antlerless deer in one day and failure LDWF enforcement officers arrested when they heard several gunshots. Agents to wear hunters orange. Third Judicial two Washington Parish residents on the approached and observed Morales using District Court Judge Wayne Smith sen- night of Saturday, Jan. 6 for alleged night the headlights of his vehicle to illuminate tenced Ryan M. Combs, 21, of hunting violations that took place north a small food plot. The agents then Choudrant to pay a $50 fine for the of Franklinton. David M. Mulina, 25, watched Morales shoot several nutria from hunters orange violation and $250 plus and Shane M. Husser, 51, both of his vehicle. Morales was stopped and court costs in the amount of $120 for tak- Franklinton were arrested for taking deer found in possession of a loaded .17 caliber ing over the daily limit of deer. Combs during illegal hours with an artificial light, rifle and 11 freshly killed nutria. The rifle was also ordered to pay a $524 civil resti- taking deer from a public road, hunting was seized and held as evidence. The tution to the Louisiana Department of from a moving vehicle, discharging a nutria were seized and donated to local Wildlife and Fisheries for one of the deer firearm from a public road, and for no charity. Hunting wild quadrupeds during taken. Combs was cited by LDWF basic resident or resident big game hunt- illegal hours and hunting from a moving Enforcement Division agents with the two ing licenses. Shortly after 11 p.m., agents vehicle each carries a fine up to $500, or does on Oct. 21 during the special muz- watched Mulina and Husser spotlight and imprisonment up to 90 days, or both plus zleloader season. Agents seized both deer shoot a deer in a rye grass field from their court costs. Agents participating in the and donated them to charity. Agents par- vehicle on Mt. Pisgah Road. Two rifles case were Sgts. Eddie Skena and James ticipating in the case were Lt. Mike and a spotlight were seized along with the Gregoire. Rockett, Sgt. Thomas Risser and Senior deer, which was found dead in the field Agents Scott Jeansonne and Stan House. and later donated to charity. If convicted, each faces penalties including fines Chauvin Hunter Cited for between $900 to $950, or jail for not Illegal Deer Hunting more than 120 days, or both, plus court Louisiana Department of Wildlife costs and forfeiture of anything seized for and Fisheries Enforcement Division taking deer during illegal hours. Hunting

Page 20 Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Winter 2007 President: Continued from page 3 Master Plan for Coastal Protection developed Parish. Imagine how different this state would under the auspices of the Louisiana Coastal be if we had accepted that deal. Protection and Restoration Task Force calls for know. A walking trail around it and a chance the total closure of the Mississippi River Gulf Catahoula Landfill for the residents to do a little bird watching in Outlet. It is a shame that it took a major hur- Another concern that LWF has its eyes on their own neighborhood could have been ricane and flooding that cost the lives of over a is the proposed location of a construction and unique and set this subdivision apart from the thousand people in the New Orleans area to demolition debris landfill (Two Rivers rest. make the point, once more, that MRGO must Recycling, LLC) along the Red River in the be closed. Along with many others, LWF has extreme southern part of Catahoula Parish. Awards Program advocated closing the MRGO and rehabilitat- Our affiliates in the area are very concerned I want to remind you of the approaching ing the damaged by it for as long as I about this proposal and its possible impacts. deadline for submitting nominations for can remember. I recall listening to the stories The permit applicants propose to accept con- LWF’s Governor’s Conservation Achievement of old timers from St. Bernard parish about struction and demolition debris from post Awards Program, now in its fourth decade of how they used to catch crawfish by the sack in hurricane clean up in the New Orleans area. honoring the outstanding conservationists of the cypress swamps of the parish. When I visit The debris is to be barged 200 miles upriver to the state. Our goal is to recognize those who St. Bernard these days I see nothing similar to a flood prone site that is in the proximity of have made outstanding contributions toward the landscape that used to be. The MRGO wildlife refuges and wildlife management the conservation of our state’s natural has turned St. Bernard into a vast marsh and areas, bald eagle nests and black bear haunts. resources. If you know of someone that you open bays that provide little protection from This situation begs for the need for Louisiana believe should be recognized for their conser- storm surges for resident’s of St. Bernard to develop a better plan to manage waste vation work please do not hesitate to nomi- parish as well as the city of New Orleans. resulting from hurricanes and other natural nate them and remember that self nomina- LWF’s Coastal Restoration & Protection disasters. tions are completely acceptable. Awards will Committee has reviewed the preliminary draft be presented at a special Saturday evening Master Plan for Coastal Protection and sub- National Fish & Wildlife recognition banquet to be held in conjunction mitted comments to improve on the ideas of Foundation Grant with the Louisiana Wildlife Federation’s annu- the plan. LWF plans to play a part in assuring LWF will be a partner in a grant received al convention, March 3, 2007, at the Holiday that the plan is scientifically and environmen- by the National Wildlife Federation from the Inn in Gonzales, Louisiana. You can view tally sound and takes into consideration the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to more details on the LWF website at: big picture of what needs to be done with no recruit and deploy volunteers to help repair http://www.lawildlifefed.org/. allowance for useless pet projects of those that and restore habitats damaged by hurricanes on may have influenced the plan. Adequate lev- state and federal wildlife lands damaged by Convention ees to protect our communities and infrastruc- Katrina and Rita. Last March when LWF The East Ascension Sportsman’s League ture should be a priority. Leveeing hosted the NWF annual meeting in New is our host club for the annual meeting in and inducing development should not. The Orleans the convention delegates spent some Gonzales and the excitement and anticipation plan should promote a sustainable coast and time on environmental restoration projects in grows as we continue to plan for this event. the lines that are drawn may not please every- City Park and the Bayou Sauvage National Our annual meeting is an important process one. Wildlife Refuge and the Barataria Preserve for guiding LWF policies and initiatives for Best of all, the “do nothing” 109th Unit of the Jean Lafitte National Historic this and future years. Congress actually did a lot for coastal Park. Everyone involved enjoyed it immensely Louisiana. Legislation passed in the final and were glad to play a small part in helping Resolutions Committee Meeting hours before adjournment allocating what will out. The success of this event led NWF to I called a meeting of an ad hoc commit- amount to billions of dollars in royalty pay- investigate ways to do similar events on a tee a few weeks ago to brainstorm concepts for ments from oil and gas production in the Gulf broader scale. You will hear more as we devel- potential resolutions appropriate for submit- of Mexico offshore of LA to our state for use op the details of this project. ting to the delegates at our upcoming conven- in implementing the coastal protection and tion. The meeting was hosted by the Avoyelles restoration plan. Hats off to the members of Boat Raffle Fundraiser Wildlife Federation in Mansura where we the Louisiana Congressional Delegation who Our annual Boat Raffle is under way. If assembled a list of ideas for development into worked tirelessly to get this legislation passed, you see a Ranger 178 SVS Bass Boat with a resolutions. This is something that we have and to their colleagues from the other states 150 Mercury Opti-Max outboard being dis- not done before, that is, discuss possible reso- who believed that this was the right thing to played in your neighborhood by members of lutions well in advance of our annual meeting. do. one of LWF’s local affiliates or our statewide Many times we find ourselves scrambling near I was amazed to learn from this debate affiliate, the Association of Louisiana Bass the deadline to get our ideas into resolution that in 1949, President Harry Truman offered Clubs, stop by and take a few chances. I form. I believe this advance planning will Louisiana 37.5 percent of the oil and gas rev- encourage LWF affiliates to participate in the make for a highly productive annual meeting. enue adjacent to Louisiana’s coast. Then-Gov. raffle. It’s easy and only costs you a little time rejected the offer, holding out for and effort in selling the tickets. If you sched- MRGO-Coastal Restoration 50 percent on the recommendation of politi- The Preliminary Draft Comprehensive cal boss Judge of Plaquemines Continued on page 23

Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Winter 2007, Page 21 The Quiet Pollution

By R. Glenn Thomas, Ph. D. and slowly fills the lake. As large areas of a lakes receiving lots of drainage. lake become shallower than four to five feet, Along with sediment comes nutrients Water pollution often brings to mind oil their capacity to hold fish drops dramatical- from agriculture, pastures, yards, and spills or industrial waste discharges. However, ly. Not only do muddy bottoms make for municipal and camp sewage. The resulting in many south Louisiana waters, there are poor fish nesting, but the shallow water deep green algae blooms in the water are an types of pollution that don’t necessarily kill heats up tremendously in the summer, and indication of an ecosystem that is “on the fish directly but quietly harm fishing. These oxygen levels can be depleted. Large areas of edge.” shallow water also are ideal for growth of The normal oxygen cycle in a lake has choking mats of aquatic vegetation. Local and area drainage is the main source of sediment for these types of lakes, and we have considerable control over this source of sedimentation. Everyone demands good drainage for their homes, roads and crop fields, but we don’t always take the extra steps to get the sediment out of the runoff. Sediment fences, sediment traps and vegetated buffer strips all help solve the Road construction is a significant source of non-point problem. Every time you see a developer use pollution that is challenging to control, particularly under Makeshift “dams” to slow road project runoff help reduce Louisiana’s typical torrential rainfalls. Photo by Rick Bryan good sediment barriers around a construc- erosion, but are rarely adequate. Not only does the sediment pollute receiving waters, the soil lost must be are sediment and nutrient pollution. replaced at great expense. Photo by Rick Bryan. Sedimentation is the deposit of sands, silts and clays that cover the bottom and fill highest dissolved oxygen (D.O.) late in the in waterbodies. Nutrient enrichment day and lowest levels just before dawn. In (eutrophication) involves the addition of eutrophic systems this cycle tends to swing unhealthy levels of nitrogen and phospho- wildly from extremely high D.O. at dusk to rus. While much of the man-made portion very low D.O. at dawn. These waters tend of these problems can be controlled, solu- to gradually become dominated by fish tions aren’t always easy. species that can handle those conditions - Sediments and nutrients are mostly the so-called rough fish: carp, gar, bullhead nonpoint sources of pollution. Nonpoint catfish. pollution is “sources of pollution which Fish kills occur in areas where the dawn enter surface or groundwaters through wide- low D.O. drops below about 1.5 milligrams ly diffused small increments,” as described in per liter (mg/L). When a lake gets to these the Clean Water Act. Sources include urban conditions, public use drops and the and industrial stormwater runoff, agricultur- Sportsman’s Paradise becomes a little less like al runoff (sediment, fertilizers, chemicals paradise. and manure), forestry activities, construc- As with the local sources of sedimenta- tion projects and water control projects such tion, we can make good decisions about con- as dams, levees, channels and weirs. Point trolling nutrient pollution. State-of-the-art sources of nutrient pollution include sewage fertilizer application and advanced sewage discharges. treatment with wetland or dryland nutrient Sediment tends to slowly fill basin-type Gully washed along inadequately protected road bank. uptake components are solutions that should Photo by Rick Bryan. lakes that collect lots of drainage, such as be popular with people who are serious Lake Fausse Point and Lake Verret. (Major about quality fishing. rivers like the Atchafalaya carry huge sedi- tion site, you know that a bit of the problem ment loads, but that’s another story.) way down the bayou has been addressed. Glenn Thomas is Associate Fisheries Everyone knows that muddy water makes Fencing livestock away from ditch banks also Agent with the LSU AgCenter and fishing tough, but not everyone stops to has positive impacts because erosion from Louisiana SeaGrant. This article appeared in think about what happens as the water trampled banks can be severe. the November issue of the “Lagniappe” clears. Eutrophication can be a problem in any newsletter. The sediment drops out of the water lake, but it is almost always a concern in

Page 22 Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Winter 2007 Awards Letter to the Editor Sponsor Members Halt Highway Construction in Deadline Nears Kisatchie National Forest First-time $100 or greater LWF Contributing members are entitled to The deadline for submitting nomina- Dear Editor: receive a sponsor plaque for their tions for the 43rd Governor’s State I am a new member of the Louisiana home or office. We extend our grateful Conservation Achievement Awards Wildlife Federation, and I am proud and hon- appreciation to the following Sponsor ored to be part of our great organization pro- Program is February 6, 2007. Sponsored Members of the Louisiana Wildlife tecting and promoting Louisiana’s natural her- annually by the Louisiana Wildlife Federation. Their support and that of Federation, the program is designed to itage. all our loyal members is directly further the proper utilization and conser- One of my favorite causes in out state is vation of the natural resources of the State our Kisatchie National Forest, which is responsible for the Federation’s growth of Louisiana - air, soils, waters, minerals Louisiana’s only national forest. The Kisatchie and success. forests, fisheries and wildlife — by recog- is one of the favorite destinations of people nizing those persons and organizations from throughout Louisiana to hunt, fish, hike, who make outstanding contributions to camp, and enjoy numerous other recreational the natural resource welfare of the com- activities. munity, the parish and the state. However, the Louisiana Department of According to federation president Transportation and Development is trying to Terry L. Melancon, the awards are the expand U. S. Highway 167 into a major four- most prestigious recognition of accom- lane highway through parts of our national forest plishment in the field of conservation that including the Catahoula National Wildlife are presented each year in Louisiana. The Preserve within the Kisatchie in Grant and Winn awards themselves, handsome statuettes of Parishes. This highway plan, if implemented, wild animals, are unique to the program would result in permanent loss of wildlife habitat, and highly coveted by all who receive timber, and recreational opportunities. them. Melancon encouraged the public I have written Governor Blanco, suggest- William Appel, Metairie to make nominations, but stressed that ing that the state merely bypass the Kisatchie with the highway improvement project. There the February 6th deadline is quickly David N. Cary, Mandeville approaching. simply are some areas of our state that should The awards will be presented the not be developed, and our Kisachie National Philip A. Cox, Benton evening of March 3rd at a special banquet Forest is one of them. held in conjunction with the 68th annual I urge all members of our Louisiana Wildlife Dan L. Donald, Jr., Jennings convention of the Louisiana Wildlife Federation, as well as all citizens of Louisiana who James Nelson Gaspard, Eunice Federation at the Holiday Inn in love our Kisatchie National Forest, to please use your voices to help stop this ill-conceived high- Gonzales. The official nomination form Bryant O. Hammett, Jr., Ferriday with program rules and other specific way expansion plan from permanently harming details is available on the Internet at: our state’s only national forest. Alton L. Huckaby, Church Point http://www.lawildlifefed.org, or contact the federation office at 225/344-6707. Sincerely, David John Johnson, Arnaudville The Louisiana Wildlife Federation is Joseph C. Arnold Ben Kleinpeter, Baton Rouge a statewide conservation education and Dry Prong, LA advocacy organization with over 10,000 Warren L. Mengis, Baton Rouge members and 25 affiliated groups President: Continued from page 21 throughout Louisiana. Established in E. Franklin Rawlings, MD, 1940, it is affiliated with the National ule the boat for display, the tickets sell them- Ocean Springs, MS Wildlife Federation and represents a selves. Contact the LWF office for more broad constituency of conservationists information on how to participate in this Carl M. Rupe, Lafayette including hunters, fishers, campers, bird- important fundraiser. ers, boaters and other outdoor-oriented Until next time get out and enjoy the John H. Stuckey, San Antonio, TX citizens. outdoors; don’t take it for granted because someday your favorite patch of woods may Robert W. Taylor, Jr., Prairieville become a subdivision. Raymond W. Turner, MD, Shreveport

Yours in conservation, Wayne L. Watkins, MD, Alexandria Terry L. Melancon, President

Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Winter 2007, Page 23 Chef Folse’s “After the Hunt” is Looking for Your Photos/Recipes

by Randy Lanctot be recognized with a framed copy of their ian” because of my enthusiasm for consum- page in the book. Information on how to ing wild game, I kindly corrected the offend- Native son and world famous Louisiana participate is at: http://www.jfolse.com. er - “You mean, predator.” And not chef and gourmet food industry guru, Chef Since I’ve had a decent season so far ashamed of it, I might add. John Folse is building another epic collec- with a quantity of ducks and some venison I like it all, from the scouting to the tion of recipes and food lore. This time, you in the freezer, I’m compelled to reprise a few anticipating, the heightened awareness of are it. It’s all about wild game and fish deer recipes and throw in one on ducks for wild Nature while waiting, the calling when that is involved in the hunt, the moment of decision, the scrutiny of the kill, the manual retrieve or drag when necessary, the gutting and examination of stomach and gizzard contents, the cutting and putting up for future feasting. It’s a lot of time...and work. It is hunting. And to me, the hunt is not complete without the celebration of prepar- ing the meat for the table. It’s more spiritu- al than preparing something store-bought. Predator....Yes. To get to these simple recipes, you have to go back to what I was saying about keep- ing most of the meat (and bones) from the kill. For deer, that means you probably have to butcher the animal yourself. I won’t go into how I prefer to do that, but it does take a few hours on a few evenings after the har- vest, keeping the meat cool in an ice chest until the job is complete. So let’s start with deer. Yum! Here’s what to do if you saved the neck, the best roast on the deer. Filet the meat from the Hmmm hmm, good! Hearty venison vegetable soup. neck bone. If you killed a nice buck, you’ll have enough for two big neck roasts. It takes recipes and the people who provide for the good measure. Maybe it was growing up a sharp knife and a little effort to work in table through their sporting endeavors. poor (don’t tell Ma I said that) ‘cause when and around the blades of the vertebrae to get Folse is dedicating a full chapter to recipes it comes to game and fish, I use the “whole most of the meat. The result should be a flat and photos submitted by Louisiana hunters hog” so to speak. There are a few parts I dis- piece of meat an inch to two-plus inches and fishers, and he needs your help. Along card, like heads and feet and the wing at the thick, depending on the size of the deer. You with your best recipes, Folse is seeking pho- “wrist,” and most of the “innards” save the may want to remove the cartilage, but I usu- tos that tell the story of the hunt — from the heart, and gizzard on birds, and scales and ally do not since it has no effect on the qual- hounds, retrievers and bird dogs to the skin- skin, of course, except on fowl where the ity of the roast and some folks, like me, like ning shed and camp kitchen, to jovial gath- skin is left to keep the meat moist while to eat it. And, it’s a treat for the dog after the erings at the table, the side boards, the bunk cooking. I don’t breast ducks and don’t cookin’ is done. room, the lilting/tilting porch - the best rep- make sausage from my deer, unless I’m for- Get a few strips of bacon, some medium resentations of life afield, to illustrate his tunate to bag more than two during the sea- Jalapeno peppers or, better yet, Trappey’s yel- book. son. The meat is just too good to mask, all low Torrido Chili Peppers if you can find Those who submit photos or recipes ground up with pork, fat and seasoning. (I them, and toes of garlic. Thinly slice each of that are used in the book will receive an will accept deer sausage, however, if gifted to these so that you have a pile of small strips of autographed copy and an invitation to the me). And the best parts of any duck are the each. Make numerous slits in the meat with preview party at White Oak Plantation. legs and the sweet meat in the hollow of the a sharp knife blade and then stuff one or Those providing the top 3 submissions will back. When recently described as a “barbar- more of each of these seasonings into each

Page 24 Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Winter 2007 slit. I usually stuff one of each in each slit if the bones falls off. Be careful, the boiled to figure how much salt and pepper to add. there’s room. You can use the back of a bones will be hot, so when they are ready to I use about two tablespoons of salt and one kitchen match or a Popsicle stick to aid in come out, don’t use your fingers. While the tablespoon of course-ground black pepper. the stuffing. Stuff liberally. The peppers bones are boiling, filet as much of the meat That is a lot less than will suit some folks. really add a nice, but not too hot, flavor to as possible away from sinew, muscle sheath But it’s better to have less than too much. this roast. Cut a few lengths of cotton cord and other connective tissue that is too tough The individual diner can add what he or she that will be long enough to tie up the roast to put in the pot. Flank meat is a little easi- desires when their bowl is served. A hearty once rolled. Season liberally with your pre- er to deal with, but the same process applies. soup like this is one of the most satisfying ferred seasoned salt: I like McCormick’s Try to end up with strips and slabs of pure meals you can eat. It’s fulfilling yet less fill- “Season All.” Roll the meat up along its axis meat. This takes awhile, so put Johnny Cash ing. Reminds me of a beer commercial. I’ll remembering to season the outside of the on the CD player and have a favorite bever- take two big bowls, thank-you. roast as you roll. Tie the roast closed at 3 or age or two while you’re at it. Dice up the Well, this is getting too long and I more places with strong cotton cord. meat into half-inch cubes (or any size that is havened even gotten to the “steak fingers,” Brown the meat in a little bacon fat or small). You should try to get 3-5 pounds of barbequed tenderloin chop roasts, jerked cooking oil in a cast iron pan or Dutch oven. meat out of it. It’s okay to use a better piece ribs or smoked rump. Those will have to After browning, wrap the roast in extra- of your venison to do this if needed to get wait. But I’ll do one more shorty for ducks. heavy aluminum foil and seal the ends well. enough meat. I like duck gumbo, roast duck and even Put the roast in a Dutch oven, cover and After you have the right quantity of half-duck barbecue, but for me the easiest bake at 300-350 for up to 3 hours (maybe a meat, and the bones are boiled enough, and most succulent way to make ducks is to little more), depending on the size of the remove the bones and add the meat. Boil smoke them. (Not like a cigar, smarty.) The roast and age of the deer. A small roast from the meat until it is a little chewy, but tender. best ducks to smoke are fat ones that are a young deer may be ready in 90 minutes. That may take an hour. If it’s late, some- plucked whole, not skinned. The effort is For a big roast, I’d check it at about 2 hours times I’ll let the meat simmer overnight. worth it. Any species will do as long as it is just to see how it is doing. It’s a pain, but Cool the pot to room temperature and then fat and not too badly shot. The secret to worth the precaution so you don’t overcook. put it in the fridge, or outside if it’s cool making good smoked duck (or smoked any- Overcooking game is the #1 misstep of enough, until the fat cakes up on the surface. thing, for that matter) other than avoiding novice game cooks and is a crime that even Use a slotted pancake flipper to lift the fat overcooking is to rub them inside and out some of us seasoned cooks are occasionally off before resuming. Return the pot to a boil with salt, black pepper and crushed garlic. guilty of. (“How about another sip of that and add a big can of whole tomatoes, a half- After that, your hands smell good enough to Pinot? Do you remember when I put that head of shredded cabbage, a large onion eat, too. Put the rubbed ducks in a covered roast on?”) Sound familiar? chopped fine, a medium bell pepper container or in a big ziplock bag and put This roast will make a lot of juice. After chopped fine, 4 sticks of celery sliced thin, them in the fridge over a night or two. I use carefully opening the foil so the steam does- some bay leaves and a quarter cup of a cylindrical double smoker that is readily n’t burn my fingers too badly, I ease the roast Worcestershire. Keep boiling. At this point available where barbeque stuff is sold. Fill and juice into the pot and cover until ready you will know whether or not you need to the fire pan with hot coals and 3 or 4 hicko- to serve. Sometimes I’ll slice up a big onion transfer to a larger pot. In fact, you may ry chunks; a few mesquite chunks are good, and a pound of mushrooms, add them and want to do that before adding these “season- too. Make sure the water pan is full. Space cook on “low” on top of the stove until the ing” veggies. the ducks out on the rack (or racks if you are onions are tender. Slice off a chunk, put it Now you can get creative. What kind cooking enough ducks to need both levels) on rice and spoon on the juice. Man, I am of veggies do you like? I usually will add away from the edges. Cover and let it about to eat this keyboard! sliced carrots, diced potatoes, a diced turnip smoke. I hope you didn’t throw that neck bone or two, a bag of the best frozen sweetcorn Small ducks like teal will be ready in out, or give it to the dogs, YET, ‘cause we’re (off the cob, of course), maybe some cut about 90 minutes while mallards or canvas- gonna use it to make venison vegetable soup snap beans, limas and a diced rutabaga for backs may take 2-3 hours. The same rule along with the shanks and flank meat I hope good measure. You can do broccoli stems applies here as for cooking venison. It’s bet- you kept when you killed that beautiful ani- and cauliflower, Brussel’s sprouts; the sky a, ter to check early to see if the meat is nearly mal. Soup freezes well, so plan to use a that is, the size of the pot, is the limit. done than to wait too long and find it has decent sized stock pot, maybe 24 quarts. I At this point, the soup is almost “on,” been overcooked. These ducks are delec- usually start out boiling the bones in a small- so don’t boil too much more or some of the table, especially the legs and wings and that er pot, but transfer the stock and meat to a veggies will tend to get mushy. Sometimes I sweet meat on the back. Breasts can be larger pot before adding the vegetables as it add pasta when I add the last batch of veg- sliced thin and enjoyed with cheese, crackers can get pretty crowded in there once you get etables. When I do, I usually use a pound of and a nice red wine. Oh boy, now this going. the little teardrop pasta. It fits well into the “mouse” is looking good! Time for supper. Cut the meat off the shanks and put available remaining space in the soup with- So, back to where we started. Send those bones along with the neck bone in the out making a tangle like noodles or spaghet- those recipes and photos into Chef Folse. pot. Pour in enough water to cover the ti will. You may be thinking, “What about Immortality awaits. bones and get it boiling at a moderate rate seasoning like salt and pepper?” With this until all the excess meat that remained on quantity of soup (about 3 gallons), it’s hard

Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Winter 2007, Page 25 Executive Director: Continued from page 3 financial support. Fred J. Hebert, Baton Rouge Steve Heller, Slidell New Members ($100 and up) Heidi Hitter, Lafayette the “Louisiana Speaks” website at: http://www.louisianaspeaks.org. The time Thomas D. Johnson, West Monroe we spend now will pay off for the future. William Appel, Metairie Michael J. Kadair, DDS, Baton Rouge In this column last time I suggested that James Nelson Gaspard, Eunice Tom Kazusky, Houma there was a way to succeed in living compat- David John Johnson, Arnaudville Richard Keller, Hahnville ibly on the coast, with tolerable risk and in a Ben Kleinpeter, Baton Rouge Jackie Konzelman, Amite way that sustains the great heritage of the E. Franklin Rawlings, MD, Franklin Kyle, Jr., Baton Rouge region. That has more to do with attitude, Ocean Springs, MS Zachary W. LaCoste, Berwick fortified by willpower than anything else. John H. Stuckey, San Antonio, TX Bobby Landry, Saint Francisville This year, with all the planning going on, Elizabeth Langhoff, Metairie maybe we’ll “get it.” New Members ($50 to $99) Jerry G. Larsen, Covington All this rain is helping to heal the dam- Charlotte Levy, Baton Rouge age the storm surge, and the saltwater it Kent & Roxane Riche’, Evergreen Shawn W. Lorio, Slidell brought, did to the farm and pastureland Marilyn J. Shaw, Winnfield Harold Louviere, Kenner along the coast. The ducks sure don’t mind Walter G. Strong, Sulphur Armond L. Love, Jr., Marrero it, either. Congress and the Corps of Kenneth Tuminello, Baton Rouge Robert Marks, Kenner Engineers look like they are serious about - Southern Packaging, Inc. Mike L. Maschino, Shreveport closing the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet Alfred L. Mathews, Sr., Alexandria and beginning a process of restoring, as New Members (to $49) Francis X. Mayer, Baton Rouge much as possible, the St. Bernard wetlands Norma Mayers, Saint Amant that the navigation channel has damaged. It Tony Allen, Plaquemine E. Hugh McGough, Benton will require constant “encouragement” to use William R. Andrews, Pensacola, FL Daniel G. Melancon, Prairieville a too gentle term, but closure of MRGO is Russell P. Armand, Cottonport James C. Noble, Sr., Slidell very close to being imminent. The LWF has Hattie V. Aubin, Baton Rouge Darrell Peak, Walker been and will continue to be involved in that Terry Barrilleaux, Schriever Kernest A. Pierce, Cut Off effort as well as reviewing and commenting Charles Blackburn, Glenmora Paul D. Rhodes, Ragley on the draft Master Plan for Coastal Robert L. Bollin, Hammond P. Wylie Roan, Lake Charles Protection (and Restoration). Tommy Bordelon, Monroe Ken & Nancy Roark, Saint Francisville The LWF will be holding its 68th Henry M. Bourgeois, Abita Springs George E. Robertson, Ferriday Annual Convention March 2-4 at the Joanne Bowes, Memphis, TN Maurice Robichaux, Raceland Holiday Inn in Gonzales. An agenda and Huey Breaux, Metairie Herman J. Robin, Arnaudville other information about the meeting is post- Harry M. Brown, DDS, Gonzales Calvin L. Schoonmaker, ed on the LWF’s website at: Gary Burt, Shreveport Greenwell Springs http://www.lawildlifefed.org. One session of Jack Churchwell, Bastrop Andy Shear, Baton Rouge the meeting will be devoted to discussing the Weldon Collins, New Iberia E. C. Sincox, Haynesville need for preserving open space and wildlife David Cook, Troy, MO Pat Smith, McComb, MS habitat as communities encroach on rural William R. Cooke, Marrero Bruce Soileau, Bunkie landscapes. We have invited the Louisiana James F. Cooper, Youngsville - New Parrino Drug Store, Inc. Nature Conservancy and the Trust for Public Carmon R. Costello, Kenner John E. Stevenson, Slidell Land to make presentations on how com- Jeanne Daboval, Lake Charles Dod Stewart, Slidell munities can best address this challenge for Henry A. Daigle, Madisonville Jaime Thibodeaux, Baton Rouge the benefit of citizens and wildlife. There John L. Dailey, Jr., Extension David Thompson, Hilliard, OH will also be presentations on the new volun- Michael Dake, Zachary Jerry W. Trantham, Greenwood teer programs designed to help restore Dwain Davis, Leonville Edward Trichel, Minden coastal wetlands and recover from the dam- Jack W. Deason, Baton Rouge Dale Turner, Madison, TN age caused to the habitat by the hurricanes. Robert DeBellevue, MD, New Orleans Beverly B. Vial, Hahnville Numerous resolutions addressing a variety of Alfred Sidney Elkins, Mandeville Bobby F. Warren, Thibodaux important conservation issues will be debat- Farrell G. Fabre, Greenwell Springs James Washburn, Tallulah ed, conservation work will be honored and John W. Fluitt, Sr., Winnfield Wayne A. White, Marrero there will be a lot of fun and food for mem- Trent Gary Folse, Baton Rouge bers and guests throughout the course of the C. R. Wilkin, Slidell weekend. I hope you will be able to attend. John Goslee, Madisonville Doug Wilkinson, Baton Rouge In closing I want to recognize and thank Billy & Beverly Hansen, Baton Rouge - Wilkinson Foy, LLC the following new LWF members and Daniel L. Hare, Orange Park, FL Hal Williams, Springfield donors who encourage us by their confi- Loretta Hargroder, Alexandria Thomas A. Wintz, Geismar dence and enhance our work with their Don Harper, Sulphur

Page 26 Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Winter 2007 Appeal Donors pressure like reducing the number of days myself. After having scratched again, J. W. each week that can be hunted, or even the resumed his brief lament. “I can’t believe I James L. Christopher, MD, New Roads number of shotgun shells allowed per missed those birds” he griped shaking his Mrs. R. M. C. Duncan, Boyce hunter, but all had significant drawbacks. As head. But there was no time to mope as he Pat Giblin, Baton Rouge for the ducks, they’ve got it figured out. stood to drop a single bluewing, then a do Marjorie Green, Baton Rouge They just raft up way out in the bay during gris moments later. “Nice!” I said. Thomas G. Hall, Heflin the day and come back to feed when the Obviously, his slump was over. We were get- Jay V. Huner, Boyce hunters are gone and it’s safe. If ducks ting close to our limits which we polished off - Louisiana Ecrevisse weren’t “smart” we wouldn’t have any, I in short order, me with a plump redhead and Jim P. Miller, Lafayette thought. J. W. with 2 more greenwings. By 7:30 we Alan A. Troy, Saint Francisville In the morning we would get out early were picking up and heading in. Dr. & Mrs. Marvin E. Stuckey, and have a “real” hunt, so I set about fixing As we passed the marshes on the north Baton Rouge supper. The evening’s menu was grilled shore of the bay, clouds of ducks rose to the venison chops, fresh garden salad and a nice air at the sound of the motor. Typical duck- Cabernet to wash it all down. It must have ing on the delta. been good ‘cause J. W. talked about it, or It took us awhile to pluck those dozen something, all night in his sleep. ducks, something J. W. only occasionally I had J. W.’s drill down a little better on does. I appreciated his help in that regard. Ducking in the Delta: Continued from page 7 Day 2, but still not perfect. Gus uttered a Not being fortunate to hunt and harvest low, musical whine as we motored toward often, I like to pluck all but the most shot- J. W. groused about that. “Too many the intended hunting spot. It sounded like up or pin-feathered birds. That allows for hunters,” he snorted. Myself, I thought the he was singing. A dog’s hunting song, I more options in preparing them for the hunting, though understandably slow con- thought. It was a good omen. I sensed suc- table. For supper, we were still on a venison sidering the circumstances, was still pretty cess. I considered joining in harmony, but diet as I deep fried strips cut from the hind good. “Depends on what you’re used to,” I being a little curmudgeonly, J. W. probably quarter along with the last eggplants from said. would not have appreciated the joy of his the garden. Back at the camp there was more orien- pals, and I’d have found myself stranded on Our last hunt was on Saturday morning tation. J. W. picked the ducks while I made the nearest . and, as expected, hunters were populating a late breakfast of fried eggs and deer heart. We were a tad too late in setting up to every clump of cover. The weather had J. W. was not enthusiastic about the heart, so enjoy a cup of coffee before shooting time, backed up into poor hunting conditions I ate more than my share and rationed the but it didn’t matter. The divers were in the with only a slight breeze and warm tempera- rest of the tasty slices to Gus who scarfed air and I picked off a canvasback. At J. W.’s tures. There was not much shooting, and them down without hesitation. I perceived command, Gus exploded over the blind less killing going on. We stuck it out until a grin of satisfaction on his jowls. from his station between us to retrieve the about 10:30 and came in with 4 birds to It was too late to make an afternoon bird. I was a little disappointed that it was a show for our effort - still not bad by my stan- hunt, so we piddled around camp and con- hen instead of a drake. I have to admit that dards. tinued our conversation about how hunting I was having a little trouble identifying the J. W.’s campmate was bringing his son pressure was affecting hunting quality and birds before I shot. I guess it was because I down to hunt the rest of the weekend, so I the behavior of waterfowl. J. W. is a propo- wasn’t used to having such a variety of hurried to load my boat for the return to the nent of limiting hunting to morning-only species available (Of course it had nothing to landing with a nice mess of ducks for the rather than all-day as is the rule for here on do with age and eyesight.) J. W. continued coming holidays. I thanked J. W. and filled the Atchafalaya WMA. He thinks that to wonder about his shooting. A small his can with the extra gas I’d brought, know- would give some relief to the ducks and group of greenwings zoomed from behind ing that it wouldn’t hurt my chances for a make the morning hunting better. Based on and swung wide, out in front. We stood future invite. his situation, that makes sense. He spends with our guns mounted. Seconds later all 4 Heading back up the outlet in broad all but a few days of the season at the camp birds floated on the water. Gus was having a daylight, I could run at full throttle and was and can hunt every morning. He is “in ball. “No survivors,” J. W. enthused, regain- back at the landing in 30 minutes. I was still place” to maximize his opportunities. Other ing his confidence. pumped. Now that I knew my way, I was hunters, however, who trailer a boat to the J. W. called the next shot. I saw the planning future day trips, not only to hunt landing, make the run to the bay, set up, divers barreling in on his side to the right, but to explore this, one of the most exciting hunt and return home the same day are at a but when I stood, I noticed a handful of spots on our continent. I’d been away too disadvantage if their hunting time is restrict- ringnecks skirting the edge of the decoys at long. ed. Running the channel in the early morn- about 11 o’clock. Three rounds cycled ing dark and fog to be set up before sunrise through my old Wingmaster pump. can be dangerous, and often the best hunt- “Lanctot, you’re hot. All I see is feet,” came ing on the delta is in the afternoon when the the observation from the other side of the weather and tides are most favorable. We blind. Sure enough, a triple. I must be talked about other possibilities for limiting shooting with my eyes closed, I laughed to

Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Winter 2007, Page 27 Killing of Federally Protected Western Grebe at Kincaid Lake

By Jay V. Huner, Ph. D. to aid the gunner in making an escape. conservationists in North America in pro- The birders watched the grebe float away viding funds through sales of Federal On Wednesday afternoon, 8 in the waves driven by high winds. They “Duck” Stamps and excise taxes on their November 2006, a birder sighted a observed these “outlaws” using their boat hunting equipment for acquisition and Western Grebe in Kincaid Lake, near to sneak up on and shoot at rafts of ducks management of wetland habitat. In fact, Alexandria, Louisiana at the dam. Western well out in the lake, another illegal activity. the Western Grebe killed by these outlaw hunters may well have owed its existence to such conservation efforts. It is unfortunate that the birders who discovered the unlawful killing of the grebe and subsequent illegal hunting practices did not contact local law enforcement agencies such as the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Department and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. They were apparently so dismayed by what they witnessed that it did not occur to them to do so on the spot. So, one pur- pose of this report is to encourage mem- bers of the Louisiana Wildlife Federation to report unlawful hunting (and fishing) activities. Remember, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has an “Operation Game Thief Hotline” 1 - 800 - 442-2511. The hotline is manned Western Grebe swimming on Kincaid Lake before the shooting. Photo by John Pitre. around the clock. And for heaven’s sake,

Grebes are very rare in Louisiana and only Eco-tourism is important to a dozen have ever been reported in the Louisiana’s economy. The furor on the state before this bird was found. All grebes internet caused by the illegal activities of are migratory birds protected by federal the two “slob hunters” surely generated a law. Birders from Alexandria, Baton negative image of our state as a destination Rouge, Boyce, Derrider, and Shreveport for birding. This is especially unfortunate came to see the bird on Thursday and because the American Birding Association Friday following the report. Others were will hold its annual convention in planning to come during the weekend and Lafayette in April this year. At least one of following week if the activities associated several field trips will feature central with the start of duck season on Saturday Louisiana to seek rare birds indigenous to did not cause the bird to leave. our region including the endangered Red- Unfortunately, two birders from the cockaded Woodpecker and Bachman’s Western Grebe floating on Kincaid lake after being shot Lafayette area arrived early Saturday morn- Sparrow. by “hunters” running up and shooting ducks on the lake. Photo by Mike Musumeche. ing within a minute of the bird being shot Every honest Louisiana hunter knows by a “hunter” who was unable to distin- to identify his or her target before shooting guish a long necked, sharp-beaked grebe at it and is well aware of serious state and let’s discourage this kind of misbehavior from a short necked, broad-billed duck! federal penalties associated with the unlaw- and treat it with the contempt it deserves. Upon seeing the birders, an accomplice in ful killing of protected migratory birds, a small aluminum boat powered by a “go- and use of boats under power to hunt for devil” type engine quickly came to the dam waterfowl. Hunters are in the forefront of

Page 28 Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Winter 2007 New Book Profiles Gulf Finfish; Answers Universal Angler Question - “What’s This?”

By Randy Lanctot cover on one page the kind of information that would be most interesting and useful to an angler. Each profile even includes a few One of the fascinating aspects of angling in the Gulf of Mexico, words on food value. For instance, for oil fish (no kidding, that is and a major enticement for anglers to fish there, is the variety of really the common name of one of these Gulf fish), Horst says that species that can be caught in one general area with one type of bait “when grilled, this very oily fish makes good table fare. However, or lure. Although most anglers target one or two species or species some diners have complained about the flesh having purgative groups like snapper, tuna, speckled trout and redfish, they never effects, causing diarrhea. Other people are unaffected. Diners know when the bait hits the water, or when they feel that tap at the should keep this caution in mind.” Now, Jerald, where can I get one end of the line, of those oilfish? what will be I do have to take revealed when issue with at least the fish is one of Horst’s brought to shore, food value assess- pier or boat. The ments. He extols uncertainty adds the hardhead cat- to the excitement fish as decent table of fishing the fare while on the Gulf. Once very next page landed, though, gives the gafftop- it is important sail cat only a fair that anglers rating, claiming a know what they “fishy taste.” have. With the Must have been ever-changing something in the harvest regula- branch water he tions now being was washing those applied to so cats down with! many Gulf fish Although hard- species, not heads are tolerable knowing what fried and can kind of fish you make a nice court just put in the ice chest can get you in trouble with the law. bouillon, the gafftop is equivalent to a channel cat in quality. Fret not. Retired fisheries biologist Jerald Horst, web publish- Anglers often reject them mostly because they are so slimy and mess er Mike Lane and master fish illustrator Duane Raver have come to up their ice chest. But when the trout aren’t biting, it’s definitely your aid with their new book, “Angler’s Guide to the Fishes of the worth taking a few gafftops home for the fry pan. Gulf of Mexico.” Published last fall by Pelican Publishing “Angler’s Guide to Fishes of the Gulf of Mexico” is available Company, the book profiles 207 species of saltwater fish found in from most book stores for $35 or can be ordered by calling (504) the Gulf of Mexico. 780-8551. Because this is a “picture book” of fishes, with the illustration on one page and the descriptive information on the facing page, it is easy for anglers, divers and other fish fanciers to locate the profile of the species they observe in the field. For each species, the scien- tific as well as the common and popular local names are given along with a description of distinguishing features, information on distri- bution, food habits, growth and size, reproductive biology and behavior. The detail provided is not comprehensive but intended to

Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Winter 2007, Page 29 TIBBY SEZ AFFILIATE Ole Tibby only the hurricanes that have changed the CLUBS presence of waterfowl in areas of the state, but warm winters and hunting pressure DISTRICT 1 seem to have changed migration patters and duck behavior. I have been getting reports from deer DISTRICT 2 hunters that the season has been good in Clio Sportsman’s League both Louisiana and Mississippi. Jefferson Rod and Gun Club None of my children hunt ducks. Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation Friends have told me “Tibby, you burned them out on hunting when they were grow- DISTRICT 3 ing up.” I suppose that could be a reason for Iberia Rod and Gun Club their current lack of interest, because we did I visited my rice farmer friend Mervis go hunting plenty of times back then, also Saltzman over in the Gueydan area recently, fishing and scouting (Boy Scouts). My DISTRICT 4 the Duck Capitol of Louisiana. Some areas granddaughter, Jaime who recently moved have been attracting ducks, in others the back to Baton Rouge after attending the DISTRICT 5 ducks have been sparse. The storm flood University of Wisconsin and working with Friends of Black Bayou from Hurricane Rita left a lot of salt in the wildlife agencies in Tennessee and Kentucky ground which has prevented the growth of is interested in duck hunting. She got to go DISTRICT 6 rice and other waterfowl food plants. Mervis on a hunt to Three Rivers WMA with LWF went hunting a few times but didn’t want to Executive Director Randy Lanctot a few American Sportsmen Against Poachers shoot the few ducks - do gris and teal that weeks ago. She said it was real foggy and Citizens For A Clean Environment came by his blind. there were lots of geese they heard flying East Ascension Sportsmen’s League A hunting guide in the area closed his high. There were quite a few flights of Triangle “T” Sportsmen’s League operation on account of the low number of ducks, but being a public area, they were ducks there. Some farmers have their places competing with other hunters and calling DISTRICT 7 for sale, and cattle farmers are still having to the same birds. A few small groups of ducks buy hay from other areas due to the salty soil came in shooting range, but Jaime said she Sportsmen’s League stunting the forage. These recent rains did not shoot. Randy fell over in the mud as should help flush the salt out of the soil, but he shot 2 from one group after they passed DISTRICT 8 it will take many more good rains to get by the front of their makeshift blind. Jaime Avoyelles Wildlife Federation things back to normal. said she really enjoyed the hunt. She is more Bayou Bassmasters of Alexandria According to the outdoor show reports, interested in fishing and hunting than our Hunters for Hardwoods some duck hunters are having a good season other kids and grandkids. Rapides Wildlife Association in some parts of the state, but other areas I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas that have been good traditionally are still and I wish all of you a happy and prosperous recovering from the hurricanes and not New Year. DISTRICT 9 attracting many ducks. That is a great dis- Tibby Louisiana Toledo Bend Lake Association appointment to a lot of hunters, but it’s not South Toledo Bend Civic Association Toledo Bend Bi-State Alliance

STATEWIDE Association of Louisiana Bass Clubs Bayou State Bowhunters Association Louisiana Association of Professional Biologists La. Chapter, National Wild Turkey Federation La. Chapter, Safari Club International Louisiana Trappers and Hunters Association

Page 30 Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Winter 2007 LOUISIANA WILDLIFE FEDERATION Your investment in “Conserving our natural resources and the right to enjoy them.”

Please enroll me as a member of the Louisiana Wildlife Federation Visit our web site at www.lawildlifefed.org where you can join online.

Name:______Email Addres______Address:______(City)______(State)______(Zip)______Phone: Home______Work______Check preferred member category below, attach your payment, and mail to: LWF, P.O. Box 65239 Audubon Station, Baton Rouge, LA 70896-5239. Sustaining – $35 (LWF lapel pin or logo license plate) Sponsor – $100 (sponsor plaque) Business – $50 (LWF logo T-shirt; M - L - XL) Corporate – $1,000 (framed, limited edition s/n wildlife print) Basic/Student – $15 Payment enclosed but don’t send me anything but Louisiana WILDLIFE Federation magazine. Please send information about your individual or corporate life membership. All levels of membership include a subscription to Louisiana WILDLIFE Federation magazine.

Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Winter 2007, Page 31