La. Admin. Code tit. 76 § III-335

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 11, November 20, 2024

Section III-335 - White Lake Wetlands Conservation Area

A. The following rules and regulations concerning the management, protection and harvest of wildlife have been officially approved and adopted by the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission in accordance with the authority provided in Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, Sections 109 of Title 56. Failure to comply with these regulations will subject the individual to citation and/or expulsion from the conservation area.

B. Citizens are cautioned that by entering the White Lake Wetlands Conservation Area (WCA) managed by LDWF, they are subject to inspections of themselves and/or their vehicles for game, fish and/or license checks, inspections, and searches.

C. The White Lake WCA seasons may be altered or closed anytime by the department secretary in emergency situations (flood, fire, or other critical circumstances).

D. Portions of the White Lake WCA are leased for various purposes, including, but not limited to, hunting, agriculture, grazing, trapping, and other surface activities and subsurface activities, including oil and gas operations. Lessees, oil and gas operator's, and their employees, agents, invitees, licensees, will adhere to the terms and conditions outlined in their prospective leases and agreements. In addition lessees and all others entering onto the White Lake WCA will adhere to the following rules and regulations.

1. White Lake WCA is a Restricted Use Area meaning that all persons other than employees of the Department or Lessee's, oil and gas operators, their employees, agents, invitees, licensees, will not be allowed to access the White Lake WCA unless they are participating in a lottery activity, a non-consumptive activity, or some other Wildlife and Fisheries sponsored or coordinated event. To participate in lottery or non-consumptive activities, please review the information provided below for each activity.

E. Dumping garbage or trash on White Lake WCA is prohibited. Garbage and trash shall be properly disposed of in designated locations if provided.

F. Disorderly conduct or hunting under the influence of alcoholic beverages, chemicals and other similar substances is prohibited.

G. Except for those rights granted under existing leases, damage to or removal of trees, shrubs, hard mast (acorn, pecans, etc.), wild plants, and non-game wildlife (including reptiles and amphibians) is prohibited without the prior approval from the White Lake WCA Manager or from the secretary.

H. Burning of the marsh is prohibited. Lessee may request special permission to do control burning, which must be approved by the White Lake WCA Manager or the Secretary.

I. Free ranging livestock prohibited.

J. Nature Trails. Trails shall be limited to pedestrians only. No vehicles, ATV's, horses, mules, bicycles, etc. allowed unless approved by the White Lake WCA Manager. Removal of vegetation (standing or down) or other natural material is prohibited.

K. Permits and Licenses

1. All persons shall be responsible for obtaining and possessing the proper license or licenses for the activities they will be engaged in when on the White Lake WCA. Proper identification and licenses must be readily available and presented to Wildlife and Fisheries personnel upon request. Licenses will not be available for purchase on site.

2. Special Note: A WMA permit will not be required to hunt on the White Lake WCA.

3. Permits will be issued to lottery fishermen and those individuals must carry their permit on their person while on the White Lake WCA. No permits will be issued to lottery hunters since those hunts are daily hunts and are coordinated and accompanied by Wildlife and Fisheries personnel.

L. Firearms

1. Firearms having live ammunition in the chamber, magazine, cylinder or clip when attached to firearms are not allowed in or on vehicles, boats under power, motorcycles, ATVs, ATCs while on the WCA except by wildlife enforcement agents and employees or contract guides working for the department at White Lake.

2. Firearms may not be carried on any area before or after permitted hours except by authorized trappers, lessees, wildlife enforcement agents and employees or contract guides working for the department at White Lake.

3. Firearms and bows and arrows are not allowed on the WCA during closed seasons. Exceptions are made for authorized lessees and individuals participating in coordinated shooting activities on the White Lake Skeet Range and Sporting Clay Course, wildlife enforcement agents and employees or contract guides working for the department at White Lake.

4. Center-fire rifles and handguns larger than .22 caliber rim fire, shotgun slugs or shot larger than BB lead or F steel shot cannot be carried onto the WCA except by authorized trappers, lessees, wildlife enforcement agents and employees or contract guides working for the department at White Lake.

5. Target shooting and other forms of practice shooting are prohibited. Exceptions are made for authorized lessees and individuals participating in coordinated shooting activities on the White Lake Skeet Range and Sporting Clay Course.

M. Waterfowl hunting is prohibited after noon on all portions of the White Lake WCA, including those areas which are leased for hunting purposes.

N. Commercial Activities. Commercial activities are prohibited without prior approval from White Lake WCA Manager and the secretary or unless otherwise specified.

O. Camping. Camping on the White Lake WCA, including trailers, houseboats, recreational vehicles and tents, is prohibited unless otherwise approved by the White Lake WCA Manager and the secretary or unless otherwise specified.

P. Consumptive Activities. The general framework for public use of consumptive resources of the White Lake Wetlands Conservation Area Management Plan is as follows:

Activities

Season

Cost

Alligators

Wild Alligator Harvest

Alligator Egg Collection

LDWF Season

June & July

40% of public bid

Public bid

Waterfowl

Teal Lottery Hunts

Youth/Physically Challenged

LDWF Season

First Weekend

$250 per hunt with a maximum of 2 persons per blind

No cost

Hunts

Marsh Lottery Hunts

Rice Lottery Hunts

Group Hunts

LDWF Season

$350 per hunt with a maximum of 2 persons per blind

$225 per hunt with a maximum of

3 persons per blind

$30,000 per group

Fishing

March 15-August 15

$40 per permit

1. The number/quantity of alligators, eggs, hunters, groups and permits for the above activities shall be established annually based upon biological and technical data presented by the department to the board.

2. Commission members, and their immediate families, are prohibited from participating in any consumptive activities on the White Lake Wetlands Conservation Area, including lottery and group hunts and lottery fishing.

3. Currently all public hunting and fishing activities are done through a lottery system. Except for lessee's and their invited guest, no person may enter onto the White Lake WCA for the purpose of hunting or fishing unless they have applied and been selected for one of the lotteries offered. Lottery activities include, but may not be limited to, the following: Fishing Lottery, Teal Hunting Lottery, Waterfowl Marsh Hunting Lottery, Waterfowl Rice Field Hunting Lottery, Waterfowl Youth Hunting Lottery, Waterfowl Group Hunting Lottery. Details on these Lottery activities can be found seasonally, on the LDWF website www.wlf.louisiana.gov . For more information contact the White Lake WCA Manager at 337-479-1894.

4. In addition to the Rules already mentioned, the following special Rules apply for the below lottery activities. These special Rules are subject to change each year and will be attached to the lottery applications when advertised on the LDWF website.

a. Fishing Lottery

i. Fishing will be allowed in the Florence Canal and Oil Field Location Canals off of the Florence Canal only.

ii. There will be no fishing in any of the marsh areas or in the main Camp Canal or other areas that are marked "NO FISHING".

iii. All boats will be limited to a maximum of 40 horsepower motor.

iv. All "No Wake" signs must be obeyed.

v. Fishing must be done from boat only.

vi. Rod and reel sport fishing only (no archery fishing, trot lines, jug lines etc.).

vii. Holder of the permit must be present (permit not transferable).

viii. There will be no boat launching from the White Lake properties. (Permittee must utilize public boat launch.)

ix. Permit holder must have permit and boat decal.

x. Any violations of Louisiana boating or fishing regulations or any rule violations will result in immediate termination of permit.

xi. Permittee will not be allowed to enter onto the White Lake WCA until sunrise and must exit the property by sunset.

xii. No firearms allowed on premises.

b. Teal Lottery Hunts

i. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has established a lottery waterfowl (teal) hunt on White Lake property that has the potential to provide excellent waterfowl hunting. Hunts will be restricted to persons selected by lottery and will be limited to 2 persons/unit. All hunters will hunt as a group with a guide. No splitting up will be allowed. The primary purpose of these hunts is to provide a quality experience. Strict adherence to the following rules and regulations will be required to ensure a safe and enjoyable hunt.

(a). Safety is first and foremost in everyone's mind. No loaded firearms except while hunting in the blind. However, a hunter shall be allowed to carry a loaded firearm outside the blind to dispatch and retrieve wounded waterfowl. Take every precaution to have a safe and enjoyable hunt.

(b). Selected participants must arrive at the designated site by 5 a.m. Anyone arriving after 5 a.m. will not be allowed to enter the area. Hunting will end no later than 9 a.m.

(c). Guides and hunt area (blind) will be assigned the morning of the hunt.

(d). Access will be provided to a designated parking area. Transportation from the parking area to the site will be provided.

(e). Each hunter shall have appropriate licenses (basic license, state duck stamp, federal duck stamp, and HIP certification) prior to arrival. No licenses will be available at the hunting site. Licenses will be checked at the same time permits are reviewed. No one will be allowed in a hunting area without the proper lottery permit.

(f). Legal firearms, as specified in the hunting regulations pamphlet, except no 10 gauge shotguns will be allowed.

(g). Persons engaging in "sky busting" will be asked to leave.

(h). No dogs will be allowed.

(i). Hunters will be responsible for removing all litter from the area and surrounding areas.

(j). No alcoholic beverages will be permitted on the premises.

c. Marsh Waterfowl Lottery Hunt

i. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has established a lottery waterfowl marsh hunt on White Lake property that has the potential to provide excellent waterfowl hunting. Hunts will be restricted to persons selected by lottery and will be limited to 2 persons/unit. All hunters will hunt as a group with a guide. No splitting up will be allowed. The primary purpose of these hunts is to provide a quality experience. Strict adherence to the following rules and regulations will be required to ensure a safe and enjoyable hunt.

(b). Selected participants must arrive at the designated site by the time specified in your notification letter. Anyone arriving after that time will not be allowed to enter the area. Hunting will begin in the morning at legal shooting time and will end no later than 9 a.m.

(c). Guides and hunt area (blind) will be assigned the morning of the hunt.

(d). Access will be provided to a designated parking area. Access from the parking area to the site will be provided.

(f). Legal firearms, as specified in the hunting regulations pamphlet, except no 10 gauge shotguns will be allowed.

(g). Persons engaging in "sky busting" will be asked to leave.

(h). No dogs will be allowed.

(i). Hunters will be required to report their total kill in writing at the end of the hunt.

(j). Hunters will also be responsible for removing all litter from the area and surrounding areas.

(k). No alcoholic beverages will be permitted on the premises.

d. Rice Field Waterfowl Lottery Hunt

i. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has established a lottery waterfowl (rice field) hunt on White Lake property that has the potential to provide excellent waterfowl hunting. Hunts will be restricted to persons selected by a lottery and will be limited to 3 persons/unit. Blinds and decoys are provided; however, no guides will be provided for the rice field hunts. No splitting up will be allowed. The primary purpose of these hunts is to provide a quality experience. Strict adherence to the following rules and regulations will be required to ensure a safe and enjoyable hunt.

(b). Selected participants must arrive at the designated site by the time specified in the notification letter. Anyone arriving after that time will not be allowed to enter the area. Hunting will begin in the morning at legal shooting time and will end no later than 9:30 a.m.

(c). Hunters will be required to stay in blind during hunt except to retrieve birds.

(d). Access will be provided to a designated parking area. Transportation to and from the parking area to the blinds will be provided. Selected participants may be required to walk a minimum of 200 yards across a flooded rice field carrying their gear.

(f). Legal firearms, as specified in the hunting regulations pamphlet, except no 10 gauge shotguns will be allowed.

(g). Persons engaging in "sky busting" will be asked to leave.

(h). Retrieving dogs will be allowed but only one dog per blind.

(i). Hunters will be required to report their total kill in writing at the end of the hunt.

(j). Hunters will be responsible for removing all litter from the area and surrounding areas.

(k). No alcoholic beverages will be permitted on the premises.

e. Youth Waterfowl Hunt Lottery

i. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has established a guided lottery youth waterfowl hunt on White Lake property that has the potential to provide excellent waterfowl hunting. Hunts will be restricted to persons selected by a lottery with one person being selected from each of 7 geographical regions of the state and one person being selected from the state at large. The hunt will be limited to 2 persons/unit (a youth under the age of 16 and a parent or guardian). All hunters will hunt with a guide. The primary purpose of these hunts is to provide a quality experience for young waterfowl hunters. Strict adherence to the following rules and regulations will be required to ensure a safe and enjoyable hunt.

(b). Selected participants must arrive at the designated site outlined on your notification letter by 5:15 a.m. Anyone arriving after 5:15 a.m. will not be allowed to enter the area. Hunting will end no later than 9 a.m.

(c). Guide and blind assignments will be made the morning of the hunt.

(d). Access will be provided to a designated parking area. Transportation from the parking area to the site will be provided.

(e). Legal firearms, as specified in the hunting regulations pamphlet, except no 10 gauge shotguns will be allowed.

(f). Persons engaging in "sky busting" will be asked to leave.

(g). No retrievers/dogs will be allowed.

(h). Hunters will be responsible for removing all litter from the area.

(i). Only hunters under the age of 16 will be allowed to possess and shoot a firearm.

(j). Hunters should be familiar with the firearm they will be shooting and be capable of handling it in a safe manner.

Q. Other Hunting Activities. There are currently no other public hunting opportunities available on the White Lake WCA. This includes deer hunting and all other game birds and animals.

R. Non-Consumptive Activities-Schedule of Costs for Public Use of Facilities for Non-Consumptive Activities.

1. Daily Use

a. $300-includes one day use of lodge for meetings with nothing provided (for up to 15 people, weekdays only).

b. $300 + $10/person-includes one day use of lodge for meetings with coffee, cold drinks and bottled water provided.

c. $300 + $20/person-includes one day use of lodge for meetings with coffee, cold drinks, bottled water and lunch provided. The lunch provided will consist of a sandwich tray and chips or something similar. It will not include a hot lunch.

d. Exemptions from Cost. When a state, federal or local agency or university conducts research or educational activities in cooperation with the department, or conducts activities of benefit to White Lake or the department, the above costs shall be exempt. Costs for food and drink ($10 per person for drinks, $20 per person per meal) may be assessed.

2. Overnight Use

a. $400 + $25/person/night-includes overnight stay at lodge with nothing provided except linens. (For up to 12 people, weekdays only).

b. $400 + $35/person/night-includes overnight stay at lodge with coffee, cold drinks, bottled water and linens provided.

c. $900 + $35/person/night-includes overnight stay at lodge with coffee, cold drinks, bottled water, meals (breakfast, lunch and supper) and linens provided.

e. Exemptions from all costs apply to all persons invited by the department to department sponsored events related to education, conservation or fish or wildlife related issues.

3. Skeet Range

a. $10/person/25 clay pigeons.

b. $15/person/25 clay pigeons, 25 shotgun shells provided.

c. Exemptions from all costs apply to all persons invited by the department to department sponsored events related to education, conservation or fish or wildlife related issues.

4. Boat Tour

a. $10/person/ride-limited to authorized function attendees.

b. Exemptions from Cost. When a state, federal or local agency or university conducts research or educational activities in cooperation with the department, or conducts activities of benefit to White Lake or the department, the above costs shall be exempt. Costs for food and drink ($10 per person for drinks, $20 per person per meal) may be assessed.

5. Use of facilities is subject to availability as well as staff availability and other scheduled events on the area. The facilities shall not be made available for political fundraisers.

6. The department shall determine appropriate insurance or indemnity requirements for use of the facilities.

7. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries establishes dates each year for the use of White Lake WCA facilities, located within the WCA in Vermilion Parish, for non-consumptive group activities including nature photography, bird watching, educational field trips, and business retreats. These dates and more information about the facilities available and associated costs will be posted on the LDWF website on or around the first of each year. The website address is www.wlf.louisiana.gov. On the home page click on the hunting tab located near the top of the page and then click on White Lake WCA for information.

8. The primary purpose of non-consumptive access to White Lake WCA is to provide a quality experience within a unique environment preserved as fish and wildlife habitat.

9. In addition to the Rules already mentioned, the following special Rules apply to the non-consumptive activities. These special Rules are subject to change each year and may be revised on the website posting. Strict adherence to all rules and regulations will be required to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

a. Safety is a primary consideration. All visitors must adhere to posted safety rules and directions provided by site staff while on the property.

b. Access will be provided to a designated parking area.

c. Boat transportation to and from the site will be provided as part of the day use and overnight use access. Group participants must arrive at the White Lake WCA boat dock at the designated departure time (9 a.m. for day use; and no later than 4 p.m. for overnight use). The site boat dock is located at the southernmost end of Highway 91, south of Gueydan.

d. Boat guides for boat tours and biologists for lecture sessions must be requested in advance of the group's arrival on site.

e. No firearms may be brought on to the WCA unless authorized by LDWF.

f. Visitors must adhere to no littering rules on site.

g. All group use dates must be requested at least two weeks in advance.

h. A deposit of $100 is required to reserve a date on the non-consumptive schedule.

La. Admin. Code tit. 76, § III-335

Promulgated by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, LR 33:538 (March 2007), amended LR 33:1882 (September 2007), LR 35:707 (April 2009), Amended LR 481590 (6/1/2022).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with Act 613 of the 2004 Regular Legislative Session.