Nov. 27 ruling upholds ban first proposed by U.S. Forest Service in 2009
The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana last week ruled the U.S. Forest Service acted properly in banning deer hunting with dogs in the Kisatchie National Forest, according to a press release.
The ban, proposed by the Forest Service in 2009, was delayed for further study and legal action by the Louisiana Sportsmen Alliance, LLC, the release states.
The court’s findings on behalf of the Forest Service state among other considerations that the USFS sufficiently analyzed the historical and social needs on the local community and properly considered the economic consequences of the decision, according to the release.
Additionally, the court found there were proper deliberations for competing recreational activities, and the decision to ban deer hunting with dogs is narrowly tailored to mitigate conflicts in KNF with other recreational users, as well as allow participation in a diverse range of activities there.
To view the full court ruling, click here.
The 2013-14 hunting season dates and regulations for KNF did not include a hunting season with dogs, and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will revisit the issue if the decision is appealed, or if the ruling is reversed or revised.
For complete details on the 2013-14 hunting season, click here.
