Task Force Considers Increasing Deer Bag Limits and Bounty Program in Louisiana

During a recent Louisiana Legislature meeting on September 4, 2025, discussions centered around addressing the challenges posed by Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and its impact on deer populations and agriculture. A key point raised by a farmer highlighted the detrimental effects of deer on crops, prompting inquiries about the potential for increasing deer bag limits to alleviate these issues.

Officials acknowledged that bag limits are reviewed annually and can be adjusted based on local needs. Currently, Louisiana has a statewide bag limit of six deer, but data shows that less than 1% of hunters typically harvest this amount. This raises questions about the effectiveness of simply increasing limits without addressing hunters' willingness to participate in harvesting.

The conversation also touched on innovative solutions, such as utilizing drones for population assessments and possibly offering free tags in areas with high deer densities. However, officials cautioned that past experiences in other states, where liberalizing bag limits led to decreased harvests, suggest that simply raising limits may not yield the desired outcomes.

Additionally, the idea of implementing a bounty for sick deer was discussed, although concerns about potential abuse of such a program were noted. Officials explained that federal funding for CWD-related projects is limited and competitive, primarily supporting educational initiatives and testing rather than broad financial incentives.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore these strategies, including the possibility of requiring hunters to harvest antlerless deer before being allowed to take antlered bucks, a method known as "earn-a-buck." This approach aims to encourage more balanced deer populations while addressing the concerns of farmers and hunters alike.

As Louisiana continues to grapple with CWD, the discussions from this meeting reflect a proactive approach to wildlife management, emphasizing the need for community involvement and innovative solutions to ensure both agricultural viability and sustainable deer populations.