February 26, 2009

Vitter Introduces Legislation to Protect Hunting

“Last year, several hundred Louisiana duck hunters were denied access to their duck hunting leases because the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service had deemed land where crops were destroyed by Hurricane Gustav “baited” fields,” said Vitter.  “The crops in question were declared unharvestable and were plowed under in accordance with normal agricultural procedures.  And although the hunters were not involved in this process, they were denied access to the leases that they had already paid for simply because federal representatives refused to make an exception for a natural disaster.”

Vitter’s bill would remedy this situation by allowing for an exception when crops are destroyed by a hurricane or other natural disaster.  USFWS agents have argued that making exceptions to the baiting laws would have a negative impact on waterfowl migration and feeding numbers, but denying hunters access to these fields actually creates “sanctuaries” and causes birds to postpone or halt their migration.

“This interpretation of the law goes far beyond its original intent, which was to prohibit the intentional “baiting” of fields,” Vitter said.  “There are exceptions to all situations, and fields that have been plowed under due to a natural disaster are an obvious example of this.  This bill would provide both the USFWS and hunters with the leeway they need to respond to future instances of this unique situation in a manner that respects the rights of hunters and considers the impact on Louisiana ’s waterfowl.”

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