Louisiana Governor signs new law on hunting dogs to track mortally wounded deer

LOUISIANA (KTAL/KMSS) — Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry signed a new bill recognizing the significance of using a hunter-dog to recover ‘mortally wounded’ deer.

Act 272 permits licensed hunters to use dogs to retrieve mortally wounded deer and to use handguns ‘no longer than six inches’ on wounded deer.

The new law specifies, “No more than one dog may be used per tracking party in pursuit of the wounded deer. However, a second dog may be utilized for the purpose of deer retrieval training.”

Act 272 states that tracking dogs must be on a handheld leash or utilize a GPS tracking collar. If the deer is found alive, the hunter may use a “centerfire handgun with a caliber no larger than .45 or smaller than .25.”

This does not include hunting in the Louisiana Department of Wildlife Fisheries Management Areas.

The licensed hunter or tracker may only pursue a mortally wounded deer onto private property if they have received verbal or written permission from the landowner.

The law becomes effective August 1, 2024.

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