Bill would authorize farmers to take aim at poaching otters, mink and muskrat
Two Acadiana lawmakers have filed identical bills for the regular session to allow crawfish pond farmers or landowners to shoot more animals that prey upon the crustaceans they are growing.
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View full sizeWhite ibis and roseate spoonbills are seen in this Louisiana crawfish pond.House Bill 57 by Rep. Jack Montoucet, D-Scott, and House Bill 64 by Rep. Bobby Badon, D-Carencro, would authorize the farmers to also take aim at poaching otters, mink and muskrat any time of day or night. State law now allows shooting of nutria, raccoons, beaver and opossums.
The two bills also would allow the use of a .17-caliber rimfire rifle instead of a .22 caliber rifle or a shotgun no larger than 12-gauge that fires "non-toxic shot no larger than BB-sized." The smaller weapons and ammo, Montoucet said, are to protect drivers or pedestrians who may be in the area. The regular session begins April 25.
