Squirrel hunting

[Tote412]

Since the season opens Saturday, I was wondering if its legal to hunt squirrels from a boat.
I'm thinking of floating down bayou bartholemew and hunting next week.
I guess you could only shoot the ones on limbs that overhang the water though.

 

[cnodie1]

You can't shoot from a boat that is moving.

 

[captain-03]

Here in MS, you can not shoot them while the boat is under power ....

 

[Tote412]

Ok thanks

 

[cnodie1]

Progress must be ceased on the boat too. Be careful!

 

[Emperor]

Progress must be ceased on the boat too. Be careful!

Check your facts on this! Hunting squirrels from pirogues and canoes is a tradition as old as Louisiana itself! Motor power vs man power?!?

The "movement must be ceased" clause is definitley in effect for migratory waterfowl, however.

 

[Renegade]

Check your facts on this! Hunting squirrels from pirogues and canoes is a tradition as old as Louisiana itself! Motor power vs man power?!?

The "movement must be ceased" clause is definitley in effect for migratory waterfowl, however.

Exactly! For everything other than fowl, the boat simply cannot be under power. Moving with the current or using a paddle/push-pole are ok.

ALSO NOTE: You cannot have a loaded weapon in a boat under power!!! This includes a full mag/empty chamber, big no-no!

 

[oleheat]

Check your facts on this! Hunting squirrels from pirogues and canoes is a tradition as old as Louisiana itself! Motor power vs man power?!?

The "movement must be ceased" clause is definitley in effect for migratory waterfowl, however.

Exactly! For everything other than fowl, the boat simply cannot be under power. Moving with the current or using a paddle/push-pole are ok.

ALSO NOTE: You cannot have a loaded weapon in a boat under power!!! This includes a full mag/empty chamber, big no-no!

What these guys said! Squirrel hunting from a Pirogue is okay with paddle/push pole. And yes- a trolling motor is still considered a motor- so don't do dat.

 

[Tote412]

I called LDWF and talked to an agent this afternoon who said you can still shoot if the boat is under power.

 

[bigjakewelch]

I called LDWF and talked to an agent this afternoon who said you can still shoot if the boat is under power.

Did he also ask where you were planning to go and about what time you were going to be there?

 

[oleheat]

 

[Quas]

Sounds kinda sketchy, I'd call again.

 

[Quas]

I've got a message into 2 sergeants, hopefully they will give a good precise run down for me.

 

[sandman7925]

I know that it used to be legal for squirrels but not for fowl. And I think it used to be legal for deer but was reversed at some time.

 

[Quas]

You can hunt squirrels(NO FOWL) from a moving boat under power. The only problem is if you shoot a squirrel and it lands on the ground you have to have permission from the property owner to retrieve it...So basically you need to have permission to hunt someone's property before you hunt it even from a boat...

 

[Tote412]

Probably put in the Ouachita river and check out some of the river lakes in the Upper Ouachita Refuge.

 

[Renegade]

I think a little bit of clarification is necessary:

1) No migratory game birds may be taken from a boat under power or with motor in the water - EVERYWHERE
2) No deer may be taken from a boat under power or with motor in the water - EVERYWHERE
3) No Raccoon or Opossum may be taken from a boat at all - EVERYWHERE
4) No loaded firearms may be present in a boat under power - WMA ONLY

So, if you're hunting from a waterway, you may shoot squirrels/rabbits on private property from a moving boat (under power) with the property owner's permission.

Reference: http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/publication/35748-hunting-regulations-2012-2013/la_hunt.pdf

 

[Quas]

Not sure about rabbit. But yes, 2 different sergeants said it is legal. Like you stated, WMA's don't allow a loaded gun while under power. One also recommended bringing a good dip net because they sink pretty fast!

 

[highstandard40]

I think a little bit of clarification is necessary:

1) No migratory game birds may be taken from a boat under power or with motor in the water - EVERYWHERE
2) No deer may be taken from a boat under power or with motor in the water - EVERYWHERE
3) No Raccoon or Opossum may be taken from a boat at all - EVERYWHERE
4) No loaded firearms may be present in a boat under power - WMA ONLY

So, if you're hunting from a waterway, you may shoot squirrels/rabbits on private property from a moving boat (under power) with the property owner's permission.

Reference: http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/publication/35748-hunting-regulations-2012-2013/la_hunt.pdf

Also, there is a partial exception to your #2 item for amputees. In this instance, the boat can't be under way but the motor can be in the operating position.

 

[mudmixers9]

I have been hunting squirrels from a boat for years and have great success. We use troller motors or paddle by using oars. the game wardens never tell us anything for using a troller motor.Its really what method you choose to use. personally i have killed more squirrels while oaring than using a troller motor, but its so much easier using the trolling motor