Q: You know what would be a bummer, an unfitting end to what could be a great holiday weekend of fishing coming up, after Saturday?

A: Getting cited for fishing with an expired resident fishing license. The licenses we have now expire on Saturday.

The state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries reminds all sport fishermen that the 2017-18 recreational fishing and hunting licenses expire on June 30. 

Licenses can be purchased in several ways, including going to a local vendor, such as Cajun Guns & Tackle, and buying one there. Fishermen also can buy them online at https://la-web.s3licensing.com or at LDWF offices in Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, Pineville and Monroe.

Earlier this year, the state agency transitioned to a new license sales system touted as an added convenience for outdoorsmen in the Sportsman’s Paradise. The new system allows license holders to reprint copies of their licenses during the year at no charge, create login information and eventually the option to auto-renew.

An LDWF spokesman said if you need assistance with an online purchase, contact a 24-hour help desk at (888) 363-5393. If you have other licensing questions call the license office at (225) 765-2887 or (225) 765-2898 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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Teche Area dove hunters who want to try a great public place to hunt doves should apply for 2018 Elbow Slough Wildlife Management Area lottery dove hunts before July 27. I wrote extensively about that WMA and its dove hunting opportunities last summer for the Louisiana Sportsman. It has earned a reputation as one of the most productive public hunting areas for doves in the Sportsman’s Paradise, heck, perhaps the South.

It’s managed right, for sure.

Elbow Slough WMA is located near the intersection of U.S. 1 and Louisiana 3170 in Rapdies Parish. The hunts are scheduled for Sept. 1-2.

Details on the application qualifications, requirements and deadlines are listed on the application form. Applications and more information may be obtained by contacting the LDWF Pineville Office at 318-487-5885 or by visiting the LDWF website at http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/hunting/lottery-hunts.

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Or you might want to try some teal hunting on another WMA.

The LDWF is accepting applications for 2018 lottery teal hunts on the White Lake Wetlands Conservation Area in Vermilion Parish. Applications will be accepted through July 25.

Available hunting dates are Sept. 15, Sept. 16, Sept. 18, Sept. 20, Sept. 22, Sept. 23, Sept. 26, Sept. 29 and Sept. 30. 

Hunters 18 years old and over can apply. Only one application per hunter will be accepted. Each accepted hunter can bring a guest.

Applications are available on the LDWF website at www.wlf.louisiana.gov/refuge/lottery-applications. Also, you can write to the Louisiana  Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Attention: White Lake Teal Hunt, 2000 Quail Drive, Room 418, Baton Rouge, LA 70808.

Applications must be received by close of business on July 25. A $5 nonrefundable administration fee made payable to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries must accompany each application.

 

DON SHOOPMANis outdoors editor of The Daily Iberian.