Transcript Highlights:

• In January of '26, matter of fact, the final week of permanent firearm season in Deer Area 2, a deer
• Those are wild deer.
• that is found—one deer—many instances where we've had only one deer and continue to monitor and not
• lease rates when you have the difference between sites with positive deer and with negative deer, as
• a person who's... ...the difference between sites with positive deer and with negative deer.

Summary: The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission met on April 17, 2026, with a quorum present, adopted the agenda and prior minutes, and then focused primarily on chronic wasting disease (CWD) management in light of a new positive deer detection in Washington Parish. Staff explained that the March 11 declaration of emergency expanded the CWD control area into portions of Washington and surrounding parishes, including parts of Morehouse, Union, Lincoln, and Jackson, and that the emergency rule remains in effect for 180 days unless rescinded earlier. The commission also discussed the task force’s report and recommendations, but the chair indicated those recommendations would be tabled pending legislative action on Senate Concurrent Resolution 24 (SCR 24)."} 0}

Transcript Highlights:

• You got your deer tag? Oh, no, I'm hunting feral hogs. I am not deer hunting.
• And it turns out nobody's ever deer hunting until they actually harvest a deer.
• I am not deer hunting. and it turns out nobody's your deer tax? Oh no, I'm hunting feral hogs.
• I am not deer hunting.
• And it turns out nobody's ever deer hunting until they actually harvest a deer.

Committee: House Natural Resources & Environment

Transcript Highlights:

• In the state of Minnesota, when it comes to deer hunting, currently the state is really a world of two
• Simply put, this change would encourage more Minnesotans to take to the field to hunt deer.
• Louis County, which is a large county where you can hunt deer with a rifle in most areas.
• However, I can't go to downtown Duluth and hunt deer with a rifle or shotgun. Why?
• As a matter of fact, over the last three years, in 2022, we only had one firearms deer hunting-related

Bills: HF647 , HF2824 , HF1249 , HF623 , HF820

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• In January of '26, during the final week of permanent firearm season in Deer Area 2, a deer was voluntarily
• Those are wild deer.
• If we're talking about a prevalence rate of 300 deer sampled versus 3,000 deer sampled, that percentage
• that is found, one deer, many instances where we've had only one deer and continue to monitor and not
• lease rates when you have the difference between sites with positive deer and with negative deer, as

Summary: The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission/task force met on April 17, 2026, with a quorum present. Members adopted the agenda and prior minutes, then received an update on the chronic wasting disease (CWD) index case in Washington Parish. Staff explained that a hunter-submitted deer tested positive in January 2026, the case was confirmed by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory, and an emergency declaration was issued March 11 to extend the CWD control area into portions of Washington and surrounding parishes. The update also reviewed baiting restrictions in enhanced mitigation and buffer zones, the 180-day duration of the emergency declaration, and the department’s website tools for locating affected areas. The commission then agreed to table its own CWD task force recommendations while Senate Concurrent Resolution 24 was being considered during the legislative session. Senator Womack summarized SCR 24 as a “reset” of CWD policy. He said it would set a 1.5% apparent prevalence trigger, require at least 300 samples, shorten the management zone from 25 miles to 15 miles, and allow baiting/supplemental feeding from the opening of deer season through March 31 unless the trigger is met. He said the resolution would also help address feral hog issues and restore more normal hunting and economic conditions. Commission and staff members clarified that the resolution would not affect deer pens or livestock under the Department of Agriculture, and that if sampling goals are not met, feed bans would apply the following year. Several stakeholders testified on the economic and management impacts. Louisiana Farm Bureau representatives supported the effort to find a workable solution but asked for clarity on how the resolution would be implemented, especially whether emergency declarations would immediately impose new restrictions. They emphasized the need to avoid discouraging deer sampling and to consider impacts on feed suppliers, landowners, and hunting leases. A written statement from Vic Blanchard of the Louisiana Landowners Association opposed SCR 24 and HCR 4, arguing that easing restrictions would worsen CWD spread and undermine wildlife management. Other speakers said the resolution should preserve economic planning for feed businesses and allow the commission to continue monitoring disease prevalence. After public comment, the commission voted to table its recommendations and then adjourned without taking a vote on SCR 24 itself.

Transcript Highlights:

• I had raised deer hunting in front of hounds. There’s nothing like it.
• We don’t do it in our area as much as we used to, and I pretty much lost my desire to deer hunt.
• There was a consensus that the use of dogs, particularly for deer hunting and hog hunting on Kisatchie
• And that hunting situation gave him the opportunity to do that, to kill his first deer.
• “This is just for hunting deer.

Summary: The House Natural Resources Committee met with a quorum and took up a series of hunting, wildlife, environmental, and property measures. It reported favorably HCR 79, which urges Congress and the U.S. Forest Service to allow deer hunting with dogs in Kisatchie National Forest, after testimony emphasizing the cultural importance of dog hunting and opposition from the Louisiana Wildlife Federation, which supported only the wounded-deer recovery component. The committee also reported favorably SB 419 on using pre-charged pneumatic devices during primitive firearms season, SCR 29 creating a study committee on Atchafalaya Basin water quality, and SB 111 setting black bass and crappie bag and size limits in the basin, with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries saying it would continue sampling and monitor impacts. Members then approved SB 174 transferring state property in Caddo Parish from Louisiana Tech University to the Caddo Parish School Board, SB 189 prohibiting intentional release of fuels or chemicals for temperature-affecting purposes, and SB 99 modernizing DEQ communications to allow optional electronic notices. They also reported favorably HCR 54 requesting a federal study of flooded corn and migratory waterfowl behavior, and HCR 94 requiring annual boating safety reports from Wildlife and Fisheries; witnesses supported the reporting idea and suggested adding a 10-year average for context. The committee next approved HCR 104, which asks the Department of Conservation and Energy and the Louisiana Geological Survey to study collection and access to subsurface data, with LSU’s Greg Upton describing ongoing modernization of core samples, well logs, and 3D subsurface mapping. It also passed SB 331, which temporarily removes a section of the Louisiana Scenic Rivers Act for five years to allow work on the lower Pearl River; conservation groups opposed the bill, warning about precedent, flooding, erosion, and habitat impacts, while the author said the measure was narrowly tailored to address severe silting and channel problems. Finally, the committee created a task force on illegal dumping in HCR 85 after amending its membership, adopted a substitute for HR 216 to authorize a committee hearing on the 2022 Louisiana Climate Action Plan, and reported favorably HCR 87 supporting a U.S. senator’s migratory flyway correspondence and SB 505 revising the Motor Fuels Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund grant process and related tank requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• No hunting license is required except during the 16 days of deer gun season.
• If you're hunting on someone else's property or a lessee, then you'd have to have a deer gun license
• Because anybody that trophy hunts knows this is the easiest way there is to kill a deer, because you
• If you go hunt on a controlled-hunt facility, some of those, or not a controlled-hunt facility, pardon
• me, on a private ranch or private hunting facility, sometimes it's $12,000 a tag to go hunt that deer

Bills: SB2108 , SB2121 , SB2171 , SB2061 , SB2112 , SB2138

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Wildlife

Summary: The committee laid over several bills at the start of the meeting, including SB 1550, SB 2173, and SB 2114, and announced a new rule prohibiting video recording on phones in the committee room. The committee then took up a series of agriculture-related measures, with most of the discussion focused on feral hog control, lab-grown meat, hunting regulations, local food policy, open-range cleanup, and prescribed burn liability coverage. SB 2108, as amended, was presented as a feral swine control bill. Supporters said it would reduce property damage, disease spread, and regulatory barriers for landowners and hunters, while opponents raised concerns about people who capture hogs for food and the impact on self-provisioning. The committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill 10-2. SB 2121, which would ban the sale of cell-cultured, lab-grown meat, drew debate over free-market choice versus protecting Oklahoma agriculture and food safety; it passed 9-3. SB 2171, which would extend the residency requirement for a lifetime fishing license from six months to one year and create a velvet buck season under controlled hunts, passed 12-1 after debate about trophy hunting, commercialization, and deer management. SB 2061 would create an Oklahoma Food Policy Council within the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry to coordinate local food networks and producer-to-consumer access. Testimony from the agency said some related work is already being done through its Market Development Division, but the council would formalize broader representation; the bill passed 12-1. SB 2112, as amended, cleaned up prior open-range language to include leased land and passed unanimously. SB 2138 would establish a prescribed burn indemnity fund to help cover damages from escaped prescribed burns; members discussed coverage levels, funding, and whether it primarily protects the burner or neighboring landowners. It also passed unanimously. The meeting ended with an announcement about a Marshallese group performing in the rotunda and then adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, and then also 62% of crossbow users indicated they'd be more likely to continue deer hunting because
• Uh, and then also 62% of crossbow users indicated they'd be more likely to continue deer hunting because
• People that hunt in bow hunt forward.
• hunting seasons.
• hunting seasons.

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Transcript Highlights:

• They still have to have a deer tag. They still have to have a deer tag.
• they just choose not to hunt.
• But we do have a big focus on hunting on the R3 effort with mentored hunts.
• Mentored hunts, youth hunts, low-cost permits.
• I believe it's $8 or $9 for a fall deer. I mean, I believe it's $8 or $9 for a fall deer.

Committee: House Conservation and Natural Resources

Summary: The Committee on Conservation and Natural Resources heard House Bill 2202, sponsored by Rep. Don Mayhew, which would allow active-duty military personnel, 100% disabled veterans, and youth during youth hunt seasons to receive certain hunting permits at no cost. Mayhew argued the bill would help recruit younger hunters, support military members and disabled veterans, and would not threaten conservation funding because the conservation fund has maintained substantial balances. Committee members questioned the bill’s fiscal impact, possible constitutional issues, effects on Pittman-Robertson federal reimbursements, and whether the bill duplicated existing Missouri Department of Conservation exemptions. Some members supported the concept of honoring veterans but suggested other funding mechanisms or clarifying language, and MDC said it would revise the fiscal note after misreading some figures. Testimony on HB 2202 was mostly opposed or informational. An Army veteran testified against the bill, saying current MDC rules already provide significant exemptions for veterans, active-duty personnel, and seniors, and warning the bill could reduce revenue and federal matching funds. MDC Deputy Director Aaron Jeffreys said the department already offers numerous veteran and military exemptions and supports veteran hunts through partnerships with NGOs, but also explained the agency’s fund balance is being used for major capital projects and is expected to decline. Several members and the sponsor debated whether conservation revenues are being held in reserve unnecessarily or are needed for ongoing projects and future obligations. The committee then heard House Bill 1734, sponsored by Rep. Colin Wellenkamp, which would create a Soil Erosion Control Fund Act to help homeowners associations finance erosion mitigation projects through assessments, state fund allocations, and matching local or grant dollars. Wellenkamp and supporters said erosion and flooding are causing major property damage, especially in water-rich and river-adjacent areas, and that the bill would give communities a practical tool to address problems that are too expensive for cities or counties to solve alone. Members from affected districts described severe flooding and erosion impacts, and the sponsor said the bill includes safeguards such as HOA nonprofit status, homeowner approval, and repayment terms to protect taxpayers. HB 1734 drew broad support from witnesses including the Community Associations Institute, a stream restoration business, the Missouri Municipal League, the Sierra Club, the Nature Conservancy of Missouri, and a St. Charles County lobbyist. Supporters said the proposal would help stabilize land, protect homes and property values, improve habitat and water quality, and reduce long-term public costs. No witnesses testified in opposition, and the hearing on HB 1734 concluded with no further business and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• You got your deer tax? Oh, no, I'm hunting feral hogs. I am not deer hunting.
• And it turns out nobody's ever deer hunting until they actually harvest a deer.
• I am not deer hunting. and it turns out nobody's your deer tax? Oh no, I'm hunting feral hogs.
• I am not deer hunting.
• And it turns out nobody's ever deer hunting until they actually harvest a deer.

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 1209, which would pause new cooperative endeavor agreements for surface water withdrawals after December 31, 2026, while allowing existing agreements to continue and renew through 2036. The author said the bill is intended to force a broader, data-driven review of Louisiana’s surface water management and to improve funding for aquatic plant control, especially giant salvinia. An amendment was adopted to broaden the description of how the aquatic plant control fund may be used and to require annual reporting on agreements, withdrawals, revenues, deposits, spending, and non-monetary consideration. Department officials said the current program is voluntary, underfunded for monitoring, and that the bill could create a gap for new users if no replacement mechanism is enacted. The bill was reported favorable as amended after testimony from supporters including the Louisiana Wildlife Federation and opposition concerns from industry representatives were noted but not formally presented. House Bill 599 was then heard, which would prohibit the sale of Louisiana running surface water outside the state. The author argued that out-of-state sales, especially involving Toledo Bend and Texas, would be short-sighted and could harm Louisiana’s long-term water interests. Supporters said Louisiana lacks a water budget and should preserve water for in-state needs, while the Department of Conservation and Energy noted that the state currently has no mandatory process for such agreements and that the bill would not affect Sabine River Authority authority. The committee reported the bill favorable. Finally, House Bill 1206, dealing with permitting and reporting of water usage at data centers, was discussed. The substitute bill and amendment would give the department authority to monitor and regulate groundwater and surface water withdrawals, require public hearings, and improve transparency through reporting and a universal project identifier. The author and supporters said the bill was prompted by concerns in communities affected by large data center projects and the lack of public hearings on water use. Department officials agreed that more comprehensive data and a clearer framework are needed, but the author voluntarily deferred the bill to continue working with the department on a broader measure for next session. The committee also heard House Bill 1171 on allowing airboats in the Mar-Paw Swamp Wildlife Management Area, but after extensive debate over noise, habitat impacts, and existing restrictions, the discussion was ongoing in the portion provided and no final action on that bill was shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Every one of them signed or passed a resolution saying they were in support of deer dog hunting.
• I had raised deer hunting in front of hounds. There’s nothing like it.
• There was a consensus that the use of dogs, particularly for deer hunting and hog hunting on Kisatchie
• And that hunting situation gave him the opportunity to do that, to kill his first deer.
• This is just for hunting deer; this is allowed during regular hunting season, and all we’re doing is

Committee: House Natural Resources & Environment

Transcript Highlights:

• So kids are coming from, you know, Cody, being able to hunt, to be able to fish, being able to hunt,
• and deer.
• </c> that at some point we can begin to hunt that at some point we can begin to hunt and<00:32:15.840
• </c> to hunt. to hunt.
• We do have a hunting season there. Obviously, we don't hunt within the national parks.

Committee: Joint Select Committee on Tribal Relations

Bills: SB26 , SJR36 , SB26 , SB616 , SB565 , SB384 , SB28 , SR109 , SR122 , SR126 , SR130 , SR136 , SR137 , SR141 , SR142 , SCR20

Keywords: teacher compensation, education funding, public school educators, teacher retention, teacher designation, aquifer, water management, Edwards Aquifer, sustainability, regulatory framework, SB 565, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, compliance agreement, enforcement suspension, utility consolidation, regionalization, water supply, sewer

Summary: The meeting was marked by significant resolutions recognizing various contributions to Texas and celebrating community initiatives. Key discussions included the adoption of resolutions commemorating Texas Hispanic Judges Day and highlighting the 100th anniversary of Memorial Park. Senators expressed appreciation for the judges' dedication and legacy, with notable mentions of individual judges and their impact on the community and legal landscape in Texas. The Senate also honored students and organizations contributing positively to their communities, showcasing the interconnectedness of public service and the legislative process.

Transcript Highlights:

• , controlled hunt, leftover tag, NRDAV draw hunt, N-R-D-A-V draw hunt, N-R draw hunt, leftover tag, RDAV
• draw hunt, R draw hunt, and over-the-counter.
• , controlled hunt, leftover tag, NRDAV draw hunt, N-R-D-A-V draw hunt, N-R draw hunt, leftover tag, RDAV
• draw hunt, R draw hunt, and over-the-counter.
• On item 12, where it talks about the draw hunt, and it talks about drawing by lot, reduced fee deer and

Committee: House Resources and Conservation

Transcript Highlights:

• harvesting about 25 of those deer through each of those hunts.
• that are going on the population management hunts they are harvesting about 25 of those deer through
• We're not in the business of privatizing deer hunting. ...undermines the science-based wildlife management
• by creating landowner deer permits that could reduce herd populations and limit public hunting opportunities
• We're not in the business of privatizing deer hunting.

Committee: House House Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee heard and acted on several wildlife-related bills. HB 2197, concerning camping near watering facilities, was amended to change the distance standard and remove language tied to domestic stock access; supporters said it would help protect ranch and wildlife water sources, while one member opposed it over expanded criminal penalties. The committee adopted the amendment and then gave the bill a do pass recommendation by a 6-1 vote. HB 2497 would establish a statutory right to lawfully hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife and limit restrictions on those activities. Supporters described it as an affirmation of existing rights and wildlife heritage, while opponents argued it would weaken Game and Fish authority and conflict with the 2010 voter rejection of similar language. After a technical amendment, the committee approved the bill 5-3. The committee also advanced HB 2147, which requires landowner deer permits under certain conditions to address crop damage and wildlife conflicts; Game and Fish said population management hunts are already being used, while opponents warned against privatizing wildlife. HB 2158, which would classify bears, cougars, mountain lions, and wolves as predatory animals, drew strong opposition from Game and Fish and conservation groups over science-based management and endangered species concerns, but was still recommended do pass 5-3. HB 2159, allowing landowner permits for Mexican gray wolves and a compensated trapping program, was likewise opposed as conflicting with federal law and the Endangered Species Act, but was approved 5-3. The committee then began HB 2162, which would require at least one Game and Fish commissioner to be a cattleman or rancher; Game and Fish opposed it, saying ranchers already have representation through the appointment process, and testimony continued as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> archery, hunting. archery, hunting.
• </c> property and hunting. property and hunting.
• I saw the first deer and we had no deer.
• &gt;&gt; Any<00:25:38.920><c> deer.</c> &gt;&gt; Any deer. &gt;&gt; Any deer.
• </c> Uh first deer I ever saw. Uh first deer I ever saw.

Committee: Joint Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks

Transcript Highlights:

• hunt, leftover tag, NRDAV draw hunt, NR draw hunt, NRL hunt, and over-the-counter.
• In 1950, a mule deer rifle hunter could hunt from October 5 to November 30 — 56 total days.
• Now most mule deer rifle hunts are October 10 to October 24, just 14 days. for archery and muzzle loader
• rifle hunter could hunt from october 5th to november 30th that's 56 total days now most most mule deer
• If we go Justin Webb’s route and allow everything, soon we will not be able to hunt deer with over-the-counter

Committee: Senate Resources and Environment

Transcript Highlights:

• wolves when they're really hunting deer and using their thermal to find deer?
• going to not take my thermal and I'm going to hunt deer?
• Can they say that they're hunting wolves when they're really hunting deer and using their thermal to
• Or am I going to not take my thermal and I'm going to hunt deer?
• Or am I going to not take my thermal and I'm going to hunt deer?

Committee: Senate Resources and Environment

Transcript Highlights:

• And four, authorizes DNR to allow a person to hunt deer on each Sunday of deer bow hunting season in
• deer on each allow a person to hunt deer on each Sunday<00:36:14.080><c> of</c><00:36:14.280><c> deer
• And finally, 50% of people that hunt deer do it for food.
• And finally, 50% of people that hunt deer do it for food.
• ><c> this</c><01:51:12.520><c> $750</c> exempt deer hunting from this $750 exempt deer hunting from this

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, you know, if I bring a young guy hunting with me and uh we can't find any land to hunt on, he's not
• Um, you know, if I bring a young guy hunting with me and uh we can't find any land to hunt on, he's not
• Um, you know, if I bring a young guy hunting with me and uh we can't find any land to hunt on, he's not
• I would tell you that in all of my years hunting in New Hampshire, I have taken most of my deer at 35
• He could no longer bow hunt.

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill defines ungulates to include mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk, moose, mountain goat, mountain
• The bill defines ungulates to include mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk, moose, mountain goat, mountain
• before hunting seasons are set.
• White-tailed deer and mule deer are the primary food source for wolves.
• I hold a current Washington hunting license and have hunted most of my adult life.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 5838, which would add a federally recognized tribal representative to the State Board of Natural Resources. The Department of Natural Resources commissioner and tribal leaders said the change would bring Indigenous knowledge and a voting voice to decisions on trust lands, while preserving existing tribal consultation. Some county and economic interests said they were not opposed to tribal participation but stressed the board’s fiduciary duty to trust beneficiaries and asked for more review of the board’s purpose; one witness questioned whether the beneficiaries had been consulted. The prime sponsor, Senator Claudia Kaufman, said the bill is about inclusion and equity and indicated openness to an amendment adding both eastside and westside tribal representation. The hearing closed with 142 written comments reported: 33 pro, 107 con, and 2 other. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5960, which would require Fish and Wildlife to designate at-risk ungulate populations and take predator mitigation actions when populations fall below specified benchmarks. Senator Shelley Short said the bill responds to declining deer and elk numbers and a lack of management, especially in northeast Washington. Supporters argued the bill would codify existing agency plans and restore balance in wildlife management, while opponents—including conservation groups, the Sierra Club, and several scientists and advocates—said the state’s predator-prey study found wolves were not the main driver of ungulate declines, pointing instead to habitat, forage, weather, disease, and vehicle collisions. Ranching and farm groups supported the overall goal but objected to the bill’s in-state wolf translocation provisions. The Department of Fish and Wildlife said it recognized the bill’s intent but opposed it because some directives were impractical, costly, or would require legislative approval. The hearing closed with 1,197 written comments reported: 843 pro, 352 con, and 2 other. The committee then held a work session on Lake Washington salmon predation. Larry Phillips and Muckleshoot Fisheries Director Jason Schaffler described a coalition effort to reduce predation on juvenile salmon in the Lake Washington system, saying invasive and predatory fish such as walleye, rock bass, American shad, northern pike, yellow perch, and smallmouth bass are harming sockeye and Chinook recovery. They said sockeye returns have fallen from hundreds of thousands to about 18,000 in recent years, ending tribal and sport fisheries, and argued that targeted predator removal, supported by prior state and county funding, could help restore runs. Senators asked about the methods and funding, and the presenters said fishing and netting are being used to suppress larger predatory fish and that more sustained investment is needed. Finally, the committee began public hearing on Senate Bill 1697, which would make federally recognized tribes eligible recipients for county conservation futures funds. Testifiers from the Washington Farmland Trust and the Tulalip Tribe said the bill would expand voluntary conservation partnerships, help tribes steward farmland and habitat, and make it easier to leverage county funds with other grants. They described past projects where tribal participation improved conservation outcomes but said tribes could not directly access conservation futures dollars under current law.