Why It Matters: Protecting the private information of license holders gives both new and old hunting and fishing license holders a greater sense of security while they participate in hunting lotteries put on by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF). Having an added level of security until after the completion of the scheduled hunt gives peace of mind to prospective hunters that they are further protected from harassment with their private biographical information being protected.
Highlights:
- On March 20, Louisiana Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus (Caucus) Co-Chair and National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses (NASC) Executive Council member Representative Jerome Zeringue, working alongside the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF), introduced HB 1177, which protects hunting and fishing license holders’ personal information from public records requests.
- On April 1, HB 1177 passed the Committee on House and Government Affairs unanimously. CSF provided written testimony in support of this legislation.
- On April 21, HB 1177 passed the House of Representatives on a unanimous 100-0 vote.
As technology continues to develop, everyone’s private information becomes less secure with each passing day. For sportsmen and women in particular, hunting continues to be a hotly contested topic with a vocal minority – no matter what corner of the country you reside in. There are more anti-hunting organizations operating than ever before, and their methods of attacking hunting continue to evolve.
Allowing the private information of prospective hunters who apply to participate in lotteries conducted by the LDWF, such as the black bear hunt, to be available for public consumption may lead to harassment and other negative consequences that would jeopardize the safety and well-being of sportsmen and women. It also threatens the sanctity of the lottery itself, which would have a negative impact on the resource. Without adequate safeguards, this has the potential to disincentivize participation in some of America’s most time-honored traditions, which would negatively impact the conservation efforts of LDWF that relies on sportsmen-generated funding through the American System of Conservation Funding to carry out their mission.
As such, CSF is being proactive in our efforts to protect the private biographical data of sportsmen and women while continuing to adhere to important sunshine laws to show that hunting continues to be a valuable tool in the wildlife management toolbox.
CSF thanks Representative Jerome Zeringue for his leadership in advancing HB 1177 through the House of Representatives with no opposition. HB 1177 has been referred to the Senate and Government Affairs Committee. We look forward to working with the Louisiana State Senate and Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus Member Jeff Landry to get HB 1177 across the finish line.