Last week, a half-dozen bass and sac-a-lait fishermen said they haven’t seen the shad spawn yet, the lateness of which might explain why in late March, we haven’t seen the big spawning moves by bass and sac-a-lait. These two species were in postspawn mode this time last year.
Patience, mes amis. Patience. Water temperatures will get right with the just-right moon phase — April 12 is the next full moon — and, though late, all will be right in our freshwater fishing world.
Word to the wise
Our spring turkey season begins in earnest Saturday — after a special youth and physically challenged hunter weekend — and it’s a sure bet we’re going to see reports about hunters taking turkeys over bait. Don’t do it and think you’ll get away with it.
It happens every year, and what these illegal hunters haven’t figured out is how many more eyes they have on them than were watching years ago.
Wildlife and Fisheries’ Enforcement reports constantly cite how “a tip” led them to violators. Maybe it’s the rewards offered by Operation Game Thief triggering this increase in OGT hotline calls, or maybe legal hunters are tired of watching game taken by illegal methods, whether it be deer, ducks, doves and/or turkeys.
Our state is coming off its best turkey season since 2009 — 3,695 birds were taken legally and reported in 2024 — and the prospects are good for this season.
Note here that turkey hunters need basic hunting and wild turkey licenses — or an equivalent (for example, a lifetime license) and hunters 17 and younger need a youth hunting license. Turkey tags are required for all hunters, and must be used to report when taking a gobbler. Yes, the season is limited to taking gobblers, not hens.
The commission
A major change is set for Thursday’s Wildlife and Fisheries Commission meeting.
It’s scheduled to begin a 9 a.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Constitution Avenue in Baton Rouge.
Top agenda items include a report on public comments for the proposed 2025-2026 hunting seasons; an update on Chronic Wasting Disease and consideration of an emergency declaration to expand CWD control areas after a deer infected with CWD was found in Catahoula Parish; and, a report on legislation filed in this year’s legislative session dealing with Wildlife and Fisheries matters.
Boat check
BoatUS sent an interesting text with an extensive “spring commissioning checklist” for fishermen and boaters covering things like checking hoses, clamps, propellers, lower units, steering and more than two dozen other operational and safety items.
A printer-friendly PDF copy is available via:
