La. Admin. Code tit. 76 § V-701

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 11, November 20, 2024

Section V-701 - Alligator Regulations

A. The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries does hereby establish regulations governing the harvest of wild populations of alligators and alligator eggs, raising and propagation of farmed alligators, tanning of skins and regulations governing the selling of hides, alligator parts and farm raised alligators. The administrative responsibility for these alligator programs shall rest with the department secretary; the assistant secretary, Office of Wildlife; and the Coastal and Nongame Resources Division.

1. Purpose. These regulations are to govern the taking, possession, selling, raising and propagation of alligators statewide, both in the wild and in captivity. They are enacted to prevent depletion or waste, while enhancing utilization of this renewable resource. These regulations are based upon scientific study and population monitoring and are consistent with federal requirements to qualify alligators and alligator parts from Louisiana for international export under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Alligators in Louisiana are not endangered but their similarity of appearance to endangered crocodilian species requires controls on commerce to minimize illegal trafficking of these species and to regulate and maintain the wild population of alligators. These regulations provide rules to enhance alligator farming operations; establish the methods of alligator harvest; establish minimum facility requirements for alligator farming; regulate commerce in alligators, eggs and parts; streamline necessary reporting requirements; and, establish a regulated nuisance alligator control program.

2. Definitions. The following words and phrases for purposes of these regulations shall have the meaning ascribed to them in this Section, unless the context wherein the particular word or phrase is used clearly indicates a different meaning.

Alligator-American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis).

Alligator Egg Collection Permit-a permit issued by the department allowing for the collection of alligator eggs on designated properties described as part of the permit. The permit will be signed by the secretary or his designee, the permittee and the landowner/land manager.

Alligator Farm (nongame quadruped)-an enclosed area, constructed so as to prevent the ingress and egress of alligators from surrounding public or private lands or waters and meeting other specifications and requirements set by the department, where alligators are bred, propagated, or raised as a commercial enterprise under controlled conditions. Alligator farm also includes alligator ranching wherein eggs are collected from the wild, and raised, pursuant to departmental license or permit.

Alligator Farmer-a properly licensed person who raises alligators under controlled conditions which prohibit free movement of the animals onto and off of the farm or controlled area, or who collects and sells wild alligator eggs, and who may harvest alligators under the supervision of the department. An alligator farmer must possess a valid nongame quadruped breeder's license.

Alligator Hide Tag-an official CITES serially numbered tag issued by the department.

Alligator Hunter-a properly licensed resident or nonresident person who takes wild alligators. Alligator hunters are divided into five classes:

i.commercial-anyone who is a bona fide resident licensed by the department to take wild alligators after having filed application(s) approved by the department which authorizes the issuance of alligator hide tags to him;

ii.helper-anyone who is a bona fide resident licensed by the department to act as an authorized agent of a commercial or nonresident landowner alligator hunter(s) in conducting alligator harvest activities. The helper may hunt independently of the commercial or nonresident landowner alligator hunter(s) he is assigned to assist. The helper's license must bear the name and license number of the commercial or nonresident landowner alligator hunter(s) authorizing the licensing of the helper;

iii.sport-anyone who is licensed by the department and guided by a commercial, nonresident landowner or helper alligator hunter(s) during alligator harvest activities; alligator hide tags cannot be issued to a sport license holder. Sport license holders may be a bona fide resident or a nonresident;

iv.nuisance-a bona fide resident licensed alligator hunter who is contracted or otherwise selected by the department to remove designated nuisance alligators and who can be assigned alligator hide tags by the department;

v.nonresident landowner-anyone who is a nonresident licensed by the department to take wild alligators on his own property located within Louisiana, after having filed an application(s) approved by the department which authorizes the issuance of alligator hide tags to him.

Alligator Part-any part of the carcass of an alligator, except the hide and includes the bony dorsum plates, if detached from the tagged alligator hide.

Alligator Parts Dealer-any properly licensed person who deals in alligator parts other than hides and who:

i. buys unprocessed alligator parts from an alligator hunter, another parts dealer, or an alligator farmer for the purpose of resale; or

ii. manufactures within the state nonedible alligator parts into a finished product; or

iii. purchases unprocessed alligator meat or processes alligator meat for wholesale or retail sale.

Alligator Parts Retailer-any properly licensed person who purchases for retail sale finished alligator parts made from parts other than hides.

Alligator Shipping Label-a serially numbered green label issued by the department required on each shipment of alligators being transported out of the state.

Alligator Skin or Hide-whole or partial alligator skins, flanks, chalecos and bellies (including those bellies attached to or separated from the tail portion of the alligator skin). Once the tail portion of the skin is separated from the flanks, chaleco and belly, the tail is considered an alligator part.

Alligator Tail-includes the tail portion of the alligator skin once it is separated from the flanks, chaleco and belly. For the purposes of this Subsection, the alligator tail is considered an alligator part.

Bona Fide Resident-

i. any person who has resided in the state of Louisiana continuously during the twelve months immediately prior to the date on which he applies for any license and who has manifested his intent to remain in this state by establishing Louisiana as his legal domicile, as demonstrated with all of the following, as applicable:

(a). if registered to vote, he is registered to vote in Louisiana;

(b). if licensed to drive a motor vehicle, he is in possession of a Louisiana driver's license;

(c). if owning a motor vehicle located within Louisiana, he is in possession of a Louisiana registration for that vehicle;

(d). if earning an income, he has filed a Louisiana state income tax return and has complied with state income tax laws and regulations.

ii. As to a corporation or other legal entity, a resident shall be any which is incorporated or otherwise organized under and subject to the laws of Louisiana, and as to which the principal place of business and more than 50 percent of the officers, partners, or employees are domiciled in Louisiana.

Closed Season-that period of time of a calendar year not specifically included in the open season.

Commission-The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission.

Common Carrier-any agency or person transporting passengers or property of any description for hire.

Confiscation-the exercise of a right under the police power wherein property is seized and held pending court order if the seized material is nonperishable, or disposed of without judicial intervention if perishable.

Consumer-restaurants and other places where alligator, fish, shrimp, or other aquatic life is prepared for human consumption; or any person using alligator, fish, shrimp, or other aquatic life for bait or personal consumption.

Department-the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Designated Collection Agent-anyone who is permitted by the department to assist an alligator egg collection permittee during alligator egg collection.

Dressing, Dressed Skins or Dressed Furs-see tanning.

Finished Alligator Part-any nonedible alligator part that has been completely processed from parts other than hides for retail sale.

Fur Buyer-anyone who buys whole nongame quadrupeds for the purpose of pelting, carcasses of fur bearing animals, raw furs or skins from fur trappers, alligator hunters, alligator farmers, fur buyers, or fur dealers and who sells to another fur buyer or fur dealer within the confines of the state or to a nonresident fur dealer licensed by the state of Louisiana in interstate commerce, or who acts as an agent of another fur buyer or fur dealer in this state in such purchase or sale. Fur buyers are divided into two classes, resident and nonresident. Resident fur buyers are those who are bona fide residents of this state. All others are nonresident fur buyers.

Fur Dealer-anyone who deals in whole nongame quadrupeds for the purpose of pelting, carcasses of fur-bearing animals, raw furs and skins and who:

i. buys from a fur trapper, alligator hunter, or alligator farmer, either directly or indirectly, and ships or exports from this state, either directly or indirectly, the raw furs and skins so bought; or

ii. buys from a fur buyer or other fur dealer and exports from this state the raw furs and skins so bought; or

iii. buys from a fur trapper, alligator hunter, alligator farmer, fur buyer, or other dealer and sells such raw furs and skins for manufacturing into a finished product in this state; or

iv. manufactures such furs and skins into a finished product in this state, buying directly from a fur trapper, alligator hunter, alligator farmer, fur buyer, or fur dealer; or

v. transports raw furs or skins into this state for the purpose of sale within the state. Fur dealers are divided into two classes, resident and nonresident. Resident fur dealers are those who are bona fide residents of this state. All others are nonresident fur dealers;

vi. converts raw alligator skins through the tanning process into finished or partially finished leather and/or converts raw (green or dried) fur pelts into dressed furs ready for manufacturing.

Hatchling-a young of the year alligator which is less than 23 inches in length.

Hide-see pelt.

Hook-any curved or bent device attached to a line or pole for the purpose of taking alligators.

Hunt-in different tenses, attempting to take.

Incubator-an apparatus designed and used for the primary purpose of incubating alligator eggs.

Land Manager-any authorized person who represents the landowner.

Landowner-any person who owns land which the department has designated as alligator habitat.

Licensee-any resident or nonresident lawful holder of an effective license duly issued under the authority of the department.

Nongame Quadruped-alligators, beavers, bobcats, coyotes, gray foxes, minks, muskrats, nutrias, opossums, otters, raccoons, red foxes, skunks, and other wild quadrupeds valuable for their furs or skins.

Nongame Quadruped Breeder-a person properly licensed to engage in the business of raising, exhibiting and selling nongame quadrupeds on alligator or fur farms.

Nongame Quadruped Exhibitor-a person properly licensed to engage in the business of raising and/or exhibiting nongame quadrupeds.

Nonresident-any person who is not a bona fide resident as that term is defined by R.S. 56:8.

Nuisance Alligator-a specific (particular) alligator that poses a threat to human life or property.

Open Season-that period of time set by the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, during which wild alligators or their eggs may be lawfully taken.

Out-of-State Shipping Seal-a special locking device or seal supplied by the department and placed on or across a shipping container by department personnel prior to shipping out of state.

Out-Of-State Shipping Tag-an official, serially numbered tag, yellow in color, issued by the department required on each shipment of alligator hides shipped out of state.

Part-for purposes of this Section, a part is a division of a Subsection.

Pelt-the skin or hide of a quadruped.

Pelting-removing the skin and/or fur of a quadruped in such a manner as to render it marketable.

Person-includes any individual person, association, corporation, partnership, or other legal entity recognized by law.

Pithing -insertion of a rod into the foramen magnum of the alligator followed by four to six circular motions of such rod to destroy the brain.

Pole Hunting-the act of taking an alligator from a den with a hook pole or snagging device of any type and includes using such devices to induce an alligator to move from a den prior to taking.

Possess-in its different tenses, the act of having in possession or control, keeping, detaining, restraining, or holding as owner, or as agent, bailee, or custodian for another.

Processed Alligator Part-any part (and its resulting products) that has been removed from a legally taken alligator and for commercial purposes converted into a finished alligator part, or meat prepared and packaged for retail sale.

Propagation-the holding of live alligators for production of offspring.

Raising-the production of alligators under controlled environmental conditions or in outside facilities.

Rearing-see raising.

Resident-see bona fide resident.

Secretary-the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Skin-see pelt.

Slaughter -killing farm-raised alligators for the purpose of harvesting commodities such as meat, hides, or parts.

Take-in its different tenses, the attempt or act of hooking, pursuing, netting, capturing, snaring, trapping, shooting, hunting, wounding, or killing by any means or device.

Tanning-the conversion of alligator skins or fur pelts into an intermediate or finished form and includes the following: crust tanning alligator leather, dyeing alligator leather, glazing alligator leather, tanning fur pelts, shearing fur pelts, and dyeing fur pelts, and includes the dressing of skins and furs.

Transport-in its different tenses, the act of shipping, attempting to ship, receiving or delivering for shipment, transporting, conveying, carrying, or exporting by air, land, or water, or by any means whatsoever.

Wildlife-all species of wild vertebrates.

Wildlife Management Area-any area set aside, maintained, and supervised by the department for the purpose of managing and harvesting wild birds, wild quadrupeds, fish and other aquatic life under controlled conditions to afford maximum public hunting and fishing opportunity.

Wildlife Refuge-any area set aside and designated by the department as a refuge on which wild birds and animals are protected. Control of certain forms of wildlife may be conducted by the department.

3. General Rules

a. No person shall take, possess, purchase or sell alligators, alligator eggs, alligator hides, alligator parts, or goods manufactured from alligators, except as provided in these regulations and R.S. title 56.

b. Each alligator, alligator hide, alligator egg, or alligator part taken or possessed in violation of these regulations shall constitute a separate offense.

c. Alligators or hides of alligators harvested in Louisiana shall be tagged in accordance with provisions as prescribed in Subparagraph A.6.e of this Section and deviation from those requirements shall be a violation and subject hides to confiscation. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class four violation as described in R.S. title 56.

d. Pole hunting is prohibited. It is legal for a hunter to retrieve a shot alligator with a hook pole or to retrieve with a hook pole an alligator taken on a hook and line. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class two violation as described in R.S. title 56.

e. An alligator hunter must possess on his person one or more current alligator hide tags issued for the property on which he is hunting; and if participating in a joint hunting operation at least one licensed hunter needs to possess current hide tags issued for the property on which they are hunting among a group of licensed hunters who are physically present in the same location. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class two violation as described in R.S. title 56.

f. No person shall release any alligator from any taking device for any purpose without first dispatching the alligator, except as provided in Subparagraph A.5.e. After the alligator is removed from the taking device the hide tag shall be properly attached immediately upon possession. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class four violation as described in R.S. title 56.

g. Taking or collection of any wild alligator illegally is strictly prohibited. Violation of this Subparagraph is a Class Four violation for each alligator taken as described in R.S. Title 56. All alligators taken in violation of this Subparagraph shall be confiscated and in addition to all other penalties provided herein, all alligator licenses of any type held by the offender(s) shall be revoked for a period of three calendar years. If violation(s) of this Subparagraph involves a farm operation, no alligators shall be raised or propagated on the offender's facilities for a period of three calendar years. Any live alligator(s) confiscated pertinent to any violation of this Subparagraph must be returned to the wild when appropriate. Selection of the release site and time of year of the release shall be accomplished only after consultation with and in agreement with biological staff of Coastal and Nongame Resources Division.

h. The shipment of alligator eggs out of state is prohibited except where special scientific permits have been obtained in advance from the department which specify all such shipments. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class four violation as described in R.S. title 56.

i. No person, firm, or corporation shall transport into this state or possess whole alligator(s) with skin on, alligator parts or alligator skins/hides unless that person, firm or corporation is a Louisiana licensed alligator parts dealer or fur dealer and is in immediate possession of an alligator parts dealer's license or fur dealer's license, except that a copy of such license shall be sufficient during transportation only. Persons, firms or corporations violating this Subparagraph shall be subject to the penalties as provided in R.S. title 56:34, a class four violation; except that when such a violation involves alligator parts only, such offenses shall be subject to the penalties as provided in R.S. title 56:32, a class two violation.

j. It is unlawful to ship alligator eggs into the state of Louisiana unless they are to be used for department sponsored scientific studies and these shipments shall have prior written department approval. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class four violation as described in R.S. title 56.

k. The shipment of live alligators or alligator eggs out of the United States is strictly prohibited unless they are used for department sponsored scientific studies with an accompanying authorization signed by the secretary. The transfer of ownership of live alligators out of their natural range for commercial purposes is strictly prohibited. However, this Subparagraph does not prohibit a licensed Louisiana alligator farm from raising alligators of Louisiana origin in a nonrange state provided the nonrange farm is in complete compliance with all applicable state(s) and federal regulations. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class three violation as described in R.S. title 56.

l. An alligator hunter or alligator farmer may give alligator parts to anyone for personal use. Any part of an alligator shall have affixed thereto the name, address, date, hide tag number, and the license number of the person donating the alligator part(s). This information shall be legibly written in pen or pencil on any piece of paper or cardboard or any material which is attached to the part(s) or to the container enclosing the part or parts. This information must remain affixed until the part(s) has been stored at the domicile of the possessor. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class two violation as described in R.S. title 56.

m.

i.R.S. 56:280, passed in the Regular Session of the 1992 Louisiana Legislature established a state policy which protects white or albino alligators and except under department permit prohibits the taking of white or albino alligators from the wild.

ii. Conditions under which any alligator that is white or albino may be taken from the wild and under official department permit include:

(a). landowners or licensed alligator farmers or ranching operators may capture live and unharmed a white or albino alligator for its own protection. All such instances of possession shall be reported immediately to the department;

(b). any white or albino alligator hatchling produced from wild collected eggs authorized by a department alligator egg collection permit will remain in the possession of such licensed operators. Any white or albino hatchling must be reported immediately upon hatching to the department on a standard activity report form;

(c). any person who intentionally takes from the wild any alligator that is white or albino by hook and line shall immediately report its presence and location to the department. Department personnel of the Coastal and Nongame Resources Division will on a case by case basis determine the disposition of any such white or albino alligator which is unintentionally hooked.

iii. Any white or albino hatchling produced from a licensed breeding pen will remain in the possession of such licensed operators but must be reported immediately upon hatching to the department on a standard activity report.

iv. It shall be a violation if any person intentionally takes from the wild any alligator that is white or albino by any means.

v. Violation of R.S. 56:280 shall subject the violator to a fine of not less than $10,000 and imprisonment for not less than 6 months or more than 12 months, or both.

n. Alligator meat and parts may be shipped in containers that are sealed and the parts identified to the CITES tag of origin. A fully executed alligator hunter, farmer, or parts dealer alligator parts sale or transaction form and shipping manifest shall meet the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service parts identification requirements, provided such form(s) is/are prominently attached to the outside of each shipping container. Alligator meat/parts shipped to another state must meet applicable state/federal requirements of the receiving state. Alligator meat/parts exported from the United States must meet the requirements of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as well as those of the receiving country. Alligator skulls being exported shall carry a "tag" containing the CITES tag number and the hunter's name and license number. The skull must also be physically marked with the number of the original CITES tag used for the hide of the individual alligator. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class three violation as described in R.S. title 56.

o. For the purpose of bona fide educational or promotional functions, including but not limited to school activities, civic groups, fairs and festivals within the state of Louisiana, an alligator farmer/rancher or his designee may transport his own live farm alligators or alligator eggs to such function without the need for a special permit from the department while in possession of a valid nongame quadruped breeder's or exhibitor's license or copy thereof. Such farmer/rancher shall not barter, trade, exchange or attempt to barter, trade or exchange live alligator(s) or alligator eggs while transporting to/or attending such function.

4. Licenses, Permits and Fees

a.

i. The licenses and fees required for activities authorized by these regulations are as prescribed under provisions of R.S. title 56, or as prescribed in these regulations, and are:

(a). Resident Alligator Hunter's License (including commercial, helper, sport and nuisance classes)-$25;

(b). Nonresident Alligator Hunter's License (including landowner and sport classes)-$150;

(c). Resident Fur Buyer's License-$55 (except for license years 2022 and 2023, in which the fee will be $40);

(d). Nonresident Fur Buyer's License-$215 (except for license years 2022 and 2023, in which the fee will be $157.50);

(e). Resident Fur Dealer's License-$400 (except for license years 2022 and 2023, in which the fee will be $275;

(f). Nonresident Fur Dealer's License-$800 (except for license years 2022 and 2023, in which the fee will be $550);

(g). Nongame Quadruped Exhibitor's License-$20 (except for license years 2022 and 2023, in which the fee will be $15);

(h). Nongame Quadruped Breeder's License-$50 (except for license years 2022 and 2023, in which the fee will be $37.50);

(i). Alligator Parts Dealer License-$105 (except for license years 2022 and 2023, in which the fee will be $77.50;

(j). Alligator Parts Retailer License-$10 (except for license years 2022 and 2023, in which the fee will be $7.50);

(k). Alligator Hide Tag Fee-$4 for each alligator hide tag, except for license year 2023, in which the fee for each alligator hide tag shall be $3;

(l). $4 for each whole alligator leaving the state as alligator shipping label fee;

(m). $25 for a designated agent collection permit.

ii. All license types prescribed above except nongame quadruped exhibitor and breeder and resident and nonresident alligator hunter expire annually on June 30. Nongame quadruped exhibitor and breeder and resident and nonresident alligator hunter licenses expire annually on December 31.

b. No person may take, attempt to take, or possess a wild alligator in this state during the open season for taking wild alligators unless he or she has acquired and possesses an alligator hunter's license. An alligator hunter must have in possession a valid alligator hunter license to take or sell alligators, their skins, or parts. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class three violation as described in R.S. title 56.

c. No person may engage in the business of buying alligators for the purpose of skinning or buying and selling alligator skins unless he has acquired a resident or nonresident fur buyers license. No resident or nonresident fur buyer shall ship furs, alligators, or alligator skins out of state. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class three violation as described in R.S. title 56.

d. No person may engage in the business of buying alligators for the purpose of skinning or buying and selling alligator skins or shipping alligator skins out of state or tanning alligator skins within the state unless he has acquired a resident or nonresident fur dealers license. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class three violation.

e. No person may engage in the business of raising and/or exhibiting alligators unless he or she has acquired and possesses a valid nongame quadruped exhibitor license. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class three violation as described in R.S. title 56.

f. No person may engage in the business of raising, breeding, collecting and selling alligator eggs from the wild, propagating, exhibiting and selling alligators alive or selling their parts, and killing and transporting them and selling their skins and carcasses unless he or she has acquired and possesses a valid nongame quadruped breeder license and complies with Paragraphs A.14 and 15 of this Section. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class three violation as described in R.S. title 56.

g. No person shall engage in the business of buying and selling unprocessed alligator parts unless he has acquired and possesses a valid alligator parts dealer license. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class two violation as described in R.S. title 56.

h. Each retailer purchasing for retail sale, finished alligator parts made from parts other than hides, shall secure from the department an alligator parts retailer license prior to commencing business. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class two violation as described in R.S. title 56.

i. No person shall remove and possess alligator eggs from wild nests unless he has acquired and possesses a valid nongame quadruped breeder license or a valid designated agent collection permit and also has in his possession a valid alligator egg collection permit. Egg collection permits will only be issued to those persons who demonstrate competency in egg collection and handling, have necessary equipment accessible and comply with all department requirements as described in Paragraph A.14 of this Section. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class four violation as described in R.S. title 56.

j. No person shall ship or transport alligators out of the state without first applying for and receiving an alligator shipping label which shall be affixed to each shipment of alligators and is properly completed and validated by department personnel. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class three violation as described in R.S. title 56.

k. Every alligator hunter or alligator farmer shipping or transporting his own catch of alligator skins out of state is liable for the alligator hide tag fee, and shall apply for an official out of state shipping tag to be attached to the shipment and shall pay the alligator hide tag fee. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class two violation as described in R.S. title 56.

l. Valid holders of alligator hunter license, nongame quadruped breeder license, fur dealers license and alligator parts dealer license must comply with the receiving state/country requirements and with federal licensing, tagging and permit requirements to engage in interstate and international commerce involving alligators, alligator hides, alligator parts and fully manufactured alligator hide products. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class two violation as described in R.S. title 56.

5. Wild Harvest Methods

a. Alligators taken from the wild may be removed from hook and line, and other legal capture devices which may be used, only during daylight hours, between official sunrise and official sunset. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class four violation as described in R.S. title 56.

b. There are no size restrictions on wild alligators taken during the general open season.

c.

i. Legal methods for taking alligators in the wild are as follows:

(a). hook and line;

(b). long (including compound) bow and barbed arrow; and

(c). firearms (the possession of shotguns is prohibited while hunting or taking wild alligators; except as authorized by the department for taking of nuisance alligators by nuisance alligator hunters).

ii. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class two violation as described in R.S. title 56.

d. Hooks and arrows may be used only when a line of at least 300-pound test is securely attached to the hook or head of the arrow in such a manner to prevent separation from the hook or head until the carcass is retrieved. The other end of the line must be attached to a stationary or floating object capable of maintaining the line above water when an alligator is attached. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class two violation as described in R.S. title 56.

e. Alligator hunters shall inspect their hooks and lines and remove captured alligators daily. All hooks and lines shall be removed when an alligator hunter's quota is reached. In the event an alligator is hooked and the hunter's quota has been reached the hunter must release the alligator in the most humane method possible. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class two violation as described in R.S. title 56.

f. Baited hooks and lines may be set no more than 24 hours prior to the general open season and shall be removed no later than sunset of the last day of the open season. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class two violation as described in R.S. title 56.

g. No person possessing alligator hide tags issued for privately-owned land or water may take alligators on adjacent publicly-owned water unless the taking device is anchored to privately-owned land or the person is on privately-owned land when the taking occurs, provided that any alligator captured on a legal taking device that is anchored to privately-owned land or held by a person on privately-owned land may be dispatched from a floating craft on public water. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class two violation as described in R.S. title 56.

h. A person possessing alligator hide tags for publicly-owned areas may take alligators by legal means from a floating craft on public water for which the tags are issued.

6. Alligator Hide Tag Procurement and Tagging Requirements

a. Alligator hide tags may be obtained as follows and only to properly licensed alligator hunters and nongame quadruped breeders.

b.Landowners, Land Managers and Hunters. Upon application to the department on forms provided for tag issuance, applications for alligator tag allotments will be taken annually beginning June 1. For alligator hunters submitting applications with new/additional properties, applications are due by August 20; for alligator hunters submitting an application for property previously hunted, applications are due by the day before the season opens.

i. Maximum tag issuance to individual landowners, land managers, or their hunters shall be determined solely by the department. Landowners, land managers, or their hunters shall certify total acreage owned or represented on a form prescribed by the department at the time of application. The location and acreage of the property must be provided which includes parish, township, range and section delineation figures.

ii. Land managers and hunters must present a signed document from the landowner verifying their selection to represent that landowner and the total acreage represented to obtain hide tags.

iii. Alligator hide tags shall be issued to licensed alligator hunters without charge. Numbered alligator hide tags shall only be issued in the name of the license holder and are nontransferable. All unused alligator tags shall be returned within 15 days following the close of the season.

c. Alligator Farmers. Alligator hide tags shall be issued to properly licensed alligator farmers without charge upon request at any time at least two weeks prior to scheduled harvesting, subject to verification of available stock by department personnel. All unused alligator tags shall be returned to the department within 15 days following the last day of the year that issued tags are valid.

d. If an alligator hunter is cited for hunting alligators out of season, or at night, or on property other than that for which hide tags were issued, all unused hide tags and alligators in possession shall be confiscated and the violator's alligator hunting license shall be revoked. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class four violation as described in R.S. title 56.

e. A hide tag shall be properly attached and locked using the tag's locking device in the alligator's tail immediately upon possession by an alligator hunter. Alligator farmers, fur buyers and fur dealers may wait until farm raised alligators are skinned prior to tagging, but under no circumstances can the tag be attached using the locking device more than 48 hours after dispatching the alligator during the open wild alligator harvest season, or more than seven days after dispatching the alligator outside of the open wild alligator harvest season. Live or dead farm raised alligators may be transported with their accompanying tags from a licensed alligator farm to a licensed processing facility, however each shipment shall be accompanied with the exact number of alligator hide tags. In the event that an alligator tag contains a factory defect rendering it unusable for the purpose intended or becomes detached from an alligator or hide, the tag must be reattached to the tail of the alligator/hide. The department will be responsible for the replacement of reattached tags prior to shipping out-of-state or prior to tanning within the state. It shall be unlawful to tag or attempt to tag an alligator with a tag that has been locked prior to the taking. Locked tags may be replaced upon request at the discretion of the department. The alteration of hide tags is strictly prohibited and will result in the confiscation of all tags and alligators/hides and the revocation of the violator's alligator hunting license. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class four violation as described in R.S. title 56.

f. In the event that an alligator hide tag cannot be located when in the possession of a buyer/dealer, then the following procedure shall be followed.

i. Following discovery of an untagged alligator or alligator hide by the buyer/dealer, they shall notify the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Coastal and Nongame Resources Division within 24 hours and the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will place a state tagging device on the alligator or alligator hide.

ii. Upon discovery of an untagged alligator or alligator hide by Department of Wildlife and Fisheries personnel, such personnel shall place a state tagging device on the alligator or alligator hide.

iii. The state tagged alligator or alligator hide will remain in the possession of the buyer/dealer following the placement of the state tagging device until such time as the hide tag is located or until December 31 of that year, whichever comes first. Upon presentation of the missing hide tag and the corresponding buyer/dealer record which documents a match between the tag number and the alligator/hide being held, and if the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries then confirms that such tag number has not been previously shipped, the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries shall attach a replacement alligator hide tag.

iv. If the buyer/dealer does not locate the missing hide tag following the placement of the State tagging device by the end of the allotted time period but is able to identify the tag number on a Department of Wildlife and Fisheries issued or approved buyer/dealer record which documents a match between the tag number and the skin being held, and if the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries then confirms that subject tag number has not been previously shipped, the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries may, in its discretion, issue a replacement alligator hide tag.

v. The failure of the buyer/dealer to produce the correct hide tag and/or correct documentation by the end of the allotted time period shall constitute a violation of this Subparagraph.

vi. The previous or subsequent attachment to an alligator or alligator hide of the missing hide tag as described above shall constitute a violation of this Subparagraph.

vii. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class four violation as described in R.S. title 56.

7. Open Season, Open Areas, and Quota

a. Open seasons are as follows.

i. The state shall be divided into the east and west alligator hunting zones by the following boundary: Beginning at the southwestern most part of Point Au Fer Island thence north along the western boundary of Terrebonne Parish to the Atchafalaya River, thence north along the Atchafalaya River to the East Atchafalaya Protection Levee, thence north along the East Atchafalaya Protection Levee, to Interstate 10, thence east along Interstate 10 to Interstate 12, thence east along Interstate 12 to Interstate 55, thence north along Interstate 55 to the Mississippi state line. The season for taking alligators in the wild shall open on the last Wednesday of August in the East Zone and the first Wednesday of September in the West Zone and will remain open for 60 days thereafter in each zone. The secretary shall be authorized to close, extend, delay, or reopen the season as biologically justifiable.

ii. Nuisance control hunters may take nuisance alligators at any time as prescribed by the department. An individual landowner may be issued landowner nuisance tags for minimal acreage of isolated parcels of noncontiguous wetlands and harvest alligators at any time prescribed by the department.

iii. Farm raised alligators may be taken at any time following the issuance of hide tags by the department.

iv. The open season for collection of alligator eggs from the wild shall be from May 15-September 1 of each calendar year. Violation of this Clause is a class four violation as described in R.S. title 56.

b. The open areas are as follows.

i. For the general open season, those areas designated by the biological staff of the department as alligator habitat and which can sustain an alligator harvest.

ii. The department may select public lakes and lands for an experimental alligator hunting program. The harvest will be controlled by a tag allotment for each lake as determined by department personnel. Applicants for public lake hunting must be 16 years of age or older. Applications must be received by the date specified on the annual application form. A public drawing will be held to select hunters. An alligator hunter can receive tags for and hunt on only one public lake per season. The tag quota for each lake and hunter will be established by the biological staff of the department. Alligator tags issued on public lakes and lands are nontransferable.

iii. Wild alligators in the remainder of the state may be taken only under provisions as prescribed by the department.

iv. The open alligator egg collection season shall include those areas designated by the biological staff of the department as alligator habitat which can sustain an egg collection harvest and egg quotas will be determined by department biologists.

c. The daily and season quota is equal to the number of valid alligator hide tags that a licensed alligator hunter possesses. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class four violation as described in R.S. title 56.

d. Harvest rates will be calculated annually by department personnel based on biological data. Alligator hide tag allotments will be established prior to issuance of alligator hunting licenses.

8. Possession

a. No person shall possess alligators or alligator hides in Louisiana without valid official tags properly attached in the tail using the locking device as prescribed in Subsection A.6.e. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class four violation as described in R.S. title 56.

b. Alligator farmers may request hide tags or shipping labels from the department to be used on farm-raised alligators that have died and may hold those alligators in freezers until receipt of the requested hide tags or shipping labels. These alligators may be held in freezers for a maximum of 60 days prior to disposal. All farm raised alligators 24 inches and greater in length that die may be skinned and tagged with an alligator hide tag within 48 hours of death during the open wild alligator harvest season, or within 7 days of death outside of the open wild alligator harvest season. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class three violation as described in R.S. title 56.

c. No person other than a licensed alligator hunter, licensed alligator farmer, licensed fur buyer or licensed fur dealer may possess a tagged or labeled alligator, a tagged raw or salted hide of an alligator at any time, provided that legally documented tagged or labeled alligators or tagged hides may be possessed without license while in transit, or during processing for tanning or taxidermy. However, properly tagged and documented alligators or hides may be stored at any location at the owner's discretion. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class four violation as described in R.S. title 56.

d. No person other than a licensed alligator farmer or licensed nongame quadruped exhibitor shall possess live alligators at any time other than by a permit issued by the department upon request for use in displays and educational purposes, and by holders of valid department issued permits for scientific purposes. Live, farm raised alligators and their accompanying alligator hide tags may be held for processing by a properly licensed alligator skinning facility without a license or permit. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class four violation as described in R.S. title 56.

e. No person other than a licensed alligator farmer or licensed nongame quadruped exhibitor shall possess alligator eggs at any time other than department permitted designated collection agents assisting a licensed and permitted alligator farmer during wild egg collection, or a holder of a valid department issued permit for scientific purposes. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class four violation as described in R.S. title 56.

f. Any alligators hatched from scientific permits issued by the department shall be returned to the wild under departmental supervision following completion of the research project. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class two violation as described in R.S. title 56.

9. Importation, Exportation, Purchase, and Sale

a. Live alligators may be brought into the state only if the person, firm or corporation bringing the alligators into the state has obtained written permission from the department. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class four violation as described in R.S. title 56.

b.

i. All alligators, alligator hides (raw or salted), or parts of alligators possessed, sold, purchased, exported, imported, or brought into the state from another state shall be accompanied by documented evidence that they were lawfully taken. Documented evidence shall consist of, but not be limited to:

(a). a resource user license or permit number allowing the taking of alligators and tags or other identification required by the state or country of origin shall be firmly attached to the alligator, alligator hide, or parts of alligators; and

(b). a tag or label is affixed to the outside of any package or container of alligators, alligator hides, or alligator parts that specifies type of contents, indicates quantity contained, and lists applicable license or permit numbers.

ii. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class two violation as described in R.S. title 56.

c. Purchases of alligators, alligator hides, alligator eggs, and alligator parts are restricted as follows.

i. A licensed alligator hunter may not purchase alligators or alligator hides from anyone.

ii. A licensed fur buyer may purchase whole alligators or alligator hides from a Louisiana licensed alligator hunter, licensed alligator farmer, licensed fur dealer, or another fur buyer.

iii. A licensed fur dealer may purchase whole alligators or alligator hides from a licensed alligator hunter, licensed alligator farmer, fur buyer or another fur dealer.

iv. A licensed alligator farmer may purchase live alligators only from another licensed alligator farmer (with a department-approved alligator transfer authorization permit) or the department.

v. An alligator farmer may purchase alligator eggs only from another alligator farmer, a landowner/land manager (with an approved department alligator egg collection permit), or the department.

vi. A licensed alligator parts dealer may purchase alligator parts from a licensed alligator hunter, alligator farmer, another alligator parts dealer, or the department.

vii. A licensed alligator parts retailer may purchase finished alligator parts for retail sales.

d. Sales of alligators, alligator eggs, and alligator parts are restricted as follows.

i. A licensed alligator hunter may sell alligators, alligator hides, or alligator parts taken by the licensee during the general open season to anyone who may legally purchase.

ii. A licensed alligator farmer may sell alligators, alligator eggs, alligator hides, or alligator parts to anyone who may legally purchase. The sale of alligator eggs or live alligators shall only occur following the issuance of a transfer authorization permit. Application for the permit shall be made at least two weeks prior to the transfer.

iii. A licensed fur buyer may sell whole alligators or alligator hides to a fur dealer or another fur buyer within the confines of the state.

iv. A licensed fur dealer may sell whole alligators or alligator hides to anyone who may legally purchase.

v. A licensed alligator parts dealer may sell alligator parts, other than hides, to anyone.

vi. A licensed alligator parts retailer may sell finished alligator parts to anyone.

e. Legally tagged and documented alligators, alligator hides, and parts of alligators taken in Louisiana may be shipped out of state or exported by alligator hunters, alligator farmers, fur dealers and alligator parts dealers subject to Paragraph A.11 of this Section (relating to report requirements) provided that no live alligators or eggs originating in Louisiana may be exported outside of their natural range without specific department authorization and the concurrence of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, to be used only for scientific purposes. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class three violation as described in R.S. title 56.

f. A special permit is required of anyone who sells alligator eggs, or live alligators. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class four violation as described in R.S. title 56.

10. Nuisance Alligator Control

a. Nuisance alligator hunters will be selected by the department with proper screening by enforcement personnel in the region of appointment. Selection may be based upon recommendations received from the local governing body. Applicants with prior alligator hunting violations will be rejected.

b. Nuisance alligator hunters shall purchase a valid alligator hunter license and are bound by all laws, rules and regulations governing alligator hunting with the exception that nuisance alligators may be taken at anytime.

c. Nuisance alligator complaints will be verified by department personnel prior to being approved for removal.

d. Tags will be issued without charge to nuisance alligator hunters. Nuisance alligator hunters will attempt to catch nuisance alligators and relocate to natural habitat selected by the department. It is unlawful for any nuisance alligator captured alive to be sold or otherwise disposed of on an alligator farm. Alligators and alligator parts taken under these provisions may be retained and sold by the nuisance alligator hunter as any other legally taken wild alligator or alligator part. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class four violation as described in R.S. title 56.

e. Nuisance alligator hunters may take alligators by any means prescribed by the department. Failure to comply with departmental instructions may result in immediate termination of the individual's participation in the nuisance alligator program. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class two violation as described in R.S. title 56.

11. Report Requirements

a. Report forms provided by or approved by the department must be completed and filed with the department by all persons who have been issued an alligator hunter's license, fur buyer's license, fur dealer's license, nongame quadruped exhibitor's license, nongame quadruped breeder's license, alligator parts dealer's license, or alligator egg collection permit in accordance with this Paragraph. Reports shall include but not be limited to the information specified in this Paragraph.

b.

i. Alligator hunters receiving hide tags from the department are responsible for disposition of all issued tags and must:

(a). complete an official alligator parts transaction form furnished by or approved by the department for each alligator part transaction. These forms shall be submitted to the department at the end of the calendar year;

(b). complete an official lost tag form, furnished by the department for any hide tags lost or stolen. These forms shall be submitted to the department within 15 days following the close of the season. Lost or stolen tags will not be replaced;

ii. All unused tags must be returned to the department within 15 days following the close of the season;

iii. Each licensed alligator hunter disposing of one or more tagged alligators or alligator skins deemed to be of no value, must:

(a). remove the CITES alligator tag(s) from each alligator/alligator skin at the time of disposal;

(b). return to the department all CITES alligator tags removed from disposed of alligators/alligator skins within 15 days following the close of the season;

(c). provide the department total lengths by corresponding CITES tag number of each alligator/alligator skin so disposed of within 15 days following the close of the season.

iv. The department must be notified of any trophy skins not sold to commercial buyers or dealers within 30 days following the close of the season, on official forms provided by or approved by the department.

v. Each licensed alligator hunter selling alligator parts to a person or a restaurant shall provide that person with a bill of sale for each transaction.

vi. All records of commercial transactions involving alligator parts by alligator hunters shall be available for inspection by the department.

vii. The alligator hide tag fee shall be collected by the department from the alligator hunter who is shipping his own alligators or raw alligator skins, or who intends to custom tan, or use for taxidermy, the alligators or raw skins.

viii. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class two violation as described in R.S. title 56.

c. A nuisance alligator hunter shall comply with the same report requirements as a commercial alligator hunter and complete any other reports required by the department. Violation of this requirement shall result in immediate termination of nuisance alligator hunter status. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class two violation as described in R.S. title 56.

d.

i. Alligator farmers receiving hide tags from the department are responsible for disposition of all issued tags and must:

(a). complete an official alligator parts transaction form, furnished by or approved by the department for each alligator parts transaction. These forms shall be submitted to the department along with the annual report. Violation of this Clause is a class two violation as described in R.S. title 56;

(b). complete an official lost tag form, furnished by the department, for any hide tags lost or stolen. These forms shall be submitted to the department within 15 days following the last day of the year that issued tags are valid. Violation of this Clause is a class two violation as described in R.S. title 56.

ii. All unused hide tags must be returned to the department within 15 days following the last day of the year that issued tags are valid. Violation of this Clause is a class two violation as described in R.S. title 56.

iii. Each alligator farmer in possession of one or more tagged farm alligator skins deemed to be of no value, must notify the department of the tag number and belly width of each farm alligator skin and must arrange for delivery of the farm alligator skin(s) to the department. Department personnel will remove the CITES alligator tags and dispose of the farm alligator skins. Violation of this Clause is a class two violation as described in R.S. title 56.

iv. Each alligator farmer in possession of one or more tagged farm alligators deemed to be of no value, must notify the department of the tag number and belly width of each farm alligator prior to disposal of the alligator. Alligator farmers must remove the CITES alligator tag(s) at the time of disposal and immediately return the tag(s) to the department. Violation of this Clause is a class two violation as described in R.S. title 56.

v. Each alligator farmer shall report annually, no later than December 1, on an official form provided by the department, all activities that have occurred on the farm for the past year including but not limited to the number of live alligators as of that date, separated by sizes, the number of eggs collected and hatched, the purchase and sale of alligators, hides, and parts for the past year and the numbers of alligators lost. Failure to complete this form properly and completely will result in nonrenewal of the nongame quadruped breeder's license. Violation of this Clause is a class three violation as described in R.S. title 56.

vi. Each licensed alligator farmer selling alligator parts to a person or a restaurant shall furnish that person with a bill of sale for each transaction. Violation of this Clause is a class two violation as described in R.S. title 56.

vii. Each alligator farmer collecting alligator eggs, hatching alligator eggs, selling alligators for processing, or selling alligator skins shall submit completed forms as provided by the department within 10 days following completion of the activity. Violation of this Clause is a class three violation as described in R.S. title 56.

viii. The alligator shipping label fee or the alligator hide tag fee shall be collected by the department from the alligator farmer who is shipping alligators or raw alligator skins, or who intends to custom tan, or use for taxidermy, the alligators or raw skins.

e.

i. Fur buyers, fur dealers, alligator farmers and alligator hunters engaged in the business of buying and/or selling whole alligators or alligator hides must keep within the state a complete record on forms provided by or approved by the department, all purchases and sales of whole alligators or alligator hides as described in R.S. title 56; and

ii. every fur buyer, fur dealer, alligator farmer or alligator hunter having undressed alligator hides in his possession shall file with the department within 60 days of purchase or within 60 days of tagging or prior to shipping out of state or prior to tanning skins in Louisiana, whichever occurs first, a complete report, on forms provided by or approved by the department, a detailed description of alligator hides to be shipped or tanned. At the time of shipment or prior to tanning whole alligator skins, department personnel will inspect whole hides and replace any broken or reattached tags. Department personnel will issue the appropriate number of yellow shipping tags, one for each shipment. At that time, department personnel will affix a seal or locking device to each container. It shall be a violation of this Subparagraph for any person other than department personnel or federal personnel to reopen any sealed or locked container. In conjunction with the inspection and prior to department issuance of shipping tag(s) and seal(s) or locking device(s), department personnel must collect:

(a). all completed buyer/dealer records for skins in each shipment;

(b). official shipping manifest including total length in inches (or feet and inches) referenced to CITES tag number of each whole wild skin in shipment and including total belly width in centimeters (measured at the fifth scute) referenced to CITES tag number of each whole farm raised alligator skin in shipment. A fully executed (filled out) shipping manifest containing all information required in the buyer/dealer record may be substituted with department approval for the buyer/dealer record requirement on farm raised alligator skins;

(c). stub portion of yellow shipping tag completely filled out;

(d). severance tax and alligator hide tag fees owed by alligator hunter, alligator farmer or fur dealer.

iii. Prior to cutting raw alligator skins into pieces, every fur buyer, fur dealer, alligator farmer or alligator hunter desiring to cut raw skins into pieces (flanks, bellies, or chalecos), must request department personnel to inspect the whole alligator hides and (with appropriate assistance) apply CITES tags to each flank, chaleco, and belly so separated. Prior to tagging the flanks, chaleco and belly, department personnel must receive an official manifest including measurement (as specified below) of each skin. For wild skins, the total length in inches (or feet and inches) referenced to the CITES tag number of each whole wild skin to be cut into pieces must be provided. For farm raised alligators skins, the total belly width in centimeters (measured at the fifth scute) referenced to the CITES tag number of each whole farm raised alligator skin to be cut into pieces must be provided. Prior to cutting the raw alligator skin, CITES tags will be attached to each flank and chaleco (tag applied to each hind leg area), and to each belly if either is to be separated from the tail. Once the tail portion of the skin is separated from the flanks, chaleco and belly, the original CITES tag must be removed and returned to the department within 15 days of the cutting of the tail.

iv. Every fur dealer, alligator farmer or alligator hunter prior to shipping out of state or prior to tanning in state, partial alligator skins (flanks, bellies or chalecos) must provide an official shipping manifest listing a description of the partial alligator skins in the shipment along with the CITES tag number for each partial skin piece, referenced to the original CITES tag number that was placed on the wild alligator or farm raised alligator when harvested. Department personnel will review the manifest for accuracy and determine the number of original CITES tags referenced for the first time in order to assess the alligator hide tag fees owed by the shipper. Shipper will be thus informed by the department within 10 working days of receiving the official shipping manifest.

v. At the time of shipment or prior to tanning, department personnel will inspect alligator skin pieces and replace any broken or reattached tags. Department personnel will issue the appropriate number of yellow shipping tags, one for each shipment. At that time, department personnel will affix a seal or locking device to each container. It shall be a violation of this Subparagraph for any person other than department personnel or federal personnel to reopen any sealed or locked container. In conjunction with the inspection and prior to department issuance of shipping tag(s) and seal(s) or locking device(s), department personnel must collect:

(a). all completed buyer/dealer records for skins in each shipment;

(b). stub portion of yellow shipping tag completely filled-out;

(c). alligator hide tag fees owed by alligator hunter, alligator farmer or fur dealer for partial alligator skin pieces being shipped as referenced in Clause A.11.e.iv.

vi.If any of the above requirements are not satisfied, the shipment will not be authorized. Violation of this Clause is a class three violation as described in R.S. title 56.

f. Fur dealers engaged in the business of buying and selling alligator hides must maintain complete records of alligator hides purchased inside and outside the state as described in R.S. Title 56. Fur dealers in the business of tanning alligator hides must provide a monthly report, on forms provided by or approved by the department, of all alligator hides being held in inventory. Failure to maintain complete records and to pay the required alligator hide tag fees subjects any dealer to the full penalties provided and the immediate revocation of his license by the department. No license shall be issued to a dealer who has not paid the tax and alligator hide tag fees for the preceding year. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class three violation as described in R.S. title 56.

g. Each fur buyer or fur dealer in possession of one or more tagged alligator skins deemed to be of no value, must notify the department of the tag number and total length of each wild alligator skin or belly width of each farm alligator skin and must arrange for delivery of the alligator skin(s) to the department. Department personnel will remove the CITES alligator tags and dispose of the alligator skins. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class two violation as described in R.S. title 56.

h. Each fur buyer or fur dealer in possession of one or more tagged alligators deemed to be of no value, must notify the department of the tag number and total length of each wild alligator or belly width of each farm alligator prior to disposal of the alligator. Fur buyers or fur dealers must remove the CITES alligator tag(s) at the time of disposal and immediately return the tag(s) to the department. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class two violation as described in R.S. title 56.

i. Alligator parts dealers acquiring alligator parts, shall complete an official alligator parts purchase form at the time of each purchase. Alligator parts dealers selling alligator parts, shall complete an official alligator parts sale form at the time of each sale. These forms shall be furnished by or approved by the department and shall be submitted to the department annually, no later than June 30; and

i. alligator parts dealers shall furnish a bill of sale to anyone purchasing alligator parts;

ii. the records of transactions involving alligator parts shall be available for inspection by the department and shall be maintained complete for a period of one year following any transaction;

iii. violation of this Subparagraph is a class two violation as described in R.S. title 56.

j. Any alligator parts retailer purchasing finished alligator parts shall maintain a bill of sale for each purchase for a period of six months after such purchase and these records shall be available for inspection by the department. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class two violation as described in R.S. title 56.

12. Alligator Meat

a. Alligator meat from lawfully taken alligators can only be sold according to state and federal laws, Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals regulations and Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission regulations. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class three violation as described in R.S. title 56.

b. Alligator meat processed in the state of Louisiana and sold for human consumption must be processed in a licensed facility approved by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals and the facility must display a valid permit issued by that agency. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class two violation as described in R.S. title 56.

c. All processed alligator meat for sale must be packaged in suitable containers which identifies the contents as alligator meat, marked with a valid department license number and comply with all state and federal packaging and labeling requirements. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class two violation as described in R.S. title 56.

d. All alligator meat shipped into the state and being offered for sale must meet all of Louisiana's health, processing, packaging and labeling requirements. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class two violation as described in R.S. title 56.

13. Disposal of Alligators by the Department

a. The department may sell alligators, alligator eggs or parts of alligators taken for any purpose deemed necessary for proper management of the species pursuant to R.S. title 56.

b. The department may dispose of alligators, alligator eggs, or parts of alligators by donation or lending to a scientific institution or other institutions that the department deems have need for such alligators, however these institutions cannot sell or barter these animals which must be returned to the department at the conclusion of the program or need.

c. Confiscated alligator hides and parts may be destroyed by the department pending the outcome of the criminal trial.

d. Confiscated alligator eggs or live alligators may be sold or may be cared for by the department and released in suitable alligator habitat when and where they can survive when appropriate. All costs incurred by the department in the maintenance of these eggs and animals in captivity shall be the responsibility of the offender and restitution shall be made to the department. The department may consign confiscated alligators to a licensed farm for raising purposes and may compensate the farmer for his expenses by transferring ownership to him of a percentage of the confiscated alligators; not to exceed 50 percent.

14. Alligator Egg Collections

a. Alligator egg collection permits are a three party permit between the department, the permittee and a landowner/manager who owns or leases alligator nesting habitat determined by department biologists to be capable of producing alligator eggs. The numbers of eggs to be collected will be based upon biological management criteria and will be determined annually by technical staff of the department. The department only estimates the numbers of eggs available and assumes no responsibility or offers no guarantee that those numbers of eggs will be available. Alligator egg collection permits may be obtained upon application to the department on forms provided by the department. The annual deadline for submitting applications for alligator egg collection permits is June 1. This program is experimental and may be changed at any time based on biological data to insure for proper management of the wild alligator population.

b. Alligator egg collection permits may be issued by the department provided:

i. permittee is a properly licensed alligator farmer and meets all applicable requirements in Paragraph A.15 of this Section (alligator farm facility requirements);

ii. all land documentation required on the alligator egg collection permit has been presented to the department;

iii. department biologists determine the properties described on the permit application are indeed alligator nesting habitat and can sustain alligator egg collections;

iv. applicant has obtained all legal and necessary signatures from landowners/land managers.

c. It is unlawful for an alligator farmer or a permitted designated collection agent to collect eggs from properties other than those described in the alligator egg collection permit. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class four violation as described in R.S. title 56.

d. An alligator farmer or designated collection agent in the act of collecting or possessing alligator eggs must possess on his or her person a copy of the fully executed alligator egg collection permit. The designated collection agent must also possess a valid designated collection agent permit. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class three violation as described in R.S. title 56.

e. Collection of wild alligator eggs can only be made after contacting the appropriate regional supervisor of the Enforcement Division no less than 24 hours prior to each collection trip. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class three violation as described in R.S. title 56.

f. Alligator eggs can only be collected from the wild from official sunrise to official sunset and only during the established alligator egg collection season and shall not exceed the number on his alligator egg collection permit. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class four violation as described in R.S. title 56.

g. Alligator eggs collected from the wild must be collected and transported in a manner which insures the greatest survival of viable eggs as determined by department biologists. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class three violation as described in R.S. title 56.

h. Failure to hatch at least 70 percent of viable alligator eggs collected from the wild shall be considered a waste of Louisiana's natural resources. All alligator egg collection permits shall be revoked and no new permits issued should an alligator farmer be found to waste the resources of this state for two consecutive years.

i. Alligator egg collection permits shall be revoked and no new permits issued to alligator farmers who fail to average a minimum hatchling survival rate of 85 percent for two consecutive years.

j. The alligator egg collection permittee and the landowner are responsible for the return of the percentage of live alligators to the wild described on the alligator egg collection permit. This requirement is nontransferable. Minimum return rates will be based upon the state average hatching success which is 78 percent. In no case shall the return rate be less than 5 percent at 48 inches total length. Each alligator shall be returned to the original egg collection area within a maximum time of two years from date of hatching. Each alligator shall be a minimum of 36 inches and a maximum of 60 inches (no alligator over 60 inches total length will be accepted for release) in total length and the returned sex ratio should contain at least 50 percent females. The alligator egg collection permittee/landowner are responsible for and must compensate in kind for alligator mortality which occurs for department-authorized return to the wild alligators while being processed, stored, or transported. The department shall be responsible for supervising the required return of these alligators. A department transfer authorization permit is not required for return to the wild alligators which are delivered to the farm of origin no more than 48 hours prior to being processed for wild release. Releases back to the wild will only occur between March 15 and August 25 of each calendar year provided that environmental conditions as determined by the department are favorable for survival of the released alligators. Any farmer who owes 1000 or more alligators at 48 inches must release at least 1/4 of the total owed for that year by April 30; at least another quarter by June 15; at least another quarter by July 31; and the remainder by August 25. A farmer may do more than the required 1/4 of his releases earlier if available unscheduled days allow. Should an alligator egg collection permittee be unable to release the required number of alligators to the wild from his own stock, he shall be required to purchase additional alligators from another farmer to meet compliance with the alligator egg collection permit and these regulations, as supervised by the department. Department-sanctioned participants in ongoing studies involving survivability and return rates are exempt from these requirements during the period of the study. Violation of this Subparagraph is a Class Four violation as described in R.S. 56.

k. The percentage of alligators to be returned to the wild shall be selected from the healthiest of all alligators of that year class. Abnormal or deformed alligators are not acceptable for release into the wild. It is unlawful for alligators that are to be returned to the wild to be transported out of state. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class four violation as described in R.S. title 56.

15. Alligator Farm Facility Requirements

a. All first time applicants for a nongame quadruped breeder's or exhibitor's license who will house alligators on their premises shall show compliance of the following minimum facilities as applicable to their particular operation during a required facility examination by department personnel prior to license issuance:

i. secured premises with adequate barriers to prevent escape of enclosed alligators and entry by alligators from outside the farm and to deter theft of alligators;

ii. source of clean, fresh water which shall be adequate to ensure for proper care of all alligator stock and facilities. This requirement shall be determined by department personnel;

iii. provisions for both dry area and pooled water within the secured area adequate for the numbers of alligators to be housed on the premises. This requirement will be determined by department personnel;

iv. provision for winter protection, either through adequate denning space or an enclosed, controlled-temperature environment of a design acceptable to the department;

v. all controlled-temperature alligator sheds (environmental chambers) shall be of a design acceptable to the department.

vi. all alligator egg incubators shall be of a design acceptable to the department. Each incubator shall maintain a water and air temperature of 85 degrees to 91 degrees Fahrenheit during the egg incubation;

vii. applicant must be in compliance with all laws and regulations pertaining to zoning, construction, health and environmental standards and must possess any and all applicable permits and licenses;

viii. all alligator facilities should be constructed in a suitable location so as to minimize contact with people.

b. Following initial issuance of applicable license, all applicable facility requirements shall be adhered to and department personnel have the authority to inspect any and all of the facilities at any time. Failure to adhere to the requirements shall be a violation of these rules and violators will be given 60 days to correct the problem. Failure to comply shall result in confiscation of all animals and/or closure of all facilities. Violation of this Subparagraph is a Class Three violation as described in R.S. 56.

c. All alligator farmers possessing alligator eggs outside an alligator nest should house these eggs in an incubator providing constant temperature and humidity conditions. All incubators used to incubate alligator eggs shall be of a design to allow for maximum temperature control and conform to department requirements to allow for the maximum hatching success. All alligator hatchlings shall be removed from incubation material and placed in clean fresh water and fed within 10 days after hatching. Violation of this Subparagraph is a Class Three violation as described in R.S. 56.

d. All alligator farmers possessing alligator hatchlings shall house hatchlings in controlled environmental chambers containing wet areas of sufficient surface area to permit all alligators to partially submerge in water. An acceptable temperature range to house alligators is 70 degrees-90 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. Alligator farmers shall make every reasonable effort to avoid or minimize the occurrence of temperatures outside of this acceptable range. Any changes in temperature should take place over a minimum of 4 hours. All alligators 48 inches or less in length shall be housed in environmental chambers unless a special permit is issued by the department to move them to outside growth areas. Violation of this Subparagraph is a Class Three violation as described in R.S. 56.

e. Alligator farmers shall house alligators of different lengths into at least three groups, providing separation for all alligators less than two feet in length, two to four feet in length, and over four feet in length. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class three violation as described in Title 56.

f. All facilities, alligator stock, and records are subject to examination by department personnel prior to permitting and thereafter during farm operation. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class three violation as described in R.S. title 56.

g. It shall be unlawful for alligator eggs or alligators to be moved from a licensed premises without permitting/approval of the department. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class three violation as described in R.S. title 56.

h. Any alligator egg or alligator raised on an alligator farm shall be cared for under conditions that do not threaten the survival of such egg and alligator as determined by the biological staff of the Coastal and Nongame Resources Division. In making such determination, Coastal and Nongame Resources Division biologists shall take into consideration sanitary conditions, temperature control, feeding, overcrowding and other conditions which affect the survival of alligator eggs and alligators. If the biological staff of the Coastal and Nongame Resources Division determines that the survival of any alligator egg or alligator is threatened due to the conditions on an alligator farm, the department shall notify the alligator farmer and shall provide the farmer with 60 days to take corrective action. If the farmer fails to take corrective action within 60 days, the department shall have the authority to confiscate any alligator egg or alligator which remains under conditions that threaten the survival of such alligator egg or alligator and to dispose of such alligator egg or alligator as the department deems necessary. Violation of this Subparagraph is a class four violation as described in Title 56.

16. Farm-Raised Alligator Slaughter Methods

a

.i. Legal methods for the slaughter of farm-raised alligators are as follows:

(a). death by penetrating captive bolt;

(b). death by non-penetrating captive bolt;

(c). death by gunshot (except for rounds fired from shotguns); and

(d). other slaughter methods may be acceptable if they are approved in writing by the department after review and consultation with a trained veterinarian; any slaughter method presented for review must quickly inflict severe damage to the brain, be humane and not pose a high risk to administering personnel; spinal cord severance with pithing of the brain may be used as an adjunct measure, but shall only be used after an approved slaughter method has been performed to render the alligator unconscious.

ii. Selected slaughter method must be administered properly so as to cause a rapid loss of consciousness and death.

iii. Violation of this Subparagraph is a Class Three violation as described in R.S. 56.

17. Exceptions

a. The department or an authorized representative of the department may take by any means and possess alligators, alligator eggs, or parts of alligators while in the performance of official duties.

b. These regulations shall not prohibit a person from killing an alligator in immediate defense of his or her life or the lives of others. Alligators killed under this provision must be reported to the department within 24 hours.

18. Penalty for Violation

a. In order to facilitate greater control over alligator trafficking, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries finds that public welfare imperatively requires emergency action when the provisions of these regulations are violated.

b. In addition to all penalties set forth herein, violators may be subject to criminal prosecution under provisions of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, particularly titles 14 and 56 and under federal law.

c. In addition to all other penalties provided by these rules and by statute, violation of any part of these regulations may result in the suspension and/or revocation of any or all alligator licenses/permits held by the violator and, as further penalty, for serious, repeat, or multiple violations, the department shall have the right to deny a violator any and all licenses/permits relating to alligators for a period not to exceed three years.

La. Admin. Code tit. 76, § V-701

Promulgated by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, LR 16:1070 (December 1990), amended LR 17:892 (September 1991), LR 19:215 (February 1993), LR 20:321 (March 1994), LR 26:1492 (July 2000), LR 28:1996 (September 2002), LR 30:2338 (October 2004), LR 30:2878 (December 2004), LR 31:2267 (September 2005), LR 33:677 (April 2007), LR 35:690 (April 2009), LR 37:2421 (August 2011), LR 39:2291 (August 2013), Amended, LR 42909 (6/1/2016), Amended LR 4390 (1/1/2017), Amended LR 4650 (1/1/2020), Amended LR 461398 (10/1/2020), Amended LR 48508 (3/1/2022), Amended LR 482992 (12/1/2022).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 56:115 and Title 56 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, Chapter 1, Part V, Subpart A.