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SCR 24

WILDLIFE/FISHERIES DEPT: Amends rules relative to chronic wasting disease.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mark Abraham and 27 co-sponsors

SCR 24 establishes a zone-based, science-driven framework to manage CWD with defined 5- and 15-mile zones, surveillance goals, and targeted feeding/baiting restrictions.

Sent to the Secretary of State by the Secretary of the Senate on 5/22/2026.
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Bill Summary · SCR 24

Summary of SCR 24 (2026) – Louisiana

Purpose

Louisiana Senate Concurrent Resolution 24 proposes amending the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) rules governing Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) control. The goal is to adjust definitions, establish and manage CWD-related zones, clarify surveillance and sampling requirements, modify feeding/baiting restrictions, and govern carcass export within designated CWD areas. The resolution directs the Louisiana Register to print the amendments into the Louisiana Administrative Code (LAC).

Key Provisions and Changes

1) Definitions and Zone Framework

  • Apparent prevalence: Defines the percent of tested deer with confirmed CWD within a surveillance season.
  • CWD management zone: New terminology replacing “CWD Control Area.” It includes:
    • 5-mile zone: Area within 5 miles (or more) of a confirmed CWD-positive deer.
    • 15-mile zone: Area within 15 miles (or more) of a confirmed CWD-positive deer.
  • Supplemental feed/bait: Any salt, grain, or feed used to attract wild deer or other wildlife.
  • Surveillance goal: Target to detect CWD at 1.5% apparent prevalence with 95% confidence, based on at least 300 samples.
  • Surveillance season: July 1 to June 30.

2) Establishment, Modification, and Removal of Zones

  • LDWF must establish a CWD management zone upon detection of CWD outside an existing zone.
  • Zone modifications are allowed only if CWD is detected outside a 5-mile zone.
  • Changes to zones require:
    • Emergency declaration by the LDWF Secretary,
    • Ratification or amendment by the LDWF Commission at the next regular meeting,
    • Publication of the zone map on LDWF’s website.
  • Boundaries should use identifiable natural or man-made features; zones should align as closely as practicable to their stated radii. LDWF may consider including processors, taxidermists, WMAs, refuges, and other relevant sites when delineating zones.
  • A CWD management zone is removed when surveillance goals are met for three consecutive surveillance seasons.

3) Carcass Export Restrictions

  • Export restrictions apply to cervid carcasses or parts originating within a designated CWD management zone.
  • Allowed exports include: meat cut and wrapped, boned meat, quarters without spinal column or head, antlers, cleaned skull plates with antlers, cleaned skulls without tissue, capes, tanned hides, finished taxidermy mounts, and cleaned cervid teeth.
  • Any cervid parts exported must be legally possessed and accompanied by a possession tag with hunter information. Violations are subject to seizure and disposal under LDWF rules.

4) Baiting and Supplemental Feeding Restrictions

  • Within both the 5-mile and 15-mile zones, baiting and supplemental feeding is generally prohibited.
  • In the CWD Buffer Zone (outside the Enhanced Mitigation Zone but inside the overall Control Area), feeding/baiting is allowed only via non-stationary broadcast methods.
  • For feral hog trapping and bear-harvest permits during bear baiting season, baiting may occur with modified rules.
  • Baiting/feeding is allowed September 1 to March 31 in zones where apparent prevalence is below 1.5% and surveillance goals are met, subject to Commission approval. If prevalence exceeds 1.5%, the prohibition becomes permanent for subsequent seasons unless changed by the Commission.
  • Hunters are responsible for checking bait presence before hunts.
  • Restrictions on new/modified zones become effective at the later of season closure or 30 days after confirmation of a CWD index case, subject to Commission approval.

5) Incentivized Hunter Harvest (DMAP)

  • Properties within the 5-mile zone that are at least 40 contiguous acres may qualify for a Tier 1 DMAP liberalized bag limit and season length at no cost, provided the entire property lies within the zone.
  • LDWF may issue replacement tags to hunters who harvest a deer that tests positive for CWD.

Who Is Affected

  • Deer hunters and hunting outfitters within the CWD management zones (5-mile and 15-mile rings) and the CWD Buffer Zone.
  • Feed/supplement suppliers, processors, taxidermists, WMAs, refuges, and other entities that provide bait, feed, or deer-related services.
  • Bear hunters and feral hog trappers who rely on baiting provisions.
  • Taxidermists and meat processors involved with exported cervid materials.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Establishment/Modification/Removal: Zone actions require emergency secretary declaration, commission ratification/amendment, and public map publication on LDWF’s website.
  • Map Publication: Required to be posted on the LDWF site when zones are established or adjusted.
  • Removal of Zones: Zones are removed after three consecutive seasons meet surveillance goals.
  • Effective Dates for Restrictions: Baiting/feeding restrictions for new/modified zones take effect on the later of season closure or 30 days after CWD confirmation, subject to Commission action.
  • The resolution directs the Louisiana Register to print the amendments in the Louisiana Administrative Code and to transmit updated rules to the LDWF and the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission.

Summary

SCR 24 seeks a structured, science-driven framework for managing CWD through clearly defined zones, surveillance targets, and targeted restrictions on supplemental feeding and baiting. It emphasizes accountability, transparency (public maps), flexible but measured responses to new detections, and economic considerations for hunters and industry players. The proposed rules balance disease management with hunting heritage, economic activity, and wildlife conservation goals.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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