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Let it be known that I really don't have a bone to pick with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, but in a recent change they've made to the deer hunting process, I'm still wondering "What rocket scientist thought this was a good idea?"

Apparently, I'm not alone in my assessment, as KATC even addressed this same issue recently.

For a number of years, Louisiana has used the "tagging" system for the harvesting of whitetail deer in the state.

In past years, when a hunter purchased a big game license for the State of Louisiana at a retail store, the license and associated tags were printed on a plastic type water proof paper.

That's not the case this year though. Regardless of where the license is purchased, online or from a retailer, those tags are printed on regular printer paper, which is anything but weather proof.

So, you might ask, how is this a problem? By law, Louisiana requires that immediately after the harvesting of a white tail, this tag is to be affixed to the animal. Traditionally hunters would use a zip tie or something of the sort, and affix the tag to a deer's antlers or one of the legs. I've even seen some that cut a slit in one of the ears and zip tie it to that spot.  Then, regardless of the weather, it was where it was supposed to be, should a game warden make an inspection of the animal.

That process has taken a detour this year.  Previously tags were perforated making them easy to tear away from the license. They have had a pre-punched hole that was perfect to run a zip tie through and then onto the animal.  Now, a hunter will either need to keep scissors or a razor sharp knife handy to cut the tag from the license without destroying their other tags or license.

Then comes the burden of maintaining the integrity of a paper tag in the event of inclement weather. On a beautiful clear day, there should be no problem. (Barring that the hunter didn't destroy the tag or license removing the tag) But what happens to paper in a driving rain? I'm betting you know that this won't end well.

Again, this burden will fall on the shoulders of the hunter, who will now need to not just remember to affix the tag, but to either take time in advance to have them laminated or to bring along a plastic bag and/or clear tape with which to affix the tag.  Certainly not the best thought out plan.

Of course, Louisiana hunters then have to report their harvest within 72 hours of the kill, either online or by calling 844-522-4325.

With archery season set to begin here in Area 2 in just 24 days on October 1, you still have plenty of time to prepare, but the question that lots of hunters are asking is "Why should I have to?"

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