Members of the Louisiana Reptile & Amphibian Task Force and the LGCHS met with Major Jeff Manes of Enforcement from the Department of Wildlife & Fisheries today. Major Manes said that any constrictor that may reach 12 feet needed to be in the summary of species listed in the regulations. He said that criminal law would require this listing for clarification. However, permits are only needed for constrictors that exceed 12 feet. Changes in the proposed regulations include deleting the wildlife violation stipulation that would prevent anyone with prior convictions from getting a restricted snake permit and reducing the number of hours required for the venomous permit from 1000 to 500 during the course of a year. The revamped regulations will be posted as soon as they are returned from LDWF. The regulations should go to the Commissioners' meeting in February and will be in effect after 120 days. After this period of time (about June), you will have 90 days to apply for a permit for restricted snakes under the grandfather clause. The LGCHS will keep you informed as the promulgation of Act 1221 continues. ~Bill~

