Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has signed into law a new act that is sure to please deer hunters on a couple of fronts. Through Landry signing Act 272 last week, a licensed hunter or tracker can now pursue a wounded deer with a dog and then once located the animal can dispatch the deer with a handgun.

This new law does not apply to LDWF Wildlife Management Areas 

Those opposed to the actions say this sets the stage for unlawful use of dogs and night time hunting activity but restrictions are in place to limit the opportunity for abuse of privileges.

(1) No more than one dog may be used per tracking party in pursuit of the wounded deer. However, a second dog may be utilized for the purpose of deer retrieval training.
(2) Tracking dogs shall be on a handheld leash or utilize a GPS tracking collar.
(3) Any mortally wounded deer discovered alive after legal hunting hours may be dispatched by the licensed hunter or tracker by using a centerfire handgun with a barrel no longer than six inches caliber no larger than .45 or smaller than .25.
(4) The licensed hunter or tracker may pursue a mortally wounded deer onto private property only if he has received verbal or written permission from the landowner.