21.45—Depredation order for depredating purple gallinules in Louisiana.
Landowners, sharecroppers, tenants, or their employees or agents, actually engaged in the production of rice in Louisiana, may, without a permit, shoot purple gallinules (Ionornis martinica) when found committing or about to commit serious depredations to growing rice crops on the premises owned or occupied by such persons: Provided:
(a)
That purple gallinules may only be killed pursuant to this section between May 1 and August 15 in any year.
(b)
That purple gallinules killed pursuant to this section shall not be transported or sold or offered for sale except that, such transportation within the area, as may be necessary to bury or otherwise destroy the carcasses of such birds is permitted: Provided, That the Director or the State agricultural department, college, or other public institution may requisition such purple gallinules killed as may be needed for scientific investigations: Provided further, That any purple gallinules killed under authority of this section may also be donated to charitable institutions for food purposes.
(c)
That any person exercising any of the privileges granted by this section shall permit at all reasonable times, including during actual operations, any Federal or State game or deputy game agent, warden, protector, or other game law enforcement officer free and unrestricted access over the premises on which such operations have been or are being conducted; and shall furnish promptly to such officer whatever information he may require, concerning said operations.
(d)
That nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize the killing of such migratory birds contrary to any State laws or regulations; and that none of the privileges granted under this section shall be exercised unless the person possesses whatever permit as may be required for such activities by the State of Louisiana.
(e)
That any person authorized by this section to exercise the privileges granted therein shall maintain records of the number of birds killed on the premises and shall submit a report thereof, on or before December 31 of each year, to the Director.