i believe state owned water bottoms were designated back when LA first became a state. So, whatever waterways were deemed navigable in the early 1800’s are believed to be public today. Questionable surveying practices in the 1800?s and erosion since statehood has had big impact on perceived declinations between private and state waterbottoms. Unless you?re in water down by the gulf, in a big bayou or in a WMA/NWR, there’s a good chance you?re trespassing. Whether or not the ?land? owner enforces their right to private property is unknown, usually until it?s too late. Additional grey area exists when sportsmen are confronted by self proclaimed “lessors” of private land. How can one know for sure if T-boy Trahan is actually a legal rep of the private water you are allegedly encroaching?
The Louisiana office of state lands website has a GIS map feature which shows just how little of Sportman?s paradise the public can freely enjoy. What a time to be alive!
cheers
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