Former Delta Waterfowl Chapter Chairman Appointed to Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission

The Commission controls and supervises wildlife in the state including decisions regarding setting framework for hunting seasons, times, daily takes, possession limits, and more

Jonathan Walker, an avid waterfowl hunter and longtime volunteer for The Duck Hunters Organization, has been appointed to carry out a six-year term on the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission. The Commission operates as a policy-making and budgetary control board and handles pressing issues regarding the management of the state’s wildlife.

Walker, who currently resides in Baton Rouge with his wife and children, grew up in Shreveport, Louisiana, and acted as chapter chairman of the Baton Rouge Area Chapter of Delta Waterfowl for more than 15 years. Throughout that time, the chapter and volunteers raised more than $700,000 for waterfowl and habitat conservation at local and national levels. In addition, he has also served five years as state policy chairman on the Louisiana State Committee, defending issues critical to ducks and duck hunters in the state.

“I grew up in my uncle’s duck blind and still chase waterfowl anytime I can get away,” said Walker. “I am excited to be tasked with protecting our state’s legacy of abundant wildlife so that our citizens can enjoy the resources that God has given us, both now and in the future.”

The Commission, among other authorities, is tasked with setting hunting and fishing seasons, times, places, size limits, quotas, daily take, and possession limits for the state of Louisiana based upon biological data, as well as setting fees for nonresident recreational fishing licenses.

“As Louisiana continues to face challenges in the upcoming years to maintain our status as the Sportsman’s Paradise, hunters and fishermen in the state of Louisiana will benefit from having an avid outdoorsman—specifically a passionate waterfowl hunter—on the Commission,” said Justin Higdon, Delta Waterfowl’s regional director for the state of Louisiana. “Jonathan and I have worked together for many years on important policy issues that impact duck hunters in our state, and, in that time, we have been fortunate to foster a friendship rooted in volunteer work and our many mornings in the duck blind. There is no doubt that he will be an outstanding advocate for Delta Waterfowl and all Louisiana hunters during his time.”

The makeup of the Commission includes six members with 6-year terms plus one member whose term runs concurrently with the Governor. Three of the members are to be representatives of the commercial fishing and fur industries from the coastal parishes, and four members reside from the state at-large. All commissioners are appointed by the governor and are subject to confirmation by the Senate. Walker will be a representative of the remaining interests outside of the commercial fishing and fur industries, including waterfowl and waterfowl hunting.

“Jonathan has been a huge asset to Delta’s growth in Baton Rouge and the State with his longtime tenure as chairman and policy chair on the State Committee,” said Bryan Leach, Delta’s director of events for the south region. “He is always willing to help whenever called upon, has embodied the true meaning of being a part of our Delta family, and we appreciate all his efforts and look forward to watching him impact the LDWF commission. The waterfowl hunters of this state are very fortunate to have him on the Commission.” —Christy Sweigart