Kitsatchie National Forest and the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries are considering closing the national forest to hunting deer with dogs. 

Kitsatchie is the only public land area in the state that has allowed hunting deer with dogs for decades.  The news release issued by the Forest Service states that they receive numerous complaints about dogs leaving the national forest and entering private lands and private leases.  They also point to the behavior of certain hunters involving reckless driving and shooting from and across roads.  Changes may also be made to state regulations regarding free-ranging dogs when the hunting season is closed. 

The Forest Service is recommending limiting the number of days that dogs beyond voice-command can be trained. 

For additional information and to discuss the issue with the Forest Service, please call Jim Caldwell, the Public Affairs and Recreation Staff Officer, at 318-473-7160 or via email at jcaldwell@fs.fed.us.