Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal signed SB 212, a bill that removed the restrictions preventing hunters from carrying larger-caliber firearms during archery season.

Previously, bowhunters were allowed to carry certain firearms for protection, but were restricted to certain calibers, such as .22 or smaller. This severely limited the options available to hunters for self-defense, and many called for the restriction to be removed so that larger calibers could be carried as well.

“Louisiana is widely known as the Sportsman’s Paradise and that’s why we’ve continuously worked to strengthen and protect the fundamental right to bear arms for all Louisianians,” said Governor Jindal at the signing. “This proposed legislation removes unnecessary restrictions on law abiding hunters and will allow them to continue to exercise their second amendment rights while bow hunting in Louisiana.”