I don't think it was the shooting incident. I think it was more about restricted access and not wanting to break any state laws.

http://www.nola.com/outdoors/index.ssf/2014/08/louisianas_trespass_laws_lock.html

I'm not familiar with the legislation Luke referred to, but private land owners and corporations in Louisiana swing a VERY big stick.

I think much of this is complicated by the fact that there are so many commercial fishermen in Louisiana. The vast majority of people who live on the water in La. either fish for crabs, shrimp, oysters or crawfish either full time or as a supplemental income. This would essentially make their docks and surrounding areas that were built for business purposes part of their business and private. On the intercostal canal you can be cited for trespassing if you're on the water loitering in areas where commercial vessels dock.

La is about the land. If you own the surrounding land you own the water also. I was told by a game warden that the no wake signs placed by individuals mean nothing. You are responsible for your wake at all times if there is a sign or not. If your wake causes damage you are liable. If it doesn't damage anything you are fine.

Yep, they sure can, if you are in Louisiana (guessing you are, per your loc under name) you realize how the swamp and rivers are taking over the land more and more every day. I work with a bunch guys from Louisiana and per them the land plots where surveyed many years ago, and as the land is being taking over by the water, they still own the land, but now just under the water. Seems fair, you don't want to pay for land just to loose it to the river/swamp and have nothing. I guess I kinda understand their point, but just another reason I live in Texas.

Yes. In 1812.