Bigoledude, I'm just up the highway from you in Baton Rouge. My shallots are just now beginning to show as you described. When it begins to get warmer the tender green tops will decrease. The plants will begin to feed the main flower stems. About this time bulb clusters will begin to form. Although I lose a good amount, I remove the main flower stem and use the remaining parts. So I would therefore say that the plants are not "finished". Once the shallots look dry and toasty, the bulb clusters can be removed. Use them in cooking. But, be sure to save as many bulbs as you need for planting in August or September and continuing into the Fall.

You can try the dig-and-replant tactic but I've had limited success with this approach. It seemz that our hot weather still takes it's toll.