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TEN CITED FOR OYSTERING IN POLLUTED WATERS
OYSTER THIEVES CAUGHT IN TERREBONNE PARISH
TURKEY HUNTERS FOUND USING BAIT IN ST. HELENA PARISH
FIVE CITED FOR CLOSED SEASON FROGGING
FOUR CLUB MEMBERS CITED FOR L.A.D.T. VIOLATIONS
WILDLIFE AGENTS RESCUE FISHERMEN ON DEWEY WILLS WMA
RED
RIVER PARISH MAN KILLS OUT-OF-SEASON ALLIGATOR
SALINE MAN CITED FOR TURKEY VIOLATIONS
MOREHOUSE PARISH MAN CITED DURING KICKOFF OF "ZERO
TOLERANCE FOR LITTER!" CAMPAIGN
WILDLIFE ENFORCEMENT AGENT HONORED AS OUTSTANDING OFFICER
ARKANSAS
MAN BOOKED FOR CONTEST FRAUD IN BIG BUCK CONTEST
SIX CITED DURING "ZERO TOLERANCE FOR LITTER!" WEEKEND
CALCASIEU
MAN ARRESTED FOR D.W.I., CARELESS OPERATION, DRUGS
LDWF COMMERCIAL FISHING LICENSES TO BE AVAILABLE IN BOURG
TEN CITED FOR OYSTERING IN POLLUTED WATERS
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents
cited 10 oyster fishermen on March 23 for allegedly taking oysters from an
unapproved area.
Ashton John Dehart, 29, Jason John Liner, 20, and Byron J. Liner Jr., 28,
from Houma and Chance Lovell, 26, from Theriot were seen dredging for
oysters in the northern part of Oyster Bayou in West Terrebonne Parish. The
four men were cited for taking oysters from an unapproved area. The
Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) Oyster Water Monitoring Program has
closed this area of Oyster Bayou under because of high levels of fecal
coliform bacteria. Four times per year, DHH issues maps that designate open
oyster waters and areas closed due to high bacteria counts.
Agents seized 80 sacks of oysters and returned them to the water. Two oyster
dredges and the boat were placed under a seizure order.
In a separate location closed to oyster harvest, six men were found dredging
oysters in a marsh area between Oyster Bayou and Bay Junop. Edgar Saucedo
Aviles, 46, Omar Ever Aviles, 27, Matilde Aviles, 20, and Miguel
Torres-Cuevas, 31, all from Houma, Gustavo Flores Aviles, 31 of Raleigh,
North Carolina, and Felix R. Cortez, 50, of Bayou Blue were cited for taking
oysters from an unapproved area.
Agents seized 88 sacks of oysters and returned them to the water. Two oyster
dredges and the vessels were placed under seizure order.
If convicted, each one of the 10 faces penalties of up to $700 in fines, up
to six months jail, or both plus court costs.
LDWF Enforcement Division Sergeant Bryan Marie and Senior Agent Dave Nunez
of the Enforcement Division's Oyster Strike Force cited the alleged
violators.
OYSTER THIEVES CAUGHT IN TERREBONNE PARISH
On April 2, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement
Division agents cited two men for alleged oyster violations in Terrebonne
Parish.
While on oyster-growing-area patrol in Hackberry Bay, located in lower
Terrebonne Parish, members of LDWF Enforcement Division's Oyster Strike
Force found the two men dredging oysters from a private lease without
permission from the owner. The men were identified as Daniel Vergara
Cabrera, 47, from Houma and Pascuan Garcia, 22, from Montegut.
The men were cited for unlawfully taking oysters from a private lease. In
addition, Cabrera was cited for failure to have written permission. Agents
seized six sacks of oysters in connection with the violation and placed the
boat and dredge under LDWF seizure order.
The penalty for unlawfully taking oysters from a private lease is a fine of
$900 to $950, imprisonment for not more than 120 days, or both, plus court
costs and forfeiture of anything seized in connection with the violation.
Failure to have written permission is punishable by a fine of $400 to $750,
jail for not more than 120 days, or both, plus court costs.
Agents participating in case were Sgt. Bryan Marie and Senior Agent Dave
Nunez.
TURKEY HUNTERS FOUND USING BAIT IN ST. HELENA PARISH
On March 25, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement
Division agents cited Trampus W. Purvis, 28, of Albany, Wayne J. Guidry, 56,
of La Place and Robert A. Rodrigue, 59, of Metairie, for allegedly illegally
hunting turkeys over bait in St. Helena Parish.
The penalty for hunting turkeys over bait is a fine no less than $250 and no
more than $500 or jail not more than 90 days or both plus court costs.
Agents participating in the cases were Agent Ezekiel Talbert, Senior Agents
Benji Morgan and Toby Miller, and Sergeants Grady Brecheen and Dane Thomas.
FIVE CITED FOR CLOSED SEASON FROGGING
Agents from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement
Division cited five men for allegedly frogging during closed season in St.
Martin Parish during the first weekend of April.
Michael Keller, 43, and Robert Martin, 19, of St. James were cited after
enforcement agents allegedly witnessed the two frogging in the Atchafalaya
Basin the night of April 1. At the time of the stop, agents found the two
men in possession of two live frogs.
On April 2, agents witnessed Daniel Gros, 52, Melvin Hymel, 49, and Robert
Hymel, 64, of Morgan City allegedly catching frogs in the Bayou Sorrel area.
When the agents stopped the men they found eight frogs.
All five suspects were cited for frogging during closed season, and the
frogs were seized and released to the wild. Frog season is closed during
April and May.
The penalty for taking frogs in closed season is a fine of $250 to $500, or
jail for not more than 90 days, or both plus court costs.
Agents involved in these cases were Sergeants Robert Daigle and Ross Mire,
and Senior Agent Winston Michel.
FOUR CLUB MEMBERS CITED FOR L.A.D.T. VIOLATIONS
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents
cited four men for allegedly violating commission rules and regulations by
failing to tag antlerless deer on a Louisiana Antlerless Deer Tag (LADT)
program hunting lease in Beauregard Parish.
David P. Forrest, 51, and Martin E. Thompson, 60, of Moss Bluff, and John W.
Morris, 52, and Jimmy H. Jones, 69, of Lake Charles were cited for failing
to tag antlerless deer during the 2004-2005 deer hunting season on the Right
Hand Creek Hunting Club in Beauregard Parish.
During a review of LADT records for local hunting clubs after the hunting
season, LDWF personnel discovered information, which led to an investigation
of the Right Hand Creek Hunting Club members. As participants in the LADT
program, they were required to properly tag all antlerless deer taken. The
data submitted by the hunting club for the 2004-2005 deer season revealed
that four antlerless deer were not tagged. Agents interviewed the four
persons who harvested the deer and several other club members and issued
citations for failure to tag antlerless deer as a result of the
investigation.
The penalty for not abiding by Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission
rules and regulations by failing to tag antlerless deer on LADT properties
is a fine of up to $350, or up to 60 days in jail, or both, plus court
costs.
Agents participating in the investigation were Lieutenant Jesse Savoie,
Sergeant David Liles, and Agent Wendel Vaughn.
WILDLIFE AGENTS RESCUE FISHERMEN ON DEWEY WILLS WMA
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents
rescued four people from a sinking boat on March 12, on Saline Lake, in
Dewey W. Wills Wildlife Management Area.
Barry Price and Kasey Sanson, both of Deville, were fishing with their sons,
ages nine and six, and had anchored their boat from the stern. The men were
unaware that two to four foot waves were filling their boat with water.
Around 11 a.m., Senior Agent Kevin Hill was on patrol when he saw the
fishermen's boat was taking on water over the stern. Hill quickly made
contact with the men to warn them, but their boat was already starting to
sink. Hill took immediate action by placing both boys and their fathers in
the safety of his boat, and contacted Sergeant Brian McDowell, also on
patrol in the WMA. The wildlife agents brought all four fishermen safely to
shore, then retrieved their property that had floated out of the sinking
boat, and finally recovered the boat for the fishermen.
RED RIVER PARISH MAN KILLS OUT-OF-SEASON ALLIGATOR
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents
cited Stephen Giddens, 32, of Coushatta on March 26 for allegedly killing an
alligator out of season and without a license.
Upon inspecting The Skinnin' Shed, a deer processing plant located in Hall
Summit, Red River Parish, agents found an untagged alligator tail. Giddens,
the owner's son, admitted to killing the alligator with a rifle on March 13
in a private lake in the northern portion of Red River Parish. After
further investigations, the agents determined that Christopher Wood, 33, and
Kevin Shrell, 46, of Ringgold had assisted Giddens in the retrieval of the
alligator, which was nearly 12 feet in length.
Giddens was cited for taking alligator without a license and taking an
alligator in closed season.
The penalty for taking an alligator without a license is a fine of $250 to
$500, or imprisonment for not more than 90 days, or both plus court costs.
Taking an alligator when the season is closed carries a fine not less than
$400 or more than $750, or imprisonment for not more than 120 days, or both
plus court costs.
The rifle was seized and Giddens was issued a civil restitution citation for
the value of the 11-foot-4-inch alligator to be paid to LDWF.
Shrell and Wood were each cited for illegal possession of the alligator.
Illegal possession of an alligator is punishable by a fine of not less than
$400 or more than $750, or imprisonment for not more than 120 days, or both
plus court costs.
Wildlife enforcement agents participating in the investigation are
Lieutenant Richie McCarthy, Sergeants Chuck Dison and Patrick Staggs, Senior
Agent Toby Meyers and Agent John Blalock.
SALINE MAN CITED FOR TURKEY VIOLATIONS
On March 26, agents from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
Enforcement Division cited Larry D. Hood, 50, of Saline for allegedly
hunting without a resident hunting license, hunting turkey without required
big game and turkey license and hunting turkey over a baited area.
Hood was hunting turkey in a wooded area near the town of Saline. The area
was baited with corn and chicken feed. Hood fled when approached by LDWF
Enforcement Division Sergeant Patrick Staggs but was captured before he
could escape the area.
In Louisiana, it is unlawful to hunt turkeys over an area where corn, wheat
or other grain, salt, or other feed has been directly or indirectly placed,
exposed, deposited, or scattered so as to constitute a lure, attraction or
enticement to turkey.
Hunting without a resident hunting License, without big game license and
without a turkey license are each punishable by a $50 fine. Hunting turkeys
over baited carries a fine of not less than $250 or more than $500 or
imprisonment for not more than 90 days or both, plus court costs.
Agents participating in the case in addition to Sergeants Patrick Staggs and
Chuck Dison, Agent John Blalock and Senior Agent Toby Meyers.
MOREHOUSE PARISH MAN CITED DURING KICKOFF OF "ZERO
TOLERANCE FOR LITTER!" CAMPAIGN
Louisiana's first "Zero Tolerance for Litter!" campaign was observed during
a statewide public awareness weekend March 4 through 6. Law enforcement
from around the state joined Keep Louisiana Beautiful, Inc. to sponsor the
kickoff event.
On March 4, wildlife enforcement agents cited Bobby Louis Palm, 37, of
Bastrop for alleged littering violations after finding discarded items
including rental agreements and insurance papers connecting Palm with trash
dumped near Bartholomew Bayou.
Littering penalties include fines of not less than $250 nor more than $1,250
and community service in a litter abatement work program as approved by the
court. The judge may also require individuals convicted of the violations to
remove litter from state highways, public right-of-ways, public playgrounds,
public parks, or other appropriate locations.
Agents involved in the case were Sergeant Jamey Hagan and Sr. Agent Wayne
Parker.
Call 1-888-548-7248 to report littering violations. This toll-free hotline
operates 24 hours a day.
WILDLIFE ENFORCEMENT AGENT HONORED AS OUTSTANDING
OFFICER
Sergeant Darren Bruce of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
Enforcement Division was honored in Bastrop, March 2 by the Veterans of
Foreign Wars Post 2277 and the Ladies Auxiliary. Bruce received a
recognition award for Outstanding Law Enforcement in Morehouse Parish. He
was presented his award during the Veterans of Foreign Wars annual awards
night ceremony. Each year the VFW recognizes an officer from each public
safety agency that serves Morehouse Parish for excellence in community
service. Other agencies represented and honored during the presentation
included Louisiana State Police, Morehouse Parish Sheriffs Office, Bastrop
Police Department, Bastrop Fire Department and Med-Life Ambulance Service.
Bruce joined the LDWF Enforcement Division in January 1998 and was promoted
to the rank of sergeant in 2004. He has is a trained first responder,
certified as a hunting and boating education instructor and serves as a
field training officer for new cadets.
"Sgt. Bruce is an exceptional officer and always conducts himself in a
professional manner, we are proud to have him as an agent with the
Enforcement Division," commented Bruce's supervising agent, Region 2
Enforcement Captain Alan Bankston.
ARKANSAS MAN BOOKED FOR
CONTEST FRAUD IN BIG BUCK CONTEST
On March 21, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement
Division agents booked an Arkansas man into the Morehouse Parish jail for
contest fraud. Daniel Wiggins, 34, was charged as a result of an
investigation revealing his alleged entry of an illegally taken buck into
the Simmons Sporting Goods big buck contest in Bastrop.
Wiggins and one other suspect allegedly killed the deer at approximately 4
a.m. on December 11, 2004. The violation occurred in Ashley County,
Arkansas while both men were on duty with the Ashley County Sheriff's
Office.
Committing contest fraud means to willfully and unlawfully enter a hunting
or fishing contest with the intent to defraud or knowingly make false
representation in an effort to win any prize awarded with a value of more
than $100. The penalty for contest fraud is a fine of up to $3,000, one
year in prison or both.
Wiggins' bond was set at $1,500. He is scheduled for arraignment on May 17.
Arkansas wildlife agents now possess items seized during the investigation,
including the antlers from the buck deer; the antlers earned a gross score
of 159 Boone and Crockett Club points for contest purposes.
Louisiana enforcement agents involved in the case were Sergeants Jamey
Hagan, Darren Bruce, Scott Mathews and Senior Agent Wayne Parker.
SIX CITED DURING "ZERO TOLERANCE FOR LITTER!" WEEKEND
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents
have cited five men and one woman for allegedly littering or dumping trash
in five separate incidents. The alleged violations took place in Beauregard
and Evangeline Parishes. Investigations were conducted in conjunction with
Louisiana's first statewide Zero Tolerance for Litter! campaign during the
weekend of March 4-6.
Agents cited Israel L. Thomas, 66, of Ville Platte, on March 2 after they
investigated a bag of trash found on the side of Hwy. 3097 outside of Ville
Platte in Evangeline Parish.
Agents cited Chantelle E. Johnson, 26, of Ville Platte on March 3 after they
investigated a bag of trash found on the side of Hwy. 106 near Bayou Chicot
in Evangeline Parish.
Paul A. Dauzart, 34, of Evergreen was cited on March 5 after an agent
observed Dauzart leave a beer can on the side of Spillway Road near St.
Landry in Evangeline Parish.
Kevin A. Waller, 18, Joshua D. Comeaux, 21, and Johnnie E. Tilley, 21, all
of DeRidder, were cited on March 5 after agents investigated two separate
dumping sites near Bundick Lake in Beauregard Parish. Items were found in
the dump sites that contained information leading back to Waller.
Littering is punishable by a fine of $75 to $5000, plus court costs, up to
100 hours of community service, vehicle driver's license suspension for one
year and imprisonment for not more than thirty days.
Agents participating in the cases were Lieutenant Jesse Savoie, Sergeant
David Liles, Senior Agents Scott Fontenot, Steven Vidrine and Agent Wendel
Vaughn.
CALCASIEU MAN ARRESTED FOR D.W.I., CARELESS OPERATION,
DRUGS
On the evening of
March 6, Mark Steven Wenenger, 39, of Lake Charles was
arrested in Calcasieu Parish by agents from the Louisiana Wildlife and
Fisheries Enforcement Division. His alleged violations include driving a
motorboat while under the influence, possession of drugs, and careless
operation of a motorboat.
Agents patrolling the Calcasieu River Ship Channel narrowly avoided a
collision with a vessel operated by Wenenger. When they stopped Wenenger
for careless operation of a watercraft, the agents discovered that he was
allegedly operating the boat while under the influence of an intoxicating
substance and was in possession of a number of tablets identified as Xanax,
Cyclobenzaprine, and Oxycodone, all of which are scheduled narcotics.
Wenenger was arrested and booked into the Calcasieu Parish Correctional
Center. He was charged with careless operation of a watercraft, third
offense driving while under the influence, possession of a Schedule II
controlled dangerous substance, two counts of possession of Schedule IV
controlled dangerous substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Third offense DWI carries a maximum sentence of imprisonment with or without
hard labor for not less than one year nor more than five years, and a fine
of not more than $1,000. At least six months of the sentence of
imprisonment shall be without benefit of parole, probation or suspension of
sentence.
Careless operation of a watercraft is punishable by a fine of not more than
$300, or by imprisonment of not more than thirty days, or by both.
Possession of a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance and possession of
a Schedule IV controlled dangerous substance each carry a sentence of
imprisonment with or without hard labor for not more than five years and a
fine of not more than $5,000. Possession of drug paraphernalia is punishable
by a fine not in excess of $500, or imprisonment of not more than six
months, or both.
Agents participating in the case were Captain Jubal Marceaux, Lieutenant
Remy Broussard, and Agent Aaron Herpin.
LDWF COMMERCIAL FISHING LICENSES TO BE AVAILABLE IN
BOURG
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Licensing Section
representatives will soon set up temporary shop in the Bourg office for the
sale of commercial fishing licenses to the public. Most commercial fishing
licenses will be available for purchase from Tuesday, April 19 through
Thursday, April 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day. The office is
located at 468 Texas Gulf Road in Bourg, (985) 594-4130.
Fishermen are reminded that only cashier's checks, money orders and cash
will be accepted at the Bourg office. No credit cards, or personal checks
will be taken. To avoid processing delays, those purchasing licenses are
asked to bring their license renewal notices with them.
The LDWF has been offering twice annual sales of commercial licenses during
November and April from its office in Bourg since January of 2002. It has
successfully provided the LDWF with an improved method of customer service
and has proven to be a convenient way for commercial fishermen to keep their
important licenses current.
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