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LAFAYETTE RESTAURANTS FOUND GUILTY IN UNDERCOVER STING
NIGHT HUNTERS APPREHENDED IN POINTE COUPEE PARISH
MISSISSIPPI MAN BOOKED FOR HUNTING DEER ILLEGALLY
L.D.W.F. EMPLOYEES HONORED AT COMMISSION MEETING
L.D.W.F. AGENT WAYNE PARKER RECEIVES TOP LOUISIANA VETERANS OF
FOREIGN WARS
- LAW ENFORCEMENT AWARD
HUNTERS CITED FOR WATERFOWL VIOLATIONS IN AVOYELLES PARISH
UNION PARISH MAN CITED FOR TAKING DEER USING ILLEGAL METHODS
UNION PARISH MAN CITED FOR HUNTING DEER DURING ILLEGAL HOURS
UNION PARISH MEN CITED FOR HUNTING DURING ILLEGAL HOURS
OYSTER FISHERMAN PLEADS GUILTY TO LACEY ACT VIOLATION
L.D.W.F. WRITES 78 LITTER CITATIONS IN REGION 7 DURING LAST
HALF OF 2006
TWO WASHINGTON PARISH MEN JAILED FOR NIGHT HUNTING VIOLATIONS
POACHERS CAUGHT HUNTING WITH
NIGHT-VISION EQUIPMENT
NOT A HAPPY NEW YEAR FOR NIGHT HUNTERS
OUACHITA PARISH MAN CITED FOR TAKING WILD TURKEY IN CLOSED SEASON
BOATING EDUCATION INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION COURSES AVAILABLE
THROUGH
L.D.W.F. ENFORCEMENT DIVISION
BLOOD TRAIL LEADS AGENTS TO ILLEGALLY TAKEN DEER
LAFAYETTE RESTAURANTS FOUND GUILTY IN UNDERCOVER STING
Three Lafayette restaurant owners and employees were convicted Friday, Jan.
19 for buying illegal game fish from undercover Louisiana Department of
Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents. The convictions bring
to close a year-long investigation conducted by LDWF agents.
Zhou Zheng, 46, of Lafayette, was convicted of purchasing game fish, failing
to maintain records and of buying fish from other than a wholesale/retail
dealer. Zheng was ordered to pay court costs and $1,500 in fines to the
LDWF Saltwater Enforcement Fund. He was also ordered to serve a suspended
sentence of 90 days in jail. Zheng, the owner of Hot Wok in Lafayette,
purchased 90 pounds of red drum at his restaurant from an undercover LDWF
agent.
Chung Ling Bih, 48, of Lafayette, pleaded no contest to failing to report
commercial fisheries data and failing to maintain commercial fishing
records. Bih was ordered to pay court costs and $1,150 in fines to the LDWF
Saltwater Enforcement Fund. Bih was also ordered to serve a suspended
sentence of 210 days in the parish jail and was placed on six months
probation. Bih, the manager at Shangri-La in Lafayette, purchased over 55
pounds of red drum and 14 pounds of spotted sea trout from undercover LDWF
agents.
Jin Yun Ni, 38 of Lafayette, pleaded guilty to failing to report commercial
fisheries data, and buying fish from other than a wholesale/retail dealer.
Ni, the manager of Jumbo Buffet in Lafayette, purchased 15 pounds of spotted
sea trout and 16 pounds of grouper and Vermillion snapper from an undercover
LDWF agent. Ni was ordered to pay court costs plus $1,150 in fines to the
LDWF Saltwater Enforcement Fund. She was further ordered to serve a
suspended sentence of 180 days in jail and was placed on supervised
probation for six months.
NIGHT HUNTERS APPREHENDED IN
POINTE COUPEE PARISH
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents
arrested two Pointe Coupee Parish residents on Jan. 20, 2007 for alleged
night hunting violations that took place near Lettsworth in North Pointe
Coupee Parish.
Joshua J. Bordelon, 25, and Kenneth L. Rogers, 25, both of Lettsworth, were
arrested for taking deer during illegal hours with an artificial light and
hunting from a moving vehicle.
Shortly after 11 p.m., agents watched Bordelon and Rogers spotlight and
shoot a deer near a cane field from their ATV. Agents seized the rifle,
pistol, spotlight and ATV for evidence and the deer was donated to charity.
The penalty for hunting deer illegal hours is a fine between $900 to $950,
or jail time up to 120 days, or both plus court costs and forfeiture of
anything seized. The penalty for hunting from a moving vehicle is a fine
between $250 to $500, or jail time up to 90 days, or both plus court costs.
Bordelon and Rogers were also assessed civil restitution in the amount of
$524.54 for replacement value of the deer.
MISSISSIPPI MAN BOOKED FOR HUNTING DEER ILLEGALLY
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents
arrested a Mississippi man on Jan. 9 for alleged violations related to the
attempted illegal taking of a deer east of Zachary.
Michael L. Tate, 43, of McComb, Miss. was arrested for hunting deer from a
moving vehicle, hunting from a public road and for hunting without a
non-resident basic and big game licenses.
Shortly before 5 p.m., Cpt. Bobby Font of the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's
Office witnessed Tate fire a shot from the cab of his 18-wheeler at a deer
on private property. East Baton Rouge Sheriff Deputies apprehended Tate and
then turned him over to LDWF agents.
Tate faces penalties including fines between $100 and $350, or jail time up
to 60 days, or both plus court costs for hunting deer from a public road.
Hunting from a moving vehicle carries a fine between $250 to $500, jail time
up to 90 days, or both plus court costs. Hunting without basic non-resident
basic and big game licenses each carry fines between $100 to $350, jail time
up to 60 days, or both plus court costs.
Agents participating in the case were Senior Agent Todd Lewis and Sgt.
Ronnie Engelhard.
L.D.W.F. EMPLOYEES HONORED AT COMMISSION MEETING
Recipients of Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) 2006
Employee Recognition Awards were honored at the Feb. 1 Louisiana Wildlife
and Fisheries Commission meeting.
Earlier this year, a committee of LDWF staff members reviewed and rated
nominees in the categories of Customer Service, Employee of the Year and
Special Achievement by a Team. The committee was comprised of winners from
the previous year and appointees of their offices or divisions.
"The vital natural resource conservation efforts of our staff in the field,
and the administrative support staff that works behind the scenes, deserve
to be recognized for all that they do," said LDWF Secretary Bryant Hammett.
"These awards highlight the agency's top performers, commended by their
peers."
Dr. Ruth Elsey, from the Office of Wildlife's Fur and Refuge Division and
Col. Winton Vidrine, chief of the LDWF Enforcement Division, were this
year's winners of the Secretary's Award.
In the Office of Management and Finance (OMF), Employee of the Year Awards
went to Janis Landry and Ruth Rigg. Linda Allen was chosen to receive the
Customer Service Award.
Office of the Secretary Customer Service Awards went to Tina Faul. The
Employee of the Year Award for this office was presented to Sgt. Chris
Carpenter.
For the Office of Wildlife, Mike Genusa earned the Customer Service Award.
Guthrie Perry, Karen McCall and Kim Bourriaque received Employee of the Year
Awards.
Office of Fisheries' Employee of the Year Awards went to Martin Bourgeois,
Sue Landrum and Marsha Strong.
Special Achievement by a Team Awards went to the licensing team with OMF
including: Christy Armand, Sheila Blache, Secunda Byrd, Annette Daigle,
Sheila Johnson, Sally LeJeune, Frances Mayo, Celeste Mays, Halane Ricketts,
Marian Thigpen, Julia Bruetting, Deborah Sander and Janell Sutton.
The Region 7 Wildlife team is: Mark Bible, Jerome Borne, Bradley Breland,
Thomas Bruhl, Billy Burchfield, Cody Cedotal, Jason Childres, James Davis,
Marc Dupuy, Frederick Hagaman, Keith Hemsteter, Wayne Higginbotham, Bruce
Knight, Donald Locascio, Randell Myers, Michael Perot, Kenneth Ribbeck,
Norman Stafford, Edward Trahan, Thomas Tuma, Calvin Waskom, Christian
Winslow and Cody Cedotal.
The Office of Fisheries "Comeback Team" are: Jason Adriance, Danica Bailey,
Richard Bejarano, Arthur Bernard, Kenneth Berteau, Gerald Bordelon, Dayne
Boudreaux, Carl Britt, Jack Cahill, Timothy Connolly, Raymond Curtis,
Suzanne Delaune, Anthony Dunbar, Aimee Eschete, Aimee Fortier, Neil
Gauthier, Roy Giardina, Gregory Godchaux, Gregg Goodspeed, Daniel Graff,
Brett Hano, William Hano, Brian Hardcastle, Cara Hoar, Keith Ibos, Raymond
Impastato, Howard Jones, Gregory Laiche, Brian Lezina, Clarence Luquet,
Vaughan McDonald, Turkessa McGee, Clarence Meyers, Matthew Montz, Anietie
Obot, Randall Pausina, Brian Perkins, Alton Primes, Wade Rodriguez, Thomas
Rowley, Betty Trahan, Laura Triche, Mandy Tumlin, Mark Webb, Matthew Weigel,
Preston Wier, Christian Winslow, Yolanda Wright, Cynthia Yoes and Brian
Yuhasz.
The entire LDWF Enforcement division was recognized for their efforts. They
are: Allen Adam, Guy Adams, Douglas Anderson, Joseph Arnaud, Dean Aucoin,
Rayford Aucoin, Kenneth Balkom, Alan Bankston, Richard Barnes, Donnie Bates,
Jordan Bayham, Scott Bell, Curtis Belton, Mark Benton, John Bernard, Dylan
Bertrand, John Blalock, Michael Bonner, David Boudreaux, Kris Bourgeois,
William Boyd, Donnie Bozeman, Russell Brack, Ryan Brasher, Grady Brecheen,
Wayne Brescher, Hal Bridges, Edwin Broussard, Joseph Broussard, Remy
Broussard, Michael Brown, Darren Bruce, Robert Buatt, Dennis Bueche, Louis
Burnett, Travis Burnett, Jason Callegari, Lonnie Campbell, Christopher
Carpenter, James Carter, Herman Champagne Jr., Joe Chandler, Brian Clark,
Richard Clark, Jason Clinton, Spencer Cole, Chuck Comeaux, Clifford Comeaux,
John Constance, Christopher Cormier, Laste Cormier, Robert Cosse, Bradley
Cromp, Joel Cromp, Robert Daigle, Mitchell Darby, Irvin Dares, Russell
Dauzat, Lee Davis, Jimmie Day, Keith Delahoussaye, Marcus Delaney, Robert
Deville, Joe Dewil, Thomas Dewitt, Jay Diez, Charles Dison, Jason Dreher,
Eric Droddy, Russel Duplessis, Scott Dupre, Robert Duthu, Michael Duvall,
Ronald Englehard, Joshua Estis, Charles Ferrington, Jamie Folse, Scott
Fontenot, Keith Francis, Elwyn Galloway, James Garon, Michael Garrity, Jason
Gernados, James Gomillion, Sean Green, James Gregoire, Glen Gremillion, Brad
Guidroz, Gabriel Guidry, Jory Guidry, James Hagan, Buck Hampton, Christopher
Harp, Aron Hastings, Chad Hebert, Ronald Hebert, David Hedrick, David
Henslee, Aaron Herpin, Kevin Hill, Christopher Hoag, Stanley House, Steven
Huval, Glen Jackson, Joey James, Scott Jeansonne, Michael Jeter, Scot
Keller, Michael Kelley, Michael Kimble, Parrish Kincaid, Bernie Kiser, Keith
LaCaze, Robert Larson, Edward Laviolette, Todd Laviolette, Justin Lee, Maury
Leone, Todd Lewis, Charles Liles, Derek Logan, Davis Madere, Jubal Marceaux,
Bryan Marie, Richard Markway, Robert Martin, Samuel Martin, Frank Mason,
Scott Mathews, Wayne Matirne, Larry May, Jeff Mayne, Robert Mayo, David
McAlpin, Richie McCarthy, Melvin McDowell, Jared McIver, Steven McManus,
Chad Menzina, Joseph Merrill, Toby Meyers, Winston Michel, Brandon Miller,
Toby Miller, Ross Mire, Aaron Monceaux, Darryl Moore, Joseph Moreau,
Benjamin Morgan, Ronald Morris, Billy Mouliere, Donald Murray, Michael
Murray, David Nunez, Peter Oliver, Joseph Ortis, Richard Owens, James
Parish, G Wayne Parker, Troy Parker, David Perry, Carl Pickett, Roy Pier,
Gary Pierce, Linton Presley, Richard Purvis, Carla Rachal, Brian Rawls,
Frank Reger, Villere Reggio, James Rhodes, John Rhodes, Edward Ridgel,
Thomas Risser, Ronny Robbins, Brody Roberts, William Roberts, Beau
Robertson, Ronnie Robertson, George Robinson, Jeffrey Robinson, Michael
Rockett, Keith Rodgers, Jason Romero, Leslie Rulf, Jason Russo, Donald
Salpietra, Derek Sampey, David Sanford, Jesse Savoie, Roy Schufft, Brandon
Scott, Cullen Sellers, Billy Shoemaker, Edward Skena, Henry Smith, Justin
Sonnier, Brian Spillman, Jason Stagg, Sherwin Staggs, Jerry Stassi, Eric
Stokes, Charles Strain, Paul Stuckey, Ezekiel Talbert, Joseph Tarver, Bryan
Taylor, Brian Theriot, Dane Thomas, Kane Thomas, Ray Thomas, Robert Turner,
William Tyree, Donald Vallet, Loyd Vaughn, Gene Viator, Steven Vidrine,
Winton Vidrine, Jimmy Vining, John Volentine, Wesley Walker, Charles Ward,
Paul Watson, Clyde Watts, Wendell Weeks, Milton Weldon, Cecil Wells, Wade
Wells, Michael Wilson, Leonard Yokum, Adam Young and Rachel Zechenelly.
A Multi-Divisional Special Achievement by a Team Award went to the Becoming
an Outdoors Woman team: Wildlife Division: William Breed, Todd Buffington,
Mike Burns, Angela Capello, Theresa Cross, Travis Dufour, Cheryl Fischer,
Kenny Hebert, Jarrod Hughes, Daniel Hurdle, Wayne Huston, Jonathan LeBlanc,
David Moreland, Dana Norsworthy, Mark Roy, Mitch Samaha, John Sturgis;
Marine Fisheries: Evan Thames; Inland Fisheries: Ricky Yeldell.
L.D.W.F. AGENT WAYNE PARKER RECEIVES TOP LOUISIANA VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS
- LAW ENFORCEMENT AWARD
The Department of Louisiana Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Ladies
Auxiliary honored Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
Enforcement Division Senior Agent Wayne Parker on Jan. 27 with first place
for the "State Law Enforcement Officer of the Year" award.
The award presentation was made in conjunction with the Veterans of Foreign
Wars and Ladies Auxiliary, Mid-Winter Conference in Baton Rouge. The VFW
annually recognizes the achievements of law enforcement officers,
firefighters, emergency medical technicians and teachers for their
outstanding performance and service to the public
Parker, an eight-year veteran of the LDWF Enforcement Division and resident
of East Carroll Parish, was selected for this prestigious award from among
law enforcement officers from various agencies across the state. With this
award, Parker will now be a candidate for national competition later in the
year. Parker had previously been honored in March 2006 as a regional
officer of the year during a ceremony at the Bastrop VFW Post, which
qualified him for the state competition.
Parker was nominated by his supervisors for outstanding service and job
performance. LDWF Enforcement Division Col. Winton Vidrine commended Parker
on his accomplishment saying, "Senior Agent Parker is a dedicated law
enforcement officer and is respected throughout his community for his
professional service to the public. We are proud to have him as one of our
officers."
HUNTERS CITED FOR WATERFOWL VIOLATIONS IN AVOYELLES
PARISH
On Saturday, Jan.
20, 2007 Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
Enforcement Division agents cited Dr. Bryan C. McCann, 62, of Marksville,
Michael Bordelon, 56, of Houma, Tammy J. Lemoine, 48, of Mansura, and a
14-year-old Woodworth youth for allegedly violating the Federal Migratory
Bird Treaty Act in Avoyelles Parish.
Senior Agent Douglas Anderson Jr. was on patrol near Brouillette when he
heard gunshots coming from McCann's property and went to investigate.
Anderson spotted the four hunters in a duck blind. At the conclusion of the
hunt, Anderson made contact with the group and began checking licenses,
equipment, and ducks.
He found them to be in possession of 48 ducks, twice the legal daily bag
limit. Lemoine and McCann also possessed lead shot shells, which cannot be
used for hunting waterfowl. In addition, McCann's shotgun was not plugged,
meaning it was capable of holding more than the three-shell limit imposed by
law. McCann, Bordelon, and Lemoine were each issued citations for taking
over limit of ducks. McCann and Lemoine were also issued citations for
violating non-toxic shot requirements. In addition, McCann was also cited
for hunting ducks with an unplugged gun and aiding and abetting a juvenile
in taking more than the daily bag limit of ducks. The juvenile was issued a
summons to state district juvenile court for taking over the limit of ducks.
A total of 80 lead shot shells were seized in the case. The 48 ducks were
also seized and later donated charity.
Violations of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act carry fines of up to $15,000, up
to six months in jail or both, community service and a probationary period
of up to five years, including loss of hunting privileges worldwide. A
violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in district court is a fine of
$400 to $950, or jail for not more than 120 days or both plus court cost.
Sgt. Travis Burnett and Agent Byron Cammack assisted in the case.
UNION PARISH MAN CITED FOR TAKING DEER USING ILLEGAL METHODS
Louisiana
Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents
cited a Union Parish resident on Jan. 16 for allegedly taking deer by using
illegal methods.
Royce E. St.Clair, 34, of Farmerville, was cited after he allegedly shot a
deer with a centerfire rifle on the Ponderosa Hunting Club in Ouachita
Parish on Jan. 16. The season for deer was open for either muzzleloader or
archery only.
Agents checked St.Clair on New Wall Lake Road and found him in possession of
a doe. During the check, agents noticed that the deer appeared to have been
shot with a smaller caliber bullet than standard muzzleloader calibers. St.
Clair allegedly admitted to shooting the deer with a 7mm-magnum rifle. The
deer was seized and donated to charity.
The penalty for taking deer with illegal methods is a fine between $250 and
$500, or jail time for up to 90 days, or both plus court costs.
Agents participating in the case were Sgt. Duane Taylor, Senior Agent Scott
Jeansonne and Agent John Volentine
UNION PARISH MAN CITED FOR
HUNTING DEER DURING ILLEGAL HOURS
A Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division
agent
cited a Union Parish resident on Jan. 12 for alleged night hunting
violations that took place in Ouachita Parish.
Gregory C. Sutton, 37, Farmerville, was cited for hunting deer during
illegal hours, hunting deer from a moving vehicle and hunting deer from a
public road.
Sgt. Jimmy Vining observed a spotlight shining from a vehicle on Horseshoe
Lake Road. Sgt. Vining stopped the vehicle driven by Sutton and located a
spotlight and 6mm-caliber rifle. The rifle and spotlight were seized as
evidence.
The penalty for hunting deer during illegal hours is a fine between $900 and
$950, or jail time for up to 120 days, or both plus court costs. The
penalty for hunting from a moving vehicle is a fine between $250 and $500,
or jail time for up to 90 days, or both plus courts costs. The penalty for
hunting from a public road is a fine between $100 and $350, or jail time for
up to 60 days, or both plus courts costs.
UNION PARISH MEN CITED FOR
HUNTING DURING ILLEGAL HOURS
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division
agents
cited two Union Parish residents on Jan. 12 for allegedly hunting deer
during illegal hours, hunting from a moving vehicle and hunting from a
public road.
Bradley W. Sellers, 39, and Bobby W. Benson, 36, both from Marion, were
stopped on Tiger Bend Road after Union Parish Deputy Peyton McKinnie
observed a spotlight shining from their vehicle. McKinnie discovered two
rifles and a spotlight on the backseat of the vehicle driven by Sellers.
McKinnie contacted LDWF agents who arrived and continued the investigation.
After interviewing Sellers and Benson, LDWF agents issued citations and
seized as evidence a 7mm-magnum rifle, a .308 rifle and a spotlight.
The penalty for hunting deer during illegal hours is a fine between $900 and
$950, or jail time for up to 120 days, or both plus court costs. The
penalty for hunting from a moving vehicle is a fine between $250 and $500 or
jail time for up to 90 days, or both plus courts costs. The penalty for
hunting from a public road is a fine between $100 and $350, or jail time for
up to 60 days, or both plus courts costs.
Agents participating in the case were Sgt. Thomas Risser and Agent Stan
House.
OYSTER FISHERMAN PLEADS GUILTY TO LACEY ACT VIOLATION
On Jan. 3, 2007,
John Jurisich, a Texas commercial oyster fisherman, was
sentenced on a single count misdemeanor violation of the Lacey Act by U.S.
District Court Judge Eldon E. Fallon, Eastern District of Louisiana after
pleading guilty on the same count on Sept. 27, 2006.
Jurisich was harvesting oysters and acting as a selling agent for Blue Gulf
Seafood Inc. from Aug. 22, 2000, through Aug. 31, 2004, while using
fraudulently obtained Louisiana residential commercial fishing licenses.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division has
estimated that Jurisich harvested about 19,914 sacks of Louisiana oysters
with an approximate wholesale value of $381,353. This wholesale value was
calculated by using the average shipping and sales receipts for sacks of
oysters from 2003, which came to $19.15 per sack.
The investigation revealed a pattern of behavior by Jurisich whereby he
utilized a false and fraudulent Louisiana address in order to obtain
resident Louisiana commercial fishing licenses.
Jurisich was sentenced to pay a fine of $6,000, pay $4,925 restitution to
the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation to be used
exclusively for oyster fisheries law enforcement purposes, pay $25 for a
special assessment fee and serve five years of active probation. Assistant
U.S. Attorney Emily Greenfield prosecuted the case.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division
Oyster Strike Force, Region 8 agents, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
special agents participated in the investigation.
L.D.W.F. WRITES 78 LITTER CITATIONS IN REGION 7 DURING LAST HALF OF 2006
With the help of a
$15,000 grant from Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB), the
Region 7 Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement
Division wrote 78 gross littering citations from July 31 to Dec. 31, 2006.
"Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and its enforcement agents
are some of our best partners, " said KLB Executive Director Leigh Harris.
"These enforcement agents are serious about holding litter violators
accountable for their actions. Keep Louisiana Beautiful is about changing
attitudes, and only through enforcement, combined with education and
awareness campaigns, can we hope for ultimate success."
KLB chose Region 7, which consists of East Feliciana, West Feliciana, East
Baton Rouge, Ascension, Livingston, St. Helena, Tangipahoa, St. Tammany and
Washington parishes, because they wrote the most littering citations in
2005.
The KLB grant money was spent to cover the cost of overtime hours accrued by
LDWF agents. With the money, LDWF was able to add overtime patrols with a
focus on gross litter violations in an effort to combat, prevent and deter
gross littering.
"This grant money from Keep Louisiana Beautiful helped Region 7 write about
75 percent of the total statewide littering citations from July 31 to Dec 31
in 2006," said LDWF Enforcement Division Region 7 Captain Len Yokum.
"Littering is something that we take very serious as we all want to ensure
that our 'Sportsman's Paradise' remains clean."
Each first conviction gross littering citation carries a possible fine
between $500 and $1,000 and eight hours of community service in a litter
abatement work program.
"Region 7 has about 25 agents and everyone of them did a great job," Yokum
said. "They all wanted as many hours as we could give out and would
volunteer on their days off to help."
Keep Louisiana Beautiful is a volunteer-based service organization dedicated
to litter reduction through education, enforcement and cleanups. The
honorary chairman of the organization is Raymond Blanco, and partners in
KLB's efforts include the Louisiana Governor's Office of Environmental
Education, Department of Environmental Quality, Department of Transportation
and Development, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Department
of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, Department of Corrections, Department of
Economic Development, Department of Natural Resources, and State Police.
TWO WASHINGTON PARISH MEN JAILED FOR NIGHT HUNTING VIOLATIONS
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents
arrested two Washington Parish residents on the night of Saturday, Jan. 6
for alleged night hunting violations that took place north of Franklinton.
David M. Mulina, 25, and Shane M. Husser, 51, both of Franklinton were
arrested for taking deer during illegal hours with an artificial light,
taking deer from a public road, hunting from a moving vehicle, discharging a
firearm from a public road, and for no basic resident or resident big game
hunting licenses.
Shortly after 11 p.m., agents watched Mulina and Husser spotlight and shoot
a deer in a rye grass field from their vehicle on Mt. Pisgah Road. Two
rifles and a spotlight were seized along with the deer, which was found dead
in the field and later donated to charity.
If convicted, each faces penalties including fines between $900 to $950, or
jail for not more than 120 days, or both, plus court costs and forfeiture of
anything seized for taking deer during illegal hours. Hunting from a moving
vehicle carries a fine between $250 and $500, or jail for not more than 90
days, or both plus court costs. Taking deer from a pubic road is punishable
by a fine between $100 and $350, or jail for not more than 60 days, or both
plus court costs. Hunting without a basic and big game hunting licenses
each carry fines of $50 or jail time up to for the first offense. The
penalty for discharging a firearm from a public road is a fine up to $50, or
up to 30 days in jail, or both, plus court costs.
Mulina and Husser were also assessed civil restitution in the amount of
$524.54 payable to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for
the value of the deer.
Agents participating in the case were Sgt. Darryl Galloway and Senior Agent
Robert Larsen.
POACHERS CAUGHT HUNTING WITH NIGHT-VISION EQUIPMENT
Louisiana
Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents
arrested two Oakdale men and cited another for alleged night hunting
violations on Jan. 6 in Allen Parish.
Verdie Longino, 43, and Robert Sauls, 27, Roger Johnson, 51, all from
Oakdale, were arrested for hunting deer during illegal hours, hunting deer
with illegal weapons and hunting with firearms equipped with electronic
sights. Logino and Sauls were also charged and arrested for flight from a
police officer.
Agents received information on Jan. 5 pertaining to a group of hunters who
were using night vision and infrared scopes to hunt deer from box stands and
by aid of four-wheelers after legal shooting hours ended on a private
hunting lease. The investigating agents entered the hunting lease on foot
and located a hidden truck at a camp off Ballard Road. After several hours
of surveillance and searching, agents heard sounds of four-wheelers
traveling down one of the lease roads without the use of headlights. At
approximately 10:30 p.m., with the aid of night vision equipment, the
hunters were seen exiting a box stand and then leaving the area by
four-wheelers. The agents attempted to stop one of the four wheelers
occupied by Longino and Sauls, who then tried to flee resulting in them
crashing the four-wheeler into a briar patch.
The three men were in possession of four different types of night vision
equipment. A loaded .17 caliber bull-barrel rifle with a night vision
scope, a loaded .22 caliber rifle with a red lensed night vision light
mounted on top of a scope, a night vision monocular and a pair of night
vision binoculars.
Over twenty items were seized in connection with the case, including the two
four-wheelers, guns and the night vision equipment. Longino and Sauls were
booked into the Allen Parish Jail with bond set at $2,500 each. Johnson was
released at Kinder Hospital due to a medical condition.
The penalty for hunting deer during illegal hours is a fine up to $950, up
to 120 days in jail, or both, plus court costs and forfeiture of anything
seized. Hunting deer with an illegal weapon carries a fine up to $300, up
to 60 days in jail, or both plus court costs. Hunting with a firearm with
electronic sights is punishable by a fine up to $500, up to 90 days in jail,
or both plus court costs. Flight from an officer carries a fine between
$150 to $500, up to 180 days in jail, or both plus court costs.
Agents participating in the case were Lt. Jesse Savoie, Sgts. David Liles
and Keith Aucoin, and Senior Agents Steven Vidrine and Ray Thomas.
NOT A HAPPY NEW YEAR FOR NIGHT
HUNTERS
A Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division
agent
cited Dustin Foster, 23, of Elizabeth, Tony Abe Seals, 17, of Oberlin,
Brandon Seals, 25, of Mittie, and Casey Randall Reeves, 26, of Dequincy, on
Jan. 1 for alleged night hunting violations in Allen Parish.
Senior Agent Ray Thomas stopped the men after watching them shine a
spotlight on a cutover along Turner Road. Thomas found a loaded .223 rifle
between Foster and Brandon Seals in the front seat of their vehicle along
with a spotlight. A 12-gauge shotgun loaded with 00 buckshot was discovered
in the back seat between Tony Seals and Reeves. A .30-.30 rifle and
ammunition were also found in the back seat.
All of the men were cited for hunting or taking deer from a public road,
hunting from a moving vehicle, and hunting deer during illegal hours with an
artificial light. The guns and spotlight were seized.
Hunting deer from a public road carries a fine up to $350, or jail for not
more than 60 days, or both plus court costs. Hunting from a moving vehicle
has a fine up to $500, or jail not more than 90 days, or both plus court
costs. Hunting or taking deer during illegal hours with artificial light is
punishable by a fine up to $950, or jail time up to 120 days or both plus
court costs and forfeiture of anything seized.
OUACHITA PARISH MAN CITED FOR TAKING WILD TURKEY IN CLOSED SEASON
A Ouachita Parish
man was cited by Louisiana Department of Wildlife and
Fisheries Enforcement Division agents on Jan. 5 for allegedly taking a wild
turkey during a closed season, hunting turkey with a rifle and hunting
turkey without a turkey license.
Joel R. Guess Jr., 46, of West Monroe, was questioned after agents received
an anonymous tip that he killed a turkey in November while hunting deer in
Caldwell Parish. The investigation led the agents to a taxidermist shop in
Ouachita Parish where they located a turkey gobbler with an 11-inch beard
that appeared to have been shot with a rifle. Agents located Guess at his
residence where he allegedly admitted to shooting the wild turkey with a
rifle after mistaking it for a hog. The turkey and a 7mm magnum rifle were
seized as evidence. Guess will also be assessed civil restitution payable
to LDWF in the amount of $802.50 for the value of the wild turkey.
The penalty for taking turkeys during a closed season is a fine between $900
and $950, or jail for not more than 120 days, or both plus courts costs.
The penalty for hunting turkeys with a rifle is a fine between $250 and
$500, or jail for not more than 90 days, or both plus courts costs. The
penalty for hunting turkeys without a turkey license is a fine of $50 or
jail for not more than 15 days.
Agents participating in the case were Sgt. Duane Taylor, Senior Agent Scott
Jeansonne and Agent John Volentine.
BOATING EDUCATION INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION COURSES AVAILABLE THROUGH
L.D.W.F. ENFORCEMENT DIVISION
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is committed to
making Louisiana boaters safe, knowledgeable and responsible. LDWF's
Enforcement Division is currently offering a one-day Boating Education
Instructor Certification Course to persons interested in becoming certified
boating education instructors. Organizations or governmental agencies with
public safety responsibilities can request courses for groups or staff
members.
All persons born after Jan. 1, 1988, must successfully complete a boating
safety course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law
Administrators (NASBLA) prior to operating a motorboat powered by a motor in
excess of 10 horsepower.
In December, LDWF certified deputies from the Lincoln Parish Sheriff's
Office. Participants in the one-day course received instruction on
presentation techniques, organization of topics, NASBLA standards, policy
and procedure and details of the "Boat Louisiana" course. The deputies are
now certified to schedule and teach boating education in their communities.
"We're interested in expanding this program to other qualified volunteers,
civilians and public servants," said Lt. Col. Brian Spillman. "The
instructors we certify assist the department in its mission to create a safe
and enjoyable boating environment on Louisiana's waterways."
Anyone interested in becoming a boating education certified instructor will
be required to submit an application and pass a criminal background check.
Applicants must have already successfully completed a U.S. Coast Guard or
NASBLA-approved boating education course.
For more information on becoming a certified boat education instructor,
contact Sgt. Rachel M. Zechenelly at LDWF's Baton Rouge Headquarters,
rzechenelly@wlf.louisiana.gov or 225-765-2984.
BLOOD TRAIL LEADS AGENTS TO ILLEGALLY TAKEN DEER
Louisiana
Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents
cited three men on Jan. 12 for alleged deer violations in Calcasieu Parish.
Nicholas J. Hargroter, 22, of Jennings, was cited for taking deer during
illegal hours and taking deer by using illegal methods. Jeffrey P. Landry,
25, of Lake Arthur, and Joshua S. Monceaux, 25, of Vidor, Texas, were both
cited for possession of an illegally taken deer.
Agents received a complaint of shots fired near a residence on Lorraine
Bridge Road. At approximately 5:05 a.m., agents responded to the area and
located the men at Lorraine Bridge Park. Fresh blood was found in the bed
of the truck, which led to a freshly killed doe locked in the toolbox of the
vehicle.
The rifle and spotlight used in the violations were seized as evidence. The
doe was also seized and donated to charity.
Taking deer during illegal hours carries a maximum fine of $950, up to 120
days in jail, or both plus court costs. This penalty also includes the
forfeiture of the items used. Taking deer by using illegal methods carries
a maximum fine of $350, up to 60 days in jail, or both plus court costs.
Possession of an illegally taken deer carries a maximum fine of $750, up to
120 days in jail, or both plus court costs.
Agents participating in the case were Sgt. David Sanford and Senior Agent
Robert Deville.
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