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TWO
ARRESTED ON SABINE WMA FOR DRUG AND WILDLIFE VIOLATIONS
LAW
ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES TO JOIN FORCES DURING "ZERO TOLERANCE FOR LITTER!" WEEKEND
MARCH 4-6
SHRIMP TRADE ACTION ADVISORY COUNCIL TO MEET
WILDLIFE AGENTS MAKE DRUG
ARREST ON WEST BAY W.M.A.
THIBODAUX MEN CITED FOR NIGHTTIME NUTRIA HUNT
ST. CHARLES MAN LOSES MIGRATORY GAME BIRD HUNTING
PRIVILEGES FOR ONE YEAR
NEW ORLEANS MEN CITED FOR
NIGHT HUNTING
SHERBURNE BOW HUNTER CITED FOR TAKING OVER THE LIMIT OF DOE
DEER
NIGHT HUNTERS BOOKED IN CATAHOULA
PARISH JAIL
GAME FISH VIOLATORS CITED IN CONCORDIA PARISH
DESTREHAN MAN CITED FOR SHOOTING WOODDUCKS AFTER HOURS
HOUMA MAN CITED FOR ILLEGAL GILL NETTING
TWO HOUMA MEN CITED FOR OVER THE LIMIT OF BASS
RABBIT POACHERS CITED IN JEFFERSON PARISH
WEST FELICIANA PARISH NIGHT HUNTERS CAUGHT
CALDWELL PARISH MEN CITED FOR TAKING SWIMMING DEER IN
MISSISSIPPI RIVER BACKWATER
WHITE LAKE FISHING LOTTERY APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE
L.D.W.F. ACKNOWLEDGES EMPLOYEES AT
COMMISSION MEETING
CRAWFISH THIEVES NABBED IN ST. LANDRY PARISH
BOAT AND PLANE PATROLS HALT ILLEGAL OYSTER HARVESTING FROM
CLOSED AREAS
ALLEN PARISH MEN CITED FOR NIGHT HUNTING
LOST HUNTER FOUND ON RUSSELL SAGE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT
AREA AGENTS RESCUE INJURED BOATER FROM FATAL BOAT CRASH
TWO ARRESTED ON SABINE WMA FOR DRUG AND WILDLIFE VIOLATIONS
Edward Leigh Callender, 18, and John C. Dry, 20, both of Many, were arrested
January 23 by wildlife enforcement agents in Sabine Parish for several
alleged wildlife and drug violations on Sabine Wildlife Management Area.
Wildlife Enforcement Senior Agents Joe Dewil and Maury Leone checked
Callender and dry who were hunting ducks at a beaver pond, off Shuteye Road,
on Sabine WMA. Callender and Dry had not obtained self-clearing permits as
required. Callender was also in possession of a piece of aluminum foil with
suspected methamphetamine residue, a straw made from an ink pen barrel with
suspected methamphetamine residue, and a film canister containing a smoking
device, a partially burnt suspected marijuana cigarette butt, and three
prescription pills. Dry was found to have a legal prescription in his
possession for the pills. Callender admitted that a plastic bag also in his
possession, containing two smaller plastic bags with suspected
methamphetamine residue, belonged to him.
After further investigation, both hunters gave voluntary written statements
that they had been traveling on Shuteye Road when they thought they saw a
wood duck on the beaver pond, stopped, shot it from the roadway, and
discovered that they had actually killed a nutria. They also each stated
that Dry had given Callender some of his prescription pills. Both hunters
were booked into the Sabine Parish Detention Center for hunting from a
moving vehicle, hunting from a public road or right-of-way, and failure to
check in on a WMA. Callender was also booked for possession of Schedule II
Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS), possession of Schedule IV CDS,
illegal possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and
discharging a firearm from a public road.
Dry was also booked for distribution of Schedule IV CDS and hunting
migratory game birds without a state migratory game bird license. The
illegal drugs, paraphernalia, and nutria were seized for evidence.
The penalty for distribution of Schedule IV CDS is imprisonment at hard
labor for not more than 10 years and a possible fine of not more than
$15,000. Possession of Schedule II CDS and possession of Schedule IV CDS
are each punishable by imprisonment with or without hard labor for not more
than five years and a possible fine of not more than $5,000. The penalty
for illegal possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia is
a fine of not more than $500 or imprisonment for not more than six months or
both. Hunting from a moving vehicle and hunting from a public road or
right-of-way are both punishable by a fine of $250 to $500 or jail for not
more than 90 days or both plus court costs. The penalty for not abiding by
rules and regulations on a WMA is a fine of $100 to $350 or jail for not
more than 60 days or both plus court costs. Discharging a firearm from a
public road is punishable by a fine of not more than $50 or imprisoned for
not more than 30 days or both. The penalty for hunting MGB without a state
MGB license is a fine of $50 or jail for not more than 15 days or both.
LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES TO JOIN FORCES
DURING "ZERO TOLERANCE FOR LITTER!" WEEKEND MARCH 4-6
Louisiana's first "Zero Tolerance for Litter!" campaign will kick off with a
statewide public awareness weekend set for March 4 through 6. Colonel Winton
Vidrine, chief of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Law
Enforcement Division, announced the agency's participation today.
The event, coordinated by Keep Louisiana Beautiful, Inc., will bring
together law enforcement agencies and concerned citizens in an effort to
keep Louisiana beautiful and litter free.
Trash ends up on both our roads and in our waters in various ways. Small
loose objects can fly from boats or the beds of pickup trucks, adding to the
state's litter problem, sometimes unintentionally.
In addition to being unsightly, litter can be dangerous to boaters, drivers
and to the environment. Massive amounts of rain from thunderstorms, tropical
depressions and hurricanes can lead to flooding conditions, made even more
severe by trash thrown onto our roadways that ends up in ditches, creeks and
bayous, blocking water flow. Littering also damages our coastal habitat,
affecting the ecosystem of numerous species.
"Not only is littering ugly and harmful to our environment, it is also
against the law," said Col. Vidrine. "Wildlife and Fisheries agents will
continue to take a strong stance against littering." Louisiana law (R.S.
30:2531-R.S. 2531.3) provides for fines from $50 to $5,000 for violators.
Those who litter also can expect anywhere between four to 100 hours of
community service, suspension of their driver's license for one year, and
possible jail time of up to 30 days.
"We will be focusing our efforts in areas used by boaters, fishermen and
wildlife management area users," added Vidrine. "And any instances where
large items such as old appliances and furniture are dumped on wildlife
management areas and state refuges, will be investigated." Vidrine added.
LDWF is asking citizens to help assist in this effort. If you see someone
littering, please call 1-888-LITRBUG (1-888-548-7284). Callers do not have
to leave their names. This toll-free hotline operates 24 hours a day.
Callers will be asked the time, date and location of the littering, and also
the license plate number, color, make, model and year of the vehicle
involved. The offender will then receive a letter from the Department of
Environmental Quality reminding them that littering is illegal and asking
for their help in keeping Louisiana beautiful. Depending on the incident, a
criminal investigation may also be launched.
LDWF, Louisiana State Police, the Department of Corrections, the Department
of Transportation and Development, and Keep Louisiana Beautiful sponsor
"Zero Tolerance for Litter Weekend".
People interested in volunteering in the state's anti-litter initiatives can
join various efforts by Keep Louisiana Beautiful and its affiliates.
Louisiana's Adopt-A-Road program also is an excellent way to actively
participate in the upkeep and beautification of Louisiana's highways. For
more information on this program, call the DEQ at 1-225-379-1346 or visit
their website at
http://www.deq.state.la.us.
To find out more about "Zero Tolerance for Litter Weekend," contact Major
Jeff Mayne at (225) 765-2980 or
jmayne@wlf.louisiana.gov.
SHRIMP TRADE ACTION ADVISORY COUNCIL TO MEET
The Louisiana Wild Caught Shrimp Trade Action Advisory Council will meet
Monday, February 21, at 10 a.m. in the Louisiana Room at the Department of
Wildlife and Fisheries building in Baton Rouge. In an effort to assist trade
action efforts targeting the illegal dumping of foreign shrimp into U.S.
markets, Governor Kathleen Blanco has issued Executive Order KBB 2004-05
which reestablished the Louisiana Wild Caught Shrimp Trade Action Advisory
Council.
The council's duties include supporting and assisting a trade action brought
by a consolidated wild caught shrimp industry, exploring and developing
funding sources and mechanisms to assist and support such trade action, and
recommending proposed legislation to fund the trade action.
Council members are appointed by the Governor and include shrimp industry
representatives, state legislators and representatives from the Governor's
Office and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
According to Council Chairman John Roussel, Assistant Secretary of the LDWF,
the wild caught shrimp industry is an integral part of Louisiana's history
and culture as well as a major component of the state's economy providing
employment and tax revenue to the state. According to the National Marine
Fisheries Service (NMFS), preliminary landings statistics now indicate that
Louisiana shrimp landings through December, 2004 totaled approximately 82.9
million pounds (all species combined/heads-off weight) and comprised 56.5
percent of total Gulf of Mexico shrimp landings. Although dock-side prices
continue to be impacted by foreign shrimp imports, preliminary Louisiana
shrimp landings for the year rank the third highest on record. Annual
landings in 1986 and 2000 totaled 93.7 and 92.2 million pounds (heads-off
weight), respectively.
WILDLIFE AGENTS MAKE DRUG ARREST ON WEST BAY W.M.A.
On the evening of January 15, enforcement agents from the Louisiana
Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division arrested a man for
allegedly possessing the drug Xanax without a prescription and for two
counts of not abiding by rules and regulations on Westbay Wildlife
Management Area.
Dustin R. Thompson, 26, of Leesville was arrested and booked into the Allen
Parish Sheriff's Office Jail.
At approximately 9:30 p.m., Lieutenant Jesse Savoie and Senior Agent Steven
Vidrine stopped a vehicle driven by Thompson on the wildlife management area
after legal hours. The agents observed a suspicious white powdery substance
on Thompson's jacket, and further investigation led to the discovery of
Xanax pills on Thompson's person. Thompson was arrested and five Xanax
pills were seized and held as evidence. Thompson was cited for possession of
a Schedule IV narcotic without a prescription and for not abiding by rules
and regulations on Westbay Wildlife Management Area by being on the
management area after legal hours and not completing a self-clearing permit.
The penalty for the illegal possession of a Schedule IV Controlled Dangerous
Substance is imprisonment with or without hard labor for not more than five
years and, in addition, a requirement to pay a fine of not more than $5,000.
The penalty for not abiding by rules and regulations on a WMA is a fine of
up to $350, jail for not more than 60 days, or both, plus court costs.
Participating in the case were Lieutenant Jesse Savoie and Senior Agents
Steven Vidrine and Joey James.
THIBODAUX MEN CITED FOR NIGHTTIME NUTRIA HUNT
On February 6, an agent from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and
Fisheries Enforcement Division cited Kyle A. Loupe, 34, and Darby J. Horn,
34, both of Thibodaux, for alleged hunting and trapping violations.
Loupe and Horn were issued citations in St. John Parish for hunting wild
quadrupeds during illegal hours and for not abiding by rules and regulations
for the state nutria eradication program. They were apprehended at 12:15
a.m. on Moll Canal near Hwy 3127 in Edgard after Wildlife Enforcement
Sergeant Davis Madere saw them hunting nutria from an airboat. They were
found in possession of 14 nutria tails. The tails were seized and are being
held as evidence in this case.
If convicted for hunting during illegal hours the two face fines of up to
$500, jail for not more than 90 days, or both, plus court costs. The
penalties for not abiding by the nutria eradication program rules are fines
of up to $350, jail for not more than 60 days, or both, plus court costs.
In order to participate in the Coastwise Nutria Control Program, a person
must apply and provide written permission from a landowner to hunt or trap a
particular piece of land. It is illegal to hunt wild quadrupeds, including
nutria, at night, and it is illegal to possess nutria tails unless enrolled
in the program and hunting lands for which the trapper is a registered
participant.
ST. CHARLES MAN LOSES MIGRATORY GAME BIRD HUNTING
PRIVILEGES FOR ONE YEAR
Dean J. Savona, 25, of Chalmette, was sentenced after he entered guilty
pleas to taking a duck other than a teal during the special teal season and
to taking migratory game birds from a moving motorboat on January 11.
Savona appeared before U. S. Magistrate Judge Louis Moore Jr. in U. S.
District Court in New Orleans for the offenses that are violations of the
Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Magistrate Moore accepted the pleas and sentenced
Savona to pay fines totaling $650 and revoked his migratory game bird
hunting privileges for one year.
Enforcement agents from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
cited Savona on September 18, 2004 on the North Marsh of the Salvador
Wildlife Management Area. The agents had seen him shoot and kill a mottled
duck and shooting at gallinules, also a migratory game bird, from a moving
boat.
Savona was previously cited during the 2002-03 duck season on Salvador
Wildlife Management Area for taking over the daily limit of migratory game
birds as well as for two boating safety infractions. He was fined $350 for
the limit violation and paid a civil fine of $50 for each boating violation.
Assistant U. S. Attorney Bing Simpson handled prosecution of the case for
the government. Agents participating in the investigation were Sergeant
Rachel Zechenelly and Senior Agent Eddie Skena.
NEW ORLEANS MEN CITED FOR NIGHT HUNTING
Auther Powell Jr., 31, and Lester Nero, 62, both from New Orleans, were
cited by Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division
Senior Agent Kris Bourgeois for allegedly hunting wild quadrupeds during
illegal hours, hunting from a moving vehicle and possessing over the limit
of rabbits.
During the early morning hours of January 29, Sr. Agent Bourgeois received a
report that two men were shining rabbits near the I-510 service road in
eastern Orleans Parish. Quick response to the call resulted in the
apprehension of Powell and Nero, 23 freshly killed rabbits, a spotlight, a
loaded .22-rifle and a loaded 410-shotgun. The guns, light and rabbits were
seized and are being held as evidence.
Hunting wild quadrupeds during illegal hours, hunting from a moving vehicle,
and possessing over the limit of rabbits are each punishable by a fine of up
to $500, jail for not more than 90 days, or both, plus court costs. The men
were also issued civil restitution citations for the value of the illegally
taken rabbits. Rabbits are valued at $16.40 each, for a total restitution
value of $377.20.
SHERBURNE BOW HUNTER CITED FOR TAKING OVER THE LIMIT OF
DOE DEER
On February 8, enforcement agents from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife
and Fisheries cited Johnny Laviolette, 46, of St. Martinville for allegedly
taking over the limit of deer and not abiding by rules and regulations on a
wildlife management area.
Laviolette was cited after agents received a tip that someone was hunting
deer over bait on Sherburne Wildlife Management Area. An investigation led
to Laviolette, whom agents found in possession of two freshly killed doe
deer. Further investigation revealed Laviolette had taken the deer while
archery hunting over rice bran. It is illegal to take more than one deer
per day or to utilize bait on a wildlife management area.
The deer were seized and donated to charity. In addition to the criminal
citations, Laviolette was issued a civil restitution summons for the
replacement value of the deer in the amount of $524.54 for each deer taken
illegally.
The penalty for possessing over the limit of deer is a fine of up to $500,
jail for not more than 90 days, or both, plus court costs. The penalty for
not abiding by rules and regulations on a wildlife management area is a fine
of up to $350, jail for not more than 60 days, or both plus court costs.
Agents participating in the case are Lieutenants Donald Salpietra, and
Darryl Moore, Sergeant Travis Huval, and Senior Agent Jerry Stassi.
NIGHT HUNTERS BOOKED IN CATAHOULA PARISH JAIL
On February 6, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement
Division agents booked four individuals into the Catahoula Parish Jail for
allegedly hunting during closed season and during illegal hours.
Castle W. Walker, 18, of Clayton, Bobby Joe Goodwin Jr., 17, of Vidalia,
Daniel Wayne Case, 18, of Vidalia, and Angela J. Goodwin, 37, of Clayton
were cited for taking deer during closed season, taking deer during illegal
hours, hunting from a moving vehicle and hunting from a public road.
At approximately 1:00 a.m., after having received a complaint, wildlife
agents made contact with the four individuals at a residence off Hwy. 15,
near Maitland. The individuals were found to be in possession of a freshly
killed spike deer.
A 30-06-caliber rifle was seized as evidence. The deer was donated.
Taking deer during closed season and taking deer during illegal hours each
carry a fine of up to $950, jail for not more than 120 days, or both, plus
court costs. Hunting from a moving vehicle is punishable by a fine of up to
$500, jail for not more than 90 days, or both, plus court costs. Hunting
from a public road has a fine up to $350, jail for not more than 60 days, or
both, plus court costs.
A civil restitution summons for the value of the deer was also issued in the
case.
Agents participating in the case were Lt. Kenneth Hedricks, Sgt Russ Kiser,
and Sr. Agent Charles Ward.
GAME FISH VIOLATORS CITED IN CONCORDIA PARISH
On February 1, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement
Division agents cited two Concordia Parish men for alleged game fish
violations.
Sonny Lamar Ferrel, 52, and Paul Russell Bogert, 34, both of Monterey were
cited for taking game fish illegally. Bogert was also cited for violating
recreational gear license requirements.
Agents observed the men raising and emptying their hoop nets into a boat.
The men kept all fish removed from the nets. Upon stopping the men, the
agents found them to be in possession of 26 crappie. The fish and two hoop
nets were seized as evidence. The fish were later donated.
Taking game fish illegally carries a fine of up to $750, jail for not more
than 120 days, or both, plus court costs. Violation of recreational gear
license requirements carries a fine of $50, jail for not more than 15 days,
or both.
Agents participating in the case were Senior Agent Charles Ward and Agent
Brandon Miller.
DESTREHAN MAN CITED FOR SHOOTING WOODDUCKS AFTER HOURS
On January 22, a Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement
Division agent cited Frank Abbate Jr., 48, of Destrehan for allegedly
hunting migratory game birds during illegal hours.
LDWF Senior Agent Aron Hastings discovered a truck parked off the Parish
Line Road, approximately one mile into the woods in St. James Parish near a
secluded pond. Shots were heard and Abbate was seen shooting at wood ducks
flying into the pond. Abbate allegedly shot and killed two wood ducks after
official sunset. He was apprehended leaving the woods and was found to be
in possession of the two freshly killed wood ducks.
Hunting migratory game birds during illegal hours is a federal offense under
the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The penalty for a violation of the Migratory
Bird Treaty Act is fine of up to $5,000, jail for up to six months, and the
potential loss of hunting privileges.
HOUMA MAN CITED FOR ILLEGAL GILL NETTING
On January 27, agents from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and
Fisheries Enforcement Division cited Daniel M. May, 22, of Houma for
commercial fishing and boating safety violations.
May was issued citations in Mosquito Bay in Terrebonne Parish for allegedly
using saltwater gill nets illegally, leaving nets unattended, and taking
commercial fish without commercial fishing, gear and vessel licenses. May
was also cited for expired boat registration and failing to comply with
personal flotation device requirements. Two garfish were seized and returned
to the water. Approximately 350 feet of gillnet was seized and is being
held as evidence. May's vessel was seized by department seizure order
pending trial.
Using saltwater gill nets illegally is a Class 6 offense for which the
penalty is a fine of $900 to $950, jail for not more than 120 days, or both,
plus court costs and forfeiture of anything seized. Leaving nets unattended
is a Class 5 offense for which the penalty is a fine of $350 to $500 and
shall serve 30 days in jail, license revocation, plus court costs and
forfeiture of anything seized. The commercial license violations are all
Class 3 offenses for which the penalty is a fine of $250 to $500, jail for
not more than 90 days, or both, plus court costs. The boating violations
are both Class 1 offenses for which the penalty is a fine of $50 plus court
costs.
Agents participating in the case were Sergeant Richard Purvis and Senior
Agent Chad Hebert.
TWO HOUMA MEN CITED FOR OVER THE LIMIT OF BASS
On January 27, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement
Division agents cited George Bourg, 41, and George W. Oleary Jr., 49, both
of Houma, for fishing and boating violations.
The two men were allegedly found in possession of 45 bass (25 over the legal
limit of ten bass each) after agents stopped to assist them with engine
mechanical problems in Bayou Decade in Terrebonne Parish. After towing the
two to shore it was also discovered that neither man possessed a
recreational fishing license.
Bourg, the owner of the vessel, was additionally cited for an expired boat
registration and failing to comply with personal flotation device (life
jacket) requirements.
Possession of over the limit of bass carries a fine of $100 to $350, jail
for not more than 60 days, or both, plus court costs. Expired boat
registration and failure to comply with P.F.D. requirements violations are
both are both punishable by fines of $50 plus court costs.
Agents participating in the case were Sergeant Richard Purvis and Senior
Agent Chad Hebert.
RABBIT POACHERS CITED IN JEFFERSON PARISH
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents
cited two Jefferson Parish men for allegedly killing over the limit of
rabbits. Tommy Encalade, 26, of Lafitte and Kirt Alexie, 36, of Marrero were
both cited on February 2 for allegedly taking over the limit of rabbits and
Encalade was also cited for hunting rabbits without a license.
Agents were on patrol in lower Jefferson Parish when they stopped Encalade's
vessel for a boating safety compliance check. During the check, the agents
found the two men in possession of 78 freshly killed rabbits. All the
rabbits were seized and later donated to a local charity.
Captain Clark, supervisor of region 8, attributes an increase in over the
daily limit rabbit cases to high tides from strong northeast winds in the
coastal areas.
Taking over the limit of rabbits carries a fine of up to $500, jail for not
more than 90 days or both, plus court costs. Hunting without a license
carries a fine of $50 or jail not more than 15 days or both. The agents
also issued civil restitution for the illegally killed rabbits in the amount
of $1279.20.
Lt. Allen Adam and Sr. Agent Kris Bourgeois participated in the
investigation.
WEST FELICIANA PARISH NIGHT HUNTERS CAUGHT
On January 16, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement
Division Agent Chad Menzina cited three men in West Feliciana Parish for
allegedly hunting deer during illegal hours, hunting from a moving vehicle
and hunting from a public road.
James Patrick, 20, and Paul Lambert, 19, of St. Francisville and Greg
Robertson, 20, of Jackson were apprehended after they were observed shining
a spotlight from their vehicle toward a field. A .22-caliber rifle and
spotlight, found inside the vehicle, were seized and are being held as
evidence.
The penalty for hunting deer during illegal hours is a fine of up to $950,
jail for not more than 120 days, or both, plus court costs. Hunting from a
moving vehicle carries a fine of up to $500, jail for not more than 90 days,
or both, plus court costs. Hunting from a public road is punishable by a
fine of up to $350, jail for not more than 60 days, or both, plus court
costs.
The three are scheduled for arraignment on March 17, 2005, in the 20th
Judicial District Court in St. Francisville.
CALDWELL PARISH MEN CITED FOR TAKING SWIMMING DEER IN MISSISSIPPI
RIVER BACKWATER
On the afternoon of January 23, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and
Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited two Hebert men for allegedly
killing a deer while it was swimming. Danny Emmons, 49, and Dolyn Duchesne,
43, were both cited for taking a deer illegally from a boat or while
swimming.
Sr. Agent Joe Chandler Jr. made contact with the men as they were attempting
to take their boat out of the water. A large eight-point buck was in their
boat. Both men stated that Duchesne was operating the boat, and Emmons shot
the deer while it was swimming.
The illegally taken deer was seized and donated to a needy family in Tensas
Parish. Emmons was also issued a civil citation for the restitution value
of the deer.
The penalty for taking a deer illegally from a boat or while swimming is a
fine of up to $350, jail for not over 60 days, or both, plus court costs.
Also assisting in the investigation was Sgt. Larry May.
WHITE
LAKE FISHING LOTTERY APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE
White Lake Preservation, Inc. is now accepting applications to participate
in a lottery drawing for fishing permits to fish in the preserve between
March 26 and July 31. Winning applicants will be notified of their
opportunity to purchase their permit for $30, and which days may be excluded
from this time period. A total of 40 permits will be issued in the lottery.
The area that will be open for fishing during this time will be limited to
the Florence Canal and Oil Field Location Canals off of the Florence Canal.
There will be no fishing in any of the marsh areas or in the main Camp canal
or other areas that are marked "NO FISHING." Successful applicants will be
provided with a map of the fishing area. All boats will be limited to a
maximum of 25 horsepower motor. Additional rules and regulations are
outlined in an attachment to the application.
A non-refundable administrative fee of $5 must accompany each completed
application in the form of a check or money order made payable to the
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Only one application per
person will be permitted, and submitting more then one applications will be
considered grounds for disqualification. Completed applications are due to
the department by close of business on February 28. Applications may be
mailed to: Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Attention: White Lake
Fishing, P.O. Box 98000, Baton Rouge, LA, 70898. They may also be turned in
to Room 461 of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Headquarters
Building, located at 2000 Quail Drive in Baton Rouge. Persons interested in
obtaining an application may call the department at (225)765-2806 or
download a copy from the department's website at
www.wlf.louisiana.gov.
L.D.W.F. ACKNOWLEDGES EMPLOYEES AT COMMISSION MEETING
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries presented its Employee
Recognition Awards for 2004 at the February 3 meeting of the Louisiana
Wildlife and Fisheries Commission. Major Sandy Dares of the Enforcement
Division, and chairman of the Awards Committee, announced the winners and
LDWF Secretary Dwight Landreneau presented them with certificates.
The awards are based on the decisions made by the committee that is
comprised of representatives from each division of the agency. Individual
employees submit nominations to the committee.
The awards are broken into four categories: Customer Service, Employees of
the Year, Secretary's Award and Special Achievement by a Team.
The winners of the Customer Service awards are: Sandy Cannon, Alvin Henry,
Kenneth King, Roy Moffett, Lisa Rickards, Halane Ricketts and Brenda Sutton.
The winners of the Employee of the Year awards are: Angie Dowdy, Sgt. Todd
Laviolette, Kenneth Ribbeck and Bobby Reed for Professional positions; Tina
Faul, Susan Falcon and Jennifer Voisin for Support positions; Harold Hall
and Jeff Thompson for Tech/Maintenance positions.
This year's Secretary's Awards go to retired Lt. Col. Charlie Clark and Greg
Linscombe.
Four teams were honored with the Special Achievement by a Team Award: The
Dewey Wills Enforcement Team with Sr. Agent Kevin Hill, Sgt. Brian McDowell,
Sr. Agent Rick Markway and Sgt. James Parish; The Euthanasia/Immobilization
Team with Jonathan Bordelon, David Breithaupt, Bill Burns, Chris Davis, Pat
Deshotels, John Hanks, David Hayden, Leslie Johnson, Jeff Johnson, Emile
Leblanc, Lowery Moak, Mike Perot, John Robinette, Larry Savage, Wendell
Smith, Jeff Taverner and Tony Vidrine; The Derelict Crab Trap Removal Team
with Gene Arcement, Paul Cook, Emma Diaz, Willard Dupre, Aimee Fortier, Ken
Gautreau, Donna Gautreau, Jim Gray, Vince Guillory, Steve Hein, Kenny King,
Heath Kramer, David Leblanc, Albert Lefort, Roy Moffett, Wayne Primeaux,
Evan Thames, John Venissat and Jennifer Voisin; and the Wetshop Event Team
with Todd Buffington, Angela Capello, Travis Dufour, Jonathan Leblanc, Dana
Permenter, Mitch Samaha, Patricia Faulkner, Chris Reid, John Damier, Brian
Hardcastle and Patrick Banks.
CRAWFISH THIEVES NABBED IN ST. LANDRY PARISH
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents
cited Jeff Scott Lee, 36, and Walter Ryder Jr., 50, both of Melville, for
allegedly stealing crawfish from a private pond on January 14.
The agents watched both men running crawfish traps at 10:30 p.m. in a
private crawfish pond north of Krotz Springs in St. Landry Parish.
The penalty for theft of pond-raised crawfish is a fine of not more than
$300, jail for not more than one year, or both, plus court costs.
Agents participating in the case were Senior Agent Brad Guidroz and Agent
Donnie Bozeman.
BOAT AND PLANE PATROLS HALT ILLEGAL OYSTER HARVESTING FROM CLOSED AREAS
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents
issued citations on January 14 and January 24 for the alleged illegal
harvest of oysters from unapproved areas in Calcasieu Parish.
On January 14, Steven Guidry, 34, of Cameron was spotted dredging oysters in
the Calcasieu Lake Estuary. He was cited for taking oysters from an
unapproved area.
On January 24, agents were patrolling by floatplane when they observed Todd
Griffin, 23, and Jason Mathis, 27, both of Cameron, dredging oysters in the
West Cove Conditional Unit. As the plane circled the fisherman, they
immediately ceased their dredging operations and tried to evade the plane.
The airborne agent and pilot were able to track the vessel and radio its
location to agents patrolling by boat, who apprehended the men. They were
also cited for taking oysters from an unapproved area. Two oyster dredges
were seized in connection with the violations.
Portions of the oyster harvesting waters are closed by the Department of
Health and Hospitals under a water-monitoring program that identifies areas
having high bacteria counts. Consuming oysters taken from closed areas may
cause illness. Maps are posted in numerous locations for the convenience of
oyster harvesters.
If convicted, the three face penalties of up to $700 in fines, up to six
months jail, or both, plus court costs.
Participating in the cases were Sergeant Edwin Broussard, Senior Agent Layne
Picard, Agent Wayne Matirne, Agent Wendell Vaughn, and Enforcement Pilot
Russell Johnson.
ALLEN PARISH MEN CITED FOR NIGHT HUNTING
Richard Dean Sonnier II, 21, Bryan Scott Mills, 21, and Jacob Daniel
Lovejoy, 22, all from Kinder, were cited by an enforcement agent from the
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for allegedly hunting wild
quadrupeds during illegal hours, hunting from a moving vehicle, hunting from
a public road and spotlighting from a public road.
During the late evening hours of January 5, Senior Agent Keith Aucoin saw
Sonnier, Mills and Lovejoy shining a light from their vehicle along the
roadway and adjacent fields off of Parish Line Road in Allen Parish. The
manner in which they were traveling and shining the light was consistent
with night hunting. Upon stopping them, Agent Aucoin found a .22-caliber
rifle in the front seat and a freshly shot rabbit in the bed of the pickup
truck. The agent determined that they were hunting with the intent to take
wild quadrupeds during illegal hours. Seized in connection with the case
were the rifle, one spotlight and the rabbit. The light and rifle are being
held for evidence and the rabbit was donated to charity.
Hunting wild quadrupeds during illegal hours, hunting from a moving vehicle
and hunting from a public road carry a penalty for each violation of fines
of up to $500, jail for not more than 90 days, or both, plus court costs.
Spotlighting from a public road carries a fine of up to $350, jail for not
more than 60 days in jail, or both, plus court costs.
LOST HUNTER FOUND ON RUSSELL SAGE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
Frank McHan, 63, of Monroe spent 10 hours lost in the woods near Monroe in
Russell Sage Wildlife Management Area. McHan and a hunting partner had gone
to the area to hunt raccoons on the night of January 17 when the two men
separated to look for their hunting dog. McHan's hunting partner reported
him missing after searching for him. Enforcement agents from the Louisiana
Department of Wildlife and Fisheries were notified of the missing hunter at
3 a.m. They immediately responded and were joined by deputies from the
Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office and troopers from Louisiana State Police
Troop F. At daybreak, a K-9 unit from the Union Parish Sheriff's Office
was brought in to join the search while an aerial search was being planned
with a state police helicopter. Much of the 16,000-acre WMA was covered with
backwater, and with temperatures dipping into the low 20s, it was imperative
to locate the missing hunter.
LDWF Wildlife Division technicians and officers from the West Monroe Police
Department also joined in the search. The morning brought good news as
McHan and his dog walked out of the area at around 8 a.m., very cold but
otherwise unharmed. McHan later told LDWF Agent Jason Mouliere who
regularly patrols Russell Sage WMA that when he realized he was lost he
stopped walking and sat down by a tree. Mouliere commented, "This situation
could have ended in tragedy but Mr. McHan made good decisions in stopping,
staying dry and waiting for daylight."
AGENTS RESCUE INJURED BOATER FROM FATAL BOAT CRASH
Agents from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement
Division, responding to a fatal boating accident in Lake Fausse Point in
Iberia Parish, rescued injured 14-year-old Joshua Leger, of New Iberia on
January 23. Joshua's stepbrother, 30-year-old Galan A. Delcambre of New
Iberia, perished in the accident.
On the evening of January 23, Lieutenant Darryl C. Moore and Sergeant Mitch
Darby responded to an emergency cell phone call from a boating accident
victim, and began a search of Lake Fausse Point. Joshua called to report
that he and his brother had sustained serious injuries in the accident. He
was unable to give an exact location, and further information was
unavailable because the cell phone battery went dead.
Lt. Moore and Sgt. Darby were the first to arrive, and immediately began
searching for the accident victims. Because nightfall was fast approaching
and the temperature was quickly dropping the agents knew time was of the
essence. Due to the constant north wind, the lake level had dropped
dramatically, making the search difficult by outboard motorboat. Senior
Agent Brian Theriot was called to the area with an airboat to assist in the
search.
With nightfall, temperatures approached the freezing mark and agents
continued to search the perimeter of the lake by airboat. Due to the low
water level and remoteness of the location, the airboat was the only vessel
able to conduct the search. A recording of the 911 call was delivered from
the Iberia Parish Sheriff's Office. Reviewing the tape, it was learned
Joshua had referenced their location as near the "R.T. thing". The agents
determined that this was the area of a hunting club that had just changed
its name. Lt. Moore and Senior Agent Theriot contacted members of the
hunting club and were able to determine a more exact location where the R.T.
signs were located.
Using this information, Senior Agent Theriot and Sgt. Darby immediately went
to this area. At the same time, coordinates were relayed to an approaching
Coast Guard helicopter.
The agents located the accident site within a short time. Joshua had
sustained broken bones and other injuries, but his stepbrother had already
died as a result of his injuries. Because of the serious injuries, extreme
cold temperatures, the possibility of shock and the threat of hypothermia,
Darby and Theriot immediately transported Joshua by airboat to the nearest
land area accessible by vehicle where Lt. Moore had an ambulance waiting.
The Coast Guard helicopter arrived and hovered overhead providing light for
the rescue operation.
Joshua received medical treatment and is expected to make a full recovery.
Agents participating in the search were Lt. Darryl Moore, Sgt. Mitch Darby
and Senior Agents Brian Theriot, Dylan Bertrand, Jason Romero and Winston
Michelle. The U.S. Coast Guard and deputies with the Iberia Parish
Sheriff's Office assisted in the search.
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