LWAA

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited Christopher Bearden, 17, of Olla, for allegedly taking two spotted fawns on Oct. 19.

On Dec. 1 agents received a complaint and a photograph printed from a social networking Web site of a subject posed with three dead deer, two spotted fawns and a doe.

Agents initiated an investigation and questioned Bearden. He allegedly admitted to shooting all three deer on opening day of gun season. He was issued citations for two counts of taking spotted fawns and possessing over the daily limit of deer.

Taking or possessing a spotted fawn carries a fine between $500 to $750, and jail time between 15 to 30 days for each count. Possessing over the limit of deer is punishable by a fine between $250 to $500, or jail time up to 90 days, or both plus court costs. Bearden will also have to pay restitution on the three deer valued at $1,573.62.

Agents participating in the case were Senior Agents Robbie Mayo, Senior Agent Jeff Robinson and Agent Troy Mayo.

GIBSON MAN ARRESTED IN ALLIGATOR THEFT CASE

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division agents arrested Timothy John Domangue, 48, of Gibson, for two counts of felony possession of stolen alligator hatchlings and booked into the Terrebonne Parish Jail on Dec. 10, 2008.

The arrest was the result of a joint investigation by the LDWF Special Investigations Unit and detectives of the Livingston Parish Sheriffs Office. During the investigation it was determined that Domangue, owner of Woodland Gator Farm, allegedly purchased stolen hatchlings from another person who was involved in the alligator hatchling theft of Wall’s Farm in Springfield.

The other suspect who sold the alligator hatchlings stated during an interview that Domangue bought stolen hatchlings from him on two different occasions. The subject also stated that Domangue made a statement regarding a message left from Wall’s Farm about stolen alligator eggs and hatchlings during one of the transactions.

On Dec. 10 agents with the LDWF Special Investigations Unit went to Terrebonne Parish Court House and obtained an arrest warrant and search warrant for Domangue. Agents went to Woodland Gator Farm in Gibson and before serving the warrants interviewed Domangue. He allegedly stated that he did buy 203 alligator hatchlings and kept them separate from his alligators. After verifying the location of the stolen alligator hatchlings, Agents placed Domangue under arrest and transported him to the Terrebonne Parish Jail.

Agents with the help of the LDWF Coastal and Nongame Resources Division personnel seized 204 live alligator hatchlings and two dead hatchlings and returned them to Wall’s Farm. The estimated value of the recovered alligator hatchlings is between $3,090 and $4,120.

If Domangue is convicted of the crime of illegal possession of stolen things, when the value of the things is $500 or more, he shall be imprisoned with or without hard labor for up to 10 years, or fined for up to $3,000, or both for each count.

Agents participating in this case were Lt. Jay Diez, Senior Agent Jason Dreher, Senior Agent Robert Turner and Senior Agent Edward Ridgel III.

FATHER AND SON PLEAD GUILTY IN ASCENSION PARISH GILL NET CASE

On Dec. 10, 23rd Judicial District Court Judge Marylin Lambert accepted guilty pleas from Charles Mancuso Jr., of Prairieville, and his son, Charles Mancuso III, of Destrehan.

The two men were apprehended on July 9, 2008 by an Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division agent as they tended a gill net in the Panama Canal in Ascension Parish.

Both men were individually charged with and pled guilty to taking commercial fish without a commercial license, using commercial gear without a commercial gear license and blocking passage of fish.

Judge Lambert ordered each man to pay a fine of $250 plus court costs for each offense, which resulted in each man paying a total of more than $1,150. Judge Lambert also ordered that the gill net used in the offense be forfeited to LDWF.

The case was initiated when a concerned citizen observed the Mancusoss activities. The public is reminded that Operation Game Thief (OGT), the department’s 24-hour hotline, works and sportsmen are strongly encouraged to participate. Sportsmen have the phone number for OGT readily available any time they’re carrying a hunting or fishing license as the toll free phone number for OGT is printed on the licenses; 1-800-442-2511. Rewards are available and the caller may remain anonymous.

The case was made by Sgt. Todd Lewis.

L.D.W.F. AGENTS HELP RESCUE BOATER IN ST. BERNARD PARISH

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents working in conjunction with the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office rescued a missing boater suffering from hypothermia on Dec. 12.

Henry Catania, 21, of Chalmette, was reported missing by family members after he did not return home from a morning deer hunt in the Bayou Bienvenue area of St. Bernard Parish.

Early reports stated Mr. Catania went to hunt deer on the morning of Dec. 11 with a flatboat loaded in the bed of his truck. After getting the truck stuck he left it behind and launched his flatboat and got stuck again in a shallow marsh area of Bayou Bienvenue with temperatures near freezing.

Agents received the call from the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Marine Division at 1:30 a.m. on the morning of Dec. 12 requesting assistance. Agents responded to the area and went to the location with St. Bernard Parish deputies.

Once in the area, agents and deputies heard the subject fire one shot from a shotgun. Agents continued to the area where the shot originated and found Catania in the water hanging onto the bow of a small flatboat. He was removed from the water and brought back to the launch where he was treated for hypothermia by Emergency Medical Services.

Agents and deputies participating in the effort were Sgt. Adam Young, and Senior Agent Jason Gernados with LDWF, and Capt. Brian Clark, and Lt. Brett Bourgeois with the St. Bernard parish Sheriff’s Marine Division.

OYSTER STRIKE FORCE AGENTS ISSUE CITATIONS FOR TAKING OYSTERS FROM BAY GARDENE SEED GROUND IN PLAQUEMINES PARISH

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division’s Oyster Strike Force (OSF) cited eight men for alleged oyster violations occurring in Bay Gardene located in Plaquemines Parish on Dec. 5.

After receiving complaints of illegal activity, OSF agents patrolled the Bay Gardene area and found two vessels dredging oysters in the closed area.

Those on board were identified as Bernard Edward Picone, 41, from Point A La Hache, Freddie Duplessis, 49, from Marrero, Naun Vasquez, 22, Lucus Velasquez, 35, and Marvin Castro, 19, all from Gretna, Manuel Bocanegra Ordonez, 47, and Daniel Bocanegra-Franco, 22, both from Belle Chasse, Raul Bocanegra-Franco, 21, from Bayou La Batre, Ala.

The men were apprehended and cited for taking oysters during a closed season. Agents seized 30 sacks of oysters in connection with the violation.

The penalty for taking oysters during a closed season is a fine up to $350, jail time up to 60 days, or both plus courts costs. In addition, any person convicted of any these violations, shall, for one year after the date of such conviction, only harvest oysters from a vessel that employs a vessel monitoring system. Access to the monitoring system shall be granted to LDWF. For that year, the person convicted of these violations shall notify the department as to which vessel he will be using to harvest oysters.

OYSTER STRIKE FORCE CITE FOUR DELICROUX MEN IN ST. BERNARD PARISH FOR OYSTER VIOLATIONS

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents assigned to the Oyster Strike Force cited four men on Dec. 5 for alleged oyster violations near Pumpkin Lake in St. Bernard Parish.

Curtis Alfonso, 41, Michael Alfonso, 42, Joshua Alfonso, 22, and Brandon Alfonso, 18, all from St. Bernard, were cited for taking oysters from unleased state water bottoms.

Responding to complaints in lower St. Bernard Parish, agents saw the vessel dredging for oysters on unleased water bottoms. The area in question contains private leases and unleased state water bottoms.

Utilizing LDWF's global positioning satellite equipment, agents marked the location before boarding the vessels. The location was proven to be on unleased state water bottoms, where oyster harvesting is illegal.

Agents seized and returned five sacks of oysters to the water and placed two oyster dredges and the boat being used under a department seizure order.

The penalty for unlawfully taking oysters from state water bottoms is a fine up to $750, imprisonment for up to 120 days, or both plus courts costs.

Agents participating in the case were Sgt. Bryan Marie and Senior Agent Mike Garrity.

THREE MEN CITED IN VERMILION PARISH FOR HUNTING DUCKS OVER BAIT

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited three men for allegedly hunting migratory game birds over bait on Dec. 13 in Vermilion Parish.

Agents cited William Monfort, 43, of Lafayette, John Herton, 39, of Breaux Bridge, and Gregory Lindsly, 40, of Opelousas, for hunting ducks and geese over an area baited with corn, milo and rice bran. Monfort was also cited for placement of bait for the purpose of hunting migratory game birds.

Agents seized and donated to charity three teal and one snow goose.

The penalty for hunting migratory game birds over a baited area is a fine up to $15,000, or six months in jail or both. The fine for placement of bait for the purpose of hunting migratory game birds is a fine up to $100,000, or one year in jail or both.

Agents participating in the cases were Lt. Robert Buatt, Sgt. Keith Delahoussaye, Senior Agents Lonnie Campbell and Myron Verret, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Special Agent Philip Siragusa.

OYSTER STRIKE FORCE SEIZES EQUIPMENT FROM REPEAT VIOLATOR

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division’s Oyster Strike Force (OSF) cited two oyster fishermen for alleged oyster violations that occurred in Bay Gardene located in Plaquemines Parish on Dec. 7.

After receiving complaints of illegal activity, OSF agents patrolled the area in the morning. During the course of the morning hours, agents observed the subjects Jesus Resendiz Zarraga, 55, from Houma, and Juan Resendiz Zarraga, 26, from Mexico, harvesting oysters in the closed area.

The men were apprehended and cited for taking oysters during a closed season. Jesus Resendiz Zarraga was also cited for sanitary code violations for failing to document the correct area of harvest and properly document the oysters harvested on the previous day.

A prior violation check revealed that Jesus Resendiz Zarraga was previously cited three times for taking oysters during a closed season.

Agents seized two oyster dredges and 28 sacks of oysters in connection with the violation.

The penalty for taking oysters during a closed season is a fine up to $350, imprisonment for not more than 60 days, or both plus courts costs.

In addition, any person convicted of any these violations, may for one year after the date of such conviction, only harvest oysters from a vessel that employs a vessel monitoring system. Access to the monitoring system shall be granted to LDWF. For that year, the person convicted of these violations shall notify the department as to which vessel he will be using to harvest oysters.

The penalty for violating sanitary code is a fine of $25 and loss of product.

Agents participating in the case were Sgt. Bryan Marie and Senior Agent Mike Garrity.

LAKE PONTCHARTRAIN SANCTUARY SHRIMPING VIOLATIONS

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited seven subjects for allegedly violating the Lake Pontchartrain Sanctuary on Dec. 8.

Billy R. Delacruz, 38, of Empire, Jason W. Trapen, 36, of Hammond, Timothy D. Griffin, 42, of Galiano, Patrick J. Terrbone, 42, and Chad M. Lee, 23, both of Cutoff, Ray E Bradhurst, 50, of Slidell, and David A. Zwank, 32, of Chalmette, each received criminal citations for violating the Lake Pontchartrain Sanctuary.

Enforcement Agents observed four commercial vessels near the southern shore of Lake Pontchartrain actively engaged in trawling for shrimp. Agents stopped the vessels and determined that each vessel was inside the boundaries of the Lake Pontchartrain Sanctuary.

The Lake Pontchartrain Sanctuary extends out from the southern shoreline 1.25 miles and begins at the Orleans-Jefferson Parish line and extending east to Goose Point in St. Tammany Parish. This area is closed for all commercial fishing activity with the exception of crabs and is also closed for recreational shrimp trawling.

The penalty for violating the Lake Pontchartrain Sanctuary is a fine between $250 to $500, or jail time from 60 days to six months, plus court costs and the court shall order forfeiture of catch and equipment, not including boat and motor.

Agents seized 2,317 pounds of shrimp and eight skimmer nets in connection with the case.

Agents participating in the investigation were Sgts. James Gregoire, Jason Russo, and Herman Champagne, Senior Agent Tim Fox, and Agent Austin Arteaga.

MISSOURI RESIDENTS CITED FOR ILLEGAL HUNTING

Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited two Missouri men on Nov. 26 for several deer hunting violations in Union Parish.

Doyle T. Rockett, 40, and Brian L. Adams, 34, both of Aurora, Mo., were cited after agents received a report that Adams allegedly stopped his truck on La. Hwy. 15 near Spearsville and Rockett shot a deer standing along the roadside.

Agents responded and located the two men at the home of Rockett's mother in Spearsville. Both men allegedly confessed to illegally shooting the deer just prior to dark that evening.

Rockett and Adams were each cited for hunting from a moving vehicle, hunting from a public road and hunting without basic and big game non-resident hunting licenses. Rockett was also cited for discharging a firearm from a public road and failure to comply with deer tagging requirements. Agents seized and donated the meat from the deer. Rockett and Adams will also receive civil restitution citations for the illegally taken deer.

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.

Hunting deer from a public road, no non-resident basic hunting license, no non-resident big game license and failure to comply with deer tagging requirements are each punishable by a fine between $100 to $350, or jail time up to 60 days, or both plus court costs.

The penalty for discharging a firearm from a public road is a fine of $50 or jail time up to 30 days.

Agents involved in the case were Sergeant Thomas Risser and Duane Taylor

WEST MONROE MAN CONVICTED OF ILLEGAL TURKEY HUNTING

A West Monroe man cited in March by Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division agents for illegally hunting turkeys over a baited area in Jackson Parish was convicted Dec. 2 in 2nd Judicial District Court in Jonesboro.

Timothy B. Alsobrooks, 39, was sentenced by Judge Jimmy Teet to pay a fine of $250 plus court costs of $135.

Alsobrooks was cited after agents found him turkey hunting in an area south of Clay that had previously been documented as illegally baited with corn. Alsobrooks was found hunting near an automatic feeder containing corn.

Jackson Parish Assistant District Attorney Gary Nunn prosecuted the case. Agents involved in the case were Sgt. Duane Taylor, Senior Agents Stan House and John Volentine and Agent Joe Gouedy.

LAFAYETTE MAN CITED FOR POSSESSION OF SPOTTED FAWN ON BIG LAKE W.M.A.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited Christopher Eric Myers, 24, of Lafayette, for allegedly taking a spotted fawn on Nov. 29.

While patrolling on the Big Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA), agents came into contact with Myers and found him to be in possession of a spotted fawn. After talking with Myers and obtaining information about the fawn, agents found that it was taken on Big Lake WMA during the either sex deer hunt. It is illegal to take or posses a spotted fawn in Louisiana.

Taking or possessing a spotted fawn carries a fine between $500 to $750, and jail time between 15 to 30 days.

Agents participating in the case were Senior Agents Brandon Miller and John Hendrix.

THREE MEN CITED FOR NIGHT HUNTING IN CALDWELL PARISH

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited three Caldwell Parish residents for hunting violations on Nov. 29.

Michael Ray Perot, 19, David Cody Hatten, 21, and Daniel Glynn Demoss, 19, were cited for allegedly hunting deer during illegal hours, hunting from a moving vehicle and hunting from a public road.

Agents received a report of someone shooting from La. Hwy. 559 in Caldwell Parish on Nov. 29. Upon arrival to the scene, agents found a button buck that had been shot with buckshot. After finding the deer, agents set up surveillance on the area. At approximately 11 p.m. the three men returned to retrieve the deer and were apprehended.

The penalty for hunting deer during illegal hours is a fine between $400 to $950, jail for not more than 120 days, or both, plus court costs and forfeiture of seized items. Hunting from a moving vehicle carries a fine between $250 to $500, jail for not more than 90 days, or both plus court costs. The penalty for hunting deer from a public road is a fine between $100 to $350, jail for not more than 60 days, or both plus court costs.

Participating in the case were Senior Agent Patrick Coleman, Agent Lee Tarver, and Caldwell Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Matt Schlute.

FOUR MEN CITED FOR NIGHT HUNTING VIOLATIONS IN ST. BERNARD PARISH

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited four St. Bernard Parish men for hunting violations on Nov. 23.

Harold Seube III, 21, Stephen Dysart, 21, Ryan Miller, 18, and Bernard Oser, 17, were cited for hunting wild quadrupeds during illegal hours.

LDWF agents were on patrol working night hunting complaints in the Chalmette area when they heard a shot coming from the 40 Arpent Levee. Upon arrival at the location, agents discovered a pickup truck parked in a nearby wooded area with four empty gun cases and a set of four wheeler ramps. The four men were later located hunting on the levee with loaded shotguns.

The penalty for hunting wild quadrupeds during illegal hours is a fine between $250 and $500, or imprisonment for up to 90 days, or both plus court costs. The agents also seized all four shotguns used in connection with the alleged violations.

Agents participating in the case were Sgt. Kris Bourgeois and Senior Agent Jason Gernados.

OYSTER STRIKE FORCE APPREHENDS THREE SUBJECTS ILLEGALLY HARVESTING OYSTERS IN BAY GARDENE

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division’s Oyster Strike Force (OSF) cited three oyster fishermen on Nov. 24 for alleged oyster violations in Bay Gardene located in Plaquemines Parish.

After receiving complaints of illegal activity, OSF agents patrolled the Bay Gardene area in the morning. Agents observed the subjects, Miso Vekic, 47, from Empire, Jose A. Lopez-Aguilar, 21, and Jose Morales-Frias, 26, both from Buras, in the closed area.

Agents apprehended and cited the men for taking oysters during a closed season. Agents also seized 10 sacks of oysters.

The penalty for unlawfully taking oysters from state water bottoms is a fine of up to $350, imprisonment for up to 60 days, or both plus courts costs. Any person convicted of these violations, shall for one year after the date of such conviction, only harvest oysters from a vessel that employs a vessel monitoring system. Access to the monitoring system shall be granted to LDWF. For that year, the person convicted of these violations shall identify for the department which vessel he will be using to harvest oysters.

Agents participating in the case were Sgt. Bryan Marie and Senior Agent Roy Pier.

L.D.W.F. ENFORCEMENT AGENTS ARREST THREE SUBJECTS FOR OYSTER THEFT IN ST BERNARD PARISH

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division agents arrested three men for alleged oyster violations in St. Bernard Parish on Nov. 20.

While on oyster-growing-area patrol in Karako Bay, agents assigned to the Oyster Strike Force found a vessel dredging oysters from a private lease without the lease owner's permission.

The men were identified as Antonio Aguado, 25, David Tenorio, 22, and Antonio Francisco, 23, all from Houma.

All three men were arrested and booked into the St. Bernard Parish Lock-up in Chalmette for unlawfully taking oysters from a private lease and failure to have written permission.

Agents seized 45 sacks of oysters and also placed boats and dredges under an LDWF seizure order.

The penalty for unlawfully taking oysters from a private lease is a fine between $900 and $950, or imprisonment up to 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, or jail time up to 120 days, or both plus court costs.

Agents participating in the case were Sgt. Bryan Marie and Senior Agent Roy Pier.

ST. BERNARD MAN CITED FOR CRABBING VIOLATION

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited a man on Nov. 18 for allegedly violating commercial fishing and boating safety regulations.

Jared Lapeyrouse, 23, of St. Bernard, was cited for tending crab traps during illegal hours and operating a vessel without running lights.

After receiving numerous complaints from commercial fishermen concerning theft of crabs, agents conducted surveillance of the Bayou Bienvenue Marsh and observed Lapeyrouse actively running approximately 25 crab traps from a boat at night.

The penalty for tending crab traps during illegal hours is a fine between $400 to $950, or imprisonment for up to 120 days or both. The penalty for operating a vessel at night with improper navigation lights is a fine of $50, or imprisonment for up to 15 days or both.

The agents seized and returned safely to the water approximately 110 pounds of crab.

Agents involved in the investigation were Sgt. Kris Bourgeois and Senior Agent Tim Fox.

ILLEGAL GILL NETTERS APPREHENDED IN ORLEANS PARISH

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited three men on Nov. 20 for alleged commercial fishing violations.

Eugene Morales, 47, of Chalmette, was cited for taking commercial mullet during illegal hours, improper running lights, and failure to display a valid registration decal. Kevin Williams, 31, of Wildwood, Fla., and Stanley L. Barrs, 30, of Naples, Fla., were each cited with taking commercial mullet during illegal hours.

At approximately 8:30 p.m. agents spotted a mullet boat operating without navigation lights near the Intracoastal Waterway. The agents began surveillance and observed occupants of the boat retrieving a strike net that contained live mullet.

Louisiana law prohibits the commercial take of mullet after legal sunset. The agents stopped the vessel without incident and issued several citations and seized the illegal fish and strike net.

The penalty for taking commercial mullet during illegal hours is a fine from $900 to $950, or jail time up to 120 days, or both, plus court costs and forfeiture of anything seized in connection with the investigation.

Louisiana law requires a mandatory mullet permit suspension for a conviction of illegal fishing. Upon first conviction, there is a mandatory one-year suspension. Upon a second conviction, there is a mandatory two-year suspension. A third conviction results in the fishermen being suspended from the industry for life.

The penalty for the boating safety violations is a fine of $50, or jail time up to 15 days, or both, for each of the violations.

Seized in connection with the investigation was a 19-foot boat with a 175 horsepower outboard motor, a 1,200-foot mullet strike net and 77 pounds of mullet.

Agents participating in the investigation were Sgt. James Gregoire, Senior Agent Derek Sampey, and Agents Austin Arteaga, and Brett Nabors.

CLOSED SEASON DUCK HUNTER CAUGHT

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited Herbert W. Smith, 53, of St. Gabriel, for allegedly taking and possessing a wood duck outside the legal season on Nov. 2.

Lt. Dennis Bueche and Senior Agent Hal Bridges were checking hunters in the area when Bridges observed Smith shoot what he believed to be a wood duck. Agent Bridges approached Smith just as he was retrieving the illegally taken duck from the Bayou Paul waterway.

Agents cited Smith for taking ducks during a closed season, possession of a freshly killed migratory game bird during a closed season, violating non-toxic shot requirements, no basic state hunting license, no state duck license and no federal duck stamp.

All violations will be prosecuted under the provisions of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and are each subject to fines up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to six months or both.

OYSTER STRIKE FORCE PATROL YIELDS OYSTER VIOLATIONS IN LOWER PLAQUEMINES PARISH ON STATE PUBLIC GROUNDS

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents assigned to the Oyster Strike Force cited nine men for oyster violations on Nov. 11.

Agents responded to complaints in oyster growing areas 6 and 7 in the Black Bay area east of the Mississippi river of oystermen illegally harvesting from polluted areas located below August Bay. Near August Bay, agents located two vessels, "Mr. Jurisich", and an unnamed vessel. The vessels were documented harvesting in an unapproved area (polluted).

The occupants were identified as John Jurisich, 26, of Seabrook, Texas, Lanny Lafrance, 47, of Braithewaite, Villere Demolle, 43, Neal Harvey, 44, both of Point A La Hache, Alfredo Centeno Morales, 27, of San Leon, Texas and Jose Luis Armenta Apodaca, 35, of Texas City, Texas. They were cited for taking oysters from an unapproved area. Agents seized 120 sacks of oysters, both vessels and related equipment.

The penalty for taking oysters from an unapproved area is a fine up to $950, or imprisonment up to 120 days or both. If convicted, the court may also restrict oyster harvesting from a vessel equipped with a vessel monitoring system for up to one year.

Upon returning to the dock, agents located a third vessel, "Miss Mamie" in an area known as Bay Gardene. The Bay Gardene public oyster grounds have been closed to harvesting for the 2008-09-oyster season.

The occupants were identified as Jesus Resendiz Zarraga, 54, and Raymundo Aragon Garcia, 33, both of Houma and Antonio Gonzalez Perez, 52, of Grandview, Wash. The three subjects were cited for taking oysters during a closed season. Agents seized and returned five sacks of oysters to the water.

The penalty for taking oysters during a closed season is a fine up to $350, or imprisonment for up to 60 days or both. If convicted, the court may also restrict oyster harvesting from a vessel equipped with a vessel monitoring system for up to one year.

Agents participating in the case were Sgt. Bryan Marie and Sgt. Scot Keller.

COMMERCIAL FISHERMEN CITED FOR VIOLATING LAKE PONTCHARTRAIN SANCTUARY FISHING REGULATIONS

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited four commercial fishermen on Nov. 10 for allegedly violating fishing regulations in the Lake Pontchartrain Sanctuary.

Robert Canty, 29, of Slidell, Daniel Russell, 24, of New Orleans, Christian Pichon, 30, of Slidell, and Ryan Engolia, 22, of New Orleans, were each cited for unlawfully skimming for shrimp in the Lake Pontchartrain Sanctuary.

Agents observed two vessels actively skimming in Lake Pontchartrain near the mouth of the Industrial Canal. This portion of Lake Pontchartrain is within the boundaries of the Lake Pontchartrain Sanctuary and all commercial activity except crabbing is prohibited.

The penalty for violating the Lake Pontchartrain Sanctuary is a fine of $250-$500, or jail time from 60 days to six months, and the court shall order the forfeiture of catch and equipment, not including boat and motor, plus court cost.

Agents involved in the investigation were Sgt. Ray Champagne, Sgt. James Gregoire, Senior Agent Derek Sampey, and Agent Austin Arteaga.

THREE MEN CITED FOR OVER LIMIT DUCK VIOLATIONS IN PLAQUEMINES PARISH

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited Donald Picou Sr., 50, Donald Picou Jr., 23, and Richard Wallace, 20, all of Chalmette, for allegedly taking over the limit of ducks on the opening day of the 2008 west zone duck season on Nov. 8.

Agents received numerous complaints of individuals taking more than the daily limit of ducks by making multiple trips to the field in the area of Caernarvon. This practice is commonly called “tripping.”

Agents documented all three subjects with a limit of ducks on the morning of Nov. 8. Agents then observed the same group of hunters return in the afternoon for an evening hunt. When the group returned from the evening hunt they were in possession of eight additional ducks placing them over their limit.

According to the subjects, the 18 ducks shot that morning were being stored at Picou Senior’s residence. With the cooperation of all three subjects, the agents seized all 26 ducks.

A violation of the Migratory Game Bird Treaty Act carries penalties of up to $15,000, or jail time up to six months or both.

Agents participating in the case were Lt. Robert Martin, Sgt. Adam Young, and Senior Agent Villere Reggio.

ILLEGAL GILL NETTERS APPREHENDED IN ORLEANS PARISH

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited three mullet fishermen on Oct. 30 for alleged commercial fishing violations.

Ryan N. Guerra, 33, of St. Bernard, was cited for taking commercial mullet during illegal hours, improper running lights, failure to comply with personal flotation device requirements, failure to display a valid registration decal and improper boat numbers. Ronnie Cornwall, 38, of Violet, and Conrad Dial, 28, of Ponchatoula, were each cited with taking commercial mullet during illegal hours.

At approximately 6:50 p.m., agents observed a large black mullet boat operating without navigation lights in the Intracoastal Waterway. Agents observed the people on board the vessel deploy and retrieve a large mullet strike net with a large number of mullet inside the net.

Louisiana law prohibits the commercial take of mullet after legal sunset. The agents seized the 805 pounds of mullet and a 1,200-foot strike net.

The penalty for taking commercial mullet during illegal hours is a fine from $900 to $950, jail time up to 120 days, or both, plus court costs and forfeiture of anything seized in connection with the investigation.

The penalty for the boating safety violations is a fine of $50, or jail time up to 15 days, or both for each of the four violations.

Agents participating in the case were Sgt. Kris Bourgeois, Sgt. Jason Russo, Senior Agent Garry Pierce, Senior Agent Jason Gernados, Agent Tim Fox and Agent Doug Danna.

COMMERCIAL FISHERMEN VIOLATE LAKE PONTCHARTRAIN SANCTUARY LAW AND MULLET REGULATIONS

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited two mullet fishermen on Nov. 3, for alleged commercial fishing violations.

Kevin Heier, 37, of Slidell, was cited for taking commercial mullet during illegal hours and without a mullet permit, violating the Lake Pontchartrain Sanctuary law, and failure to have his mullet net properly tagged. Ruston Graybill, 27, of Chalmette, was charged with taking commercial mullet during illegal hours.

Agents were responding to complaints of illegal mullet fishing when they saw Heier and Graybill setting a 1,200-foot mullet strike net at approximately 6:40 p.m. inside the boundaries of the Lake Pontchartrain Sanctuary. Agents stopped the two men without incident and seized 1,485 pounds of mullet and a 1,200-foot mullet strike net. Louisiana law prohibits the commercial taking of mullet after legal sunset.

Taking commercial mullet during illegal hours, taking commercial mullet without a mullet permit, and using an improperly tagged mullet net each carries a fine from $900 to $950, jail time up to 120 days, or both, plus court costs and forfeiture of anything seized in connection with the investigation.

Violating the Lake Pontchartrain Sanctuary law carries a fine from $250 to $500, or jail time from 60 days to six months, plus court costs, and the court shall order the forfeiture of catch and equipment, not including the boat and motor.

Agents participating in the investigation were Sgt. Kris Bourgeois, Senior Agents Jason Gernados, Villerie Reggio and Robert Cosse, and Agent Tim Fox.

TWO MORGAN CITY MEN PLEAD GUILTY IN FEDERAL COURT

Kirk Smith, 55, and David Vicknair, 27, both of Morgan City, entered guilty pleas before U.S. Magistrate Mildred E. Methvin in Federal Court in Lafayette for migratory bird violations on Oct. 15.

Smith and Vicknair were cited on Dec. 15, 2007 for hunting ducks over a baited area and aiding and abetting another to take migratory game birds over bait. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division agents and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) special agents observed Smith and Vicknair hunting ducks over a baited area on Smith’s private lease on Bateman Island in St. Mary Parish.

Smith was ordered to pay $2,720 in fines, and Vicknair was ordered to pay $2,020 in fines. Both men were placed on one year probation during which time their hunting privileges are revoked.

Agents seized 17 ducks, which were retained for evidence by the USFWS.

Agents involved in this case were LDWF Sgt. Ross Mire and Senior Agent David Ducote, and USFWS special agents Philip Siragusa, Steven Clark, Kash Schriever and John Rawls.

L.D.W.F. AGENT CATCHES LITTER VIOLATORS NEAR ZACHARY

A Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agent cited two Louisiana men for dumping a refrigerator from a bridge in East Baton Rouge Parish near Zachary on Nov. 3.

Sgt. Paul Stuckey was on patrol and beneath a bridge on McHugh Road when he heard a vehicle stop on top of the bridge. He then observed a refrigerator getting dumped from the bridge into the creek below.

Sgt. Stuckey cited the two violators, Leander B. Browning, 33, of Zachary, and William C. Bryant, 33, of St. Francisville, for gross littering.

The penalty for gross littering is a fine between $500 and $1,000 and up to eight hours of community service in a litter abatement work program.

FIVE MEN ARRESTED FOR NIGHT HUNTING IN CATAHOULA

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division agents cited five men from LaSalle and Catahoula parishes for allegedly hunting deer during illegal hours and hunting from a moving vehicle on Oct. 22 in Catahoula Parish.

The Catahoula Parish Sheriff’s Office reported night hunting activity in the Aimwell area on La. Hwy. 126. LDWF Senior Agent Charlie Ferrington responded and spotted a truck as it stopped on La. Hwy. 126 and watched the occupants of the vehicle as they loaded a deer in the truck and drove off.

With assistance from Deputy Robert Wiley, Ferrington stopped the vehicle. Dusty Lynn Knapp, 23, Justin Ferguson, 19, and Jacob Ferguson, 17, all of Jena, were arrested and booked in the Catahoula Parish Jail.

After further investigation, it was determined that two other people were involved in shooting the deer earlier. Malcolm Clint Cooper, 19, of Jonesville, was contacted and met with agents and was booked on the same offenses as Knapp and the Fergusons. An arrest warrant was then issued for Cody Wayne Stevens, 18, of Jena. Stevens voluntarily came in for booking and surrendered a .270 caliber rifle and was cited for the same charges.

The penalty for hunting deer during illegal hours is a fine from $900-to-$950, or 120 days in jail, or both plus court costs. Hunting from a moving vehicle brings a fine between $250 and $500, or up to 90 days in jail, or both plus court costs.

Participating in the case were Senior Agent Charlie Ferrington and Catahoula Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Robert Wiley.

MISSISSIPPI WOMAN ARRESTED ON DRUG VIOLATIONS IN CONCORDIA PARISH

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division Senior Agent Joey Merrill arrested a Natchez, Miss. woman for alleged drug violations stemming from a traffic stop along La. Hwy. 15 near Deer Park in Concordia Parish on Oct. 25.

Maria Criscede Dobbins, 46, of Natchez, was arrested and booked with simple possession of marijuana, cocaine and hydrocodone and an open container violation.

Agent Merrill was patrolling La. Hwy. 15 along the levee area near Deer Park when he spotted a vehicle traveling at a slow speed and weaving in the travel lane. He stopped the vehicle and discovered an open container of alcohol, suspected marijuana, crack cocaine and liquid hydrocodone. The agent seized the suspected illicit drugs and transported Dobbins to the Concordia Parish Sheriff's Office for booking where she tested positive for marijuana and cocaine.

The penalty for simple possession of marijuana is a fine up to $500, or jail time up to six months or both. Possession of cocaine is punishable by jail with or without hard labor for up to five years and a fine up to $5,000. Possession of hydrocodone carries a jail term with or without hard labor for up to five years and a fine of up to $5,000. The fine for an open alcohol container in a motor vehicle is $263.

Officers participating in the case were Senior Agent Joey Merrill and Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Deputies Stephen Karabelen and Craig Simmons.