|
|
|
|
||
|
|||
|
|||
|
JULY 2004 NEWS |
CAPTAIN JUBAL MARCEAUX TO COMMAND ENFORCEMENT REGION V
CAPTAIN SAMMY MARTIN TO COMMAND ENFORCEMENT REGION IX
ST. MARY FISHERMEN ARRESTED FOR CRAB THEFT CHALMETTE MAN SENTENCED FOR DUCK HUNTING VIOLATIONS THREE TEXANS CITED FOR RED SNAPPER VIOLATIONS
BASS FISHERMEN BUSTED ON BODCAU W.M.A.
CLOSED SEASON SQUIRREL HUNTER CITED
MAN CITED FOR DUMPING TRASH ON W.M.A.
JOYRIDE TURNS SOUR FOR BOSSIER PARISH MEN
COMMISSION PROPOSES PERMANENT RULE CHANGE FOR THE COMMERCIAL
HARVEST OF SPOTTED SEATROUT
L.D.W.F. LITTERING CITATIONS FOR MONTH OF JUNE
2004 LOUISIANA FALL SHRIMP SEASON OPENS IN ZONE 2
THIBODAUX MAN ARRESTED FOR BOATING UNDER THE INFLUENCE
LAKE MECHANT SEED GROUND COMPLAINTS RESULT IN 12 VIOLATIONS
HOUMA MAN CITED FOR CLOSED SEASON SHRIMPING
MORGAN CITY BOATER ARRESTED FOR DWI
THIBODAUX MAN CITED FOR ILLEGAL COMMERCIAL FISHING
DES ALLEMANDS FISHERMEN CITED FOR UNDERSIZED CATFISH
THOUSANDS OF POUNDS OF CRABS ILLEGALLY PURCHASED AND UNREPORTED
BOATERS CITED FOR CARELESS OPERATION ON FALSE RIVER
MAN CONVICTED FOR DAMAGING LEVEE
L.D.W.F. BUST SHRIMP SCAM
PAIR RESCUED FROM HENDERSON BAY
IOTA MAN CITED FOR DAMAGING FOOD PLOT ON SHERBURNE W.M.A.
SHRIMPERS PLACED ON PROBATION FOR RECORDS VIOLATIONS
RED SNAPPER SMUGGLING DISCOVERED
BOATER CITED FOR CARELESS OPERATION ON OUACHITA RIVER
NEW LAW TO PROHIBIT THE FEEDING OF BEARS
TWO MEN CITED FOR BLACK DRUM VIOLATIONS
AMELIA WOMAN CITED FOR POSSESSING LIVE ALLIGATOR DULAC MAN CITED FOR ILLEGAL ALLIGATOR AVOYELLES PARISH MEN SENTENCED IN NIGHT HUNTING CASE RAPIDES PARISH MEN SENTENCED FOR GAME FISH VIOLATIONS COMMISSION RATIFIES HUNTING SEASON DATES AND REGULATIONS
L.W.F.C.
PLACES MORATORIUM ON COMMERCIAL TAKE OF ALLIGATOR COMMISSION SETS ALLIGATOR AND TRAPPING SEASONS CAPTAIN JUBAL MARCEAUX TO COMMAND ENFORCEMENT REGION V
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Dwight Landreneau
and Enforcement Division Administrator Colonel Winton Vidrine have announced
the promotion of Lt. Jubal Marceaux to the rank of captain. Marceaux will
supervise LDWF Enforcement Division's Region V, covering the parishes of
Allen, Beauregard, Evangeline, Calcasieu, Cameron, Acadia, Vermilion and
Jefferson Davis.
Marceaux is a 13-year veteran of the Enforcement Division and had previously
served as the supervisor of the Refuge Patrol Section, covering Marsh
Island, Rockefeller and State Wildlife Refuges. He studied criminal justice
at the University of Southwestern Louisiana before joining the Enforcement
Division in 1991. After graduating from the Law Enforcement Training Academy
in February of 1992, Marceaux served on the division's State Strike Force
before assuming command of Refuge Patrol. He is a graduate of several
boating enforcement and supervisory training courses. He replaces Capt.
Malcolm Hebert as the region supervisor. Hebert retired in March of this year.
"Capt. Marceaux is a very dedicated and highly professional officer," Col.
Vidrine said. "The supervisory skills he has demonstrated with Refuge Patrol
give me every confidence he will do an outstanding job in Region V."
Newly appointed Capt. Marceaux resides in Abbeville with his wife Alison and
daughters Mckenzie, 11 and Lindsay, 4. He enjoys golf, hunting and fishing.
CAPTAIN SAMMY MARTIN TO COMMAND ENFORCEMENT REGION IX
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Dwight Landreneau
and Enforcement Division Administrator Colonel Winton Vidrine have announced
the promotion of Lt. Sammy Martin to the rank of captain. Martin will
supervise LDWF Enforcement Division's Region IX, covering the parishes of
Assumption, St. James, St. John, St. Mary, Terrebonne, Lafourche, lower St.
Martin and the Grand Isle portion of Jefferson.
Martin is a 22-year veteran of the Enforcement Division and had previously
served as the district supervisor for Terrebonne, Lafourche and the Grand
Isle area for seven years. He is a graduate of numerous boating courses
including Marine Theft Investigation, Accident Reconstruction and Analysis,
Maritime Law Enforcement and the National Boating Safety Course, as well as
several supervisory training courses. He replaces Capt. Joe Matassa as the
region supervisor. Matassa retired in April of this year.
"With Captain Martin's training and experience, I have every confidence he
will be an excellent region supervisor," said Col. Vidrine. "We can expect a
smooth transition and continued effective, professional wildlife law
enforcement in Region IX."
Newly appointed Captain Martin and his wife Tina have been married for 17
years and have two sons, Blake, 14 and Alex, 11. He enjoys hunting and
fishing.
ST. MARY FISHERMEN ARRESTED FOR CRAB THEFT
On July 17th, two St. Mary Parish men were arrested by a Louisiana
Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agent and booked
into the St. Mary Parish Jail for allegedly stealing crabs from another
fisherman's crab traps in the Atchafalaya River.
Jordan Absher, 22, of Patterson, and Nathan Corley, 24 of Morgan City were
spotted raising three crab traps and removing and keeping the contents.
Upon contact, the agent discovered that the traps in question belonged to
another fisherman.
Both Absher and Corley were booked with unlawful removal of crab trap
contents and violating recreational gear requirements. Approximately four
and one-half dozen crabs were seized and returned to the water.
The penalty for illegal removal of crab trap contents is a fine of up to
$750, jail for not more than 90 days, or both, plus court costs. The penalty
for violating recreational gear requirements is a fine of $50, or jail for
not more than 15 days.
The agent involved in this case was Agent Jason Romero.
CHALMETTE MAN SENTENCED FOR DUCK HUNTING VIOLATIONS
On July 20, Troy L. Caron, 31, of Chalmette, appeared before U.S. Magistrate
Louis Moore in U.S. Magistrate Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana
in New Orleans and entered a plea of guilty to violating the Migratory Bird
Treaty Act. Caron was cited on January 17, after agents from the Louisiana
Department of Wildlife and Fisheries documented Caron violating the
Migratory Bird Treaty Act by placing bait for the purpose of hunting
migratory game birds, hunting ducks over bait, taking over the limit of
snipe, and wanton waste of migratory game birds.
Magistrate Moore accepted the guilty plea and sentenced Caron to pay a fine
of $850, plus a $45 special assessment fee. Caron was placed on active
probation for one year. As conditions of his probation, Caron's migratory
bird hunting privileges were revoked for one year and he was ordered to view
a video presentation on the harmful effects of poaching on waterfowl.
The case was the result of a joint operation initiated when state and
federal agents spotted a baited pond while conducting an aerial surveillance
for waterfowl in St. Bernard Parish. Subsequently, the baited pond was
documented and Caron was apprehended and cited.
Agents participating in the investigation from LDWF were Senior Agents Mike
Garrity, Roy Pier, and Gary Pierce. Agents from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service were Stephen Clark and Bill Mellore.
THREE TEXANS CITED FOR RED SNAPPER VIOLATIONS
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents
cited three Texas men on June 26th in the Gulf of Mexico for several red
snapper violations. The men were cited near High Island Block 129 off of
Cameron Parish for allegedly possessing over the limit of federally
controlled fish, possessing undersized federally controlled fish, failing to
keep federally controlled fish intact, and angling without non-resident
fishing licenses.
Feliciano B. Barrietos, 28, and Juan C. Diaz, 26, both of Channelview,
Texas, and Agustin S. Gonzales, 35, of Brownsville, Texas, were cited for
allegedly possessing 39 red snapper, all under the minimum size limit. The
three men did not have non-resident angling licenses, and had cleaned a
portion of the 39 red snapper. The minimum recreational size for red
snapper is 15 inches, and the daily limit is four per person. All fish must
be kept with head and caudal fin intact until placed on shore from a vessel.
The charges will be filed through the National Marine Fisheries Service and
the three men will appear in federal court in Lake Charles to answer to
these charges. The fish are being held for evidence at Rockefeller Refuge.
Agents participating in this case were Lieutenant Glenn Angelle, Sergeants
Ivan Vaughn and Edwin Broussard, Senior Agents Aaron Monceaux and Kane
Thomas, and Agent Donnie Leger.
BASS FISHERMEN BUSTED ON BODCAU W.M.A.
Two Webster Parish men, Michael Osborn, 38, of Dubberly, and Joseph Payne,
48, of Minden, were cited by Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
Enforcement Division agents on July 25 for allegedly taking over the limit
of game fish on Bodcau Bayou.
While checking the two fishermen, the agents found them to be in possession
of 20 black bass near a boat landing on Bodcau Wildlife Management Area near
Cotton Valley. Further searching yielded five additional bass hidden in a
compartment in the boat. The daily limit for black bass on Bodcau Bayou is
10 per person. The fish were seized and donated to charity.
Taking over the limit of game fish is punishable by a fine of up to $350,
jail not more than 60 days, or both, plus court costs.
CLOSED SEASON SQUIRREL HUNTER CITED
Glen M. Barnhill, 52, of Bossier City, was cited on July 21 for allegedly
hunting squirrels in closed season.
Barnhill was reported after he was seen shooting squirrels in a residential
area. Sgt. Roy Schufft of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and
Fisheries Enforcement Division arrived on the scene momentarily and
contacted Barnhill, who produced four squirrels he shot with a .22 caliber
rifle. Barnhill was issued a summons to appear in the 26th Judicial
District Court. The squirrels and rifle were seized as evidence.
Hunting squirrels during a closed season is punishable by a fine of up to
$500, jail for not more than 30 days, or both, plus court costs.
MAN CITED FOR DUMPING TRASH ON W.M.A.
Timothy C. Tynes, 53, of Cotton Valley was cited on July 25 for allegedly
dumping trash on Bodcau Wildlife Management Area.
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents
found several items leading to Tynes in a large trash pile off Wenk's
Landing Road and later contacted him at his residence and issued the
citation.
Littering is punishable by a fine of up to $500, plus court costs, and four
hours of community service. Agents participating in the case were Lt.
Richie McCarthy, Sgt. Mike Kelley, and Sgt. Kenny Balkom.
JOYRIDE TURNS SOUR FOR BOSSIER PARISH MEN
A Bossier Parish man was cited and another was arrested on July 22 for a
number of alleged violations on Bodcau Wildlife Management Area.
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Senior Agent
Jason Clinton stopped the two men in their vehicle on Tram Road in the WMA
and noticed the odor of marijuana. After a search of the vehicle was
conducted, a small bag of what the agents suspected to be marijuana was
found. One of the men identified as Thomas Knowles, 18, of Benton, placed
another small bag inside his mouth and fled, but was soon apprehended and
handcuffed.
The driver of the vehicle, Justin Holt, 18, also of Benton, was cited for
illegal possession of marijuana. Knowles was arrested and taken to the
Bossier Parish Jail where he was booked resisting an officer, illegal
possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and failure to
abide by rules and regulations on a WMA (no self-clearing permit).
Not abiding by rules and regulations on a WMA is punishable by a fine of up
to $350, jail not more than 60 days, or both, plus court costs. Resisting
an officer, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia
each carry a fine of not more than $500, jail for not more than 180 days, or
both, plus court costs.
COMMISSION PROPOSES PERMANENT RULE CHANGE FOR THE COMMERCIAL
HARVEST OF SPOTTED SEATROUT
The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission issued a notice of intent at
the July 1 meeting to modify the existing spotted seatrout rule. The intent
is to make permanent the modification of the season for the commercial
harvest of spotted seatrout that was approved under a declaration of
emergency at the November 2003 meeting.
The proposed rule establishes an annual commercial season for spotted
seatrout that begins on January 2 and remains open until sunset on July 31
of each year or until the quota is reached. It prohibits a person from
holding both a charter boat fishing guide license and a spotted seatrout
permit in the same license period and defines allowable commerce activities
regarding spotted seatrout during the closed and open season.
The rule modification was made necessary due to the passage of Act No. 1164
of the 2003 Legislative Regular Session.
Interested persons may submit comments relative to the proposed rule to:
Harry Blanchet, Marine Fisheries Division, Louisiana Department of Wildlife
and Fisheries, P.O. Box 98000, Baton Rouge, LA 70898-9000, prior to
Thursday, September 3, 2004.
L.D.W.F. LITTERING CITATIONS FOR MONTH OF JUNE
In an effort to maintain the beauty of the Sportsman's Paradise, Louisiana
Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited 39
people throughout the state for alleged littering violations during the
month of June. The names of the alleged violators, towns of residence and
parishes of the alleged violations are listed below.
Johnnie Howard Audleman, 54, of Mooringsport in Caddo Parish;
Jerome Blue, 25, of Lecompte in Rapides Parish;
Eric Tanzy Brown, 29, of Chataignier in Concordia Parish;
Eddie David Bruce Jr., 32, of Alexandria in Rapides Parish;
John Leander Bundrick, 18, of Shreveport in Natchitoches Parish;
Jonathan L. Carroll, 50, of Chalmette in St. Bernard Parish;
Joey L. Clark, 27, of Ville Platte in Concordia Parish;
Patrick Leroy Daigle, 39, of Sulphur in Allen Parish;
Aaron L. Daughtry Jr., 29, of Provencal in Natchitoches Parish;
Jacob Joseph Davis, 18, of Shreveport in Natchitoches Parish;
Markham Allen Dicksin II, 18, of Shreveport in Natchitoches Parish;
Joseph J. Dilorenzo Jr., 49, of Harahan in Livingston Parish;
Jessie L. Droddy, 49, of Glenmora in Allen Parish;
Freddie Dewayne Eastwood, 56, of Oakdale in Allen Parish;
Joseph Daniel Ferguson, 18, of Provencal in Natchitoches Parish;
Brian Alexander Flournoy, 18, of Shreveport in Natchitoches Parish;
William Michael Godeaux, 17, of Eunice in Acadia Parish;
Cody E. Griffith, 25, of Pineville in Concordia Parish;
Wallace Matthew Gritta, 32, of Leesville in Vernon Parish;
Brian Haney, 26, of Vicksburg in Madison Parish;
Randy P. Johnson, 34, of Ville Platte in Concordia Parish;
Dewey Lachney, 69, of Marksville in Avoyelles Parish;
Jay Matthew Lanclos, 21, of Arnaudville in Allen Parish;
Adam Benjamin Lillich, 18, of Shreveport in Natchitoches Parish;
James L. Loveless, 39, of Collinston in Caldwell Parish;
John Allen Morgan, 67, of Lake Charles in Calcasieu Parish;
Terry Moses, 43, of Kelly in Caldwell Parish;
David Lester Moudy, 48, of Elm Grove in Bienville Parish;
Travis Paul Prater, 21, of Mansura in Avoyelles Parish;
Mathew Logan Prine, 24, of Pioneer in West Carroll Parish;
Alden Kevin Prout, 27, of Boothville in Plaquemines Parish;
Roderick J. Roy, 41, of Crowley in Acadia Parish;
Jeffrey Billy Sepulvado, 21, of Zwolle in Sabine Parish;
Phillip P. Stelly, 38, of Opelousas in St. Landry Parish;
Michael Guy Taylor, 52, of Leesville in Allen Parish;
Dustin Todd Thiels, 19, of Woodworth in Rapides Parish;
David L. Turner, 40, of Oakdale in Allen Parish;
Henry Williams, 72, of Kenner in St. John Parish;
and Jackie Ray Williams, 44, of Lecompte in Rapides Parish.
2004 LOUISIANA FALL SHRIMP SEASON OPENS IN ZONE 2
The fall inshore shrimp season will open in Shrimp Management Zone 2 at
official sunrise Monday, August 2, 2004 and close on December 21, 2004 at
official sunset. The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission approved a
resolution on July 1, which authorized Louisiana Department of Wildlife and
Fisheries Secretary Dwight Landreneau to open and close the 2004 fall shrimp
season in inside waters provided technical and biological data indicate that
marketable shrimp, in sufficient quantities are available for harvest.
Season dates were approved by Secretary Landreneau based upon
recommendations developed by the Marine Fisheries Division staff.
Zone 2 includes Louisiana's inside waters from the eastern shore of South
Pass of the Mississippi River westward to the western shore of Vermilion Bay
and Southwest Pass at Marsh Island. Season dates for the fall inshore
shrimp season in Zones 1 and 3 will be considered by the Louisiana Wildlife
and Fisheries Commission at its Aug. 5 meeting scheduled for 10:00 am at the
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries building in Baton Rouge.
The commission also authorized the Secretary to change the closing dates of
the 2004 fall shrimp season if biological and technical data indicate the
need to do so or if enforcement problems develop and to close and reopen all
or parts of state outside waters if significant numbers of small white
shrimp are found in these waters.
THIBODAUX MAN ARRESTED FOR BOATING UNDER THE INFLUENCE
Agents from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement
Division arrested Rory J. Bellanger, 22, of Thibodaux, on July 4, for
allegedly operating a motorboat while intoxicated. He was booked into the
St. Charles Parish Correctional Center.
Agents were patrolling on Lake Salvador in St. Charles Parish when they
stopped Bellanger's vessel to perform a boating safety compliance check.
During the inspection, the agents noticed that Bellanger appeared to be
impaired. After performing poorly on several standardized field sobriety
tests, Bellanger was arrested and cited for driving a vessel while intoxicated.
The penalty for a first conviction of operating a motorboat while
intoxicated is a fine of not more than $1,000 and imprisonment for not more
than six months.
Agents participating in the case were Senior Agent Eddie Skena and Sergeant
Rachel Zechenelly.
LAKE MECHANT SEED GROUND COMPLAINTS RESULT IN 12 VIOLATIONS
On June 14, agents of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
Enforcement Division's Oyster Strike Force and Saltwater Enforcement Patrol
Unit cited 12 men for alleged oyster violations in Terrebonne Parish.
In response to numerous complaints of illegal activity in the newly formed
Lake Mechant seed ground, agents arrived before dawn and began watching the
area. They observed four vessels dredging for oysters in the closed seed
grounds. Those on board the boats were identified as Fidel Vega, 42; Tomas
Riva Vega, 19; Beto Delgado, 32; Miguel Macedo, 23; Reynaldo Ortiz, 50; Jose
Felix Cardenas Arredondo, 20; Javier Ramirez Hernandez, 23; Vincente
Cardenas Arredondo, 21; Juvenal Cardenas, 23; and Ramon Vega Mata, 29; all
from Houma; Abel Lara Enriquez, 28, from St. Bernard; and Guadalupe
Rodrigue-Vega, 28, from Houston, Texas.
The subjects were each cited for taking oysters during closed season.
Approximately 15 sacks of oysters were seized in connection with the
violations and returned to the water.
The penalty for taking oysters from a closed public seed ground is a fine of
not more than $350, jail for not more than 60 days, or both.
Agents participating in case were Lt. Stephen McManus, Sgt. Bryan Marie, and
Sr. Agt. Ronnie Granier.
HOUMA MAN CITED FOR CLOSED SEASON SHRIMPING
Dwain Bergeron, 38, of Houma, was cited on July 9 by Louisiana Department of
Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents for allegedly shrimping
during closed season and for operating a vessel without the required navigation lights.
Bergeron was spotted using two 16-foot by 10-foot skimmer nets to catch
shrimp in Bayou De West in Terrebonne Parish. This area lies in Shrimp
Management Zone 2, and was closed to shrimping at 6 a.m. on June 16.
Bergeron was cited for the offense and for operating a boat at night without
navigation lights. Fifty pounds of shrimp and bycatch held in the nets were
returned to the water. The two nets were seized and are being held as evidence.
If convicted of skimming in closed season, Bergeron faces fines of up to
$750, jail for not more than 120 days, or both, plus court costs.
Operating a vessel without running lights carries a fine of $50. If the fine is not
paid, the penalty may result in jail for not more than 15 days.
Agents involved in this case were Sergeant Ross Mire and Agent Jason Romero.
MORGAN CITY BOATER ARRESTED FOR DWI
Enforcement agents from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
arrested Lawrence A. Brooks, 38, of Morgan City on July 4 for allegedly
operating a vessel while intoxicated and for reckless operation of a watercraft
Agents allegedly saw Brooks drive his vessel past the Avoca Island Ferry
while the ferry was crossing the Intracoastal Waterway. Brooks did not heed
several warning signals from the ferry. The Avoca Island Ferry is a cable
operated ferry with heavy cables just beneath the surface of the water.
Other boat traffic must operate with extreme caution around the ferry. In
addition to the ferry's audible danger signals, warning signs are posted.
Brooks was stopped for the reckless operation violation and the agents
noticed signs of impairment. He was given field sobriety tests and arrested.
The penalty for first offense D.W.I. is a fine of up to $1,000 and
imprisonment for not more than six months. The penalty for reckless
operation of a watercraft is a fine of not more than $200, jail for not more
than 90 days, or both, plus court costs.
Agents involved in this case were Sergeant Ross Mire and Agent Jason
Romero.
THIBODAUX MAN CITED FOR ILLEGAL COMMERCIAL FISHING
On June 28, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement
Division Senior Agent Aaron Hastings cited Eugene Loupe Jr., 55, of
Thibodaux for allegedly possessing undersized catfish and for commercial
fishing without required licenses in St. John Parish.
Loupe was taking catfish using cans in Lake Des Allemands when he was
stopped for a compliance check. The agent found him in possession of 211
channel catfish. A total of 98, 46 percent of the fish, were under the
11-inch minimum size limit. State law currently allows no more than 10
percent of the entire catch of channel catfish to be under the legal size
limit. A license check revealed that Loupe was not a properly licensed
commercial fisherman.
He was cited for possessing undersized commercial finfish, taking commercial
fish without a commercial fisherman's license, and taking commercial fish
without a commercial gear license. The entire catch was seized and returned
to the water.
Taking undersized commercial fish, no commercial fishing license and no
commercial gear license are each punishable by fines of up to $500, jail for
not more than 90 days, or both, plus court costs.
DES ALLEMANDS FISHERMEN CITED FOR UNDERSIZED CATFISH
Two Des Allemands commercial fishermen were cited on June 21 for allegedly
taking undersized catfish in Lafourche Parish.
James E. Folse, 63, and Richard Folse, 39, were each cited for possession of
undersized commercial finfish after Louisiana Department of Wildlife and
Fisheries Enforcement Division Agent Joe Arnaud saw the two taking catfish
with hoop nets in Lake Des Allemands.
Upon checking the catch, Agt. Arnaud found the men in possession of 655
channel catfish. A total of 391 of the fish were under the 11-inch minimum
size limit. State law currently allows no more than 10 percent of the entire
catch of channel catfish to be under the legal size limit, and the
percentage in this case was over 59 percent undersized. The entire catch was
seized. The legal-sized catfish were sold to a local seafood dealer at
market value. The undersize catfish were donated to charity.
If convicted, the two face fines of up to $500, jail for not more than 90
days, or both, plus court costs.
THOUSANDS OF POUNDS OF CRABS ILLEGALLY PURCHASED AND UNREPORTED
On June 23, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement
agents cited Ricky Nguyen, 28, of Buras for allegedly failing to maintain
records, failing to report commercial fisheries data, and buying crabs from
unlicensed commercial fishermen.
The investigation began when agents were told "Capt. Dan and Sons Seafood,"
a licensed wholesale retail seafood dealer, was not completing required
commercial receipt forms when purchasing crabs from commercial fishermen.
During the investigation it was determined that, from January through May of
2004, approximately 18,906 pounds of whole crabs were not recorded or
reported as required to LDWF. Ricky Nguyen is the owner and manager of
"Capt. Dan and Sons Seafood."
The investigation also revealed Ricky Nguyen had made more than 50 purchases
from unlicensed commercial fishermen and attempted to hide the purchases in
a scheme of recordkeeping.
The penalties for the records violations are fines of up to $500, jail for
not more than 90 days, or both plus court costs. Purchasing crabs from
unlicensed fisherman caries a fine of up to $500 and jail for not more than
30 days for each count, in addition to license revocation for the period
issued and one year thereafter, plus forfeiture of anything seized.
Sergeant Jay Diez and Senior Agent Buck Hampton participated in the
investigation.
BOATERS CITED FOR CARELESS OPERATION ON FALSE RIVER
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents
cited five boaters for careless operation of a watercraft on July 4th on
False River in Pointe Coupee Parish.
Corey M. Spano, 25, of Baton Rouge, Michael D. Duplessis, 25, of Greenwell
Springs, and Courtney F. Couvillion, 25, Adam C. Wallace, 23 and Jack H.
Cameron, 51 all of Denham Springs, were each cited for alleged careless
operation of a watercraft.
The penalty for careless operation of a watercraft is a fine of up to $300,
jail for not more than 30 days, or both, plus court costs.
Agents participating in the cases were Sergeant Donald Vallet and Senior
Agent Cliff Ortis.
MAN CONVICTED FOR DAMAGING LEVEE
Tony Vaughn, 19, of Montegut, was found guilty on July 2 of intentionally
cutting an impoundment containment levee to gain access into a restricted
reservoir on the Pointe-aux-Chenes Wildlife Management Area. The ruling
was issued by Judge Randy J. Bethancourt, of the 32nd Judicial District Court
for Terrebonne Parish in Houma. This levee is considered to be one of the
"First Line of Defense" protections against tidal surges created during hurricanes.
Judge Bethancourt deferred sentencing until late September and released
Vaughn on bond. The crime of damaging or destroying a public levee carries a
maximum fine of $5,000 or imprisonment at hard labor for up to ten years.
The conviction stems from an incident occurring on or about Christmas
weekend in 2003, when Vaughn and an unnamed juvenile dug a trench
across the containment levee. This created a breech, which enlarged due to erosion
by current flow and vessel passage, and provided easy access into the
impoundment, located north of Montegut in Terrebonne Parish. The purpose of
creating the break was to allow Vaughn access into the impoundment by boat,
in order to conduct illegal crabbing operations.
Agents conducted an investigation, and several persons were cited for using
this breech to illegally crab and operate boats in the impoundment. The
investigation eventually revealed that Vaughn had cut the levee, and he was
arrested on February 6.
Enforcement agents participating in the case are Lieutenant Glen Gremillion,
Sergeants Mark Benton Stephen McManus and Brian Marie, Senior Agents Jim
Matkin, Billy Shoemaker, Jordan Bayham, and George Robinson, and Agents Ray
Thomas and Ronny Robbins.
L.D.W.F. BUST SHRIMP SCAM
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents
arrested Timothy Patrick Trahan, 23, of Crowley on June 23 for an alleged
violation of theft by fraud. An investigation was initiated after agents
received complaints of two people fraudulently selling shrimp to individuals
by delivering smaller amounts in weight than agreed upon in the sale.
As part of the undercover investigation, two shrimp salesmen arrived at a
residence in Covington with what Timothy Trahan claimed to be 290 pounds of
shrimp. A price of $4.20 per pound was agreed upon and Trahan weighed the
shrimp on his scale completed the $1218 transaction. After the sale was
completed buyers involved identified themselves as wildlife enforcement
agents. The shrimp were accurately weighed for a total weight of
approximately 162 pounds, a difference of approximately 128 pounds.
Trahan was allegedly over charging the purchasers by $537.60.
Trahan was booked into St. Tammany Parish Prison for theft by fraud. For
amounts over $500, theft by fraud is punishable by imprisonment with or
without hard labor for not more than ten years, fines of not more than three
thousand dollars, or both.
Agent Joel Cromp and an unidentified covert agent participated in the
investigation.
PAIR RESCUED FROM HENDERSON BAY
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents
rescued a Breaux Bridge man and his nephew after a near fatal jet ski
incident on July 3 in St. Martin Parish.
John Chaisson, 47 and his nephew, Gage Landry, both of Breaux Bridge were
enjoying the Fourth of July festivities on Henderson Bay when Gage and a jet
ski he was operating were caught by strong currents against a pontoon bridge
after the engine stalled. Cables under the bridge entangled the jet ski and
Chaisson swam out to help. The strong current prevented him from freeing the
boy, and Chaisson soon became exhausted from fighting the swift current.
When agents arrived, they saw Chaisson in the water clinging to the bridge
and the jet ski. On their third attempt, they were able to maneuver their
patrol boat into a position to rescue both, despite the extremely hazardous
conditions. The agents were also able to recover the personal watercraft.
Agents participating in the rescue were Lieutenant Darryl Moore and Senior
Agent Brian Theriot.
IOTA MAN CITED FOR DAMAGING FOOD PLOT ON SHERBURNE W.M.A.
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents
cited Randall J. Bertrand, 22, of Iota, for allegedly violating rules and
regulations on a wildlife management area in Pointe Coupee Parish.
Bertrand allegedly drove his vehicle off of a designated road and through a
wildlife food plot on the Sherburne Wildlife Management Area complex.
This area was planted for dove habitat and public hunting opportunities.
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 cost.
Agents participating in the case are Sergeant Brad Garon and Senior Agent
Cliff Ortis.
SHRIMPERS PLACED ON PROBATION FOR RECORDS VIOLATIONS
Forty-two commercial shrimp fishermen have been placed on one year of
probation in Vermilion Parish due to violations of failing to maintain
records of transactions. These violations involve a total of 386 counts of
failing to maintain proper records of shrimp sales in 2002 and 2003.
Those placed on probation were Nhuan V. Bai, 60; Tam V. Nguyen, 42;
Toan V. Nguyen, 50; Thuong V. Nguyen, 40; Kent Vo, 47; Cooly D. Nguyen, 46;
Thanh Q. Ho, 44; Mack V. Huynh, 64; Hai V. Nguyen, 48; Hoang Lam, 43;
Thinh V. Pham, 47; Tai T. Mai, 44; Billy V. Cao, 43; Denny V. Pham, 46;
Timmy Troung, 44; Tom Vo, 38; Luc T. Ho, 40; Dung Lam, 42; and Joseph M.
Nguyen, 59. The offenders are from Erath, Abbeville, Kaplan, Lafayette, and
New Orleans.
The probation was the result of an agreement with the district attorney in
which the subjects were placed on probation for one year, and will attend a
class given by enforcement agents from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife
and Fisheries to learn about proper procedures for completing trip tickets.
Trip tickets, which document information about commercial seafood landings,
are a critical component in LDWF's program to track the amount of seafood
landed in Louisiana.
The investigation of this case involved reviewing boxes of records from 2002
and 2003 from Vermilion Gulf Seafood in Intracoastal City, which is owned by
Chau Quoc (Chucky) Nguyen. Agents seized records and reviewed them for
compliance with records laws. Records must be kept for a period of three
years before being destroyed. Numerous violations of the record keeping
requirements were discovered.
Nguyen faces three counts of buying commercial fish from unlicensed
fishermen and 45 counts of failing to maintain records. The above counts
have resulted in recommended fines totaling $20,000. This case is pending
final adjudication.
Agents participating in the investigation were Lieutenant Glenn Angelle,
Sergeants Robert Buatt, and Edwin Broussard, Senior Agents Kane Thomas,
Aaron Monceaux, and Kirby Henry, and Agent Donnie Leger.
RED SNAPPER SMUGGLING DISCOVERED
While working under a Joint Enforcement Agreement (JEA) with the National
Marine Fisheries Service, agents from the Special Investigations Unit of the
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division
initiated charges on Qui Van Tran, 26, of Cameron, for allegedly taking over
the limit of cobia and violating federal law by taking red snapper without a
required federal permit and taking red snapper in closed season.
On July 2, agents boarded the fishing vessel Richard II at Cameron Fish
House in Cameron. Upon inspection of the vessel, agents discovered a hidden
compartment used to allegedly smuggle red snapper. The compartment was
found to contain 11 cobia weighing 228 pounds and 1,343 pounds of red
snapper. It was determined through interviews with the captain and crew that a
four-member crew was on board during the fishing trip. Louisiana law allows
the sale of two cobia per licensed commercial fisherman aboard a commercial
vessel. Upon further investigation it was discovered the vessel had no valid
class 1 red snapper permit allowing the captain to catch and sell red
snapper. It was also determined that the captain had started fishing prior
to the opening of the July red snapper season.
The penalty for over the limit of cobia is a fine of up to $350, jail for
not more than 60 days, or both plus court costs. Penalties for taking red
snapper without a federal permit, a violation of the Magnusson Stevens Act,
are fines of up to $120,000 per day per count.
Agents participating in the case were Sgt. Jay Diez and Sr. Agent Billy Gomillion.
BOATER CITED FOR CARELESS OPERATION ON OUACHITA RIVER
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement agents cited John
C. Turner, 44, of Monroe on July 3 for alleged careless operation of a
motorboat. Enforcement agents patrolling the water were conducting a
boating safety check on a vessel in the Ouachita River near Monroe, when
Turner drove his boat at high speed in a near-miss pass of the other two
boats.
Boating regulations for Louisiana waters require vessels approaching or
passing other vessels to be operated in such a manner and at such a rate of
speed so as not to create a hazardous wash or wake. The penalty for
careless operation is a fine of not more than $500, jail for not more than
30 days, or both, plus court costs.
Agents participating in the case were Senior Agents Darren Bruce and James
Hagan.
NEW LAW TO PROHIBIT THE FEEDING OF BEARS
One act of this past legislative session was to pass a bill that will outlaw
the feeding of wild bears. Maria Davidson, senior field biologist for the
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, helped draft the bill and is
optimistic that it will help the department's efforts to restore Louisiana's
bear population.
"Prohibiting bear feeding will allow us to fulfill our mission of managing
this wildlife resource responsibly by protecting bears as well as the
public," said Davidson.
Act. No. 164 reads, "No person shall intentionally feed or attempt to feed a
wild bear. The provisions of this Section shall not prohibit legal baiting
of deer. The first violation of this Section by any person shall result in
the issuance of a warning ticket only. Any subsequent violation by the same
person shall be a class two violation. The Wildlife and Fisheries
Commission is authorized to promulgate, under the Administrative Procedure
Act, rules and regulations for the administration and enforcement of this
Section."
Louisiana Black Bears are normally secretive and shy around people, but they
will lose their fear of humans once they begin to associate them with food.
The majority of bear complaints that LDWF receives stem from purposeful or
incidental bear feeding. While no complaints have been made regarding bears
being aggressive toward humans, the bear population is increasing and people
are moving into areas inhabited by the bears.
"It is imperative that we be proactive to avoid conditioning bears to human
foods and the negative repercussions that follow," said Davidson.
TWO MEN CITED FOR BLACK DRUM VIOLATIONS On June 5, Hershal E. Kysar, 55, and Terry Dawsey, 32, both of Denham Springs, were cited in Terrebonne Parish for allegedly possessing over the limit of black drum and possessing over the limit of black drum in excess of 27 inches.
While performing a boating safety compliance inspection, enforcement agents from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries found Kyser and Dawsy in possession of the illegal fish. The men had a total of 13 black drum, three of which exceeded 27 inches. The limit for black drum is five per person, only one of which may exceed 27 inches. The fish were seized and donated.
Possession of over the limit of black drum and possession of over the limit of black drum in excess of 27 inches are both punishable by a fine of $150 to $350, jail for not more than 60 days, or both, plus court costs.
Agents participating in the case were Senior Agent Chad Hebert and Agent Joe Arnaud.
AMELIA WOMAN CITED FOR POSSESSING LIVE ALLIGATOR On June 23, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited Betty Davis, 43, of Amelia for allegedly possessing a live alligator without a permit.
The citation stemmed from a citizen complaint reporting Davis was keeping a live alligator at her residence in Amelia in St. Mary Parish. Upon investigating the complaint, agents found the alligator in an aquarium inside Davis' home. Agents seized the alligator and later released it to the wild.
If convicted of possession of a live alligator without a permit, Davis faces fines of $250 to $500, jail for not more than 90 days, or both, plus court costs.
Agents involved in this case were Lt. Leslie Rulf, and Agent Winston Michel.
DULAC MAN CITED FOR ILLEGAL ALLIGATOR On June 27, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited a Terrebonne Parish man for allegedly shooting an alligator.
Lloyd Denning, 52, of Dulac was cited after agents received a complaint that he had shot an alligator near his camp on Caminada Street in Terrebonne Parish. When agents arrived at the camp, they found Denning with the seven and one-half foot alligator on his wharf. Denning was issued a citation for taking an alligator during closed season.
If convicted, he faces fines of $450 to $750, jail for not more than 120 days, or both, plus court costs. In addition to the criminal citation, Denning was issued a civil restitution citation for the value of the alligator. Restitution values for alligators are $35 per foot for the hide, and $2.21 per pound for the meat.
Agents participating in the case were Sergeant Chuck Comeaux, and Senior Agents Max Dupre and Richard Purvis.
AVOYELLES PARISH MEN SENTENCED IN NIGHT HUNTING CASE On June 24, Tyler J. Edwards, 24, and Brian D. Winstead, 24, both of Marksville, were sentenced after entering pleas of guilty to recent night hunting violations. In the early morning hours of January 14 the men were apprehended by Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents responding to reported night hunting. The men were found in the Brouillette area of Avoyelles Parish. They were shining a spotlight into fields and had a loaded rifle in their truck. They were each cited for hunting deer during illegal hours and hunting from a moving vehicle.
Twelfth Judicial District Court Judge Mark Jeansonne accepted the guilty pleas in the Avoyelles Parish Court House in Marksville and sentenced Edwards and Winstead to each pay a fine of $500, plus $300 for the cost of prosecution, for the count of hunting deer illegal hours. Each man must also pay $100 into the Indigent Defender Fund, $122 in court costs, and $5 to the Wildlife Fund. For the charge of hunting from a moving vehicle Edwards and Winstead were each fined $250, plus $100 for cost of prosecution. In addition they must pay $100 into the Indigent Defender Fund and $122 in court costs. Total fines and penalties for each man was $1599.
The case was prosecuted by 12th District Attorney Charles Riddle, III.
Wildlife enforcement agents participating in the case were Sgt. Russell Dauzat and Senior Agent Jay Callegari.
RAPIDES PARISH MEN SENTENCED FOR GAME FISH VIOLATIONS On June 24, Marvin F. Carter Jr., 37, and Edgar H. Laprairie Jr., 49, both of Deville were sentenced after entering pleas of guilty to recent game fish violations. On the evening of March 10 the men were apprehended after Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents watched them take 200 crappie from two hoop nets illegally set with leads in Nolan's Bayou. The illegal nets were under surveillance and Carter and Laprairie were arrested after loading the nets and fish into their boat. Each man was cited for taking over the limit of freshwater game fish, taking game fish illegally and using lead nets illegally. In addition, Carter was cited for a violation of probation of license revocation.
Twelfth Judicial District Court Judge Mark Jeansonne accepted the guilty plea in the Avoyelles Parish Court House in Marksville and sentenced Carter and Laprairie to each pay fines of $200, plus $75 for the cost of prosecution, for each count of taking game fish illegally and using lead nets illegally. They were both placed on supervised probation for 36 months with a monthly probation fee of $20 and must pay $122 in court costs.
For the charge of taking over the limit of game fish each man was fined $150, ordered to pay $500 into the Victims Assistance Fund and $50 for the cost of prosecution. They must pay $394 in civil restitution to LDWF for the value of the crappie. Carter was also fined $100 plus $25 for the cost of prosecution for the charge of violation of probation of license revocation. The total fines and penalties for Carter was $2611, and $2486 for Laprairie. In an additional term of probation each man is prohibited from any boating activity for a period of one year.
The case was prosecuted by 12th Judicial District Attorney Charles Riddle III.
Wildlife enforcement agents participating in the case were Capt. Peter Oliver, Lt. Tommy Walker, Sgts. Marcus Constance and Mike Bonner and Senior Agents Kevin Hill, Jay Callegari and Rick Markway.
COMMISSION RATIFIES HUNTING SEASON DATES AND REGULATIONS The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission voted unanimously at their July 1 meeting to ratify the proposed hunting season dates, limits and regulations. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries brought the original notice of intent to the commission in March. The commission over the last three months adjusted the notice, and the amended notice was ratified and will be enforced by the department for the upcoming season.
Before the final vote for ratification, the commission acted to extend most of the seasons by adding days to the closing dates. The commission noted that they wanted to offer the hunting public more opportunities to participate.
The area dates ratified by the commission are as follows:
Area 1: Archery,
Oct. 1-Jan. 31; Muzzleloader, Nov. 13-19 and Jan. 24-30;
Area 2: Archery,
Oct. 1-Jan. 31; Muzzleloader, Oct. 23-29 and Jan. 17-23;
Area 3: Archery,
Sept. 18-Jan. 15; Muzzleloader, Oct. 9-15 and Nov. 29-Dec. 3;
Area 4: Archery,
Oct. 1-Jan. 31; Muzzleloader, Nov. 6-12 and Jan. 10-19;
Area 5: Archery,
Oct. 1-Jan. 31; Muzzleloader, Nov. 13-19 and Dec. 27-Jan. 2 Bucks only;
Area 6: Archery, Oct. 16-Feb. 15 North of Hwy. 90 and Oct. 1-Jan. 31 South of Hwy. 90; Muzzleloader, Oct. 30-Nov. 5 and Jan. 24-31; Still Hunt, Nov. 6-Dec. 10; With or Without Dogs, Dec. 11-Jan. 23 Area 7: Archery, Oct. 1-Jan. 31; Muzzleloader, Oct. 9-15 and Nov. 6-12; Still Hunt, Oct. 16-Nov. 5 and Nov. 13-Nov. 28; With or Without Dogs, Nov. 29-Jan. 2 Area 8: Archery, Sept. 18-Jan. 15, Muzzleloader, Oct. 9-15 and Nov. 29-Dec. 3; Still Hunt, Oct. 16-Nov. 28; With or Without Dogs, Dec. 4-Jan. 9
The dates for the individual LDWF wildlife management areas and the Kisatchie National Forest, which may differ from the above list, were also ratified by the commission.
The commission also addressed migratory bird seasons. Early Season Migratory Bird (doves, teal, rail, gallinule, snipe and woodcock) hunting season frameworks were provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the commission adopted dates within the frameworks.
The dates are: Mourning doves and Eurasian collared and ringed turtle doves, September 4-6, October 16-November 28 and December 18-January 9; Woodcock, December 18-January 31; Teal, September 18-26; King and Clapper Rails, September 18-26; Sora and Virginia Rails, September 18-26; and Gallinules, September 18-26. The dates for snipe hunting will be set in conjunction with the waterfowl hunting season dates at a later time.
A complete list of hunting season dates, limits and regulations will be published by the department and made available to the public in the coming weeks. This information will be available at LDWF offices, license vendors and on-line at the department website. The public will be notified when the documents are available.
L.W.F.C. PLACES MORATORIUM ON
COMMERCIAL TAKE OF ALLIGATOR The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission voted unanimously at their July 1 meeting to accept a notice of intent to place a moratorium of the commercial taking of alligator snapping turtles. This notice was brought before the commission as a response to Louisiana Senate Resolution No. 49, which instructed the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to promulgate rules and regulations to enact the moratorium.
The notice, which will be open for public comment for 120 days, stipulates that the commercial take of alligator snapping turtles will be prohibited. It also says that no person shall possess an alligator snapping turtle taken with commercial gear. Violators of this rule will be fined between $25 and $100, or imprisoned for not less than 30 days, or both.
The recreational take of these turtles was also addressed by an amendment to the resolution. If passed, the daily limit will be one per day per vehicle.
COMMISSION SETS ALLIGATOR AND TRAPPING SEASONS The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission accepted two declarations of emergency to set the upcoming alligator and trapping seasons at their July 1 meeting. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries presented its recommendations to the commission for the seasons, and the commission voted unanimously to accept the recommendations.
The 2004 Wild Alligator Harvest Season was set to open at sunrise on September 1 and to close at sunset on September 30. The LDWF Secretary was also given authority to delay, extend, close or reopen the season based on technical data or if enforcement problems develop.
The 2004-2005 Fur Harvest Season was set to open statewide on November 20, 2004. The season will close statewide on March 31, 2005. The secretary was also given authority to extend or shorten this season, if necessary, as well. |