LWAA

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited two Gretna men for allegedly taking over the daily limit and undersized red snapper on June 6.

Agents contacted Ngoc Van Hoang, 40, and Lien Hoang, 72, 20 miles offshore and performed a federal fish inspection while on a Joint Enforcement Agreement patrol in the Gulf of Mexico. During the inspection, agents found them to be in possession of 153 red snapper. The daily limit of red snapper is two fish per person placing them 149 fish over their daily limit. Also, 84 of the red snapper were under the legal size limit of 16 inches. In addition to the red snapper, they were also in possession of one undersize scamp grouper.

Both men were issued federal citations for violating federal reef fish regulations for taking over the limit of red snapper and taking undersized red snapper. Lien Hoang was additionally issued a federal citation for taking an undersized scamp grouper. All of the fish were seized by investigating agents.

This case will be forwarded to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for review. All penalties in regard to this matter will be determined by the NMFS and the U.S. Attorney’s office.

Agents participating in the case were Sgt. Adam Young and Senior Agent Doug Danna.

SIX CITED FOR OYSTER THEFT IN TERREBONNE PARISH

A Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division agent cited six men for alleged oyster violations in Terrebonne Parish on June 4.

Responding to a complaint, an agent assigned to the Oyster Strike Force found two vessels dredging oysters from a private lease without the lease owner's permission while on oyster-growing-area patrol in Bay Long.

The men were identified as Raunel Palencia, 32, Jose Luis Palencia, 37, Antonio Carbajal Bruno, 21, Lazaro Aviles Carbajal, 37, Javier Mendiz, 24, and Juan Moreno Negrete, 43, all from Houma.

The agent cited the men for unlawfully taking oysters from a private lease and failure to have written permission to dredge for oysters from a private lease.

A total of 40 sacks of oysters were seized. The boats and dredges were placed 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 $900, or jail time up to 120 days, or both plus court costs.

Any person convicted of 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 identify for the department which vessel he will be using to harvest oysters.

The agent participating in the case was Sgt. Bryan Marie.

GRETNA RESTAURANT CITED FOR PURCHASING GAME FISH

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF)Enforcement Division agents cited the owners of the Hoa Hung Nine Roses restaurant in Gretna on June 4 for allegedly buying illegal game fish.

Jeff Nguyen, 45, and Anna Nguyen, 41, the owners of Hoa Hung Nine Roses restaurant located on Stephens Street, were cited for purchasing speckled trout and red snapper from undercover agents assigned to the LDWF Special Operations Unit.

The investigation was launched after agents received complaints of the restaurant illegally purchasing game fish species. Undercover agents conducted an operation in which they posed as recreational fisherman attempting to sell their catch.

Restaurants, seafood dealers and fisherman who engage in illegal transactions mostly deal in cash, which makes the transactions difficult to track. Since trip tickets and receipts are not used, the fishery cannot be properly managed and tax revenue is lost.

The Nguyens were cited with two counts of restaurants buying fish from other than a wholesale retail seafood dealer, one count of buying spotted sea trout (speckled trout) from unpermitted fishermen and one count of violating the commission rules and regulations of buying or selling red snapper without a red snapper permit.

The penalty for purchasing and or selling game fish includes fines ranging between $350 and $500 and jail time for 30 days, license revocation, and forfeiture of anything seized plus court costs.

NINE MEN CITED IN ST BERNARD PARISH FOR HARVESTING OYSTERS FROM A PROHIBITED AREA

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division agents assigned to the Oyster Strike Force cited nine men on June 1 for alleged oyster violations in Lake Borgne in St. Bernard Parish.

Lawrence Nicosia Jr., 45, from Violet; Hugh P. Pentney Jr. 43, from St. Bernard; Dustin J. Robin, 22, Jose Alonso Ramos, 42, and Oscar Orlando Serrano, 19, all from Meraux; Mario Rivas, 43, from Houston, Texas; Abelardo Carbajal Jr., 27, and Diogenes Hereeia, 30, from Theriot; and Alejandro Lopez Domingues, 38, from Naples, Florida were cited for taking oysters from unleased state water bottoms.

While on patrol in lower St. Bernard Parish, agents saw the vessels Miss Carol, Lil Saint Nick, and Miss Sanita 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 locations before boarding the vessels. The locations were proven to be on unleased state water bottoms, where oyster harvesting is illegal.

Agents seized and returned 70 sacks of oysters to the water bottom. The vessel and dredges were placed under the department’s seizure order pending the court case.

The penalty for unlawfully taking oysters from state water bottoms is a fine up to $950, imprisonment for up to 120 days, or both plus courts costs. Any person convicted of this violation 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 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 Mike Garrity.

LINCOLN PARISH MAN CITED FOR DEER AND TURKEY VIOLATIONS

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited a Lincoln Parish man for multiple deer and turkey violations on May 14.

Jarred K. Rozelle, 24, of Ruston, was cited after agents received a complaint that he had taken over the limit of wild turkeys during the 2009 spring turkey season. Agents had previously cited Rozelle on April 11 after they discovered an untagged wild turkey in the back of his truck. Shortly after issuing the citation, agents found that Rozelle had allegedly taken more than the season limit of two turkeys and had a substantial amount of evidence at his residence.

Agents obtained a search warrant and during the search located evidence of more than two turkeys. Upon questioning, Rozelle confessed to killing three turkeys during the season and not tagging or validating any of them. Agents also located deer meat in the freezer from the 2008/09 season. Rozelle admitted to killing three deer and only tagging one and not validating any.

Rozelle was cited for taking over the limit of turkey, failure to tag turkey, failure to validate turkey, failure to validate deer (three counts) and failure to comply with deer tagging requirements (two counts).

Agents seized three turkey tail fans, three turkey breasts, three sets of turkey feet and one turkey beard in the case.

The penalty for taking over the limit of turkey is a fine from $250 to $500, or jail time up to 90 days, or both plus court costs for each offense. Failure to tag turkey, failure to tag deer, failure to validate deer and failure to validate turkey are each punishable by a fine from $100 to $350, or jail time up to 60 days or both plus court costs.

Agents participating in the case were Sgt. Thomas Risser, Sgt. Lane Kincaid, Senior Agent Stan House and Agent Joe Gouedy

NIGHT HUNTER SENTENCED IN ASCENSION PARISH

The 23rd Judicial District Court sentenced a St. Amant man on May 27, 2009 in Ascension Parish for illegal night hunting activity.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division Senior Agent Randy Lanoux cited Andrew Paul Griffin, 35, of St. Amant, for hunting violations that occurred at 3:45 a.m., on Dec. 11, 2008 in the St. Amant area of Ascension Parish.

Griffin pled guilty to hunting deer during illegal hours, hunting deer from a public road and hunting from a moving vehicle. Judge Marilyn Lambert ordered Griffin to pay a total of $1,659.50 in fines and court costs and to serve 90 days in jail. The jail sentence was suspended.

Ascension Parish Deputies Chris Williams and Jason Johnson assisted in the case.

IBERIA MAN CONVICTED OF DOVE BAITING IN IBERIA PARISH

An Iberia Parish man was convicted of numerous migratory game bird violations on May 13, 2009 in Federal Court in Lafayette before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mildred Methvin.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division agents charged Kevin Gousilin, 39, in October of 2007 for placing bait to take migratory game birds, hunting migratory game birds over a baited area and possession of 19 illegally taken doves.

Gousilin was sentenced to pay a $1,000 fine for placing bait to take migratory game birds, a $1,000 fine for hunting migratory game birds over a baited area and a $1,900 fine for 19 illegally taken birds killed that day. Gousilin was placed on probation for one year and also lost his hunting privileges for one year. He is prohibited from hunting anywhere in the world during the term of probation.

LDWF agents participating in the case were Sgt. Mitchell Darby and Senior Agent David Boudreaux.

BURAS RESIDENT CITED FOR USING ILLEGAL SKIMMER FRAMES IN JEFFERSON PARISH

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited a Plaquemines Parish resident for alleged commercial fishing violations in Jefferson Parish on May 11.

Agents were conducting license and gear compliance inspections in Barataria Bay on opening day of the Zone 2 shrimp season when they encountered the commercial fishing vessel, LINCOLN. The agents boarded the vessel and determined that Nghiep Van Do, 51, of Buras, using oversized skimmer frames. Louisiana Law stipulates the maximum size limit of a skimmer frame to be 16 feet horizontal and 12 feet vertical.

The penalty for using oversized skimmer frames is a fine ranging between $400 and $900, imprisonment for up to 120, or both plus court costs. The penalty also stipulates that upon conviction, anything seized in connection with the violation is subject to forfeiture.

Agents seized a total of 4,421 pounds of shrimp and the illegal skimmer frames in connection with the investigation.

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

AGENTS RESCUE BOATER ON LAKE MAUREPAS

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division Agents rescued a Livingston man shortly after 11 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13 in Lake Maurepas.

Jason Derek Buchanan, 38, stated to agents that he launched his 17-foot boat at Carthage Bluff on the Amite River earlier in the day and crossed Lake Maurepas to the Tickfaw River to fish. Buchanan told agents that weather conditions degraded and his boat began to sink in high waters as he tried to cross the lake at approximately 4 p.m.

Sgt. Toby Miller and Senior Agent Buck Hampton both received calls around 9:30 p.m. from family members and concerned citizens when Buchanan failed to return home from his trip.

The agents began searching and found Buchanan wearing a personal flotation device (PFD) shortly after 11 p.m. Agents immediately transported Buchanan to the Tickfaw Marina to be taken by ambulance to North Oaks Hospital where he was treated for hypothermia and shock and released the next morning.

"This was outstanding work done by Sgt. Miller and Senior Agent Hampton. They did exactly as they were trained as first responders and helped save this man's life," said LDWF Enforcement Division Col. Winton Vidrine. "I would also like to add that the boater in distress really helped his chances of survival by simply wearing a life jacket."

LDWF Enforcement Division Capt. Len Yokum stated that Buchanan treaded water for seven hours with the aid of his life vest. In Louisiana, 74 percent of all recreational boating fatalities result from failure to wear a PFD, commonly known as life vests or life jackets.

UNDERCOVER OPERATION NETS CHAUVIN MAN

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited a Chauvin man for allegedly operating as a charter fishing guide illegally in lower Terrebonne Parish.

Undercover agents allegedly observed Lucius Thibodeaux, 64, acting as a guide on fishing trips in exchange for money without being properly licensed. In order to operate as a charter guide the law requires a charter license. Thibodeaux also allegedly attempted to evade being cited by requesting his customers tell enforcement agents they were fishing with him as friends.

Thibodeaux was cited for failing to comply with charter regulations (no charter license), obstruction of justice and angling without a license. Agents seized 84 spotted sea trout in connection with the case.

For failing to comply with charter boat regulations, Thibodeaux could be fined between $400 to $950, or serve jail time up to 120 days, or both plus court costs and forfeiture of anything seized. For obstruction of justice, Thibodeaux could be fined up to $10,000, and imprisoned for up to five years or both. Fishing without a license carries a $50 fine or up to 15 days in jail.

Uniformed agents involved in the case were Sgt. Davis Madere and Senior Agent Dean Aucoin.

HOUMA MAN CITED FOR ALLEGED OYSTER HARVEST VIOLATIONS

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited a Houma man in Terrebonne Parish for oyster violations on May 5.

Agents cited Jesus Zarraga, 55, of Houma, for allegedly not abiding by rules and regulations associated with a vessel monitoring system (VMS) and violating sanitary code.

The VMS violation stems from a mandate placed on Jesus Zarraga during a recent sentencing in Plaquemines Parish. Zarraga was currently under court order to employ a VMS on any vessel he used during harvesting oysters for one year. Zarraga also failed to correctly document the refrigeration times on his log sheets and neglected to tag oysters that were transferred from his vessel.

Agents seized and returned 50 sacks of oysters to the water.

The penalty for not abiding by rules and regulations (VMS violation) is a fine up to $350, imprisonment for up to 60 days, or both plus courts costs. In addition, any person required to be on board a vessel with an approved VMS who is found harvesting oysters from a vessel not equipped with a VMS shall have his harvester's license suspended for the remainder of the license year in which he was convicted of the violation of the VMS requirement, and he shall not be eligible for a harvester's license for the following year.

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

Agents participating in the investigation were Sgt. Bryan Marie and Sgt. Richard Purvis.

AGENTS CITE TWO MEN FOR SHRIMPING VIOLATIONS IN PLAQUEMINES PARISH

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited two men on May 7 for alleged commercial fishing violations in Plaquemines Parish.

Casey J. Russell, 25, of New Orleans, was cited for using skimmer nets during a closed season and improper running lights. Brad C. Bertoniere, 28, of Metairie, was also cited for using skimmer nets during a close season.

Agents were on patrol in Plaquemines Parish responding to closed season shrimping reports. At approximately 9:30 p.m., agents found a large vessel without running lights actively skimming for shrimp in Black Bay. Agents boarded the vessel and informed the captain that he was in violation of Louisiana law.

The penalty for using skimmer nets during a closed season is a fine between $400 to $950, or jail time up to 120 days, or both plus court costs. The penalty for improper running lights is a fine of $50, or jail time up to 15 days or both.

Agents seized approximately 100 pounds of shrimp, the 35-foot commercial fishing vessel and two skimmer nets. The shrimp were sold in accordance with department policy and the disposition of the vessel and nets will be determined by the Plaquemines Parish District Attorney’s office.

Agents participating in the case were Sgt. Kris Bourgeois, Senior Agent Jason Gernados, Senior Agent Tim Fox, and Senior Agent Keith Francis.

L.D.W.F. OYSTER STRIKE FORCE AGENTS CITE THREE SUBJECTS FOR OYSTER THEFT IN ST BERNARD PARISH

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

While on oyster-growing-area patrol in Lake of the Second Trees, agents assigned to the Oyster Strike Force found a vessel being used to dredge oysters from a private lease without the lease owner's permission.

The men were identified as Christopher Battle, 34, Dustin Robin, 22, and Brad Assavedo, 20, all from St. Bernard. The three men were cited for unlawfully taking oysters from a private lease and failure to have written permission.

Agents seized 65 sacks of oysters in connection with the violations and returned them to the water. The vessel and dredges were seized on a department seizure order.

Agents participating in the case were Sgt. Bryan Marie, Senior Agents Mike Garrity and Roy Pier.

FARMERVILLE MAN BOOKED FOR CONTEST FRAUD IN BIG BUCK CONTEST

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division agents booked a Farmerville man into the Ouachita Parish Correctional Center for felony contest fraud on March 18.

Powell was charged as a result of a lengthy investigation of alleged illegal night hunting and the subsequent entry of an illegally taken buck into the Simmons Sporting Goods Big Buck Contest in Bastrop and Tyner-Petrus Outdoors Big Buck contest in Monroe.

LDWF began investigating the case in October 2009 after learning that Powell allegedly killed a 12-point buck on the night of Oct. 19 at his residence in Union Parish. After being arrested on contest fraud Powell was also cited for taking deer during illegal hours and for hunting deer with illegal methods.

Committing contest fraud means to willfully and unlawfully enter a hunting or fishing contest with the intent to defraud or knowingly make false representation in an effort to win any prize awarded with a value of more than $100.

The penalty for contest fraud is a fine up to $3,000, up to one year in prison or both.
The penalty for hunting deer during illegal hours is a fine between $900 to $950, or jail time up to 120 days, or both plus court costs. Hunting deer with illegal methods is punishable by a fine between $250 and $500, or jail time up to 90 days, or both plus court costs.

Powell's bond on the contest fraud was set at $1,500 and he is scheduled for arraignment in Fourth Judicial District Court in Monroe on April 20. His arraignment for the illegal hunting violations is scheduled for May 13 in Third Judicial District Court in Farmerville.

During the investigation, LDWF agents served search warrants and obtained subpoenas used to obtain evidence documenting the investigation. The antlers entered into the contest earned a gross score of 171 Boone and Crockett Club points for contest purposes.

Agents participating in the case were Sgt. Lane Kincaid and Senior Agent David Harrell.

THREE MEN SENTENCED IN FEDERAL COURT FOR DUCK VIOLATIONS IN PLAQUEMINES PARISH

Three Chalmette men were sentenced in Federal Court for migratory game bird violations on March 17, 2009 in the Eastern District of Louisiana.

Donald Picou Sr., 50, Donald Picou Jr., 23, and Richard Wallace, 20, pled guilty to taking over the limit ducks. Picou Jr. and Wallace also pled guilty to migratory game bird tagging violations.

Picou Sr. was sentenced to pay a fine of $400, a $10 special assessment fee and placed on one-year inactive probation. Terms of the probation are no hunting migratory game birds for one year.

Picou Jr. was ordered to pay a fine of $500 fine, a $10 special assessment and placed on one-year inactive probation. Terms of the probation are no hunting migratory game birds for one year. For the tagging violation, he was ordered to pay a $220 fine plus a $10 special assessment.

Richard Wallace was ordered to pay a fine of $500 fine, a $10 special assessment and placed on one-year inactive probation. Terms of the probation are no hunting migratory game birds for one year. For the tagging violation he was ordered to pay a $220 fine plus a $10 special assessment.

The conviction was the result of a Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division Nov. 8, 2008 investigation. LDWF Agents documented all three subjects with a limit of ducks after a morning hunt. 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.

Agents participating in the case were Lt. Robert Martin, Sgt. Adam Young, and Senior Agent Villere Reggio. Subjects were sentenced by U.S. Magistrate Judge Louis Moore. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Ginsberg prosecuted the case.

RAYVILLE MAN CITED FOR HUNTING TURKEYS OVER BAIT IN FRANKLIN PARISH

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited Tony L. Pittman, 31, of Rayville for allegedly hunting turkeys over a baited area.

Agents observed Pittman hunting from an elevated deer stand that was approximately 40 yards from the baited area. Pittman had placed his decoys within 30 yards on both sides of the baited area.

Agents photographed and collected samples of the corn that Pittman had allegedly scattered on the ground.

It is illegal to hunt turkeys within 200 yards of any baited area. Turkey hunting over bait is punishable by a fine up to $500, or jail time up to 90 days, or both plus court costs.

Agents participating in the case were Sgts. Scott Watson and Joe Chandler Jr. and Agent Lee Tarver.

L.D.W.F. AGENTS CITE FIVE MEN FOR TURKEY VIOLATIONS IN BEAUREGARD PARISH

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited five men during the March 28 to 30 opening weekend of the 2009 Louisiana turkey season for alleged turkey hunting violations in Beauregard Parish.

On March 28, agents cited Martin Doucet, 46, of Sulphur, for hunting turkey over bait and possession of marijuana. David Hicks, 55, of Westlake, and Murray Romero, 41, of Maurice, were also cited for allegedly hunting turkey over bait on March 28.

Agents cited Thomas Paris, 66, of Dry Creek, for allegedly hunting turkey over bait on March 29.

On March 30, agents cited James Higginbotham, 49, of Lake Charles, for allegedly hunting turkey with an electronic call and hunting turkey over bait.

If convicted, the penalties for both hunting turkey over a baited area and hunting turkey with an electronic call are a $250 to $500 fine, or jail time up to 90 days, or both plus court costs for each offense. The penalty for possession of marijuana carries a fine of up to $500, or jail time up to six months plus court costs.

TEN MEN CITED FOR ILLEGAL TURKEY HUNTS

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents issued citations to 10 men for alleged violations of turkey hunting regulations during the first two weeks of the 2009 turkey season.

Agents in Grant Parish cited Clifton Stapleton, 57, of Dry Prong, for failure to tag turkey; Christopher Cook, 26, of Pineville, was cited for hunting turkeys without tags; and Gavin L. Carlino, 46, of Colfax, was cited for four counts of hunting turkey over a baited area.

In Avoyelles Parish, agents cited Casey T. Moore, 29, of Deville, for hunting turkeys in a restricted area on a wildlife management area (WMA).

James C. Fussell, 36, of Deville, was cited in Rapides Parish for hunting turkey without resident basic, big game and turkey licenses, without tags, in a closed area and WMA rules and regulation violations. Also in Rapides Parish, Ricky L. Martin Jr., 26, of Forest Hill, was cited for hunting turkeys over bait.

In Vernon Parish, agents cited Bob A. Burgess, 41, of Anacoco, for hunting turkey over a baited area and Jeffery Wayne Deason, 54, of Leesville, for two counts of hunting turkey over a baited area.

In Sabine Parish, Chad J. Guillory, 43, of Milton, was cited for taking over the limit of turkey, failure to tag turkey, hunting without turkey tags, hunting without a turkey stamp and two counts of possession of taking a turkey with illegal means. He was also assessed a civil restitution for the value of the two wild turkeys. Also in Sabine Parish, Anthony J. Semere, 39, of Arnaudville, was cited for taking an illegal turkey open season, possession of an illegally take turkey, and using a turkey tag on another’s turkey. Semere was also assessed a civil restitution for replacement of one hen turkey.

WMA rules and regulation violations each carry a fine between $100 to $350, or jail time up to 60 days, or both plus court costs.

Hunting turkey in a closed area carries a fine between $250 to $500, or jail time up to 90 days, or both plus court costs.

Hunting turkeys over a baited area and taking over the limit of turkey each carry a fine of $250 to $500, or jail time up to 90 days, or both plus court costs.

Failure to tag a turkey, using a tag on another’s turkey and hunting without tags are all punishable by a fine between $100 to $350, or jail time up to 60 days, or both plus court costs.

Hunting without basic and big game licenses and a turkey stamp each carry a fine of $50, or jail time up to 15 days or both.

Possession of an illegally taken turkey carries a fine between $400 to $950, or jail time up to 120 days, or both plus court costs and forfeiture of anything seized.

The penalties for taking an illegal turkey open season (taking a hen) carries a fine between $500 to $750, and jail time between 15 to 30 days, or both plus court costs.

L.D.W.F. AGENTS CITE 15 FOR TURKEY VIOLATIONS IN FLORIDA PARISHES

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited 13 men and two juveniles from March 24 through the March 28 and 29 opening weekend of the 2009 Louisiana turkey season for alleged turkey hunting violations.

Agents in St. Helena Parish cited Marshall Harvin 70, of Greensburg, for the March 27 taking of a turkey during a closed season and for failure to tag the turkey. Charles Carruth 36, Richard Labouliere 51, of Greensburg, Charles Labouliere 28, of Walker, David Labouliere 29, of Prairieville, and a 16-year-old juvenile were all cited for allegedly hunting turkey over bait. The juvenile was also cited for hunting with no resident basic and big game licenses and turkey stamp.

In Livingston Parish agents cited Charles Harrison, 62, of Holden, and Jeremy Kinchen, 31, of Livingston, for hunting turkey over bait. Kinchen was also cited for failure to tag the turkey.

In East Feliciana Parish, agents cited Michael L. Miller, 36, of Slaughter, and Barney J. Carter, 36, of Zachary, for hunting turkey over bait.

In West Feliciana Parish, agents cited Jack E. Hutchinson, 52, of Livingston, for hunting from a moving vehicle, hunting from a public road, hunting without resident basic and big game licenses and no turkey stamp or tags.

In St. Tammany Parish, agents cited Donald Calhoun, 57, of Houma, and Lesperance D. Batiste, 77, of Slidell, for hunting turkey over bait.

In Washington Parish on March 24, agents cited Benjamin W. Smith, 33, of Franklinton, Robert Sharp, 32, of Tickfaw, and a juvenile for allegedly hunting turkey during a closed season. Smith was also cited for hunting with an unplugged gun and for contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile.

If convicted, the penalties for hunting turkey over a baited area are a $250 to $500 fine, or jail time up to 90 days, or both plus court costs. The fine for hunting from a moving vehicle is also $250 to $500.

The penalties for hunting turkey during a closed season are a $900 to $950 fine, or jail time up to 120 days, or both plus court costs and forfeiture of anything seized.

Failing to tag a turkey and hunting from a public road are each punishable by fines of $100 to $350, or jail not more than 60 days, or both plus court costs.

Hunting without a basic and big game license and without a turkey stamp each carry a fine of $50, or jail time up to 15 days or both. The fine for contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile is up to $500 or jail time up to six months.

ORLEANS RESIDENT CITED FOR ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF AN ALLIGATOR

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division agents cited an Orleans Parish resident for illegal possession of an alligator on March 24.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) found the illegally possessed alligator during the execution of a search warrant of Raymond Johnson's residence in New Orleans.

LDWF agents were contacted to take possession of the alligator and to cite Johnson, 26, for possessing an alligator during a closed season and for possessing a live alligator without a permit.

The penalty for possessing an alligator during a closed season is $400 to $950, or jail time up to 120 days, or both plus court cost and forfeiture of anything seized. The penalty for possession of a live alligator without a permit is $250 to $500, or jail time up to 90 days, or both plus court cost.

Agents involved in the investigation were Senior Agent Derek Sampey and Agent Austin Arteaga.

MISSISSIPPI MEN CITED FOR GROSS LITTERING

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited two Mississippi men for alleged gross littering on March 29 in Plaquemines Parish.

Agents observed Donnie Hartfield, 36, of Petal, Miss., and Edward Nichols, 31, of Diamondhead, Miss., dumping household garbage from the bed of a truck onto the roadside.

The dumped trash included crayfish peelings, plastic bottles, helium cylinder, cans, wood, boxes and plastic bags containing household garbage.

The penalty for gross littering is a fine between $500 and $1,000 and eight hours of community service in a litter abatement work program as approved by the court.

Agents involved in the investigation were Lt. Robert Martin, Senior Agent Derek Sampey and Agent Austin Arteaga.

FOUR COMMERCIAL FISHERMEN CITED FOR FEDERAL VIOLATIONS

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited four Texas residents on March 18 for alleged federal fishing violations.

Van Pham, 37, Tran Son Thanh, 36, Hai Thanh Ho, 43, all of Houston and Hao Phi Do, 45, of Port Arthur, were each cited for possessing red drum in federal waters and for possessing red snapper during a closed season.

Agents were on a National Marine Fisheries Service Joint Enforcement Agreement Patrol in the Gulf of Mexico when they encountered the commercial trawl vessel, Capt. Mai, in federal waters. As the agents were attempting to board the vessel for a compliance inspection, the deck hands were observed entering the vessel’s freezer to retrieve fish. Then after ignoring agent’s instructions, they were observed throwing red drum and red snapper overboard.

The agents secured the vessel and were able to retrieve one red drum and one red snapper from the water. Additionally, the agents discovered three more red snapper stored on the vessel.

This case will be forwarded to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for review. All penalties in regard to this matter will be determined by the NMFS and the United States Attorney’s Office.

Agents involved in the case were Lt. Eddie Skena, Sgt. Jason Russo, and Senior Agent Tim Fox.

SLIDELL MEN CITED FOR MULTIPLE COMMERCIAL FISHING VIOLATIONS

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division agents cited three Slidell residents for alleged commercial fishing violations on Lake St. Catherine in Orleans Parish on March 12.

Relying on information from multiple confidential informants, agents began surveillance operations in the area of Lake St. Catherine, Marquez Canal, and a Slidell neighborhood. The investigation yielded the apprehension and subsequent citing of three men involved in the use of illegal saltwater gill nets and the use of other commercial fishing gear without commercial fishing licenses.

The men, identified as Terry Guillot, 46, Darren Guillot, 22, and Chris Miller, 41, all of Slidell, received citations for allegedly taking commercial fish without a commercial license, taking commercial fish without set line and crab trap gear licenses, tending crab traps during illegal hours and using a saltwater net illegally. Terry Guillot was also cited for allegedly selling fish without a fresh products license. Darren Guillot, the owner of the vessel, was also cited for allegedly taking commercial fish without a vessel license and boating safety violations of operating a vessel with no navigation lights, no boat numbers and failure to comply with personal floatation device requirements.

Agents seized a total of two saltwater gill nets, approximately 40 pounds of assorted fish species, approximately 30 pounds of blue crabs, and the vessel used in connection with the alleged violations.

A LDWF Marine Fisheries Division biologist performed tests on the fish found in the men’s possession and concluded that they were not caught on a hook and line and were taken by means of a saltwater gill net. In addition, a biologist from the Pontchartrain Institute of Marine Sciences, an affiliate of the University of New Orleans, also performed tests on the fish and came to the same conclusions.

All of the boating safety violations carry a penalty of a $50 fine, or imprisonment for up to 15 days, or both plus court costs. The commercial licensing violations are punishable by a fine between $250 to $500, or imprisonment for up to 90 days, or both plus court costs. Tending crab traps during illegal hours carries a fine between $400 to $950, or imprisonment for up to 120 days, or both plus court costs and forfeiture of all items seized in connection with the violation. Using a saltwater gill net illegally has a fine between $900 to $950, or imprisonment for up to 120 days, or both plus court costs and forfeiture of all items seized in connection with the violation.

Agents involved in the case were Sgt. Jason Russo, Sgt. Kris Bourgeois, Sgt. Scot Keller, Sgt. Adam Young and Senior Agent Jason Gernados.