LWAA

NEWS

LDWF Agents Issue 10 Citations for Illegal Activity on Pointe-aux-Chenes WMA

LDWF Agents Issue Littering Citations on the Amite River

Sulphur Man Arrested for DWI on the Water

LDWF Agents Issue 10 DWI's During Operation Dry Water Weekend

LDWF Enforcement Division Cooperating In Operation Dry Water June 24-26

10 DWI Arrests Made on the Water During Memorial Day Weekend

Louisiana Operation Game Thief, Inc. Issues Over $3,000 In Rewards To Tipsters

L.D.W.F. Agents Recover The Skin And Head of Black Bear In New Iberia

Louisiana Safe Boating Week Set For May 21-27

Seven Louisiana Residents Cited For Vandalism to Sherburne W.M.A.

L.D.W.F. Agents Issue Four Citations for Closed Season Shrimping

Golden Meadow Resident Cited For Shrimping Violations

Houma Man Cited for Alligator Violations in Terrebonne Parish

L.D.W.F. Agents Cite Two Men For Alligator Violations

LDWF Agents Issue 10 Citations for Illegal Activity on Pointe-aux-Chenes WMA

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited five individuals with 10 violations for alleged illegal activity on the Pointe-aux-Chenes Wildlife Management Area (WMA) on June 27.

Agents cited Tony Vaughn, 27, of Montegut, Craig Vogel, 25, of Houma, and Jamie Theriot, 31, of Houma, for not abiding by WMA rules and regulations after agents observed the men crabbing on one of the WMA dams after legal sunset.

Agents also cited Jamie Dardar, 37, of Montegut, and Calvin Naquin, 43, of Montegut, for not abiding by WMA rules and regulations, using illegal trawls and blocking the passage of fish. Dardar was also cited for failure to pay class one requirements from a prior wildlife and fisheries related violation. Dardar and Naquin were observed accessing and using an illegal trawl to block one of the WMA dams after legal sunset.

Not abiding by WMA rules and regulations carries a fine between $100 and $750 or imprisonment between 60 to 90 days. Using illegal trawls, blocking the passage of fish and failure to pay class one requirements each carry a fine between $250 and $1,000 and between 90 days and 120 days of imprisonment.

It is illegal to be on the Pointe-aux-Chenes WMA after legal sunset and to block the free passage of fish using an illegal trawl.

Participating in the case were Senior Agents Nicholas Guillory and Michael Williams.

LDWF Agents Issue Littering Citations on the Amite River

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division agents issued littering citations to four men who were tubing on the Amite River on July 25.

Agents cited Keynan Long, 19, of Metairie, Byron Diez, 54, of Prairieville, Michael Brassard, 21, of Mamath, Maine, and Bradon Stakes, 19, of Rayne after allegedly observing the men intentionally littering by throwing their empty cans onto the bank, in the water and in the trees.

If convicted of the litter violations, each man will face between $175 and $1,000 in fines and up to eight hours in a litter abatement work program.

LDWF Enforcement Division agents issued 1,001 littering citations for fiscal year 2009-10 and logged 7,958 patrol hours for littering enforcement.

According to Keep Louisiana Beautiful, litter in Louisiana costs taxpayers approximately $40 million a year.

LDWF also took over the state's 1-888-LITRBUG (1-888-548-7284) hotline last June. Citizens can call the hotline to report people that litter and littering sites to the department for further investigation.

Agents working the case were Sgt. Todd Laviolette, Sgt. Ezekiel Talbert, Senior Agent Nick Guillory, Agent Justin Lowry, Agent Mitchell Saunders and Agent Charles Talbert.

Sulphur Man Arrested for DWI on the Water

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division agents arrested a Sulphur man on June 23 for allegedly driving or operating a vessel while intoxicated (DWI) in Calcasieu Parish.

Agents arrested William Hafer, 40, for DWI and also cited him for destroying crab traps and removing contents, taking commercial fish without a commercial fishing license or commercial gear license.

While on boat patrol, agents observed Hafer on a waterway south of Sulphur running crab traps. Agents made contact with Hafer and determined that he did not have permission to remove the contents of the crab traps that he was checking.

While investigating the theft of crabs, agents observed that Hafer was operating his vessel under the influence of alcohol. Hafer was taken to the landing where he was placed under arrest and brought to the Calcasieu Parish Correctional Facility and booked for DWI and crab theft charges.

Destroying legal crab traps or removing contents carries a penalty of $400-$950, up to 120 days in jail, or both plus court costs. Taking commercial fish without commercial license and without a commercial gear license carries a penalty of $250-$500, or up to 90 days in jail, or both plus court costs for each offense.

This was Hafer's second offense DWI, which carries a fine of $750-$1,000, plus imprisonment between 30 days to six months.

Agents participating were Lt. Remy Broussard and Senior Agent Beau Robertson.

LDWF Agents Issue 10 DWI's During Operation Dry Water Weekend

In support of Operation Dry Water, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) arrested 10 boaters statewide for driving or operating a vessel while intoxicated (DWI) from Friday, June 24 to Sunday, June 26.

In the northern part of the state agents arrested Michael Smith, 34, of Jonesville, on Bushley Bayou in Catahoula Parish on June 25; Eric Bates Jr., 22, of Bernice, on Corney Lake in Claiborne Parish on June 24; and Bryon Breedlove, 26, of Shreveport, on the Red River in Bossier Parish on June 26.

Agents arrested Lyle Laussade III, 22, of Ponchatoula, on the Tickfaw River on June 25; David Goodale, 43, of Walker, on the Tickfaw River on June 25; Brian Hernandez, 49, of Baton Rouge, on the Amite River/Diversion Canal on June 25; and Chad Panepinto, 27, of Hammond, on the Tickfaw River on June 26 in the eastern part of the state.

In the southern part of the state agents arrested Kevin Davis, 54, of Texas, on the Belle River in St. Martin Parish on June 25; Lance LeBlanc, 23, of Bourg, on the Intracoastal Canal in Terrebonne Parish; and Dwight Landry, 56, of Breaux Bridge, in Henderson Bay in St. Martin Parish on June 25.

"We take DWI enforcement on the water very serious since the leading cause of boating fatalities is alcohol," said Lt. Col. Jeff Mayne, the state's boating law administrator. "We want everybody on the water to have a good time, but to keep in mind that they need a designated driver just like on land."

Alcohol can impair a boater’s judgment, balance, vision and reaction time. It can increase fatigue and susceptibility to the effects of cold-water immersion. Sun, wind, noise, vibration and motion intensify the side effects of alcohol, drugs and some prescription medications.

Louisiana had 32 fatalities from boating crash incidents in 2009. Alcohol was again the leading primary cause of those boating fatal incidents leading to 24 percent of the fatalities. Nationwide, statistics from 2009 reveal that 16 percent of all boat incident fatalities were a direct result of alcohol or drug use.

LDWF agents issued 216 DWI citations to boat operators in 2009. Anyone cited for a DWI on the water or on the road will lose his or her driver's license and boating privileges for the specified time ordered by the judge in the case. Also, each offense of operating a vehicle or vessel while intoxicated counts toward the total number of DWI crimes whether they happened on the water or road.

In Louisiana, a DWI on the water carries the same penalties and fines as on the road and includes jail time, fines and loss of driving and boating operator privileges.

In Louisiana a DWI can be issued to anyone operating a moving vessel or vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher. First offense DWI carries a $300 to $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail. Second offense DWI brings a $750 to $1,000 fine and between 30 days and six months in jail. Third offense DWI carries a $5,000 fine and between one and five years in jail.

Operation Dry Water was started in 2009 and is a joint program involving LDWF, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and the U.S. Coast Guard. More information is available at www.operationdrywater.org.

LDWF Enforcement Division Cooperating In Operation Dry Water June 24-26

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Law Enforcement Division (LDWF/LED) agents will take part in Operation Dry Water from June 24-26 with increased patrols for operating or driving a boat while intoxicated (DWI) enforcement and boating safety.

During the Operation Dry Water weekend, LDWF agents will be out in force patrolling state waterways for boat operators whose blood alcohol content exceeds the state limit of .08 percent.

"We want people to be safe and have fun while boating recreationally," commented Lt. Col. Jeff Mayne, LDWF’s state Boating Law Administrator. "But alcohol use has become the leading contributing factor in fatal recreational boating accidents. We recommend that boaters avoid drinking alcoholic beverages at all times, and we will have zero tolerance for anyone found operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs on our waters."

Impaired boaters caught this weekend can expect penalties to be severe. In Louisiana, a DWI on the water carries the same penalties and fines as on the road and includes jail time, fines and loss of driving and boating operator privileges.

“There will be arrests this weekend and some boaters will face the consequences of operating a boat while impaired," added Lt. Col. Mayne. "But we'd much rather arrest someone than to have to tell their friends and family they're never coming back."

Operation Dry Water was started in 2009 and is a joint program involving the LDWF/LED, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and the U.S. Coast Guard. More information is available at www.operationdrywater.org.

10 DWI Arrests Made on the Water During Memorial Day Weekend

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents made 10 driving or operating a vessel while intoxicated (DWI) arrests statewide this Memorial Day Weekend.

The penalties for DWI on the water are the same as on the road. Anyone cited for a DWI on the water or on the road will lose his or her driver's license and boating privileges for the specified time ordered by the judge in the case. Also, each offense of operating a vehicle or vessel while intoxicated counts toward the total number of DWI crimes whether they happened on the water or road.

LDWF Strikeforce agents made DWI cases against Rouddy A. Pierce, 43, of Galliana, on Bayou Blue in Lafourche Parish on May 28; Brandon B. Vice, 25, of Houma, on the Intracoastal Waterway in Terrebonne Parish on May 29; and Phillip J. Trahna, 25, of Gibson, on the Intracoastal Waterway in Terrebonne Parish on May 29. Lt. Joseph Arnaud and Senior Agent Michael Williams participated in these DWI arrests.

Agents in Livingston Parish made DWI cases on the Tickfaw River against David A. Weber, 48, of Destrehan, on May 28; Wilbert K. Black, 53, of Kenner, on May 29; and Michael E. Triplett, 31, of Flora, Miss., on May 29. Sgt. Toby Miller, Senior Agent Brody Roberts and Senior Agent Clay Marques participated in these DWI arrests.

On Toledo Bend, Lt. Bill Tyree and Senior Agent Eric Droddy made one DWI case against Caster D. Caisson, 56, of Duson, on May 30.

Agents in the northwestern part of the state made DWI cases against Austin Frye, 21, of Arcadia, on Lake Claiborne in Claiborne Parish on May 30; and Marcus Hooker, 39, of Logansport, on the Sabine River in Desoto Parish on May 28. Sgt. Ryan Brasher, Senior Agent Joey Melton and Senior Agent Michael Dunn participated in these cases.

Agents made a DWI case against James Davis Jr., 66, of Newellton, on the backwater of the Mississippi River on May 30. Senior Agent Johnny Wilson, Sgt. Joe Chandler and Senior Agent Leya Grover participated in this case.

"Alcohol use and operating a boat do not mix as it impairs a boater's judgment, balance, vision and reaction time," said Lt. Col. Jeff Mayne, the state's boating law administrator. "Alcohol also increases fatigue and intensifies the effect from the sun, wind and movement while on the water. All of these alcohol related side effects have shown an increase in fatal boating crash incidents in Louisiana and the country."

LDWF agents issued 216 DWI citations to boat operators in 2009. Alcohol use was listed as the leading primary cause of fatal boating crash incidents accounting for 24 percent or six deaths in Louisiana in 2009.

In Louisiana a DWI can be issued to anyone operating a moving vessel or vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher. First offense DWI on the water or on the road carries a $300 to $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail. Second offense DWI brings a $750 to $1,000 fine and between 30 days and six months in jail. Third offense DWI carries a $5,000 fine and between one and five years in jail. Every DWI offense is also subject to a suspension of driving a vehicle and operating a boat privileges.

Louisiana Operation Game Thief, Inc. Issues Over $3,000 In Rewards To Tipsters

Louisiana Operation Game Thief, Inc. (LOGT), a Louisiana wildlife crime-stoppers program, awarded $3,200 to diligent citizens statewide at their quarterly meeting on May 21 at the Booker Fowler Fish Hatchery in Woodworth.

The group approved and dispensed cash reward amounts for tipsters who reported wildlife violations that led to 13 subjects being apprehended in wildlife cases. There were a total of nine cases presented and 33 offenses associated with those cases. The cases ranged from hunting turkey over bait to the illegal selling of fish.

Louisiana Department Wildlife Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement LOGT Coordinator Sgt. Will Roberts provided LOGT members with information on each case and a recommendation for reward amounts.

“We depend on LOGT and these public tips to help break a lot of cases that might have otherwise gone unsolved,” Roberts said. “LOGT provides the incentive for the public to come forward, which is the cash rewards offered for information leading to arrests in these cases.”

LOGT was instituted in 1984 and provides cash rewards for information leading to the arrest of violators of fish and wildlife regulations. Funds are raised through private donations, court directed contributions and through contributions from cooperative endeavor agreements with organizations such as the National Wild Turkey Federation and Quality Deer Management Association.

Anyone wishing to report wildlife or fisheries violations should contact an LDWF enforcement agent or call LDWF’s 24-hour toll free Operation Game Thief hotline at 1-800-442-2511. Callers may remain anonymous.

Outgoing LOGT Coordinator LDWF Lt. Col. Keith LaCaze, who retired after 34 years of service, was presented a .22 rifle and an outdoor painting in recognition of his service to the organization. The new LDWF LOGT coordinator is Sgt. Will Roberts.

OGT meets quarterly throughout the year to review cases and dispense rewards. The next meeting is tentatively scheduled in August.

L.D.W.F. Agents Recover The Skin And Head of Black Bear In New Iberia

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division agents are seeking leads for an illegally killed black bear in the Iberia and Vermilion Parish area.

LDWF agents found a black bear skin and its decapitated head on May 19 off of Daniel Lane near a new subdivision in New Iberia.

Agents believe this bear's skin and head are in connection to an illegally killed black bear that was reported through a public tip over a year ago in the Iberia and Vermilion Parish area. The public's tip indicated someone had shot a black bear and then skinned and stored the bear in a fashion to mount it in the future.

The bear had been apart of LDWF's black bear program and was first tagged in 2000 when it was estimated to be six years old. The passive integrated transponder implanted during the initial capture was left in the hide when the bear was skinned and provided positive identification. LDWF had never received a nuisance call about this older male bear that lived mostly in the Weeks Island area of lower Iberia Parish.

"This is a real shame that someone felt compelled to poach this bear during a time when we are trying our best to restore the Louisiana black bear to a sustainable population," said Maria Davidson, Large Carnivore Program Manager for LDWF.

Anyone with information regarding this illegal bear killing or any other wildlife crime should call the Louisiana Operation Game Thief hotline at 1-800-442-2511. Cash rewards up to $5,000 are offered for information leading to the apprehension of individuals harming a black bear. Callers will also remain anonymous.

"We urge anybody with information about this case to come forward so that we can catch the person responsible for this crime," said Lt. Col. Joey Broussard. "It is believed that the person that dumped these remains of the bear was scared of being caught and thus got rid of the evidence. We are hopeful that through the public's help and our existing evidence that we can solve this case."

The Louisiana black bear has been listed on the Federal Threatened and Endangered Species List since 1992. Citizens are reminded that killing a Louisiana black bear is a violation of both state law and the federal Endangered Species Act. Violators are subject to penalties of up to $50,000 and six months in jail. In addition, a civil restitution fine of $10,000 for the bear may be imposed on anyone convicted of killing a black bear in Louisiana.

Louisiana Safe Boating Week Set For May 21-27

Louisiana is once again participating in the national "Safe Boating Week" that is scheduled for May 21-27 and signifies the beginning of the spring and summer boating season.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) will again be reminding all boaters to be safe, responsible and knowledgeable while on the water during this safe boating week. Safe Boating Week is a time for all boaters to inspect their vessels to ensure that all required safety equipment is on board and that vessels are in good working condition.

LDWF Enforcement Division agents will be out in full force during the week to perform boating safety checks and driving a vessel while intoxicated (DWI) patrols. Each vessel should have enough personal flotation devices (PFD) on board for all occupants and a sober operator.

"Personal flotation devices are made to be worn and not sit in a vessel storage compartment. Even if you consider yourself to be a strong swimmer, we (LDWF) still encourage everyone on a boat to wear a personal flotation device whenever the boat is in motion," said LDWF Boating Safety Officer Capt. Rachel Zechenelly. “A personal flotation device on a boat should be treated the same as a seatbelt in a car, because they are both easy to use and are proven to save lives."

LDWF boating incident statistics indicate that nearly 74 percent of boating fatalities were people that drown because the person was not wearing a PFD. LDWF regulations state that anyone 16 years of age and younger must wear a PFD while underway in vessels less than 26 foot long. For more boating and PFD regulations, please visit www.wlf.louisiana.gov/boating.

In Louisiana in 2009 alcohol use was listed as the leading primary cause of fatal boating crash incidents accounting for 24 percent or six deaths. Alcohol consumption impairs a boater's judgment, balance, vision and reaction time. Alcohol also increases fatigue and susceptibility to hypothermia. Intensifying the effects of alcohol are sun, wind, noise, vibration and movement, which are all common to boating activities.

LDWF agents issued 216 DWI citations to boat operators in 2009. The penalties for DWI on the water are the same as on the road. Anyone cited for a DWI on the water or on the road will lose his or her driver's license and boating privileges for the specified time ordered by the judge in the case. Also, each offense of operating a vehicle or vessel while intoxicated counts toward the total number of DWI crimes whether they happened on the water or road.

In Louisiana a DWI can be issued to anyone operating a moving vessel or vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher. First offense DWI on the water or on the road carries a $300 to $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail. Second offense DWI brings a $750 to $1,000 fine and between 30 days and six months in jail. Third offense DWI carries a $5,000 fine and between one and five years in jail. Again, every DWI offense is also subject to a suspension of driving a vehicle and operating a boat privileges.

"One of the best parts of our job is to see people utilize Louisiana's waterways for recreation in accordance to the boating safety regulations and return home safely to loved ones. However, the worst part of our job is to search for deceased bodies and notify family members of their loss," said LDWF Lt. Col. Jeff Mayne, the State Boating Law Administrator. "The two ways to make boating safe, fun and a memorable experience is to have a sober operator and to have everyone wear a personal flotation device when the vessel is underway."

LDWF also wants to remind anybody born after Jan. 1, 1984 that they are required to successfully complete a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) boating education course to operate a motorboat over 10 horsepower. LDWF offers these classes free of charge statewide. For a list of courses, please visit www.wlf.louisiana.gov/boating/courses.

Seven Louisiana Residents Cited For Vandalism to Sherburne W.M.A.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division agents cited seven Louisiana residents on vandalism and alcohol related charges on the Sherburne Wildlife Management Area (WMA) on May 15 in Pointe Coupee Parish.

Agents cited David Wayne Stear, 21, of Metairie; Darryl Kent Deville, 19, of Krotz Springs; Natache Brooke Coates, 20, of Lottie; Michael Joseph Guitreau, 21, of Metarie; Kristen Ann Jarreau, 27, of Jarreau; and two juveniles for criminal damage to state property.

Stear, Guitreau, Deville, Coates and Jarreau were also cited for contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Agents also cited Deville, Coates, and two juveniles for possession of alcohol under the age of 21.

Subjects were cited after agents found them drinking and damaging Sherburne WMA signs at the Little Alabama boat launch.

St. Landry Emergency Medical Services transported one of the juveniles to Opelousas General Hospital after she was found passed out from drinking. All other subjects were cited and then released. The juveniles were released to their parents.

Criminal damage to state property carries up to a $500 fine and up to six months in jail or both. Contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile carries up to a $500 fine and up to six months in jail or both. Possession of alcohol under the age of 21 carries up to a $100 fine or up to six months in jail or both.

Agents participating in the case were Sgt. Cliff Ortis, Senior Agents Lance Devillier, Ryan Faul, Michael Williams and Agent Mitchell Saunder.

L.D.W.F. Agents Issue Four Citations for Closed Season Shrimping

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division agents cited four Louisiana men for allegedly shrimping during a closed season in Plaquemines Parish.

Agents cited Rodney Hereford Jr., 28, and Mark Farrell, 41, both of Slidell, and Lenny Serpas Jr., 52, and Aaron Serpas, 19, both of Meraux, for using skimmers during a closed shrimp season.

Agents responded to reports of illegal shrimping in Plaquemines Parish on the morning of April 29 and observed the vessel occupied by Hereford and Farrell engaging in skimming operations in Black Bay near Belle Island. Agents seized and returned 60 pounds of shrimp to the water.

In the early evening hours on April 30, agents again responded to reports of illegal shrimping in Plaquemines Parish. Agents observed the vessel occupied by the Serpas engaged in skimming operations in Black Bay near Iron Banks. Agents seized and returned 40 pounds of shrimp to the water.

Using skimmers in a closed season brings up to a $950 fine, up to 120 days in jail, or both plus courts costs.

In addition to any other penalties, the court may revoke or suspend the violator's trawl, skimmer and butterfly gear licenses for one year from the date of the conviction. During such revocation or suspension, the violator may be present on a vessel harvesting or possessing shrimp or possessing a trawl, skimmer or butterfly net, only if the vessel is equipped with and employs an operating vessel monitoring system which is accessible by LDWF.

Agents participating in the cases were Senior Agents Brett Nabors and Mike Garrity.

Golden Meadow Resident Cited For Shrimping Violations

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited a Golden Meadow resident on April 28 for an alleged closed season shrimp violation in Lafourche Parish.

Agents cited Toney Morgan Dardar, 51, for using skimmers during a closed season and improper running lights.

In the pre dawn hours, agents responded to reports of illegal shrimping in lower Lafourche Parish. Agents observed the vessel occupied by Dardar engaged in skimming near the protection levee by Tidewater. At the time, the vessel was observed without the required running lights.

Agents returned 100 pounds of shrimp to the water and seized the two skimmer nets and vessel.

The penalty for using skimmers in a closed season is a fine up to $950, up to 120 days in jail, or both plus courts costs. In addition to any other penalties, the court may revoke or suspend the violator's trawl, skimmer and butterfly gear licenses for one year from the date of the conviction. During such revocation or suspension, the violator may be present on a vessel harvesting or possessing shrimp or possessing a trawl, skimmer or butterfly net, only if the vessel is equipped with and employs an operating vessel monitoring system which is accessible by LDWF.

The penalty for improper running lights is a fine of $50 or imprisonment for up to 15 days, or both plus court cost.

Agents participating in the case were Sgts. Bryan Marie and Richard Purvis.

Houma Man Cited for Alligator Violations in Terrebonne Parish

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited a Houma man for alleged alligator violations on the Falgoust Canal Road in Terrebonne Parish on April 25.

Agents cited Louis J. Verrett, 38, for taking an alligator without a license and during a closed season.

Agents came into contact with Verrett on the side of Falgoust Canal Road and noticed blood in the dirt near the subject’s vehicle. Agents then discovered a 5-foot alligator in the weeds next to the road.

Agents noted that the alligator appeared to be struck in the head several times by a hard object. Agents found an aluminum baseball bat and some black line with a treble hook tied to the end in Verrett's vehicle. Agents inspected the alligator and found similar line tied to a hook that was snagged into the alligator.

When questioned about the alligator, Verrett admitted to snagging the alligator and then striking it in the head several times with the baseball bat.

Agents also discovered that Verrett was issued a citation in August of 1992 for angling without a license, and angling without a saltwater license. Verrett had an outstanding balance of $150 for those violations, which he never paid. Agents then issued Verrett a citation for failing to comply with payment requirements.

Agents involved in the case were Senior Agent Dean Aucoin and Agent Norman Deroche.

Taking an alligator without a license brings a $250 to $500 fine, or up to 90 days in jail or both. Taking an alligator during a closed season carries a $400 to $950 fine, or jail time up to 120 days or both. Failing to comply with payment requirements carries a $250 to $500 fine, or up to 90 days in jail or both. The subject also faces a civil restitution citation for the alligator for the amount of $175.00.

L.D.W.F. Agents Cite Two Men For Alligator Violations

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited two men for alleged alligator violations on the Loggy Bayou Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Bossier Parish.

Agents cited Jon Alsup, 31, or Coushatta, and William Whitley, 26, of Princeton, for taking an alligator without a license and during a closed season and for not abiding by WMA regulations. Alsup was also cited for an expired boat registration and failing to comply with personal flotation device (PFD) requirements.

While on patrol in Red Chute Bayou in the Loggy Bayou WMA, agents came into contact with the Alsup and Whitley in a boat. Agents found the suspects in possession of a 243-centerfire rifle, a Ruger 22 rifle and a 12-gauge shotgun. Both men stated they were shooting turtles.

Upon further investigation, agents found an 8 foot 3 inch alligator floating nearby with an apparent gunshot wound to its head. When questioned both subjects admitted to shooting the alligator.

Agents involved in the case were Senior Agents John Blalock and Frank Reger.

Taking an alligator without a license brings a $250 to $500 fine, or up to 90 days in jail or both. Taking an alligator during a closed season carries a $400 to $950 fine, or jail time up to 120 days or both. An expired boat registration and failing to comply with PFD requirements brings a $50 fine, or up to 15 days in jail or both for each offense. Not abiding by WMA regulations carries a $100 to $350 fine, or up to 60 days in jail or both.