LWAA

Wildlife Division regional office or the LDWF website at http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov.
A $5 administrative fee is charged per application. Applications must be
accompanied by a check or money order made payable

to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. The administrative

fee is non-refundable.

Steve Hebert, Region I Wildlife Division Supervisor, stated, "Over the last

several years the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries with the

aid of Ducks Unlimited and the NRCS have developed approximately 165

acres into a series of ponds, sloughs and moist soils units situated within

approximately 700 acres of reforested hardwood forest. The area while

relatively small in total acreage is regularly used by moderate numbers

of wintering ducks. It was always our goal to provide waterfowl hunting

opportunities on this portion of Bayou Pierre WMA. We hope by offering

a lottery hunt we will be able to provide a quality waterfowl hunting

experience and still provide quality wintering waterfowl habitat for

ducks migrating though Northwest Louisiana." Hebert continued, "Hunters

should be aware that the area is dependent on local rainfall to fill the ponds

and sloughs and if we experience a dry fall and winter, hunting areas may

be limited."

Bayou Pierre WMA encompasses 2,212 acres of former agricultural fields

and is located in Red River and Desoto Parishes approximately 20 miles

south of Shreveport. In addition to the managed waterfowl areas in the Desoto

Tract, LDWF manages approximately 100 acres in dove fields and has reforested

several hundred acres in hardwoods. A 160-acre moist-soil unit (refuge) has

also been developed to provide habitat for resident and migrating waterfowl

and shorebirds. Archery-only deer hunting, small game hunting and

year-around bird watching opportunities are available on the WMA.

Anyone wanting additional information about the lottery hunt or Bayou Pierre

WMA can refer to the 2004-2005 Hunting Regulations pamphlet or the LDWF

website. They can also contact Steve Hebert at 318/371-3050 or

shebert@wlf.louisiana.gov.

APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED FOR WHITE LAKE MARSH LOTTERY HUNT

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is now accepting

applications for the 2004 lottery marsh hunts on the White Lake Preserve.

Applications are due in room 461 of the Wildlife and Fisheries Building in

Baton Rouge by 4:30 p.m. on October 22, 2004. The mailing address for

the applications is: Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Attention: White

Lake Marsh Hunt, PO Box 98000, Baton Rouge, LA 70898.

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older, and must submit a separate

application for each desired hunting date; however, no person shall

submit more than two applications for the season. The available dates for

marsh hunts are: Nov. 17 and 27, Dec. 27 and 29, Jan. 19, 21, 22, and 23.

Application forms and a complete list of rules are available at LDWF

Headquarters in Baton Rouge or on the LDWF website, www.wlf.louisiana.gov.

Each application will be assessed a non-refundable administrative fee of

five dollars. Applications must be accompanied by a check or money order

payable to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Successful

applicants will be notified by mail and will be allowed to bring no more

than one guest on the hunt. An additional payment of $300 ($150 per gun)

will be required. The payment is to be made by check or money order and

sent to White Lake Preservation, Inc., 710 West Prien Lake Road, Suite 202A,

Lake Charles, LA 70601.

WHITE LAKE RICE FIELD LOTTERY HUNT APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is now accepting

applications for the 2004 rice field lottery hunts on the White Lake

Preserve. Applications are due in room 461 of the Wildlife and Fisheries

Building in Baton Rouge by 4:30 p.m. on October 22, 2004. The mailing

address for the applications is: Department of Wildlife and Fisheries,

Attention: White Lake Rice Field Hunt, PO Box 98000, Baton Rouge, LA

70898.

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older, and must submit a separate

application for each desired hunting date; however, no person shall submit

more than five applications for the season. The available dates for rice

field hunts are: Nov. 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 28 and 30; Dec. 2, 4, 5, 18, 19,

21, 23, 26, 28 and 30; Jan. 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18 and 20.

Application forms and a complete list of rules are available at LDWF

Headquarters in Baton Rouge or on the LDWF website,

www.wlf.louisiana.gov.

Each application will be assessed a non-refundable administrative fee of

five dollars. Applications must be accompanied by a check or money

order payable to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Successful applicants will be notified by mail and will be allowed to bring no

More than one guest on the hunt. An additional payment of $150 will be

required. The payment is to be made by check or money order and sent to White

Lake Preservation, Inc., 710 West Prien Lake Road, Suite 202A, Lake Charles,

LA 70601.

L.D.W.F. ISSUES MORE THAT 40 LITTERING CITATIONS IN AUGUST

Continuing their effort to help control littering problems in the state,

agents from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement

Division issued 46 littering citations during the month of August.

"Littering is not just affecting the beauty of out great state," said LDWF

Enforcement Division Administrator Col. Winton Vidrine. "It is damaging the

habitat. We will continue to enforcing these laws in order to conserve and

protect our Sportsman's Paradise."

The following is a list of the persons cited, their age and the parish in

which they were charged. The alleged violations have been forwarded to

the judicial district for the parish in which the violation occurred.

Christopher H. Anderson, 21, Vernon Parish;

Melissa W. Anderson, 21, Rapides Parish;

Donald G. Balzrette, 68, Calcasieu Parish;

Russell Thomas Baskin, 47, Bienville Parish;

Terry Lean Bell, 30, Rapides Parish;

Rachel Evelen Bell, 35, Rapides Parish;

George A. Bennett, 42, Lasalle Parish;

Robbie J. Blanchard, 26, St. Martin Parish;

Omar Brown, 28, Rapides Parish;

James David Collins, 29, Webster Parish;

Rodney L. Compton, 48, Webster Parish;

Jeffery Tyrone Dean, 20, Tangipahoa Parish;

Jennifer Lynne Deloach, 21, Ouachita Parish;

Eric Michael Denny, 23, Lincoln Parish;

Mamadou Diop, 35, St. James Parish;

Charles Kevin Dousay, 21, W. Feliciana Parish;

Jeffrey Chase Fontenot, 17, Evangeline Parish;

Joshua Joseph Franks, 23, Avoyelles Parish;

Druitte Levi Franks III, 22, Natchitoches Parish;

Juan Manuel Garcia, 25, Rapides Parish;

Timothy Russell George, 19, Natchitoches Parish;

John Green, 33, St. John Parish;

Elmer Scott Hamilton, 19, Natchitoches Parish;

Matthew V. Hodges, 58, Allen Parish;

Adam Ellis Kirby, 22, Ouachita Parish;

Garret Paul Landry, 18, Allen Parish;

Kevin Jermaine Matthews, 27, W. Feliciana Parish;

Justin R. McCallister, 20, Vernon Parish;

Henry W. McCallon, 60, Allen Parish;

Gloria Ann Parker, 43, Assumption Parish;

Ramondo P. Ramos, 37, Avoyelles Parish;

Dudley John Romero Jr., 35, Jefferson Parish;

Craig Richard Steelman, 30, Plaquemines Parish;

Kevin W. Stewart, 16, Natchitoches Parish;

Mary Guillory Taylor, 50, Evangeline Parish;

Ralph Joseph Topey III, 22, St. Bernard Parish;

Randy L. Tubbs, 32, Morehouse Parish;

Earl Brandon Turner, 28, Rapides Parish;

Larry G. Ware, 48, Allen Parish;

Arthur Wharton, 58, Bienville Parish;

Don Williams, 42, Rapides Parish;

Johnnie L. Wilson, 45, St. Charles Parish;

Francis M. Wunstell Jr., 50, Iberville Parish;

And Out Lee Xanamane, 29, St. Mary Parish.

VILLE PLATTE MAN ARRESTED FOR DRUG VIOLATIONS ON THREE RIVERS W.M.A.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents

arrested Christopher D. Sebastien, 20, of Ville Platte on October 1, for

alleged drug violations, contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile and a

violation of wildlife management area rules and regulations. He was booked

into jail at the Concordia Parish Sheriff's Office.

Enforcement agents saw Sebastien operating an all-terrain-vehicle on the

wildlife management area after legal hours. When stopped, Sebastien was

found in possession of what appeared to be marijuana and other drug paraphernalia.

The bag of suspected marijuana, rolling papers and a set of scales were

seized and are being held as evidence.

Violation of WMA rules and regulations carries a fine of up to $350, jail

for not more than 60 days, or both, plus court costs. The penalty for first

offense possession of marijuana is up to $500, jail for not more than 6

months, or both, plus court costs. Contributing to a juvenile is punishable

by fine of up to $500, jail for not more than six months, or both, plus

court costs.

Agents participating in the case were Lt. Kenneth Hedricks, and Sr. Agent

Charles Ward.

WILDLIFE AGENTS MAKE DRUG ARRESTS ON RED RIVER W.M.A.

On October 2nd, agents from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and

Fisheries Enforcement Division arrested four individuals for alleged

possession of marijuana. Daniel L Broussard, 18, of Hammond, Cody W

Huffman, 19, of Folsom, Michael J Morrell Jr., 18, and Brett G Doyle, 19,

both of Covington were arrested and booked into jail at the Concordia

Parish Sheriff's Office.

Senior Agent Charles Ward spotted two vehicles sitting at the base of the

Red River levee. Marijuana and other drug paraphernalia were discovered

when Ward made contact with the individuals in the vehicles.

Two sacks of suspected marijuana and a pipe were seized as evidence.

First offense possession of marijuana carries a penalty of up to $500 in

fines, jail for not more than 6 months, or both, plus court costs.

Agents participating in the case were Sr. Agent Charles Ward and Sgt

Russ Kiser.

WILDLIFE AGENT HELPS POLICE APPREHEND FLEEING SUSPECTS

On September 26, William King, 36, of Lake Cove and Jason Dupont, 24,

of Oakdale were arrested by deputies from the Rapides Parish Sheriff's

Office, assisted by Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement

Sergeant Chris Cormier and officers from the Glenmora and McNary Police

Departments. The arrests came after a lengthy, high-speed chase lasting

for more than two hours and covering 98 miles through three parishes.

The incident began when DuPont's wife contacted the sheriff's office. She

reported DuPont had tried to run her off the road. Rapides Parish Sheriff

Deputies responded and a chase ensued. Glenmora and McNary Police

officers and LDWF Sergeant Chris Cormier were contacted for assistance. During

the chase, Sergeant Cormier set up a roadblock on a rural gravel road in

the suspect's path. The suspects evaded Sergeant Cormier's roadblock,

causing damage to his unit from rocks hitting his windshield. Sergeant Cormier

was one of the officers involved in finally stopping Dupont and King. He

assisted in the apprehension and detention of the suspects.

King was arrested for battery of a police officer; resisting an officer;

resisting by violence, disturbing the peace, inciting a felony and simple

escape.

DuPont was arrested for reckless operation, flight from an officer,

resisting by violence, open container, no drivers license, running a

stop light, improper lane usage, operating an unsafe vehicle, improper

turning, failure to signal, no seat belt, driving left of center, failure to

yield, improper parking and failure to yield to an emergency vehicle.

HUNTERS CITED FOR HUNTING DEER IN CLOSED SEASON ON WEST BAY W.M.A.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents

cited two men on September 25 for allegedly hunting deer during closed

season on West Bay Wildlife Management Area in Allen Parish.

Ronald R. Ardoin, 53, of Iowa, and Mark A. Ardoin, 43, of Jennings were

cited after agents encountered them hunting with bows and arrows on the

WMA. They admitted to hunting deer, and two bows and 12 arrows were seized

in connection with the violations. The archery season for deer was

scheduled to open on West Bay WMA on October 1, 2004.

The penalty for hunting deer in closed season is a fine of up to $950, jail

for not more than 120 days, or both, plus court costs and forfeiture of any

equipment seized in connection with the violation.

Participating in the case were Lieutenant Larry Breaux and Senior Agent

Keith Aucoin.

WILDLIFE AGENTS USE PHOTO LINE-UPS TO APPREHEND SHRIMP PEDDLERS

Agents from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement

Division utilized photo lineups to apprehend three suspects accused of

defrauding a woman during an August 30 shrimp purchase. The alleged

theft occurred in Jefferson Davis Parish.

Harold L. Thibodeaux, 56, of Rayne was cited on September 14 for theft under

$300. In conjunction with the same incident, agents cited Colby L. Doucet,

19, of Rayne and Kenny J. Menard 32, of Rayne on September 15 for theft

under $300.

On August 30, agents began an investigation after receiving a complaint from

the Jefferson Davis Parish Sheriff's Office concerning a woman who bought

shrimp from door-to-door peddlers. The victim paid $200 for 60 pounds of

shrimp with heads on, and ended up with approximately 13.97 pounds of tails

after the shrimp were deheaded. According to an LDWF biologist, the yield on

60 pounds of shrimp, once deheaded, should have been approximately 40.95

pounds of shrimp. The value of shrimp the victim was shorted was $132.

Information revealed in an interview with the victim and her daughters led

agents to Menard and his associates, Thibodeaux and Doucet. The victims

identified the three from photo lineups. Working in conjunction with the

Acadia Parish Sheriff's Office, the subjects were subsequently located and

cited.

The penalty for crime of theft under $300 is a fine of no more than $500,

jail for not more than six months, or both.

Officers participating in the case were Lieutenant Bobby Buatt, Senior Agent

Aaron Monceaux, and Deputy Chad Carrier with the Jefferson Davis Parish

Sheriff's Office.

FOUR CITED FOR TAKING UNDERSIZED WHITE SHRIMP

Four commercial fishermen have been cited by Louisiana Department of

Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents for allegedly violating

provisions pertaining to the count on white shrimp in two separate incidents

in Cameron Parish.

Michael W. Daigle, 52, of Hackberry and A. J. Elkin, 69, of Lake Charles,

were cited for taking and possessing undersized white shrimp on August

25 after enforcement agents boarded the fishing vessel "Southern Comfort"

which was engaged in trawling in the Calcasieu Ship Channel. Undersized white

shrimp were found on board. Samples of the catch were weighed and counted to

determine the total number of white shrimp per pound. The results revealed

an average count of 150 white shrimp to the pound. A total of 215 pounds of

shrimp were seized and sold for $43.00, to be held on account pending disposition
of the case.

Randall K. Richard, 43, and Ronald T. Truxillo, 57, both of Sulphur, were

cited for taking and possessing undersized white shrimp on September 21

after agents boarded the "Daddy Rabbit," trawling in the Calcasieu Ship

Channel. The count on shrimp aboard this vessel was 135 white shrimp per

pound. A total of 250 pounds of white shrimp valued at $62.50 were seized

and sold.

It is illegal to take or possess white shrimp smaller than 100 per pound in

Louisiana waters. This size restriction applies to taking or possessing

white shrimp aboard a vessel, except during the period from October 15

through the third Monday in December when there shall be no possession

count on saltwater white shrimp taken or possessed.

Taking or possessing undersized white shrimp carries a penalty of up to

$500 in fines, no more than 90 days in jail, or both, plus court costs and

forfeiture of anything seized.

Agents participating in the cases were Lieutenant Jesse Savoie, Sergeant

David Liles, Senior Agents Keith Aucoin, Scott Fontenot, Steven Vidrine, and

Joey James, and Cadet Wendel Vaughn.

THREE CITED FOR EXCEEDING SHRIMP LIMIT ON MARSH ISLAND REFUGE

Three Iberia Parish men were cited on September 17 and 19 for allegedly

taking over the daily limit of shrimp on Marsh Island Refuge.

On September 17, enforcement agents from the Louisiana Department of

Wildlife and Fisheries watched Erron Derouen and Phillip Cartimiglia, both

of New Iberia, take 32 and 39 pounds of shrimp respectively, from the Gordy

Dam area on Marsh Island. On September 19, Kenneth Carline, also of New

Iberia, was observed taking 32 pounds of shrimp at the Big Dam on Bird

Island Bayou on Marsh Island. The daily limit for shrimp on the refuge is

25 pounds per vessel per day.

All three men were cited for not abiding by rules and regulations on the

refuge. Penalties include a fine of not more than $350, up to 60 days in

jail, or both, plus court costs.

Agents participating in these cases were Captain Lastie Cormier, Lieutenants

Robert Buatt and Donald Salpietra, and Senior Agents Keith Delahoussaye,

Layne Picard and Gene Viator.

SENTENCE HANDED DOWN IN OYSTER THEFT CASE

On August 24, Miquel Torres, 30 and Mario Gomez, 32, both of Houma

appeared before 32nd Judicial District Court Judge Timothy Ellender. Both men

entered pleas of guilty to unlawfully taking oysters from a private lease and

taking oysters from an unapproved area.

Judge Ellender accepted the guilty pleas. Torres and Gomez were each fined a

total of $4,000, plus court costs for the violations. In addition to the

fines, Judge Ellender suspended the six months jail term for each, upon

payment of fines.

Assistant District Attorney Sam Marcus prosecuted the case. Louisiana

Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement agents participating in

this case were Sergeants Bryan Marie and Max Dupre, and Senior Agents

Ronnie Granier and Keith Francis.

COMMERCIAL SHARK FISHER ISSUED PENALTIES

The National Marine Fisheries Service Office of the General Counsel

issued a Notice of Violation and Assessment (NOVA) on September 29th to the

captain/owner of the fishing vessel the "Patrick James" for violations

of federal shark regulations. Chau Van Kha, 45 of Venice was issued an

assessment for $30,000 and a 45-day permit sanction for the shark

violations. The Special Investigations Unit of the Louisiana Department of

Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division initiated the case while

working under a joint enforcement agreement with the National Oceanic and

Atmospheric Administration's Office for Law Enforcement.

On August 7, agents determined the fishing vessel "Patrick James" had

allegedly taken and sold approximately 3,380 pounds of shark carcasses

and 1,125 pounds of shark fins to Venice Fish & Shrimp, a wholesale seafood

dealer located in Venice Louisiana.

Agents identified approximately 1000 pounds of shark fins hidden on top

of refrigerated coolers at the Venice Fish & Shrimp. The fins had been

offloaded at the dock upon the vessel's arrival in the middle of the night.

Shark fins represent approximately five percent of the carcass weight of

shark. 1,125 pounds of shark fins represent over 22,000 pounds of shark,

most of which were finned and returned to the water to die during the

fishing trip of the "Patrick James."

Agents participating in the case were Senior Agents James Gomillion and

Buck Hampton.

INCREASES IN SHRIMP GEAR AND DEALER FEES TO FUND SHRIMP
ANTI-DUMPING PETITION

Louisiana licensed shrimpers and wholesale/retail seafood dealers who

purchase shrimp will pay additional fees in license years 2005 and 2006

to support funding the shrimp anti-dumping petition.

To assist the Louisiana shrimp industry and counter the illegal importation

of unfairly priced foreign shrimp into the U.S., Act 904 of the 2004 regular

legislative session, requires commercial fishermen who purchase gear

licenses for a trawl, skimmer or butterfly net to pay a new annual fee for

license years 2005 and 2006.

Endorsed by the Louisiana Wild Caught Shrimp Trade Action Advisory

Council, the act stipulates payment only once during each of the two years,

irregardless of the number of shrimp net gear licenses purchased. The

additional annual fees are $10 for residents and $40 for nonresidents,

which will increase the total annual fees to $20 for residents and $80 for

nonresidents. All new fees collected are to be deposited into the

Shrimp Trade Petition Account.

This new fee is in addition to the shrimp gear fee currently collected for

deposit into the Seafood Marketing and Promotion Account for shrimp

marketing and promotional activities administered by the Louisiana

Seafood Marketing and Promotion Board.

Additionally, any wholesale/retail seafood dealer who is required to pay

shrimp excise tax will also pay a new annual fee of $150 for residents

and $600 for nonresidents. Any wholesale/retail seafood dealer who bought,

sold, acquired, handled or purchased in excess of 250,000 pounds of shrimp

equivalent to head on weight during the previous license year will pay an

additional annual fee of $1,000. These fees are also for deposit into the

Shrimp Trade Petition Account and will be assessed for license years 2005

and 2006 only.

LDWF license renewal notices sent to shrimpers and wholesale/retail dealers

who purchase shrimp will contain reminders concerning these new fees.

Commercial licenses for license year 2005 will be available for purchase

beginning November 15, 2004. It is estimated that these new fees will

generate approximately $268,000 annually over the next two years dedicated

to fund the trade action.

In June, Governor Kathleen Blanco authorized the use of $350,000 in federal

grant funds (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/U.S. Department

of Commerce Award No. NA03NMF45203) in support of the trade action. The

Louisiana Wild Caught Shrimp Trade Action Advisory Council is also

continuing to examine and recommend additional funding sources in support of

the trade action.

SHREVEPORT MAN CITED FOR OVER LIMIT OF SQUIRREL

On October 4, agents from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and

Fisheries cited Omer Nettles, 64, of Shreveport for taking over the limit of

squirrels.

Nettles was squirrel hunting in a wooded area near Saline Bayou in

Bienville Parish when he was checked for license and bag limit. He was found to

have taken 11 squirrels that morning. The daily bag limit for squirrels is

eight.

Taking over the daily bag limit carries fines of not more than $500,

imprisonment for no more than 90 days, or both, plus court costs.

Participating in the case were Agent John L. Blalock and Sergeant

Patrick Staggs.

All hunters are encouraged to read and to familiarize themselves with

Louisiana's 2004-2005 Hunting Seasons and Wildlife Management Area

Regulations booklet, a free publication provided by the Louisiana

Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Booklets may be obtained from any
Louisiana hunting and fishing license vendor or via the LDWF website address at

www.wlf.state.la.us.

HAMMOND MAN CITED FOR ILLEGAL DUMPING ON W.M.A.

On September 27, enforcement agents from the Louisiana Department of

Wildlife and Fisheries discovered illegally dumped household garbage on

Joyce Wildlife Management Area off Highway 51, south of Ponchatoula.

After allegedly finding documents bearing his name and address in the trash,

the agents contacted Steve A. Burosh, 40, of Hammond. Burosh was shown

the evidence, informed of the violation and cited on October 2 for gross

littering. If convicted, Burosh faces a fine of not more than $1,000, and 8

hours of community service in a Litter Abatement Program.

In addition to penalties, a convicted offender shall also repair or restore

damaged property or pay for damages arising from the violation and pay

all reasonable investigative expenses and costs to the investigative

agency.

Agents participating in the case were Sgt. Dane Thomas and Sr. Agent

Brit Forbes.

JEFFERSON MEN BANNED FROM SALVADOR WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

Two Jefferson Parish man have pled guilty to two counts each of violating

the rules and regulations of a wildlife management area. At sentencing,

they were banned from Salvador Wildlife Management Area in St. Charles

Parish for one year.

Joseph Roth Jr., 54, of Lafitte, and Philip Roth, 50, of Bridge City,

appeared on August 5 before 29th Judicial District Judge Emile St. Pierre in

Division C. They pled guilty to entering Salvador WMA during illegal hours

and frogging on the WMA. Judge St. Pierre sentenced each to pay a fine of

$250 and placed them on inactive probation for one year, from August 5 to

August 4 of next year. During the probation period, they may not visit any

wildlife management area in St. Charles Parish.

The men were cited on June 12 when agents apprehended them in the act

of frogging on the wildlife management area. They fled from the agents but

were caught and arrested. Salvador WMA is closed to all nighttime

activities, and it is illegal to frog on the WMA.

The case was prosecuted by District Attorney Harry Morel's office.

Participating in the case were Senior Agents George Robinson and Jeff

Robinson.

TERREBONNE PARISH TRIO CITED FOR GALLINULE LIMIT OFFENSES

Three Terrebonne Parish men were cited by a Louisiana Department of

Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agent for allegedly possessing over

the limit of gallinule. Gallinule is a species of rail that are common and

abundant in freshwater marshes. It is a game bird protected under the

federal Migratory Game Bird Treaty Act.

Andy Trahan, 22, Ryan Young, 26, and Daniel LeBeouf Jr., 21, all of Gray,

were cited in the Intracoastal Canal in on September 25 in Terrebonne

Parish. Agent Joe Arnaud was working the area when he heard frequent

gunfire in the marsh. He was unable to access the shallow marsh but decided

to wait for the hunters to exit. Upon conducting a game and license check,

he allegedly found the men in possession of 102 freshly killed gallinule, 57

in excess of their combined field possession limit.

The penalties for violating the Migratory Game Bird Treaty Act may include

fines of up to $5000, jail for not more than six months, and loss of hunting

privileges. The gallinule were seized and donated to charity.

GULF FISHERMEN CITED FOR ILLEGAL RED SNAPPER

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division

agents cited four fishermen on October 1 in the Gulf of Mexico for allegedly

violating recreational fishing regulations regarding size and possession

limits for red snapper.

Ricky Benoit, 46, Samuel Johnson III, 51, and Jerry Benoit, 42, all of

Thibodaux, as well as Raymond Mackey Jr., 21, of Gretna, were cited under

commission rules and regulations for possessing undersized red snapper

and possessing over the limit of red snapper. Agents performing a routine

boating safety and fish inspection about seven miles south of Bell Pass, off

the coast of Lafourche Parish, allegedly found the fishermen in possession

of 29 red snapper. The most the four men could legally possess was four

per person for a combined total of 16 fish. Upon measuring the fish for

compliance with the 16-inch minimum size, the agents found 28 of the 29

fish under the legal size.

Violations of commission regulations regarding recreational red snapper

sizes and limits carry penalties of up to $350 in fines, jail for not more

than 60 days, or both, plus court costs for each count. All 29 red snapper

were seized and later donated to charity.

Agents involved in this case were Senior Agents Thomas DeWitt and

Richard Purvis.

LOUISIANA SHRIMPERS RECEIVE TEMPORARY T.E.D. EXEMPTION

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has granted shrimp trawlers a

temporary 30-day exemption from federal Turtle Excluder Device (TED)

requirements in a portion of Louisiana waters. Shrimp trawlers fishing in

Louisiana inside and outside territorial waters from the Mississippi -

Louisiana state line to a line west of Grand Isle at 90 degrees, 03

minutes and 00 seconds W are exempt from federal TED requirements

provided they comply with seasonal tow-time restrictions established by NMFS.

The exemption does not apply to federal waters within the Exclusive

Economic Zone (EEZ).

Maximum tow time restrictions of 55 minutes measured from the time

trawl doors enter the water until they are retrieved from the water will be

in effect from October 12 until 11:59 p.m. October 31, 2004. Maximum

tow time lengths will increase to 75 minutes from November 1, through

11:59 p.m. November 11, 2004. This exemption from federal TED requirements

will expire on November 11, 2004 unless otherwise extended by NMFS.

Federal regulations provide for the use of limited tow times as an alternative to

the use of TEDs if determined "that the presence of debris or other

special environmental conditions in a particular area makes trawling

with TED-equipped nets impracticable."

This action follows NMFS consideration of a request made by Department of

Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Dwight Landreneau following passage of

Hurricane Ivan and its return as Tropical Storm Ivan.

Louisiana shrimp fishermen and LDWF marine fisheries biologists have

reported the presence of large amounts of storm related debris throughout

the impacted area. This debris primarily consists of matted grasses,

rooted clumps of marsh vegetation, Roseau cane, branches, sunken

buoys andmetal roofing material. The debris has severely impacted both shrimp

catch and TED performance and has damaged fishing gear as well.

L.D.W.F. ANNOUNCES TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF HUNTING AREAS

In accordance with the emergency provisions of R.S. 49:953 (B) of the

Administrative Procedure Act and under the authority of R.S. 56:115,

the Secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries hereby adopts the

following emergency rule:

Upon the authority of R.S. 56:6.1 and the authority granted to the Secretary

by the Commission to close seasons, hunting in the following described

portion of the state is hereby closed effective October 13, 2004 until

further notice. This closure shall apply to that portion of Louisiana north

and west of US Hwy. 51 from US 61 to Frenier Rd, north of Frenier Rd to

Lake Pontchartrain, west of Lake Pontchartrain to Tangipahoa River, west

bank of Tangipahoa River to LA Hwy. 22, south of LA Hwy. 22 to LA Hwy. 70 in

Sorrento, east of LA Hwy. 70 to LA Hwy. 3125, north of LA Hwy. 3125 to

LA Hwy. 641, north and west of LA Hwy. 641 to US Hwy. 61, north of US Hwy.

61 to US Hwy. 51.

The decision to close hunting was based upon the flooding that has continued

in this area since Tropical Storm Matthew and the recent rainfall that has

occurred since the storm. This season closure will remain in effect until

the decision is made by the Department Secretary to reopen hunting.

L.D.W.F. REOPENS AREA FOR HUNTING

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Dwight Landreneau

issued a notice to reopen the portion of the state that had been closed

to hunting activities due to high waters. The area, near Lake Maurepas,

will be open for hunting beginning October 20. Flooding and high waters

caused by Tropical Storm Matthew forced the closure.

The emergency rule issued by Secretary Landreneau reads as follows:

Upon the authority of R.S. 56:6.1 and the authority granted to the Secretary

by the Commission to reopen hunting seasons, hunting in the following

described portion of the state is hereby reopened effective October 20,

2004. This order shall apply to that portion of Louisiana north and west of

US Hwy. 51 from US 61 to Frenier Road, north of Frenier Road to Lake

Ponchartrain, west of Lake Ponchartrain to Tangipahoa River, west bank of

Tangipahoa River to LA Hwy. 22, south of LA Hwy. 22 to LA Hwy. 70 in

Sorrento, east of LA Hwy. 70 to LA Hwy. 3125, north of LA Hwy. 3125 to LA

Hwy. 641, north and west of LA Hwy. 641 to US Hwy. 61, north of US Hwy.

61 to US Hwy. 51. The decision to reopen hunting was based upon flood

waters receding and game species given time to disperse and resume their

normal activities.

MISSISSIPPI MAN CITED FOR VIOLATIONS ON BIG LAKE W.M.A.

On October 7, enforcement agents from the Louisiana Department of

Wildlife and Fisheries cited Michael McCoy, 36, of Vicksburg, Mississippi for

several alleged violations resulting from an unlicensed hunting trip on Big

Lake Wildlife Management Area. McCoy was cited for hunting without a

non-resident license, hunting without a WMA permit, obtaining a license by fraud,

and misrepresentation during issuance of a misdemeanor summons.

On October 2, Sgt. Cecil Wells cited McCoy for hunting squirrels on Big Lake

WMA without a basic resident hunting license and no WMA hunting permit.

McCoy showed Sgt. Wells an expired Louisiana driver's license, and told

him he was unable to obtain hunting licenses because his driver's license

had expired. During their conversation, McCoy stated that he lived in

Winnsboro, just as reflected on his driver's license.

On October 5, Senior Agent Scott Watson received a tip that McCoy had

been a resident of Mississippi for over three years. A meeting was arranged

with McCoy to determine his residence. McCoy then produced a Mississippi

driver's license issued in 2001. McCoy had also purchased a Louisiana

resident basic hunting license, since being cited by Sgt. Wells.

The expired Louisiana driver's license and several Louisiana resident

hunting licenses were seized as evidence in the case.