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SEPTEMBER 2004 NEWS |
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MARRERO MAN CITED FOR ILLEGALLY POSSESSING ALLIGATOR RED SNAPPER SMUGGLERS CITED BY L.D.W.F. WHITE LAKE YOUTH WATERFOWL HUNT DATES ANNOUNCED L.D.W.F. HONORS ENFORCEMENT AGENTS SHRIMP TRADE ACTION ADVISORY COUNCIL TO MEET ST. JOHN MAN CONVICTED OF MIGRATORY GAME BIRD VIOLATIONS ALLIGATOR HUNTERS CITED FOR UNTAGGED ALLIGATORS SHRIMPERS CITED ON WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA OYSTER FISHERMEN CITED FOR TAKING POLLUTED OYSTERS L.D.W.F. REPORTS GOOD DOVE HUNTS ON LEASES TIP FROM HUNTER YIELDS $900,000 IN CONFISCATED MARIJUANA PLANTS EIGHTEEN DOVE HUNTERS CITED FOR BAITING VIOLATIONS NIGHT HUNTERS SENTENCED IN DISTRICT COURT THREE MISSISSIPPI MEN CITED FOR FEDERAL COMMERCIAL FISH VIOLATIONSNATIONAL HUNTING AND FISHING DAY CELEBRATED ACROSS STATEL.D.W.F. DONATES RODS AND REELS TO YOUTH GROUPSTEN CITED FOR TAKING POLLUTED OYSTERS IN TERREBONNE PARISHTHREE TERREBONNE SHRIMPERS CITED ON POINTE-AUX-CHENES W.M.A.
MARRERO MAN CITED FOR ILLEGALLY POSSESSING ALLIGATORLouisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited Angelo Manis, 39, of Marrero on August 22 for allegedly possessing a live alligator without a permit.
Agents responded to a tip that Manis had an alligator in a swimming pool in the backyard of his Marrero home in Jefferson Parish. A three-foot live alligator was found in six inches of muddy water in Manis's above ground pool. Louisiana law prohibits possession of a live alligator without a permit. Manis was cited and the alligator was seized and released unharmed.
Penalties for possessing a live alligator without a permit include fines of up to $500, jail for not more than 90 days, or both.
Agents participating in the case were Lieutenant Allen Adam, and Sergeants Jimmy Gregoire and Rusty Landry.
RED SNAPPER SMUGGLERS CITED BY L.D.W.F. Agents from the Special Investigations Unit of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division cited Qui Van Tran, 26, of Cameron on July 2, for alleged violations of federal law by taking red snapper without a required federal permit and taking red snapper in closed season.
The fishing vessel "Richard II" was seen at Cameron Fish House in Cameron and boarded for inspection. A hidden compartment was discovered and found to contain 11 cobia weighing 228 pounds and 1,343 pounds of red snapper.
On August 25, LDWF was notified that Qui Van Tran and vessel owner Richard Hien Thanh Vo of Texas were both issued a $37,500 Notice of Violation and Assessment (NOVA) and a 90-day Notice of Permit Sanction (NOPS) by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations Office of the General Counsel for Enforcement and Litigation.
The investigating agents were working under a Joint Enforcement Agreement (JEA) between LDWF and the National Marine Fisheries Service at the time the case was initiated.
Agents participating in the case were Sgt. Jay Diez and Sr. Agent Billy Gomillion.
WHITE LAKE YOUTH WATERFOWL HUNT DATES ANNOUNCED The dates for this year's youth waterfowl hunts on the White Lake Preserve near Gueydan have been announced. The hunts will occur on November 6 and 7. White Lake Preservation, Inc. and its board members are sponsoring the hunts "to provide a quality experience for young waterfowl hunters."
The participants in the hunts will be determined by a lottery drawing. Applications for the lottery are to be submitted to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries before close of business on October 8, 2004. One applicant will be selected from each of seven geographic LDWF regions in the state and one participant will be selected from the state at large. Selected participants will be provided overnight accommodations and arrival times will be sent to each hunter prior to the hunt.
Applicants must be under 16 years of age. Applications may be submitted for both dates, but hunters will only be allowed to participate in one. Selected hunters must be accompanied in the blind by a parent or guardian, though the youth will be the only one permitted to possess a firearm.
Applications may be obtained by contacting LDWF or by visiting the LDWF website at www.wlf.louisiana.gov. Completed applications may be delivered in person to Room 461 of the Wildlife and Fisheries Building in Baton Rouge, or they may be mailed in. The mailing address is: Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Attention: White Lake Youth Waterfowl Hunt at P.O. Box 98000, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70898.
L.D.W.F. HONORS ENFORCEMENT AGENTS In a presentation to the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission at their September 2nd meeting, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division Administrator Colonel Winton Vidrine handed out awards to four of the department's top agents, including the 2004 agent of the year.
Sergeant Todd Laviolette, from Region XIII, was named the 2004 Agent of the Year by the department. He is a 14-year veteran of the department and was recently promoted to sergeant. He was commended for being productive in all aspects of his job and is called upon quite often for his levelheaded approach to situations, his knowledge of the large area he works, and his knowledge of rules and statutes. Laviolette is a member of the department dive team and serves as the Region XIII evidence custodian.
"Sgt. Laviolette represents the department very professionally by maintaining a good quality case load, teaching numerous boating education classes, hunter education classes and making appearances to represent the department at sportsman group meetings in his community," said Col. Vidrine. Laviolette has also been nominated for the 2004 Agent of the Year for the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.
Three other agents were also presented awards at the meeting. Senior Agent Joe Dewil of Region III was named the top litter enforcement officer for his work in enforcing litter laws in his area. Sgt. Dane Thomas of Region VII was commended for his work in controlling boating under the influence violations. Senior Agent Scott Watson of Region IV was recognized his work as a lifesaver.
All four agents were presented with plaques and were acknowledged by the commission and thanked for their valuable service.
SHRIMP TRADE ACTION ADVISORY COUNCIL TO MEET The Louisiana Wild Caught Shrimp Trade Action Advisory Council will meet Tuesday, September 21, at 1:30 p.m. in the Louisiana Room at the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries building in Baton Rouge. In an effort to assist trade action efforts targeting the illegal dumping of foreign shrimp into U.S. markets, Governor Kathleen Blanco has issued Executive Order KBB 2004-05 which reestablished the Louisiana Wild Caught Shrimp Trade Action Advisory Council. The Council's duties include supporting and assisting a trade action brought by a consolidated wild caught shrimp industry, exploring and developing funding sources and mechanisms to assist and support such trade action, and recommending proposed legislation to fund the trade action. Council members are appointed by the Governor and include shrimp industry representatives, state legislators and representatives from the Governor's Office and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
According to Council Chairman John Roussel, Assistant Secretary of the LDWF, the wild caught shrimp industry is an integral part of Louisiana's history and culture as well as a major component of the state's economy providing employment and tax revenue to the state. Louisiana commercial shrimp landings totaled 126.2 million pounds (heads-on weight) and had a dockside value of approximately $136.4 million in 2003.
ST. JOHN MAN CONVICTED OF MIGRATORY GAME BIRD VIOLATIONS On August 24th, Timothy J. Ruiz, 42, of LaPlace, was tried before U.S. Magistrate Louis Moore in U.S. Magistrate Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana in New Orleans. He was found guilty of three migratory game bird violations stemming from a duck hunt on January 6, 2004 in St. John Parish.
Ruiz was found guilty of hunting migratory game birds during illegal hours, violating non-toxic shot requirements, and hunting ducks without a federal stamp. Magistrate Moore sentenced Ruiz to pay a fine of $725, plus a $30 special assessment fee. He also placed Ruiz on active probation for six months.
U.S. Attorney Michael Simpson prosecuted the case.
Agents participating in the case were Sergeant Davis Madere, and Senior Agent Jamie Folse.
ALLIGATOR HUNTERS CITED FOR UNTAGGED ALLIGATORS Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Agent Joseph Arnaud cited two Assumption Parish alligator hunters on September 1 for allegedly possessing untagged alligators in Lafourche Parish.
Tommy Aucoin, 31, of Pierre Part, and Johnny Hendrix, 31, of Belle Rose were stopped in Lac Des Allemands for a routine boating safety inspection. Aucoin and Hendrix had five alligators in their boat, three of which were not tagged. Louisiana alligator regulations require the hunter to immediately place a self locking tag in the tail of every alligator taken into possession during the state's commercial alligator season.
The three untagged alligators were seized and sold to a licensed dealer at market value.
Failing to tag alligators upon taking carries a penalty of up to $750 in fines, jail for up to 120 days, or both, plus court costs.
SHRIMPERS CITED ON WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA Three Terrebonne Parish men were cited on September 3rd for allegedly violating regulations on the Pointe-Aux-Chenes Wildlife Management Area in Terrebonne Parish.
Gerald Ganaway, 51, of Houma, Kirk Dardar, 29, and Carl Verdin, 35, both of Montegut, were cited by Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents after they were seen shrimping at night on the WMA. The three were using three separate boats equipped with skimmer nets within the boundaries of the management area at 5 a.m. The Pointe-Aux-Chenes WMA rules prohibit any commercial activity or nighttime activity on the WMA. Each man was cited for two counts of violating the WMA regulations.
A total of 350 pounds of shrimp and three sets of skimmer nets were seized. The shrimp were sold to a local seafood dealer at fair market value. The skimmer nets will be held for evidence.
Violating the rules and regulations of a wildlife management area is punishable by a fine of up to $350, jail not more than 60 days, or both, plus court costs. Agents participating in the cases were Lieutenant Chuck Comeaux and Senior Agent Chad Hebert.
OYSTER FISHERMEN CITED FOR TAKING POLLUTED OYSTERS Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited two Terrebonne Parish men on September 3 for allegedly taking oysters from an unapproved area.
Donald Dardar, 43, and Myron Chaisson, 19, both of Montegut, were allegedly observed dredging for oysters in Bayou Jean Charles, located in Terrebonne Parish. The Department of Health and Hospitals Oyster Water Monitoring Program closed this area of Bayou Jean Charles due to high levels of fecal coli form bacteria. DHH issues maps four times per year, which designate open oyster waters, and areas closed due to high bacteria counts.
Eight sacks of oysters were seized and returned to the water. Two oyster dredges were seized as evidence.
If convicted the two face penalties of up to $700 in fines, up to six months jail, or both, plus court costs.
Agents involved in this case were Senior Agents Jamie Folse and Joe Arnaud.
L.D.W.F. REPORTS GOOD DOVE HUNTS ON LEASES The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is reporting good results from its two dove leases for the first split of this year's dove season. The department opened two parcels of land, one in Rapides Parish and one in Beauregard Parish, for public dove hunting. The lands were opened for only the opening day of the first split of the season, September 4.
"The two dove leases we had for opening day had very good hunts," said Fred Kimmel, LDWF's Upland Game program manager. Kimmel reports that the lease in Rapides Parish was full of hunters by 10:30 a.m., with about 100 people being turned away. For the day, 427 hunters took 1,640 dove, an average of 3.84 doves per hunter. LDWF's lease in Beauregard Parish fared even better. The one-day totals show 224 hunters taking 994 doves, an average of 4.43 doves per effort.
Opening day results were also positive on several of the department's wildlife management areas. A lottery hunt on Bayou Pierre WMA had 69 hunters taking 488 doves. Sandy Hollow WMA north tract youth hunt reported 96 hunters bagging 220 doves. Camp Beauregard WMA hosted 22 hunters who took 182 doves. Fifty-five hunters on Boeuf WMA took 215 doves.
The second split of the dove season begins on October 9. Kimmel encourages interested hunters to look at the LDWF website to find public dove hunting opportunities at WMAs and other leases. Information can be found at www.wlf.louisiana.gov.
TIP FROM HUNTER YIELDS $900,000 IN CONFISCATED MARIJUANA PLANTS On September 5, enforcement agents from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries confiscated over 600 marijuana plants in Vernon Parish thanks to a tip from a hunter who found some of the plants on his hunting lease. The plants have a $900,000 estimated street value.
The hunter contacted Senior Agent Joe Dewil and told him he found 15 plants in a cutover off of Old River Road and believed they were marijuana. Sr. Agent Dewil and the hunter went to the location where they confirmed the hunter's suspicion.
Dewil then contacted Sgt. Bill Tyree, Sr. Agent Curt Belton, Agent Russell Brack, and a Vernon Parish Sheriff's Office Narcotics Task Force Officer for assistance. After an extensive search of the surrounding area, the wildlife agents and narcotics officer located and confiscated additional marijuana plants.
An aerial search was later conducted from a Louisiana State Police helicopter to confirm complete removal of the illicit garden. The confiscated plants were turned over to the Vernon Parish Sheriff's Office for further investigation.
If anyone has any information concerning this investigation, please contact the Vernon Parish Sheriff's Office at (337)238-1311, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries at 1-800-442-2511, or the Louisiana State Police at 1-800-256-4160.
EIGHTEEN DOVE HUNTERS CITED FOR BAITING VIOLATIONS Agents from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service cited a hunting guide and 17 hunters for alleged violations of the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act pertaining to the illegal baiting of migratory game birds. The alleged violations occurred in Jefferson Davis Parish.
Larry D. Shuff, 45, of Lake Charles, was cited for violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act by placing bait for the purpose of taking migratory game birds.
The following 17 hunters were cited for hunting migratory game birds over bait: Troy W. Roberie, 38, of Welsh; Cody J. Campbell, 30, and Craig A. Guillory, 29, both of Rayne; Garret P. Seihan, 27, and Tristan W. Comeaux, 29, both of Jennings; John S. Martin, 42, of Forest Hill; Jamie B. Bulliard, 30, of St. Martinville; Joseph D. Livers, Jr., 50, of Maurice; Anthony C. Miller Jr., 40, of Broussard; Michael W. Grotefend, 48, of Scott; Brandon D. McDonald, 29, of Abbeville; Richard J. Brierre, 38, of Breaux Bridge; Gregory J. Ardoin, 45, of Ville Platte; Ray E. Christy, 57, of Lake Charles; Garry L. Todd, 69, of Westlake; David N. Naquin, 36, of Basile; and Brian C. Breaux, 31, of Morse.
The cases were made on September 4, the opening day of dove season, after
agents watched
the hunters shoot and kill doves over a suspected baited area. are pending on four hunters who fled the field after agents made their presence known.
Violations of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act are punishable by fines up to $5,000, jail for up to six months, or both. The case will be prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Agents participating in the case were Lieutenant Bobby Buatt, Sergeant Edwin Broussard, Senior Agent Kane Thomas, and USFWS Agents Bill Ferguson and Flip Siragusa.
NIGHT HUNTERS SENTENCED IN DISTRICT COURT On August 24, 21st Judicial District Court Judge Ernie Drake found David D. Gordon, 32, and Debra L. Glover, 28, both of Walker, guilty of illegal night hunting and sentenced them to pay fines and forfeit equipment.
On January 2, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division Sergeant Grady Brecheen apprehended Gordon and Glover on Hwy 43, north of Greensburg shortly after midnight. The two were illegally spotlighting for deer. Sgt. Brecheen cited both for hunting deer during illegal hours with an artificial light, hunting deer from a public road, and hunting from a moving vehicle. A .30-06 rifle, .410 shotgun and spotlight were seized.
Judge Drake sentenced each defendant to 120 days in jail, suspended the jail time and ordered them to each pay fines of $900, plus $151.50 court costs and to pay a $40 assessment fee to the public defender. The rifle, shotgun and light were ordered forfeited to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
THREE MISSISSIPPI MEN CITED FOR FEDERAL COMMERCIAL FISH VIOLATIONSOn August 22, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited Richard Nguyen, 53, Chan Nguyen, 46, and John Ly, 58, all of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, for allegedly taking red snapper during closed season, taking undersized red snapper, and taking Spanish mackerel without a federal permit.
The investigation began when agents stopped the motor vessel "Captain Kerry" in the south pass of the Mississippi River in Plaquemines Parish. The vessel was traveling to Venice. In an ice hold on the vessel, agents found 33 red snapper under the legal size limit of 15 inches, and five Spanish mackerel. The season for red snapper closed on August 11th, and the vessel was not permitted to participate in the federal fishery program for taking or possessing Spanish mackerel. All of the fish were seized and are being held as evidence.
Penalties for this type of federal violation carry fines of up to $250,000 and may include permit sanctions if the defendants are found guilty.
Agents participating in the case were Senior Agents Adam Young and Villere Reggio; also assisting were agents from the Special Investigations Unit, Sergeant Jay Diez and Senior Agent Billy Gomillion.
NATIONAL HUNTING AND FISHING DAY CELEBRATED ACROSS STATESeptember 25 marked National Hunting and Fishing Day, and the "Sportsman's Paradise" was obliged to celebrate. More than 5,000 people attended one of four celebrations hosted by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries across the state that offered opportunities to shoot, fish, view live wildlife, taste unique cuisine, and more.
Celebrations were held in Monroe, Woodworth, Bodcau and Baton Rouge. The Baton Rouge site marked its 20th year of inviting families to experience the wonders of the outdoors. The sites invited attendees to try their hand at such things as archery, skeet shooting, and fishing. Personnel from LDWF also provided displays and demonstrations to help educate kids and families about different aspects of wildlife and fisheries in Louisiana. Other exhibitors were also on-hand to show off different techniques and to provide more information about the state's valuable resource, the outdoors.
"This is always a great experience for families and kids," said Marianne Burke, NHFD coordinator in Baton Rouge. "And we are very grateful to the exhibitors, volunteers and sponsors that make this celebration possible."
LDWF Secretary Dwight Landreneau attended the Baton Rouge event for the first time as head of the department. "Enjoying the outdoors is a great alternative to all the indoor options we have these days and we're fortunate to live in a state with a wide array of choices for all ages," he commented.
L.D.W.F. DONATES RODS AND REELS TO YOUTH GROUPSTwo youth groups in the Greater News Orleans area received fishing rods and reels from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries on Saturday, Sept. 25 as part of National Hunting and Fishing Day activities around the state.
The youth ministry at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Orleans and participants at Junior Sportsman's Day at Lafreniere Park in Metairie were the beneficiaries. LDWF's Enforcement Division personnel presented the fishing equipment to each group in an effort to foster youth interest in the outdoors. The Sportsman's Day event was organized by the Clio Sportsman's League.
The rods and reels, confiscated by enforcement agents from people cited for fishing without a license or exceeding regulated limits, were returned to LDWF by the court system following settlement of cases. One hundred twenty-five rod and reel combos were handed out at the two locations.
"We hope to attract youngsters to fishing as a hobby that can last a lifetime, not to mention the benefits that come from quality time spent with family and friends fishing together," said Col. Winton Vidrine, Enforcement Division chief.
LDWF-sponsored events promoting the state's National Hunting and Fishing Day outdoor experience were also held in Baton Rouge, Minden, Monroe and Woodworth.
TEN CITED FOR TAKING POLLUTED OYSTERS IN TERREBONNE PARISHLouisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agent cited 10 oyster fishermen on September 20 for allegedly taking oysters from an unapproved area.
Antonio Aguado, 21 and Sergio Aguiree, 40, both from Houma and Ricardo Martinez Garcia, 17, of Chauvin, were seen dredging for oysters in Four League Bay, in West Terrebonne Parish. The three men were cited for taking oysters from an unapproved area. The Department of Health and Hospitals Oyster Water Monitoring Program closed this area of Four League Bay due to high levels of fecal coliform bacteria. DHH issues maps four times per year, which designate open oyster waters, and areas closed due to high bacteria counts.
Two sacks of oysters were seized and returned to the water. Two oyster dredges and the boat were placed under a seizure order.
In a separate location closed to harvesting oysters, seven men were found dredging oysters in Bayou Couteau, near the Houma Navigation Channel. Juan Jesus Martinez, 43, Jose Agustin Martinez, 20, Juan Angel Martinez, 17, all from Bacliff, Texas; Pedro Becerril, 35, of Seabrook, Texas; and Lawrence Joseph Verdin, 53, Earl J. Bennett, 32, Terrence Lavar Winslow, 24, all of Houma, were cited for taking oysters from an unapproved area.
Thirty-five sacks of oysters were seized and returned to the water. Four oyster dredges and the vessel were placed under seizure order.
If convicted, the ten face penalties of up to $700 in fines, up to six months jail, or both, plus court costs.
The alleged violators were apprehended and cited by Wildlife Enforcement Sergeant Bryan Marie of the Enforcement Division's Oyster Strike Force.
THREE TERREBONNE SHRIMPERS CITED ON POINTE-AUX-CHENES W.M.A. Agents from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division cited three Terrebonne Parish men for allegedly violating regulations on the Pointe-aux-Chenes Wildlife Management Area. The men were cited for engaging in commercial activity on the WMA. One subject was additionally cited for being on the WMA during illegal hours (at night). The violations occurred the night of September 16 and the morning of September 17.
Sterling Billiot, 35 of Houma was cited on September 16 after agents allegedly saw him using skimmer nets to take shrimp at around 9:45 p.m. Scottie Dufrene, 43, of Chauvin, and Robert Henry, 24, of Bourg were cited at about 6:30 a.m. on September 17. They were also allegedly observed using skimmer nets on the WMA. Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission rules prohibit commercial activity and nighttime activity on the Pointe-aux-Chenes WMA.
Billiot was cited for two counts of not abiding by WMA rules and regulations. Dufrene and Henry were each cited for one count of not abiding by WMA rules and regulations.
Violations of wildlife management area regulations are punishable by fines of up to $350, jail for not more than 60 days, or both, plus court costs for each count. Two sets of skimmer nets were seized and are being held for evidence. Approximately 150 pounds of shrimp were seized and retuned alive to the water.
Agents involved in these cases were Lieutenant Chuck Comeaux and Senior Agents Chad Hebert, Jamie Folse, and Richard Purvis.
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