An Evangeline Parish man has been sentenced after pleading guilty to hunting squirrels in closed season on May 2 in Evangeline Parish.  Charles R. Landreneau, 47, of Ville Platte was sentenced by 13th Judicial District Judge Thomas F. Fuselier on July 5.

Judge Fuselier sentenced Landreneau to pay a fine of $375 plus $121.50 in court costs and to serve 30 days in the parish jail. The jail term was suspended, and Landreneau was placed on probation for one year, and ordered to pay a $30 per month probation fee until all fines and costs are paid.

The case resulted from a complaint received on May 2. Senior Agent Scott Fontenot investigated the complaint and discovered that Landreneau had used a pellet rifle to kill at least one squirrel on May 2, and five squirrels on May 1. Squirrel season closed on February 9, 2003, and will open again on October 4, 2003.  Nuisance squirrels may be trapped live and released year around under certain conditions, but may not be hunted during closed season.

For information about controlling nuisance squirrels and other wildlife, contact the Wildlife Division of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries at (225)765-2346.