The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) enforcement agents cited a subject for alleged deer hunting violations on Sept. 29 in Vernon Parish.

Agents cited William Decker, 34, of Leesville, for hunting deer during illegal hours and hunting deer with an illegal weapon.

The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office (VPSO) received a complaint that someone fired a firearm in the early morning hours of Sept. 29. While investigating the complaint, the VPSO made contact with Decker at approximately 5:40 a.m. and saw that he was in possession of a harvested deer and a rifle.

LDWF agents arrived on scene and questioned Decker who admitted to shooting the deer before legal shooting time with a .22 caliber rim-fire rifle.

Agents seized the deer and donated it to a local charity.

Hunting deer during illegal hours brings a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Taking deer with an illegal weapon carries up to a $350 fine.

Decker will also face civil restitution totaling $1,624 for the replacement value of the illegally taken deer.

Agents participating in this case are Corporal Dustin Nash, Sgt. James Smith and Lt. Andrew Mitchell.