Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents cited three subjects for alleged Wildlife Management Area (WMA) violations in Ascension Parish on Oct. 23.

Agents cited Yeferson Misael Mejia Rosales, 22, Josue Alexander Fernandez Cordova, 21, Julio Amaya Fernandez, 27, all from Honduras, for using a WMA without a WMA access permit and without a self-clearing permit. Agents also cited Rosales and Cordova for illegal target shooting on a WMA.

Agents were on patrol on the Maurepas Swamp WMA when they heard several gunshots coming from a main trail on the WMA. Agents made contact with the subjects and found Rosales in possession of a pistol and Cordova in possession of a rifle.

During questioning, Rosales and Cordova admitted to target shooting on the WMA in a non-designated target shooting area. The subjects also did not possess the required WMA access permit or WMA self-clearing permit.

Agents then notified the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office because the subjects had unknown immigration status. ICE officers arrived to the scene and took the three subjects into custody for their immigration status and illegally being in possession of firearms.

Illegal target shooting on a WMA and not possessing WMA access permits and self-clearing permits brings up to a $350 fine for each offense.

Agents participating in this case are Sgt. Edward Ridgel and Corporal Jerod Coats.