Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents cited three men for alleged migratory bird hunting violations on Feb. 20 in Acadia Parish.
Agents cited Lane A. Williams, 28, of Iota, Richard A. Williams, 55, of Jennings, and Heath E. St. Germain, 38, of Welsh, for hunting ducks during a closed season, intentional concealment of illegally taken game and using leadshot in area designated as stealshot. Lane Williams was also cited for operating an unregistered motorboat. St. Germain was also cited for hunting ducks without a state duck license and without a federal duck stamp.
On Feb. 20 agents received a compliant about the three men hunting ducks on Bayou Nezpique. Agents set up surveillance on the bayou where they observed the three men in a vessel shooting at ducks on the bayou. The three men continued down the bayou then went to the bank where they placed a black trashbag.
Agents made contact with the three men after they got to the bank and to their vehicle. During the hunting compliance checks, agents found they all possessed lead shot and St. Germain did not possess a state duck license or a federal duck stamp.
Agents located the black trashbag containing 13 ducks, which included six mallards, three woodducks, three teal and one gadwall.
All three subjects admitted to shooting ducks and hiding them on the bank before returning to their vehicle. The vessel they were hunting out of didn’t have proper registration.
Intentional concealment of illegally taken game carries a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Hunting ducks during a closed season, using leadshot in an area designated as stealshot and hunting ducks without a federal stamp each brings a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Hunting ducks without a state duck license and operating an unregistered vessel each carries up to a $50 fine and 15 days in jail.
The three men may also face a total of $346 in civil resititution for the replacement value of the illegally taken ducks.
Agents involved in the case are Senior Agent Buddy Murray, Sgt. Wendel Vaughn, Lt. Jesse Savoie and Senior Agent Steve Vidrine.
For more information, contact Adam Einck at 225-765-2465 or aeinck@wlf.la.gov.