Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents cited two men for alleged deer hunting violations on Feb. 27 in Avoyelles Parish.
Agents cited Ashton Rachal, 19, and Travis J. Bordelon, 19, both of Moreauville, for taking deer during illegal hours, possession of illegally taken deer, taking deer from a public road, hunting from a moving vehicle, discharging a firearm from a public road, and failing to comply with deer tagging requirements. Bordelon was also charged with taking over the daily limit of deer, taking over the antlered deer seasonal limit, and hunting without a big game license.
Agents started a two month long investigation beginning in early January after receiving numerous night hunting complaints on Rachal and Bordelon. During the investigation, agents learned that Bordelon harvested four bucks putting him one over the seasonal antlered limit including harvesting two bucks on the same night putting him one over the daily limit of antlered deer. Agents also learned that Rachal harvested two does.
All six deer harvested by Rachal and Bordelon were during illegal hours off of Bayou Natchitoches Road near Bordelonville along the Red River in January when the river was high.
When agents contacted Rachal and Bordelon on Feb. 27 they admitted to the illegal hunting activity. Agents seized a .270 caliber rifle and a set of eight point antlers.
Hunting deer during illegal hours brings a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Possession of illegally taken deer carries a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Hunting from a public road, failing to comply with deer tagging requirements and discharging a firearm from a public road each carries a $100 to $350 fine and up to 60 days in jail. Possessing over the seasonal limit and daily limit, and hunting from a moving vehicle each brings a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail.
The two men may also face up to $10,156 in civil restitution for the replacement value of the illegally taken deer.
Agents involved in the case are Sgt. Gabe Guidry, Sgt. Chad Watts, Lt. John Volentine, Senior Agent Doug Anderson Jr., and Senior Agent Jay Callegari.
For more information, contact Adam Einck at 225-765-2465 or aeinck@wlf.la.gov.