Shreveport Man Busted by LDWF for Major Deer and Duck Hunting Violations

While there are occasions when a Louisiana hunter might "accidentally" step beyond the legal limits of Louisiana game laws, there are those times when it would appear the intent was obvious.

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When a hunter sets out in search of migratory game birds without the proper licensing, using an unplugged shotgun, and legally prohibited toxic (lead) shot, and is then accused of shooting a doe whitetail deer in a "bucks only season", it would appear to most that the infractions were anything but "accidental."

However, we must preface this story reminding all that these charges are for alleged hunting violations and all are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

That leads us back just a couple of weeks to Sunday, January 25, when LDWF enforcement agents, Sgt. Richard Bean and Corporal Troy Autin, were on patrol near Cutoff, Louisiana in Lafourche Parish.

During their patrol, the agents came into contact with hunters in a pickup truck who had just returned from a duck hunt. The problem was, these hunters also had a freshly harvested doe in the bed of the truck.

During subsequent questioning, it was determined these hunters are alleged to have violated a number of Louisiana game laws.

One of those hunters was James Bigelow, 18, of Shreveport, who was cited for for hunting migratory gamebirds with an unplugged gun, violating non-toxic shot requirements, taking an illegal deer during an open season, failing to tag deer and failing to comply with harvest card requirements.

Bigelow as also found to be in possession of lead shot and his shotgun was capable of holding more than three shells. Bigelow admitted to agents to harvesting the doe and six blue winged teal. The area where Bigelow harvested the doe was during a bucks only season for this part of the state. Agents seized the deer and the nine blue winged teal and donated them to a local charity.

Agents also cited Nate Alario, 18, of Larose, for hunting without a basic hunting license, hunting waterfowl without a state duck license and federal stamp, and failing to possess a Harvest Information Program (HIP) certification. Agents found that Alario was in possession of three blue winged teal and he did not possess the required licenses, certifications and stamps for duck hunting.

The state charges for hunting migratory gamebirds with an unplugged shotgun and violating non-toxic shot requirements brings a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail for each offense. Harvesting an illegal deer during an open season carries a $500 to $750 fine and 15 to 30 days in jail. Failing to tag deer and failing to comply with harvest card requirements brings up to a $350 fine for each offense.

Hunting waterfowl without a basic hunting license, a state duck license, a federal stamp and HIP certification, brings up to a $350 fine for each offense.

Bigelow will face civil restitution totaling $706 for the replacement value of the illegally taken deer and teal. Alario will face civil restitution totaling $153 for the replacement value of the teal.