LDWF agents cite 12 on opening weekend of turkey season

Hunting over a baited area most common violation

Enforcement agents with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries were busy during the opening weekend of turkey season, writing up 12 hunters for various alleged hunting violations.

On Saturday, March 25 agents cited:

William Tomlinson III, 49, of West Monroe, for hunting turkeys without a turkey license and over a baited area in Jackson Parish.

Everett Walker, 60, of Bossier Parish, for hunting turkeys over a baited area and without basic, big game and turkey licenses in Bossier Parish.

Wendi D. Eckroat, 48, Bossier Parish for hunting turkeys over a baited area and without basic, big game and turkey licenses in Bossier Parish.

Rufus Joseph Jr., 58, of St. Martinville, for hunting turkeys over a baited area in Sabine Parish.

Wendell Day, 54, of Greensburg, for hunting turkeys over a baited area in St. Helena Parish.

Loretta Day, 50, of Greensburg, for hunting turkeys over a baited area in St. Helena Parish.

Seth Hutchinson, 30, of Albany, for hunting turkeys over a baited area in Livingston Parish.

On Sunday, March 26 agents cited:

Bernard Criswell Jr., 53, of West Monroe, for hunting turkeys over a baited area in Jackson Parish.

Jonathan L. Brockwell, 36, of Crossett, Ark., for hunting turkeys without basic, big game and turkey licenses in Grant Parish.

Kelvin Blades, 28, of Kentwood, for hunting turkeys over a baited area and with an unplugged shotgun in St. Helena Parish.

William Brabham, 28, of Kentwood, for hunting turkeys over a baited area, failing to comply with turkey tagging requirements and hunting with an unplugged shotgun in St. Helena Parish.

Marvin O’Nellion, 57, of Holden, for hunting turkeys over a baited area in Livingston Parish.

According to the 2017 LDWF Turkey Regulations, no person shall hunt or take turkeys by the aid of baiting or on or over a baited area.  Hunters are not allowed to place, expose, deposit or scatter corn, wheat or other grain, salt or other feed to lure turkeys to their hunting area, the release states.

Also, turkey hunters are required to possess Louisiana basic hunting and big game licenses, a Louisiana wild turkey license and turkey tags.

Hunting turkeys over a baited area and with an unplugged shotgun each brings a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail for each offense, the release states.  Failing to comply with turkey tagging regulations carries a $100 to $350 fine and up to 60 days in jail. Not possessing nonresident basic, big game and turkey licenses each brings a $100 to $350 fine and up to 60 days in jail.