Hunting over bait the most common violation
State enforcement agents issued 13 citations during the opening weekend of turkey hunting season, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced.
Of those 13 citations, 11 were for illegally hunting turkeys over bait.
“Our agents have always concentrated enforcement efforts during turkey season on looking for those who hunt turkeys over baited areas,” LDWF’s Col. Winton Vidrine said. “Agents have been well trained in scouting out baited areas and doing surveillance work to get enough evidence for a conviction.”
Agents issued the most turkey hunting citations in the Florida parishes with eight, including six citations for hunting over bait.
Agents cited James Shirley, 84, and Ricky Lacy, 62, both of Baton Rouge, for hunting turkeys over bait in Tangipahoa Parish. Damion Thornton, 32, of Livingston, was cited for hunting turkeys over bait in St. Helena Parish.
Agents cited Richard D. Sutton, 71, of Denham Springs, and Betty J. Efferson, 58, of Livingston, for hunting turkeys over bait in Livingston Parish.
Cut Off’s Kurt Danos, 52, was cited for hunting turkeys over bait in West Feliciana parish. Barton T. Evans, 31, of Baton Rouge was cited and Sutton also were cited for not possessing turkey tags.
Agents in the western part of the state made five cases for hunting turkeys over a baited area. Agents cited Robert G. Sandifer, 62, and Onessia J. Posey, 48, both of Jena, in LaSalle Parish. In Beauregard Parish, agents cited Gregory Byrley, 57, of Lake Charles, and Timothy Scimemi, 51, of Lafayette. Agents cited David L. Wallace, 57, of Deridder in Vernon Parish.
Hunting turkeys over a baited area carries a fine up to $500, or up to 90 days in jail, or both plus court costs. Hunting without possession of a turkey tag brings a $50 fine, or up to 15 days in jail or both.
