Two Iota men cited for squirrel-hunting violations

Men allegedly caught with squirrels a month before season opens.

Two Iota men were cited Sept. 1 for allegedly squirrel hunting in western Acadia Parish a month before the season opens, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries reported today (Sept. 8). Squirrel season doesn’t open until Oct. 1.

Agents cited 48-year-old Joseph Gary and 54-year-old David Leckelt for hunting squirrels during a closed season, and Leckelt also was cited for hunting without a resident hunting license, the LDWF said.

The citations were written after agents heard shots and observed two subjects walking in a wooded area near Bayou Des Canes shooting squirrels, the agency reported.

Agents made contact with the two subjects and allegedly found six squirrels between the two men, the LDWF news release reads.

Hunting squirrels during a closed season brings a fine between $250 and $500, up to 90 days in jail or both, plus court cost. Hunting without a resident license brings a fine of $50 or up to 15 days in jail.