Five men cited for allegedly shooting ducks, rabbits out of season.

LDWF says men caught while cleaning out-of-season animals

Five men were cited Aug. 18 for alleged poaching violations after Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries agents reportedly caught them cleaning ducks and rabbits in a St. Charles Parish backyard, the agency reported.

The case began when LDWF agents received a complaint through the Operation Game Thief program, the agency said.

Agents cited Rico Hernandez, 45, of Bridge City; Yoan Hernandez-Casanova, 27, of Bridge City; Juan Munoz, 25, of Metairie; Miguel Farradas, 33, of Davie, Fla.; and Yandry Almeida, 27, of Cutler Bay, Fla., for violating state migratory game bird regulations and possessing rabbits during a closed season.

The agents seized six whistling ducks and eight rabbits taken out of season, the LDWF said. Agents also seized three guns that were in the possession of the suspects and believed to be used to illegally take the game, the agency reported.

State violations of migratory game bird regulations brings a fine of between $400 and $950 and up to 120 days in jail.  Possession of rabbits during a closed season carries a fine of between $250 and $500 and up to 90 days in jail. If convicted, the men also face civil restitution in the amount of $413.34.

Anyone witnessing or having information concerning a violation is asked to call Operation Game Thief's toll-free 24-hour phone line or use the department's tip411 program.  The toll free number is 800-442-2511.

To use the tip411 program, tipsters can text LADWF and their tip to 847411 or download the "LADWF Tips" iPhone app from the Apple iTunes store free of charge.

CitizenObserver, the tip411 provider, uses technology that removes all identifying information before LDWF receives the text so that LDWF cannot identify the sender. Texting or downloading the app enables the public to send anonymous tips to LDWF and lets LDWF respond back, creating a two-way anonymous chat. Users of the app or texters can also send in photos to help support their claim and be used as evidence.

The information is received by a Wildlife & Fisheries operator and immediately relayed to a wildlife agent for investigation. If information results in an arrest, the caller is eligible for a cash reward.

Since the program began, more than $280,000 in rewards has been paid. Information provided by OGT informants has resulted in the apprehension of more than 700 violators who were convicted on a multitude of state and federal charges.