Alleged deer hunting repeat offender arrested in East Carroll Parish

Bolton allegedly admits to taking up to 15 deer this season in five weeks in Madison Parish, LDWF says

Agents with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries arrested a Madison Parish man on Christmas Day for alleged deer hunting violations in East Carroll Parish.

According to a press release, David Bolton, 41, of Tallulah, was arrested for hunting deer during illegal hours, hunting from a public road and moving vehicle and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

Bolton was arrested for similar hunting violations in December 2013, and his hunting privileges were suspended for two years, the release states.

While in custody, Bolton allegedly admitted that he took up to 15 deer since Nov. 18, 2014 in Madison Parish, at least six of which were sold locally. In addition, Bolton also was found to have killed and sold migratory birds, the release states.

In Madison Parish, Bolton faces charges including hunting without a license, being a felon in possession of a firearm, illegally taken deer, failing to comply with tagging requirements, selling deer, hunting deer during illegal hours, selling migratory birds and criminal trespassing.  He also was cited for violating interstate commerce regulations for bringing an illegally taken deer across state lines.

As a result of Bolton’s testimony, agents investigated and cited eight subject for buying or selling deer meat, and a total of 59 citations were issued with additional charges pending, according to the release.

Being a felon in possession of a firearm is a felony and carries a $1,000 to $5,000 fine and 10 to 20 years in jail.  Hunting deer during illegal hours brings a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail.  Selling deer brings a $500 to $750 fine and 15 to 30 days in jail.  Selling migratory birds carries a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail.  Hunting deer from a moving vehicle and using illegal methods brings a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail. Hunting from a public road and failing to comply with tagging requirements brings a $100 to $350 fine and up to 60 days in jail.  Criminal trespassing carries a $100 to $500 fine and up to 30 days in jail.  Hunting without a license brings a $50 fine and up to 15 days in jail, the release states.