Found with rifle, spotlight, pistol and three shotguns on Sexton Road near Minden, LDWF says
An off-duty game warden with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries cited five men for allegedly hunting rabbits during illegal hours on his personal property near Minden, according to a press release.
Lt. Kenneth Balkom was at his home about 11 p.m. on New Year’s evening when he heard a UTV on Sexton Road outside. When he looked out the window, he saw a spotlight from the UTV shining on his hay field, the release states.
He got back into uniform, stopped the men and ultimately cited Justin S. Wren, 34, of Monroe, Christopher L. Wren, 23, of Shreveport, Jordan M. Wren, 26, stationed in Atsugi, Japan, Aaron C. Kilpatrick, 27, of Katy, Texas and Joseph B. Ralston, 27, of McKinney, Texas for hunting rabbits during illegal hours, hunting from a moving vehicle and from a public road.
Justin Wren was additionally cited for operating a UTV on a public road and open container of alcohol in a moving vehicle. Christopher Wren also was cited for possession of marijuana, illegally carrying of a weapon while in possession of marijuana and open container of alcohol in a moving vehicle, according to the release.
Balkom allegedly found the men in possession of three freshly harvested rabbits, a spotlight, one rifle, one pistol and three shotguns, as well as a bag of marijuana on Christopher Wren, the release states.
The guns, rabbits, spotlights, UTV and marijuana were seized, and the men were booked into the Claiborne Parish Jail.
Possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia each brings up to a $500 fine and six months in jail. Possession of a firearm while in possession of illegal drugs carries up to a $10,000 fine and between five and 10 years of prison.
Hunting during illegal hours and hunting from a moving vehicle each brings a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail. Hunting from a public road carries a $100 to $350 fine and up to 60 days in jail, and open container of alcohol in a moving vehicle brings a $100 fine, according to the release.
