More than 120 frogs taken during closed season, LDWF says
Agents with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries cited four men for alleged frogging violations just days before the season reopened on June 1.
According to a news release, Mickey Burch, 48, of Boyce, Jarred B. Parker, 41, of Alexandria, Christopher N. Naalbandian, 27, of Alexandria and Stuart W. Morgan, 27, of Pineville, were cited for frogging during a closed season in two separate incidents in Rapides Parish.
In the first, agents received a tip about Burch allegedly harvesting frogs and posting a photo to a social media site. After reviewing the photo, they learned that Burch was allegedly frogging on the Red River on the night of May 30 and the morning of May 31. In that case, agents seized 31 frogs, the release states.
In the second case, agents allegedly found Parker, Naalbandian and Morgan frogging a tributary off Bayou Boeuf on the night of May 31. Agents made contact with the men and found them with 92 frogs, which were returned to the wild.
Frogging during a closed season brings a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail. Burch may also face up to $200 in civil restitution for the illegally taken frogs, according to the release.
The statewide season for frogs is closed during the months of April and May.
