Picard told agents he thought the 350-pound bear was a wild hog, LDWF says
A 52-year-old New Iberia man was cited for allegedly killing a Louisiana black bear while hog hunting near Cypremort Point in St. Mary Parish on Feb. 28, according to a news release from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
Richard A. Picard Jr. said he mistakenly identified the 350-pound male bear as a wild hog before shooting it with his 12-gauge shotgun, the release states.
Agents seized Picard’s shotgun, and issued him a citation for killing the bear, according to the release.
Killing a Louisiana black bear brings a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail, and Picard also faces up to $10,000 civil restitution for the replacement value of the animal.
Hunters are advised by LDWF to always identify their targets before pulling the trigger on any wildlife they may be hunting.
