Trio busted by agents conducting surveillance on Bayou Nezpique, LDWF says
Three men were cited for migratory bird violations on Feb. 20 in Acadia Parish after wildlife agents allegedly watched them shooting ducks on Bayou Nezpique, according to a press release from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
Agents cited Lane A. Williams, 28, of Iota, Richard A. Williams, 55, of Jennings and Heath E. St. Germain, 38, of Welsh, for hunting ducks during a closed season, intentional concealment of illegally taken game and using lead shot in area designated for steel shot. Lane Williams also was cited for operating an unregistered motorboat, and St. Germain was written up for hunting ducks without a state duck license and without a federal duck stamp, the release states.
After receiving a complaint on Feb. 20 about the three men duck hunting on Bayou Nezpique, agents set up a surveillance and observed the men shooting ducks, and then continuing down the bayou and placing the birds in a black trash bag on the bank, the release states.
When agents contacted them as they returned to their vehicle, they discovered the lead shot, and the fact that St. Germain allegedly did not possess a state duck license or a federal duck stamp, according to the release.
In the trash bag, agents discovered 13 ducks, including six mallards, three wood ducks, three teal and one gadwall. All three men admitted to hiding the ducks in the bag, the release states.
Intentional concealment of illegally taken game carries a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Hunting ducks during a closed season, using lead shot in an area designated as steel shot and hunting ducks without a federal stamp each brings a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Hunting ducks without a state duck license and operating an unregistered vessel each carries up to a $50 fine and 15 days in jail, the release states.
The three men may also face a total of $346 in civil restitution for the replacement value of the illegally taken ducks, according to the release.
