Numerous hunters busted for hunting over a baited area, LDWF says
Enforcement agents with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries cited nine people for alleged turkey hunting violations during the opening weekend of the 2016 turkey hunting season, which kicked off on Saturday, March 26.
According to a press release, agents cited the following people for hunting turkeys over a baited area: Brian C. Whitlow, 31, of Rosedale, cited in West Feliciana Parish; Bryan R. Mix, 36, of Greenwell Springs, cited in West Feliciana Parish; Michael T. Campanella, 29, of Prairieville, cited in West Feliciana Parish; Jared C. Browning, 36, of St. Francisville, cited in West Feliciana Parish; William J. Anderson, 37, of Clinton, cited in East Feliciana Parish; Kim Costello, 49, of Chalmette, cited in St. Helena Parish; Jewel Armstrong Jr., 59, of Gilbert, cited in Jackson Parrish and Seaborn R. Aycock, 73, of Flora, Miss., cited in Claiborne Parish.
Anderson also was cited for possession of an illegally taken turkey and failing to comply with turkey-tagging regulations. Aycock also was cited for hunting without a non-resident turkey license and failing to possess turkey tags.
Agents also cited Robert Brown, 24, of Eldorado, Ark., on March 26 on the Bodcau Wildlife Management Area in Bossier Parish for turkey hunting without non-resident basic, big game and turkey licenses, and without a WMA hunting permit.
According to the 2016 Turkey Regulations, no one shall hunt or take turkeys by the aid of baiting or on or over a baited area. Hunters are not allowed to place, expose, deposit or scatter corn, wheat or other grain, salt or other feed to lure turkeys to their hunting area, the regulations state.
Also, turkey hunters are required to possess Louisiana basic hunting and big game licenses, Louisiana wild turkey license and turkey tags.
Hunting turkeys over a baited area brings a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail. Possession of an illegally taken turkey during an open season carries a $500 to $750 fine and 15 to 30 days in jail. Failing to comply with turkey tagging regulations carries a $100 to $350 fine and up to 60 days in jail. Not possessing non-resident basic, big game and turkey licenses, turkey tags and a WMA permit each brings a $100 to $350 fine and up to 60 days in jail, according to the release.
Anderson may also face up to $1,539 in civil restitution charges for the replacement value of the illegally taken turkey, the release states.
