Marksville man cited for deer hunting violations on Lake Ophelia NWR

Suspect admitted to harvesting two bucks on Nov. 1, LDWF says

Enforcement agents with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service cited a Marksville man for alleged deer hunting violations on Lake Ophelia National Wildlife Refuge.

On Nov. 3, agents cited Keith Carmouche, 34, for taking over the daily limit of antlered deer, possession of an illegally taken deer and failing to comply with deer tagging and harvest card requirements.

According to a press release, agents received an anonymous tip that Carmouche had harvested two bucks on Nov. 1 and made contact with him at his residence.

 During questioning, Carmouche allegedly admitted to harvesting both deer with his crossbow, the release states.  He said he transported and tagged a 6-point deer on the evening of Nov. 1, and then transported and tagged a 15-point non-typical buck on Nov. 2, according to the release.

Agents seized two deer heads and the quartered deer meat, the release states.  The daily limit for antlered deer is one per licensed hunter.

Possession of an illegally taken deer carries a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail.  Taking over the daily limit of antlered deer brings a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail.  And failing to comply with deer tagging and harvest card requirements carries a $100 to $350 fine and up to 30 days in jail, according to the release.

Carmouche also faces civil restitution totaling $2,033 for the replacement value of the illegally taken deer.

About Patrick Bonin 1315 Articles
Patrick Bonin is the former editor of Louisiana Sportsman magazine and LouisianaSportsman.com.