Incident happened in Terrebonne Parish last week, LDWF says
Enforcement agents with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries cited two Terrebonne Parish man for allegedly buying and selling game fish illegally, according to a news release.
Patrick Percle, 55, of Schriever, was ticketed for purchasing game fish and buying fish from an unlicensed dealer. Agents also cited Timmy Autin, 56, of Houma, for selling or buying fish without a wholesale/retail license, failing to maintain records, selling or purchasing game fish, selling undersized fish and buying commercial fish from an unlicensed dealer.
An enforcement agent on patrol Feb. 5 allegedly observed Percle’s truck with multiple ice chests in the bed parked at a gas station in Schriever. Autin allegedly approached the truck and poured ice and fish into the ice chests, and then received money from Percle, the release states.
Percle was stopped as he left the gas station, and admitted that he purchased redfish and crabs for $50 dollars, according to the release. The agent counted 22 redfish — 20 of which were undersized — and 72 crabs in the ice chests, according to the release.
On Feb. 9, the release states agents met with Autin, who admitted to buying the fish and crabs from a third party and then contacting Percle to sell the seafood to him. The redfish were seized and donated to a local charity, and the crabs were returned to the water.
Selling or purchasing game fish and buying commercial fish from an unlicensed dealer each carries a $350 to $500 and 30 days in jail for each offense. Selling or buying fish without a wholesale/retail license, failing to maintain records, and selling undersized fish each brings a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail for each offense, the release states.
