Trio accused of illegally shooting deer displaced by Mississippi River flooding, LDWF says
Enforcement agents with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries arrested two people and cited a third for allegedly shooting at deer displaced by recent Mississippi River flooding near Lake Providence in East Carroll Parish on Jan. 25.
According to a press release, agents cited Charles A. Brantley, 27, of Collinston, Cassandra Barnes, 32, of Bastrop and Danielle Brantley, 21, of Collinston, for hunting deer during illegal hours with artificial light, hunting from a public road and hunting from a moving vehicle.
Agents also cited Charles Brantley and Barnes for hunting rabbits during illegal hours. Charles Brantley was additionally cited for criminal trespassing and failing to comply with deer-tagging requirements, the release states.
Around midnight, agents on patrol along Highway 596 near Lake Providence witnessed the three driving back and forth along the road shooting at deer and rabbits, the release states. At one point, agents observed them shoot a deer and drop off one occupant to search for it, according to the release.
When they stopped the truck, agents discovered Charles Brantley’s vehicle was outfitted with high-intensity aftermarket lighting, and that Barnes was his front seat passenger. Charles Brantley and Cassandra Barnes were the ones shooting at deer and rabbits, with Barnes responsible for killing the deer, according to the release.
The investigation revealed Charles Brantley was dropped off to search for the deer on private property, the release states.
Agents found six freshly-killed rabbits in the cargo area of the pickup, and seized a .22 rifle with a scope-mounted light, night vision equipment, one antlerless deer and the rabbits.
Charles Brantley and Barnes were booked into the East Carroll Parish Detention Center.
Hunting deer during illegal hours or with artificial light carries fines between $900 and $950 and up to 120 days in jail for each offense. Hunting from a moving vehicle carries a $250 to $500 fine and up to 60 days in jail. Failing to comply with deer-tagging requirements and hunting from a public road each brings a $100 to $350 fine and up to 60 days in jail for each offense. Criminal trespassing carries a $100 to $500 fine and up to 30 days in jail.
Civil restitution totaling $1,625 may also be imposed for the replacement value of the deer, the release states.
