Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents cited three Marksville subjects for alleged deer hunting violations in Avoyelles Parish.
Agents cited Adam Angona, 22, for taking deer during a closed season, taking over the seasonal limit of deer, violating the Lacey Act and violating National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) regulations.
Agents also cited Hope Dauzat, 23, for taking deer during a closed season, conspiracy and aiding and abetting. Agents also cited Kent Dauzat, 27, for taking over the limit of deer, aiding and abetting and violating NWR regulations.
Agents received an anonymous tip in February of 2021 about multiple suspects illegally harvesting deer on the Lake Ophelia NWR. Agents started an investigation and learned Angona, Hope Dauzat and Kent Dauzat had roles in illegally harvesting deer on the Lake Ophelia NWR since September of 2020 and into February of 2021.
Agents found out that Angona harvested five deer including four antlered deer putting him over the seasonal limit with one of them harvested during a closed season. Hope Dauzat also harvested a deer during a closed season on the NWR and used one of her deer tags illegally on one of Angona’s harvested deer. Kent Dauzat harvested four antlered deer putting him over the seasonal limit.
Lacey Act violations
The three subjects also face federal Lacey Act violations for transporting illegally harvested deer from federal land.
Agents seized 10 deer and a rifle in connection to the case.
Taking deer during a closed season brings a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Taking over the limit of deer and conspiracy carries a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail for each offense.
All federal Lacey Act, NWR and aiding and abetting violations are filed with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for prosecution in Federal Court.
The three subjects may also face civil restitution for the replacement value of the illegally taken deer with Angona’s totaling $7,724, Kent Dauzat’s totaling $2,033 and Hope Dauzat’s totaling $2,033.
Agents participating in the case are Lt. John Volentine, Sgt. Gabe Guidry, Corporal James Bruce, Corporal Doug Anderson, Senior Agent Cameron Densmore, and Agent Ryan Durand.
