Chustz killed buck in Breckenridge County, Ky. without non-resident license, U.S. Attorney says
A 50-year-old Port Allen man pled guilty and was sentenced for violating federal wildlife laws in connection with a 12-point buck he unlawfully shot in Kentucky in November of 2013, according to a press release from U.S. Attorney Walt Green.
Andre A. Chustz Jr. admitted to shooting the 12-point whitetail in Breckenridge County, Ky. without first obtaining the required non-resident hunting license and permit, the release states.
A Kentucky resident then filed a false report that the buck had been legally harvested, and Chustz transported the cape, antlers and meat back to Louisiana, and had a shoulder mount of the buck prepared by a local taxidermist, according to the release.
Chustz was sentenced on March 20 by U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephen C. Riedlinger to one year of probation during which he is barred from any and all deer hunting, and he was ordered to pay a $500 fine, make restitution in the amount of $190 to the Commonwealth of Kentucky and forfeit the mounted buck.
“Wildlife laws are designed to protect our natural resources and to ensure that, through mandatory license and permit fees, states are able to offer quality hunting experiences to all citizens,” Green said. “Today’s guilty plea and sentence reflect the seriousness of the defendant’s conduct, and should act as a deterrent to others who might consider traveling from Louisiana to hunt in other states without purchasing the required non-resident licenses and permits.”
