Two men cited for turkey hunting violations in Rapides Parish

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents cited two men for alleged turkey hunting violations on May 16 in Rapides Parish.

Agents cited David Poston, 31, of Woodworth, and Darrell Cole, 29, of Boyce, for hunting turkey without basic season, big game and turkey hunting licenses, hunting turkey with a rifle, hunting turkey during a closed season and possession of an illegally taken turkey. Poston was also cited for taking an alligator without a license and during a closed season, taking a bobcat without a basic season and big game hunting license, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Agents were on patrol when they made contact with Poston on Bayou Boeuf off of North Lake Road. Agents observed blood and turkey feathers in the back of his truck.

After further investigation and questioning, Poston told agents that a turkey was harvested by Cole with a .17 caliber rifle on May 10. Agents were able to confirm with Cole that he took the turkey illegally, during a closed season and without the proper hunting licenses. Turkey season closed for this area of the state on May 5.

Poston also admitted to harvesting an alligator on March 26 and another alligator on May 13 without a license and during a closed season. He also admitted to taking a bobcat on March 22 without a license.

Agents also found Poston in possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Hunting turkey during a closed season brings a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Possession of an illegally taken turkey and taking an alligator during a closed season each carries a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail for each offense. Hunting turkey and alligators without a license and hunting turkey with a rifle each carries a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail for each offense. Hunting without basic season and big game licenses each brings up to a $50 fine and 15 days in jail.

Possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia each brings up to a $500 fine and six months in jail.

Cole may also face civil restitution for the replacement value of the illegally taken turkey totaling $1,539. Poston may also face civil restitution for the replacement value of the illegally taken alligators and bobcat totaling $778.