Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents cited a man for alleged turkey hunting violations in Claiborne Parish on April 16.
Agents cited Justin Lester, 33, of Homer, for hunting turkeys over a baited area, possession of an illegally taken turkey and failing to tag a turkey.
Agents were on patrol when they came across Lester actively hunting turkeys near Athens in Claiborne Parish. Agents then heard a shot shortly thereafter and were able to make contact with Lester.
During the hunting check, Lester was in possession of a freshly harvested turkey and agents documented corn spread on the ground where Lester was hunting. Agents also found that Lester was cited for hunting turkeys over a baited area in 2022.
Agents seized the turkey and the shotgun used to take the turkey.
Second offense of hunting turkeys over a baited area brings up to an $800 fine and 90 days in jail. Possession of an illegally taken turkey carries up to a $750 fine and 30 days in jail. Failing to tag a turkey brings up to a $350 fine.
Lester may also face civil restitution totaling $1,539 for the replacement value of the illegally taken turkey.
Agents participating in the case are Sgt. Ryan Brasher and Senior Agent Evan Hoek.
