Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents cited two men for alleged turkey hunting violations in Winn and Rapides parishes on Feb. 24.
Agents cited Ryan Lucas, 38, and Keith Dauzat, 46, both of Marksville, for taking turkeys during a closed season and criminal trespassing. Lucas was also cited for taking over the daily limit of turkeys.
Agents received a tip about the subjects trespassing and hunting turkeys during a closed season on private property near Sikes in Winn Parish. Agents observed the men actively hunting for turkey on the morning of Feb. 24 while trespassing on this property near Sikes.
After further investigation, agents obtained evidence of Lucas illegally harvesting three turkeys on March 4, 5, and 11 in 2023 in Winn and Rapides parishes and one turkey out of season on March 16 in 2022 in Rapides Parish. One of the three turkeys that Lucas harvested out of season in 2023 was from the private property in Winn Parish while trespassing.
Turkey hunting season in the state did not open until April 1 in 2023 and April 2 in 2022. The season does not open until April 6 in 2024. Licensed turkey hunters are allowed two gobblers per season.
Hunting turkeys during a closed season brings a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Taking over the seasonal limit of turkeys carries a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail. Trespassing brings a $100 to $500 fine and up to 30 days in jail.
Lucas may also face civil restitution totaling $6,157 for the replacement value of the illegally taken turkeys.
Agents participating in this case are Sgt. Jesse Davis, Corporal Cole Cupit, Sgt. Eric Little and Sgt. Josh DiBenedetto.
