LDWF agents cite Arkansas man for hunting contest fraud in Morehouse Parish

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) enforcement agents cited an Arkansas man for alleged contest fraud on Nov. 1 in Morehouse Parish.

Agents cited Andrew Riels, 27, of Crossett, Ark., for hunting contest fraud and violating interstate commerce regulations.

Agents received information from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) Enforcement Division about Riels harvesting a buck in Arkansas and entering it into a big buck contest in Louisiana.

During the investigation, agents learned that Riels illegally harvested a 15-point buck during illegal hours on Sept. 8 near Crosset, Ark. Riels then entered the buck into the Simmons Sporting Goods Big Buck Contest in Bastrop later that same day. AGFC enforcement agents cited Riels on Oct. 30 for his illegal hunting activity.

Hunting contest fraud brings up to a $3,000 fine and one year in jail. Violating interstate commerce regulations carries a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail.

LDWF Agents involved with the case are Sgt. Wendell Weeks, Lt. James Hagan, Sgt. Ray Ellerbe, and Senior Agent Stephen LaCombe.