A Shreveport man was among two individuals cited by Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents for alleged hunting violations during a Jan. 25 patrol in Lafourche Parish.
Agents cited James Bigelow, 18, of Shreveport, on multiple charges including hunting migratory gamebirds with an unplugged shotgun, violating non-toxic shot requirements, harvesting an illegal deer during an open season, failing to tag a deer, and failing to comply with harvest card requirements.
A second subject, Nate Alario, 18, of Larose, was also cited in the incident for hunting without a basic hunting license, hunting waterfowl without a state duck license and federal duck stamp, and failing to possess a Harvest Information Program certification.
According to wildlife agents, the citations followed a patrol contact near Cutoff where the subjects were found in a pickup truck with a freshly harvested doe in the bed. During questioning, agents learned the pair had just returned from a duck hunt.
Agents reported that Alario was in possession of three blue-winged teal but did not have the required licenses, certifications, or federal stamp to hunt waterfowl.
Agents also found that Bigelow was in possession of lead shot and a shotgun capable of holding more than three shells. Bigelow admitted to harvesting the doe and six blue-winged teal. The area where the deer was taken was under a bucks-only season at the time of the harvest.
Agents seized the illegally taken deer and nine blue-winged teal and later donated the animals to a local charity.
State penalties for hunting migratory gamebirds with an unplugged shotgun and violating non-toxic shot requirements carry fines ranging from $400 to $950 and up to 120 days in jail for each offense. Harvesting an illegal deer during an open season carries a fine of $500 to $750 and 15 to 30 days in jail. Failing to tag a deer and failing to comply with harvest card requirements each carry fines of up to $350.
Hunting waterfowl without a basic hunting license, state duck license, federal duck stamp, or HIP certification carries fines of up to $350 for each offense.
Bigelow also faces civil restitution totaling $706 for the replacement value of the illegally taken deer and teal. Alario faces civil restitution totaling $153 for the replacement value of the teal.
Agents involved in the investigation were Sgt. Richard Bean and Cpl. Troy Autin.