Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Dubach, LA Man Cited for Turkey Hunting Violations in Union Parish

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited a Dubach man for alleged turkey hunting and trespassing charges on April 19 in Union Parish.

Agents cited Anthony J. Lewis, 40, of Dubach, for intentional concealment of wildlife evidence, failing to comply with turkey tagging requirements, hunting turkeys with no basic hunting and big licenses and turkey stamp, criminal trespassing and operating an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) on a public road.

Agents received a complaint from an anonymous hunter about Lewis turkey hunting on private property without permission near Dubach. When agents arrived to the location, Lewis was no longer hunting in the area. Agents then drove to Lewis' residence and found him driving down a public road on an ATV. When Lewis saw the agents he turned the opposite direction to avoid detection.

After a brief pursuit, agents were able to make contact with Lewis to which he admitted to dumping a harvested turkey from earlier in the day in a field during the pursuit. Agents were able to locate the harvested turkey and issue Lewis his citations.

Intentional concealment of wildlife evidence brings a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Failing to comply with turkey tagging requirements and hunting without a big game license each carry up a $100 to $350 fine and up to 90 days in jail. Hunting turkey without a turkey stamp and basic hunting license each bring up to a $50 fine and 15 days in jail. Criminal trespassing carries a $100 to $500 fine and up to 30 days in jail. Operating an ATV on a public road brings up to a $175 fine and up to 30 days in jail.

Agents participating in the case are Lt. Scott Watson and Senior Agent David Nelson.

For more information, contact Adam Einck at 225-765-2465 or aeinck@wlf.la.gov.