Hunter In Hot Water After Illegal Game Harvest In Louisiana

(KMDL-FM) In Louisiana, there is a deep love and respect for the land. Perhaps it's because generations of Louisiana families have lived off the bounty of the land, and when respected, the land always gives back. That's why it seems so out of place when there are reports of Louisiana hunters disrespecting the Sportsman's Paradise.

READ MORE: Louisiana Hunters Cited - 8 Deer Harvested Illegally

That's why Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Agents work so diligently in the field. They are stewards of the land, working on the front lines against those who would exploit what Louisiana has to offer. In this case, agents on a routine patrol discovered that a Louisiana man was using an illegal weapon, among his many missteps, to harvest deer.

The incident happened in December of last year when agents were on a routine patrol in Plaquimines Parish. The LDWF agents received a call from the Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Department. In that call, deputies relayed information about a traffic stop they had made. During that stop, the Lafourche Deputy noticed harvested game in the back of the suspect's truck.

Upon arrival at the scene, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife Agents inspected the harvested animals. They noted the suspect had an antlered deer, two rabbits, and four wild hogs. What the suspect didn't have was a hunting license.  

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What is the Smallest Caliber Rifle You Can Use to Hunt Deer in Louisiana?

Agents questioned the suspect, Harley J. Walker, about the animals in his truck. He allegedly admitted to the officers that he had harvested the wild game in Port Sulphur using a .17 caliber rifle. According to Louisiana state law, the smallest caliber hunting rifle that can be used to hunt deer legally in the state is a .22 caliber rifle.

READ MORE: Dog-Sized Deer Has Rack of a Trophy Buck - Did You See?

Agents also determined at that time that Walker did not have valid hunting licenses for the harvested game he is alleged to have taken. Hunting without a basic hunting license, hunting without a deer-hunting license, failing to tag deer, and failing to comply with harvest card requirements carry up to a $350 fine for each offense.

The potential fines and punishment that Walker is facing for the alleged use of an illegal weapon and illegal methods bring a $250 to $500 fine and up to 60 days in jail. Walker will also have to pay civil restitution of $884 for the replacement value of the illegally obtained deer and rabbits.

How To Obtain a Louisiana Hunting or Fishing License Online

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife, over the years, has certainly made it easier to obtain proper licensing for specific game. Those licenses can now be procured online, and it is entirely possible a sportsman could secure their license on their smartphone while on the way to a hunt.

Fees from the licenses only make our outdoor experiences better in Louisiana. Please follow the rules. And respect the gifts that we have been given.