Louisiana Hunters Charged – 8 Deer Taken Illegally

(KMDL-FM) Louisiana sportsmen are out in full force as the colder weather moves into the state, creating optimum conditions for hunting. This time of year, a lot of hunters find themselves in the blinds hunting ducks or in the stands in the woods hunting deer. But no matter what kind of hunting you do, you must obey the law, and if you don't, the agents of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife will find you.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife is reporting two such incidents in the past three weeks in two different parts of the state. The first incident happened on December 9th in Lafourche Parish. Curtis Verdin was cited for taking an illegal deer and failing to tag the deer.

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When first encountered by LDWF Agents, Verdin suggested that the antlerless deer that was taken out of buck season was harvested by someone else. Further investigations revealed that Verdin was responsible for the deer's demise. Since the creature had no bony structure protruding through the skin, the deer was determined to be illegal.

What is the Fine For Illegally Harvesting a Deer in Louisiana?

Taking an illegal deer brings a $500 to $750 fine and 15 to 30 days in jail. Failing to tag deer carries up to a $350 fine. Verdin will also face civil restitution totaling $400 for the replacement value of the illegally taken deer.

The second illegal deer harvesting incident took place on December 1st. That's where agents arrested in Rapides Parish. In that incident, Jarrod S. Gypin of Alexandria is alleged to have taken deer over the limit, using illegal methods, taking deer during illegal hours, and hunting while under a hunting license revocation.

Agents first noticed Gypin on their radar in late November. They started their investigation on November 28th and soon learned that Gypin, allegedly, had harvested seven deer during the current season, all while holding a revoked hunting license.

What Methods of Hunting are Illegal in Louisiana?

It was also alleged that Gypin harvested two of the animals using a shotgun during archery only season, and it is alleged that he took two other deer illegally at night by means of a .308 caliber rifle. The seasonal limit for deer is six, and the seasonal limit for antlered deer is three for the area where Gypin harvested his deer.

What Are the Fines for Night Hunting and Hunting Using Illegal Methods?

Taking deer during illegal hours brings a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Taking over the limit of deer, taking deer using illegal methods, and hunting while under a hunting license revocation carries a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail.

Gypin will also face civil restitution totaling $4,800 for the replacement value of the illegally taken deer. Agents seized the deer meat and donated it to Hunters for the Hungry. Agents also seized a .308 caliber rifle.