Louisiana Man Faces Fines After Live Fawn Found on I-49

RAPIDES PARISH, La - If you've ever spoken with a police officer in Acadiana or anywhere in Louisiana, you're bound to hear some pretty crazy stories about things they've seen on the job.

Obviously, when an officer makes a traffic stop, they never know what they're about to encounter.

A recent traffic stop on I-49 in Rapides Parish turned into a wildlife investigation after authorities discovered something pretty unusual inside a man's vehicle...a live deer fawn.

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Louisiana Man Was Bringing A Live Fawn Home From Texas

According to KLFY, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says 52-year-old Cullen Cenac from Houma, Louisiana was cited for illegally importing a live cervid deer fawn into Louisiana from Texas and for violating interstate commerce regulations involving wildlife.

A cervid is simply a member of the deer family.

So yeah, you can't just pick up a wild animal in another state and bring it home, even if you believe you're trying to help it.

According to LDWF, the violations in this case can carry a fine of up to $950 and as much as 120 days in jail.

The investigation began after the traffic stop near Lecompte, with wildlife agents becoming involved after the live deer was discovered in Cenac's vehicle who was initially pulled over for speeding.

Louisiana's Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says mother deer commonly leave their fawns alone for extended periods while they go off to feed. The fawns are naturally designed to stay still and hidden because this helps protect them from predators.

In other words, a fawn sitting by itself doesn't necessarily need rescuing.

It's Illegal To Take A Wild Fawn Home

Believe it or not, this isn't the only case the Louisiana Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries has had to deal with when it comes to people trying to bring deer home.

LDWF has previously cited people for possessing young deer without the proper authorization. In St. Landry Parish in 2025, someone was cited for possessing a spotted fawn, a crime that carries a potential $500 to $750 fine and up to 30 days in jail.

Another Louisiana case involved a man who had taken a fawn without a permit. LDWF said that violation could bring a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail.

So What Should You Do If You Find A Baby Deer?

The best advice from Louisiana wildlife officials is pretty simple...Leave it alone.

From wlf.louisiana.gov -

If a fawn is encountered, quietly leave the area and avoid disturbing or handling it to prevent unnecessary stress.
Though newborn fawns may appear vulnerable and in need of assistance, they rely on concealment during their first few weeks of life. During this stage, the doe returns periodically to briefly nurse the young fawn, leaving it alone for extended periods.

So the next time you see a little deer sitting quietly in the grass or on the side of the road, remember, mom probably hasn't forgotten about it.

And whatever you do, don't put Bambi in the back seat and head down the interstate.

Read more from the LDWF over at wlf.louisiana.gov.

Pets That Are Surprisingly Legal to Own in Louisiana

When people think about getting a pet, dogs, cats, birds, or fish are likely the first animals that come to mind. However, the realm of possibility when it comes to animals you can legally have as pets in Louisiana is quite surprising.

The gang over at a-z-animals.com has compiled a list of pets that are actually legal to own in Louisiana, but we're going to hit a few highlights.

Keep in mind that pet ownership laws vary from city to city and parish to parish, so please check local laws before taking in any of these animals. Remember, you’ll be taking on responsibility for the wellbeing of a living, feeling creature.

Gallery Credit: Michael Dot Scott