Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents cited two men for alleged migratory game bird violations on Jan. 24 in Assumption Parish.
Agents cited Terry W. Lee, 55, of Bayou L’Ourse, and Tobbie R. Lacoste, 38, of Bayou Vista, for hunting migratory game birds over a baited area. Lee was also cited for placing bait to take migratory game birds and gross littering. Lacoste was also cited for hunting ducks without a federal stamp, harvest information program (HIP) certification and state duck license.
Agents set up surveillance on the area after observing it was baited with cracked corn. On Jan. 24, agents heard gunshots coming from the baited area. Agents also observed Lee and Lacoste leaving the baited area in possession of shotguns.
Agents made contact with the men and found them in possession of two wood ducks. Upon further investigation, agents learned that Lee was responsible for placing the bait and leaving the empty sacks of corn against a guardrail. Agents seized the two wood ducks.
Placing bait to take migratory game birds, hunting migratory game birds over a baited area, hunting migratory game birds without a federal duck stamp, and without HIP certification are all federal violations and penalties will be determined in federal court. Hunting migratory game birds without a state duck license carries up to a $50 fine and 15 days in jail. Gross littering carries up to a $900 fine dollars, 16 hours of community service in a litter abatement work program as approved by the court and 30 days in jail,
Agents involved in the case are Sgt. Scott Dupre, Corporal Jake Darden, Senior Agent William Carpenter, Senior Agent Gerald Sander, Senior Agent Jeremy Foret, and Senior Agent Christopher Hebert.