Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents cited three Louisiana men for alleged deer hunting violations on Jan. 11 in St. Martin Parish.
Agents cited Fabian Cavalier Jr., 20, and Jared Blanchard, 20, both of Pierre Part, for hunting deer during illegal hours, taking illegal deer during an open season, hunting deer from a boat, intentional concealment of illegal wildlife, hunting without basic and big game hunting licenses, and failing to comply with deer tagging requirements.
Hunter Gros, 19, of Morgan City, was cited for allowing another person to use his hunting license. Cavalier Jr. was additionally cited for using another person’s hunting license.
Agents received a tip that two people were hunting deer at night off the Belle River. Agents were able to make contact with Cavalier Jr. and Blanchard on the morning of Jan. 11 at a residence where they found blood and deer hair in a vessel on the property.
During questioning, Cavalier Jr. and Blanchard admitted to harvesting two antlerless deer around 9 p.m. on Jan. 10. Agents located the two antlerless deer hidden in a wooded area near the residence.
Agents also observed the heads of two freshly harvested antlered deer laying on the ground. Cavalier admitted that he harvested the bucks two weeks prior. Agents were able to confirm that neither Cavalier nor Blanchard possessed the required hunting licenses or tags to harvest the deer. Gros and Cavalier admitted that Cavalier used Gros’ tags and hunting license when taking the two antlered deer.
Hunting deer during illegal hours and intentional concealment of wildlife each brings a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail for each offense. Taking illegal deer during an open season carries a $500 to $750 fine and 15 to 30 days in jail. Allowing another person to use a hunting license and using another person’s hunting license each bring a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail. Hunting deer from a boat and failing to comply with deer tagging requirements each brings a $100 to $350 fine and up to 30 days in jail for each offense. Hunting without basic and big game hunting licenses each carries up to a $50 fine and 15 days in jail.
Cavalier Jr. may also face civil restitution totaling up to $5,691 for the replacement value of the illegally taken deer. Blanchard may also face civil restitution totaling up to $1,624.