Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents cited two men and a juvenile for alleged deer hunting violations on between July 30 and Aug. 2 in Grant and Rapides parishes.
Agents cited Brandon Byrd, 23, and Tristan Trussell, 18, and a juvenile, all from Dry Prong, for hunting deer during illegal hours, possession of an illegally taken deer, hunting deer from a public road, hunting deer from a moving vehicle, and hunting deer without a basic and big game hunting license.
Byrd was also arrested for illegally possessing a firearm by a convicted felon and booked into the Rapides Parish Jail. The juvenile was also cited for hunting deer with an illegal weapon.
Agents received a tip on July 30 that Byrd, Trussell and the juvenile were recently deer hunting at night in Grant Parish. During the investigation, agents learned that Byrd, Trussell and the juvenile shot a deer with a .22 rifle from a moving vehicle on Highway 71 on or around June 1.
Agents also learned that the deer was cleaned at a residence in Colfax. Byrd and the juvenile then left the residence in Colfax and attempted to take another deer within Rapides Parish from a moving vehicle with a .22 rim fire rifle on Highway 167.
Hunting deer during illegal hours brings a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Possession of an illegally taken deer carries a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Hunting deer from a moving vehicle brings a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail. Hunting deer from a public roadway and with an illegal weapon each carry a $100 to $350 fine and up to 60 days in jail for each offense. Hunting deer without basic and big game hunting licenses each carry up to a $50 fine and 15 days in jail for each offense.
Illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon brings a $1,000 to $5,000 fine and 10 to 20 years in jail.
The men may also face civil restitution totaling $1,624 for the replacement value of the illegally taken deer.