Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agents arrested a Denham Springs man on Sept. 18 for alleged illegal alligator hunting violations.
Agents arrested David Caveretta, 42, for not abiding by alligator hunting rules and regulations, not abiding by Wildlife Management Area (WMA) regulations, taking alligators from unapproved areas, possession of illegally taken alligators, improperly tagging alligators, criminal trespassing and obstruction of justice.
Acting on a public tip, agents began a month-long investigation into Caveretta’s alligator hunting guide service. During the investigation, agents determined that Caveretta was conducting an illegal hunting guide service on the Joyce WMA in Tangipahoa Parish. It is illegal to conduct guided hunts for money on public lands.
Agents also determined that Caveretta was placing alligator lines and capturing alligators on private lands in Tangipahoa Parish without the landowners permission. He also did not have the proper LDWF licenses to capture alligators in those areas.
During questioning, Caveretta attempted to mislead agents about these illegal alligator hunting activities. Agents seized two alligators connected to the case.
Not abiding by alligator hunting regulations, taking alligators from unapproved areas, possession of illegally taken alligators and improperly tagging alligators each bring a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail for each offense. Not abiding by WMA regulations brings a $100 to $350 fine and up to 60 days in jail.
Criminal trespass carries up to a $1,000 fine and up to 30 days in jail. Obstruction of justice brings up to a $10,000 fine and five years in prison.