Ten From Louisiana Cited for Migratory Game Bird Violations for Allegedly Hunting Over a Baited Area

On September 12, 2022, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) reported that enforcement agents cited 10 subjects for migratory game bird violations in Rapides and Avoyelles parishes on September 3.

Agents cited Barry Mercer, 45, of Pineville, Louisiana, Kade Williams, 24, of Deville, Louisiana, Hunter Lavespere, 18, of Pineville, Louisiana, David Laprarie, 31, of Pineville, Louisiana, Frank Driscoll 51, of Pineville, Louisiana, Tommy Lavespere 45, of Pineville, Louisiana, and Tamara Lavespere 51, of Pineville, Louisiana, all for hunting migratory game birds over a baited area in Rapides Parish. Agents also cited Driscoll for hunting without a resident hunting license. Agents also cited Lavespere for aiding and abetting others to take migratory game birds over bait and placing bait for the taking of migratory game birds.

In Avoyelles Parish, agents cited Nickolas Hines, 25, of St. Gabriel, Louisiana, and Christian Hines, 20, of Bunkie, Louisiana, for hunting migratory game birds over a baited area.

Agents were working near the Kolin community in Rapides Parish when they noticed the individuals, along with many juveniles, actively dove hunting on a field that had previously been documented as a baited location. Agents seized 46 doves related to this case.

Agents in Avoyelles Parish were working near the Effie community when they noticed the subjects actively dove hunting on a field that had previously been documented as a baited location. Agents seized three doves related to this case.

All migratory game bird baiting cases are filed with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for prosecution in Federal Court. Hunting without a hunting license can result in a $50 punishment.

Lt. John Volentine, Sgt. James Bruce, Sgt. Derek Ware, Corporal Doug Anderson, Corporal Kenny Robertson, Corporal Jeremy Fletcher, and Senior Agent Ryan Durand are the agents involved in the case.

An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. A person is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.