Alabama Man for Wildlife Violations in Calcasieu Parish After Allegedly Shooting Seaguls, Ibis, and Heron

Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana – A man from Alabama was charged with wildlife violations in Calcasieu Parish for allegedly shooting seagulls, ibises, and herons.

On May 23, 2023, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) stated that on May 12 in Calcasieu Parish, enforcement officials cited an Alabama man for alleged wildlife infractions.

Austin T. Wilson, 22, of Geneva, Alabama, was cited for collecting non-game birds, taking ibis out of season, and taking herons out of season.

On the night of May 11, agents received information about a person shooting seagulls at Wilson’s Lake Charles residence. On the morning of May 12, agents arrived at the location and reportedly discovered many dead birds in an adjacent field and in a garbage can near the house. Authorities also discovered a large number of empty shotgun shells outside the property.

During the inspection of the residence, Wilson pulled into the driveway. Agents then questioned Wilson about the birds he shot, and he acknowledged to shooting them the night before using a 12-gauge shotgun.

Agents discovered 14 seagulls, an ibis, and a heron.

Taking non-game birds, taking ibis no season, and taking heron no season brings a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail for each offense. Wilson could also face $278 in civil restitution.

Lt. Beau Robertson, Sgt. Stuart Guillory and Agent Will Callegari are among the agents involved in the investigation.

An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.