Louisiana Felon Arrested for Multiple Hunting and Firearms Violations

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries reported on October 27, 2022 that enforcement agents arrested an Erwinville, Louisiana man on October 26 in West Baton Rouge Parish for alleged hunting and weapon offenses.

Hunter W. Varnado, 20, of Erwinville, Louisiana, was arrested for resisting an officer, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, taking deer during a closed season, hunting deer using illegal methods, and hunting without basic hunting and deer hunting licenses and deer tags.

Agents received information via a tip about a convicted felon who was hunting with a firearm. Agents investigated the complaint and served a search warrant on Varnado.

Authorities indicated that agents discovered a high-powered 30-06 rifle at Varnado's home. Varnado then acknowledged to deer hunting with the rifle. When the agents tried to arrest him, he struggled multiple times. Varnado did not have the necessary hunting licenses or tags for deer hunting, and he is a convicted felon, which prohibits him from possessing a firearm.

Agents discovered evidence of Varnado harvesting a doe in August with a 30-06 rifle and a six-point buck in September with a crossbow when checking Varnado's phone. Varnado was also discovered hunting with a high-powered rifle during the open archery season.

Agents took the rifle and antlers and booked Varnado into the West Baton Rouge Parish Jail.

Resisting an officer can result in a $500 fine and six months in jail. Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon entails a $1,000 to $5,000 fine and up to 20 years in prison. Hunting deer during a closed season is punishable by a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in prison. Illegal deer hunting can result in a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in prison. Hunting without basic hunting and deer hunting licenses and tags is punishable by a $350 fine per offense.

Varnado could also face civil restitution of $3,249 for the illegally taken doe and buck.

Agents involved in the case include Sgt. Allan Marbury, Corporal Luke Langley, and Senior Agent Garrett Kirkland.

Featured image source: LDWF