Louisiana Man Cited by Wildlife Agents For Allegedly Hunting Turkey Over a Baited Area, Possessing an Illegally Taken Turkey, and Other Infractions

Claiborne Parish, Louisiana – A Louisiana man has been cited by wildlife agents for allegedly hunting turkey over a baited area, possessing an illegally taken turkey, and other infractions.

On April 25, 2023, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) reported that enforcement agents cited a man for alleged turkey hunting violations in Claiborne Parish on April 16.

Justin Lester, 33, of Homer, Louisiana was cited by agents for allegedly hunting turkeys over a baited area, possessing an illegally taken turkey, and failing to tag a turkey.

Agents were on patrol when they reportedly found Lester actively hunting turkeys near Athens in Claiborne Parish. Agents then heard a shot and were able to contact Lester shortly after.

Lester was alleged to be in possession of a newly harvested turkey during the hunting check, and agents reportedly observed corn scattered on the ground where Lester was hunting. Lester was also cited in 2022 for hunting turkeys over a baited area, according to agents.

Authorities seized the turkey as well as the shotgun used to take it.

An $800 fine and 90 days in jail are imposed for a second offense of hunting turkeys over a baited area. Possession of an unlawfully taken turkey is punishable by a $750 fine and up to 30 days in prison. Failure to tag a turkey might result in a $350 fine.

Lester could also face civil restitution of $1,539 for the value of the illegally taken turkey.

Sgt. Ryan Brasher and Senior Agent Evan Hoek are among the agents working on the case.

A person is presumed innocent until proven guilty.