Two Louisiana Men Cited For Taking Game Fish Illegally and Other Infractions, 33 Fish Seized and Donated to Charity

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Published March 07, 2023

Two Louisiana Men Cited For Taking Game Fish Illegally and Other Infractions, 33 Fish Seized and Donated to Charity

Catahoula Parish, Louisiana – Two Louisiana men have been cited for taking game fish illegally and other infractions. 33 fish were seized and donated to charity.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) reported on March 6, 2023, that enforcement agents cited two men on February 18 in Catahoula Parish for alleged recreational fishing infractions.

Agents cited Maurice M. Montpelier, 70, of Aimwell, Louisiana, and Edward M. Montpelier, 30, of Harrisonburg, Louisiana for taking game fish using illegal methods and intentional concealment of fish. Authorities also cited Edward Montpelier for not having a basic fishing license.

Agents discovered many hoop nets that they suspected were used to catch crappie. Agents set up surveillance in the area and spotted two suspects by boat collecting crappie from hoop nets.

Agents also observed the subjects stuffing the crappie into a burlap sack and hiding it beside a nearby road to be picked up by a vehicle.

Using a hoop net to catch crappie is an illegal method of capture. Authorities confiscated 32 crappie and one blue gill and gave them to a local charity.

Illegally taking game fish carries a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Intentional concealment of fish brings a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail.

The men might also face civil restitution of $172 for the worth of the illegally taken fish.

Sgt. Richard Heinold and Sgt. Jesse Davis are the agents involved in the case.

A person is presumed innocent until proven guilty.