Wildlife Agents in Louisiana Cite Four for Deer Hunting Limit Violations

Louisiana - On March 14, 2023, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) reported that on March 9, enforcement agents cited four subjects in two different cases for alleged deer hunting violations in LaSalle and Catahoula parishes.

Authorities cited Alan C. Dayton, 64, of Jena, Will A. Dayton, 35, of Jena, John D. Cruse, 59, of Olla, and Karmon M. Cruse, 53, of Olla for allegedly exceeding their seasonal deer limit. John Cruse was also cited for allegedly exceeding his daily limit and failing to tag deer. Karmon Cruse was also cited for not tagging deer.

Agents launched their inquiry after receiving information regarding the Dayton's and Cruse's deer harvesting exceeding the seasonal limit. Agents made contact with the individuals, who reportedly admitted to exceeding the seasonal deer limit for the 2022-23 shooting season. Agents also discovered that John Cruse killed two antlered deer on the same day.

According to authorities, Alan Dayton harvested 10 deer, Will Dayton harvested 12 deer, John Cruse harvested four antlered deer, two of which were harvested on the same day, and Karmen Cruse harvested four antlered deer.

Hunters in this area of Louisiana are permitted to take six deer per season, with a limit of three antlered or four antlerless deer per season. When permitted, the daily bag restriction permits hunters to take one antlered and one antlerless deer every day.

Taking deer beyond the seasonal and daily limits is punishable by a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail for each infraction. Failure to tag deer might result in a $350 fine.

Civil restitution of $16,246 to Dayton for the replacement value of the deer taken beyond the limit. Civil restitution totaling $4,874 for the replacement value of the deer taken over the limit for the Cruse.

Lt. Chad Watts, Sgt. James Bruce, Sgt. John Hattaway, Sgt. Kurt Hatten, Sgt. Jesse Davis, Corporal Eric Little, Corporal Cole Cupit, and Corporal Richard Heinold are the agents involved in the case.

A person is presumed innocent until proven guilty.