Wildlife Agents in Louisiana Cite Man for Allegedly Taking Illegal Deer, Hunting From Public Road, Hunting During Illegal Hours, Other Infractions

Louisiana - The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has stated that agents issued citations to a man from Zachary, Louisiana on January 13 for alleged hunting offenses in Iberville Parish.

Brett M. Staley, 37, was cited by agents for allegedly discharging a firearm from a public road, hunting deer during illegal hours, hunting deer from a moving vehicle, taking illegal deer during an open season, hunting deer from a public road, and failing to comply with deer tagging regulations.

On the evening of December 28, 2022, agents got information that someone shot at a deer from a white Ford pickup truck on Syrgenta Road near St. Gabriel. The agents arrived immediately to the scene, but they were unable to locate the truck.

On January 13, 2023, agents obtained additional information on the location of the white Ford pickup truck near St. Gabriel on Highway 30. Agents identified Staley as the owner of the truck after discovering it.

Staley admitted to harvesting a doe on the evening of December 28, 2022, off Syrgenta Road, when agents made contact with him on January 13. During additional questioning, he revealed to agents that he killed deer without antlers on December 25 and 26. Staley did not tag any of the deer, and all three of the antlerless deer were killed on days when only bucks were permitted to be taken in that area.

Deer meat, a spotlight, and a firearm were seized by agents.

A fine of $900 to $950 is imposed for unauthorized deer hunting. A $500-$750 fine and 15-to-30 days in jail are imposed for illegally taking deer during an open season. A fine of $250 to $500 and up to 90 days in jail may be imposed for hunting from a moving vehicle. The maximum penalty for hunting deer from a public road or failing to comply with deer tagging requirements is $350 per offense. A $50 fine and 30 days in jail may be assessed for discharging a firearm from a public road.

Staley may also be subject to $4,874 in civil restitution for the illegally obtained deer's replacement value.

Sgt. Randy Lanoux and Corporal Chelsea Kling are the agents involved in this investigation.

A person is presumed innocent until proven guilty.