From Official LADWF News Report
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Agents cited two St. Landry men for alleged deer hunting violations in St. Landry Parish on July 12.
Agents cited Christian Cannatella, 21, and Lucas Leblanc, 21, for taking deer during a closed season, taking deer during illegal hours with aid of artificial light, hunting deer from a moving vehicle and hunting deer using illegal methods.
Agents were notified by an anonymous informant of illegal night hunting activity near Melville. Upon investigating the tip, agents discovered that Cannatella and Leblanc allegedly harvested one antlerless deer the morning of July 12.
Agents learned the two men were out spotlighting deer on a Utility Task Vehicle and used a .17 caliber rifle to harvest an antlerless deer.
Agents seized the .17 caliber rifle and the cleaned deer meat. The deer meat was later donated to a local charity.
Hunting deer during a closed season and during illegal hours with artificial light each carries a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Hunting from a moving vehicle and taking deer using illegal methods each carries a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail.
Cannatella and Leblanc may also face civil restitution totaling $1624.61 for the replacement value of the illegally taken deer.
Agents involved in the case are Sgt. Ryan T. Faul and Senior Agent David Boudreaux.