From News Release
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) enforcement agents and Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) enforcement agents working on a joint operation cited two men for alleged night hunting violations on Jan. 27 in Washington Parish in Louisiana and Walthall County in Mississippi.
LDWF agents cited Holden W. Saucier, of Franklinton, La., 19, and Paul L. Page, of Poplarville, Miss., 19, for hunting deer during illegal hours with artificial light, hunting deer from a public road and hunting from a moving vehicle.
MDWFP agents also arrested Saucier and Page for spotlighting for deer, hunting from a public road, hunting from a vehicle and possession of alcohol by a minor.
LDWF agents and MDWFP agents were working in coordination after getting several complaints about night hunting in the Washington Parish and Walthall County areas. After setting up surveillance in the area, LDWF agents observed a truck using a spotlight on the roof to shine fields first off Harvey Jefferson Rd. and then off State Line Rd.
LDWF agents notified the MDWFP agents working the Mississippi side about this behavior as the truck was going west on East Stateline Rd, which shares the border with Louisiana and Mississippi. LDWF and MDWFP agents stopped the vehicle and found the men in possession of a spotlight, two rifles and a shotgun as well as alcohol in the vehicle.
The MDWFP agents seized the vehicle, spotlight and firearms and booked the men into the Walthall County Jail.
Hunting deer during illegal hours with artificial light in Louisiana brings a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Hunting from a vehicle in Louisiana carries a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail. Hunting deer from a public road in Louisiana brings a $100 to $350 fine and up to 60 days in jail.
Spotlighting for deer in Mississippi brings a $2,000 to $5,000 fine. Hunting from a public road and from a moving vehicle in Mississippi each carries a $100 to $500 fine.