Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agents arrested an Avoyelles Parish man for alleged deer violations and possessing a firearm by a convicted felon on Dec. 5.
Agents arrested Marvin P Smith, 48, of Hamburg, for possession of illegally taken deer, taking deer with an illegal weapon, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, hunting deer using illegal methods, hunting without resident basic and big game hunting licenses, and failing to comply with deer tagging requirements.Agents received information about an antlered deer that was allegedly killed by Smith, who is a convicted felon, during the month of October. On Dec. 5 agents made contact with Smith at his residence and questioned him about the deer.
During questioning, Smith admitted to killing the antlered deer with a 12-gauge shotgun loaded with fine shot while squirrel hunting on Bayou des Glaises. Smith did not possess the required hunting licenses, shot the deer with a shotgun during archery only deer season, failed to possess deer tags, and did not use buck shot.
Agents seized the antlered deer head along with the 12-gauge shotgun and booked Smith into the Avoyelles Parish Jail.
Illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon carries a $1,000 to $5,000 fine and 10 to 20 years of jail.
Possession of an illegally taken deer carries a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Taking deer using illegal methods carries a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail . Failing to comply with deer tagging regulations and hunting with an illegal weapon each carries a $100 to $350 fine and up to 60 days in jail.
Smith could also face civil restitution totaling $2,033 for the replacement value of the illegally taken deer.
If you witness or have information concerning a violation, call Operation Game Thief's toll-free 24-hour phone line (800-442-2511) or use LDWF's tip411 program.