Five men from Mississippi and another from Alabama were cited for alleged hunting violations in Louisiana last week.
According to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), Ronald Smith, 57, and Cody Wallce, 40, of Brookhaven, along with Austin Smith, 28, of Jayess were cited taking an alligator during a closed season in Tensas Parish on August 31. The following day, LDWF enforcement agents cited Jacob Risher, 29, of Pearl, and Hunter Rich, 28, of Alabama for the same violation in Tensas Parish. Larry Newell, 66, was also cited for taking an alligator during a closed season in Madison Parish.
All six suspects were caught via surveillance cameras that were set up by LDWF agents in the parishes. Three total alligators were taken illegally by the men.
Taking alligators during a closed season carries a fine of up to $950 and as many as 120 days in jail. Violators also face potential civil restitution of $375 for each of the three illegally taken alligators.
