A Pollock man faces accusations of turkey hunting violations in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana, after enforcement agents from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries charged him with hunting turkeys in a baited area and involving a youth in illegal activities. The suspect, identified as Chad Alston, 47, allegedly arranged bird seed near a hunting blind just days before the youth turkey hunting season opened near Robeline.
On March 29, conservation agents, including Senior Agent Dustin Barton, Agent Kenneth Cheramie, and Sgt. Harvey Pearce, set up a watch over the baited site. They reportedly observed Alston set up turkey decoys and join a juvenile inside a box blind that was situated about 10 yards from the baited area, according to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. The agents had found the bird seed before the incident occurred.
The action of hunting turkeys over a baited area could result in fines ranging from $250 to $500 for Alston, in addition to the potential charges for contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile. The latter offense carries a penalty of fine up to $500 and, possible jail time of up to six months. These penalties reflect the regulations aimed at ensuring ethical hunting practices and protecting wildlife populations from unfair hunting methods.
Officials at the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries are tasked with enforcing these regulations. The case involving Alston, demonstrates ongoing efforts to maintain responsible hunting activity within the state. The specifics of the fieldwork carried out by agents, Barton, Cheramie, and Pearce in this particular incident reflect the department's vigilance in such matters, said the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries news release.
