In Vernon Parish, a duo was cited for turkey hunting violations last Saturday, as reported by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Ashley Bass, age 45, hailing from Lake Charles, and Charles Bass, 66, of Pitkin, faced allegations of hunting over a baited area, an act explicitly prohibited under state regulations.
Having located feeders filled with whole kernel corn and birdseed on March 27, agents undertook surveillance near Pitkin. Observations recorded the pair placing a decoy and entering a turkey blind situated roughly 200 yards from the bait, actions that led to their subsequent citation by the enforcement agents. With clear evidence in hand, the agents made their move and confronted Ashley and Charles Bass to issue the citations.
Current state regulations stand firm: baiting turkeys or hunting them in a baited area is illegal. Hunters must refrain from luring turkeys by scattering, depositing, or exposing corn, wheat, or any sort of grain and feed. The intent is clear - to maintain fair chase principles and ensure a balanced ecosystem.
Those found in violation of these regulations, such as the Basses, could face a fine ranging from $250 to $500 and potentially serve up to 90 days in jail, as reported by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. These rules are enforced to protect the sport’s integrity and the wildlife at its heart, showing a strong commitment to conservation and ethical hunting.
