The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) reported citing 32 individuals for various violations during the opening weekend of the 2025-26 dove hunting season. Enforcement agents seized 219 doves, which were donated to local charities. Violations included hunting over baited areas, licensing issues, and firearms-related infractions.
As per the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, in St. James Parish, multiple hunters, including Darren Wade Jr., Matthew Faucheux, several Baton Rouge residents, and a juvenile, were cited for hunting migratory game birds over a baited area. In Madison Parish, out-of-state hunters Laken Herring, Thomas Caruthers, and Thomas Hamilton were cited for hunting without proper non-resident licenses. Darren Wade Jr. also received a citation for intentional concealment of wildlife.
Other violations included using unplugged guns, exceeding bag limits, and possessing a stolen firearm. Chris Lacombe faces additional charges for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a stolen firearm, which may result in significant penalties. All migratory game bird baiting cases will be prosecuted in Federal Court.
Penalties for the cited violations range from fines of several hundred to several thousand dollars and may include jail time.
