The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has taken 44-year-old Dennis J. Laborde of Ringgold into custody following a sting of alleged illegal hunting and firearm violations. On Sunday, while patrolling in Bienville Parish, LDWF agents came upon Laborde engaged in nighttime hog hunting near Lake Bistineau. Laborde was found to be hunting under a suspended license and illegally in possession of a firearm.
Further investigation by agents revealed a breach of multiple statutes. According to a press release from LDWF, Laborde faces charges including the possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, a breach that carries a penalty of $1,000 to $5,000 fines and 10 to 20 years of jail. The report also stated that Laborde was using a rifle equipped with an illegal sound suppressor at the time of his arrest.
Laborde also now faces charges for hunting without a basic license and illegal use of a firearm. These offenses carry additional penalties: up to a $350 fine for hunting without a license and a fine of up to $1,000 plus two years in jail for the illegal firearm use.
After apprehending Laborde, he was booked into the Bienville Parish Detention Center. The enforcement team included Sgt. Will Holomon, Senior Agent Trace Francis, Sgt. Justin Greer, Agent Austin Ashley, Lt. Ryan Brasher, and Sgt. Patrick Staggs. Consequences for hunting while under hunting license suspension include a fine ranging from $250 to $500 and can include up to 90 days jail time.
