Two individuals have been cited for allegedly hunting deer outside of legal hours and methods in Ascension Parish, according to agents from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF). On Sunday, just after the sun dipped below the horizon, agents conducted surveillance in a wooded area near Sorrento, where they eventually caught Joseph Stunsman and Misty Guisenheimer engaging in the illicit activity.
The agents' investigation, which took a turn in the deepening night shadows, led them to the residence of Stunsman, 42, of Prairieville, and Guisenheimer, 45, of Sorrento. The pair was found to have two freshly harvested bucks. According to a statement obtained by the LDWF, "Agents observed Stunsman and Guisenheimer using a spotlight to shine for deer."
The legal repercussions for these infractions are significant. Hunting deer during illegal hours can lead to a fine of between $900 to $950 and up to 120 days in jail. Additionally, using illegal methods and exceeding the daily limit of deer can result in a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail for each offense. Moreover, Guisenheimer faces further penalties for hunting without the necessary licenses and deer tags, which could culminate in a $350 fine for each offense.
Ultimately, both Stunsman and Guisenheimer's actions run counter to regulations aimed at preserving wildlife populations and ensuring fair chase. Stunsman, who is also accountable for not tagging the deer he claimed with his 7 mm Remington Magnum, will face civil restitution for the two bucks, totaling $1,600. The deer taken during this illegal hunt were seized by agents – one a four-point buck, the other a five-point – and were subsequently donated to a local charity, a common practice when dealing with wildlife-related offenses, according to LDWF.
The case against the accused was brought by Sgt. Randy Lanoux and Senior Agent Hunter Pearson. The LDWF stated that these actions are part of its ongoing enforcement of state hunting laws.
