Parish residents cited for killing 18-point buck with bird shot

Two Evangeline Parish hunters are facing fines and restitution in the ballpark of $3,000.00 along with the possibility of 60 days in jail after being cited by wildlife agents for shooting and killing a non-typical 18-point buck deer with bird shot.
According to a press release from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, “Agents cited Jordan Richard, 23, of Mamou, and Dylan Santoro, 25, of Ville Platte, for possession of an illegally taken deer, hunting deer using illegal methods, and failing to wear hunter’s orange. Agents also cited Richard for failing to comply with deer tagging requirements and failing to possess a big game hunting license.”
The release continued, “Agents received a tip about the two men illegally harvesting a deer on November 10 while they were duck hunting on Grand Maris Bayou near Mamou.
Agents located the two men and during questioning, they both admitted to shooting the deer with fine shot. The two men said they were duck hunting when they saw the 18-point non-typical buck on the bank and they both shot it with fine shot.
Agents seized the deer meat and antlers.”
Possession of an illegally taken deer, according to the press release, carries a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Hunting deer with illegal methods brings a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail. Failing to comply with deer tagging requirements carries a $100 to $350 fine and up to 60 days in jail. Failing to possess a big game hunting license and to wear hunter’s orange each brings up to a $50 fine and up to 15 days in jail, according to the release.
The men may also face civil restitution totaling $2,033 for the replacement value of the illegally taken deer.