LDWF Agents Arrest Six Subjects for Hunting Contest Fraud

JUNE122024

https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/news/ldwf-agents-arrest-six-subjects-for-hunting-contest-fraud

HUNTINGLAW ENFORCEMENTAdam EinckBaton Rouge

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) enforcement agents arrested six subjects for their roles in allegedly committing fraud in hog hunting contests in Caldwell and Bienville parishes.

Agents arrested Trace Davis, 30, of Longville, Hunter Webb, 27, of Pitkin, Colby Bushnell, 26, of Dry Creek, Davy Haymon, 35, of Pitkin, Nathan Granger, 34, of Vinton, and Don Pollard Jr., 40, of Pitkin, for hunting contest fraud and criminal conspiracy. Davis, Webb, Bushnell, Haymon, and Pollard Jr. were also arrested for violating interstate commerce. Davis was also arrested for obstruction of justice. Webb was also cited for hunting under a hunting license suspension.

Agents received information about the six subjects catching wild hogs in Texas before two different hog hunting contests in Louisiana and entering them into the contests, which they won.

During the investigation, agents obtained evidence that revealed the six subjects catching hogs in Texas to be used for the Dingler Wild Hog Roundup in Bienville Parish on Feb. 9-10 and the Swamp Time Hog Hunt in Caldwell Parish from March 14-16.

Nathan Granger turned himself in on June 4 to the Bienville Parish Jail since he did not participate in the Caldwell Parish hog hunting contest. The five other subjects turned themselves in on June 7 into the Bienville Parish Jail and the Caldwell Parish Jail.

The rules of both hog hunting contests stipulated that the hogs must be caught during the contest dates and be caught in Louisiana.

Hunting contest fraud brings up to a $3,000 fine and one year in jail. Criminal conspiracy carries a fine in the same manner as the offense contemplated by the conspirators. Violating interstate commerce brings a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Obstruction of justice carries up to a $10,000 fine and five years in jail. Hunting under a hunting license suspension brings a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail.

 Agents involved in the case are Sgt. Raymond Davis, Senior Agent Micheal Thacker, Corporal Jeremiah Fletcher, Lt. Chad Watts, Sgt. Stuart Guillory, Corporal John Blalock, Sgt. Chuck Dison, Corporal David Nelson, Lt. Beau Robertson, Senior Agent Chelsea Moudry, Corporal James Smith and Senior Agent Dustin Barton.