Why 6 Louisiana Hunters Were Busted on Turkey Season Opening Day

Turkey season just began last Friday, April 3rd, here in Louisiana, and a number of hunters have already found themselves on the wrong side of the law.

Get our free mobile app

In a report we received from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, we learn that enforcement agents cited six people for alleged turkey hunting violations during the opening weekend of the 2026 turkey hunting season.

In fact, all of those below were cited on opening morning, April 3, 2026:

• Jared S. Ducote, 31, of Jonesboro, for hunting turkeys over a baited area and hunting without a basic hunting license in Jackson Parish.
• Jamie P. Ford Jr., 39, of West Monroe, for taking over the daily limit of turkey in Lincoln Parish.
• Ryan Rawls, 37, of Rayville, for hunting turkeys without possessing turkey tags in Morehouse Parish.
• Chase Grimmett, 30, of Bunkie, for hunting without a basic hunting license and hunting turkeys without a turkey hunting license in Rapides Parish.
• Maghin Davis, 36, of Kinder, for hunting turkeys over a baited area in Beauregard Parish.
• Brett Lunn, 33, of Moss Bluff, for hunting turkeys over a baited area in Beauregard Parish.

In northwest Louisiana, turkey season will continue through April 26 in Caddo, DeSoto and Red River parishes (all in Turkey Area B).  Bienville, Bossier and Webster parishes (all in Turkey Area A) will be allowed to hunt turkeys until May 3.

READ MORE: Why You Should Never Rescue Wild Baby Animals in Louisiana

In regards to those charged above, according to the Louisiana 2026 Turkey Hunting Regulations, no person shall hunt or take turkeys by the aid of baiting or on or over a baited area. Hunters are not allowed to place, expose, deposit or scatter corn, wheat or other grain, salt or other feed to lure turkeys to their hunting area.

Also, turkey hunters are required to possess a Louisiana basic hunting license, turkey license and turkey tags. The possession limit on turkey is one gobbler (male turkey) per day and two gobblers per season.

Hunting turkeys over a baited area brings a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail. Taking over the daily limit of turkeys carries a $250 to $500 fine and up to 60 days in jail. Failing to possess basic hunting license, turkey hunting license and turkey tags brings up to a $350 fine for each offense.