My mother always told me be careful of what you say, in this case it should have read be careful what you post!  A Louisiana teen posted photos of his latest outdoor excursion on-line for the whole world to see. What he didn’t expect was that the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries was looking also.

     Christopher Bearden, a 17 year old from Olla Louisiana shot two spotted fawns along with a doe on Oct. 19, 2008. He then took photos of his illegal gotten game on-line on his MySpace page for the whole world to see. Someone saw the photos and felt it should be reported to the proper authorities, that is when the Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries took over.

     He faces fines of $250 to $500 with the possibility of 15 to 30 days in jail for each fawn. He also faces fines of $250 to $500 and, or up to 90 days in jail for possessing over the legal limit of deer. He will also pay a restitution fine of $1573.62 for the three deer. I have said before, that we need to increase the fines on restitution on wild game. Our game is worth more than that, you can’t tell me that three deer are only worth $500 each! But I can’t imagine having to cough up $3000 plus jail time if I were only 17 years old! Hopefully this will teach this punk a lesson or two.   Below is the press release from the Louisiana Dept. of Wildlife & Fisheries.

WEB SITE PHOTO INCRIMINATES DEER POACHER

Release Date: 12/23/2008

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited Christopher Bearden, 17, of Olla, for allegedly taking two spotted fawns on Oct. 19.

On Dec. 1 agents received a complaint and a photograph printed from a social networking Web site of a subject posed with three dead deer, two spotted fawns and a doe.

Agents initiated an investigation and questioned Bearden. He allegedly admitted to shooting all three deer on opening day of gun season. He was issued citations for two counts of taking spotted fawns and possessing over the daily limit of deer.

Taking or possessing a spotted fawn carries a fine between $500 to $750, and jail time between 15 to 30 days for each count. Possessing over the limit of deer is punishable by a fine between $250 to $500, or jail time up to 90 days, or both plus court costs. Bearden will also have to pay restitution on the three deer valued at $1,573.62.

Agents participating in the case were Senior Agents Robbie Mayo, Senior Agent Jeff Robinson and Agent Troy Mayo.

For more information, contact Capt. Johnny Rhodes at 318-757-3072 or jrhodes@wlf.louisiana.gov. 2008-376