In a shocking turn of events, six men have been accused of fraudulently winning two state-run hog hunting contests in Louisiana.
The alleged perpetrators are now facing multiple criminal charges, including hunting contest fraud and criminal conspiracy.
The Accused Hunters
The six individuals arrested by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) are:
- Trace Davis, 30, of Longville
- Hunter Webb, 27, of Pitkin
- Davy Haymon, 35, of Pitkin
- Don Pollard Jr., 40, of Pitkin
- Coby Bushnell, 26, of Dry Creek
- Nathan Granger, 34, of Vinton
Each man is charged with hunting contest fraud and criminal conspiracy. Additionally, some of the accused face further charges. Davis, Webb, Bushnell, Haymon, and Pollard Jr. are also charged with violating interstate commerce.
Davis faces an additional charge of obstruction of justice, while Webb has been charged with hunting under a suspended hunting license.
The Allegations
According to LDWF, the investigation revealed that these hunters caught wild hogs in Texas and then turned them in for two Louisiana-based hog hunting contests.
The events in question are the Dingler Wild Hog Roundup in Bienville Parish held from February 9-10, and the Swamp Time Hog Hunt in Caldwell Parish from March 14-16.
The rules for both contests clearly state that the hogs must be caught within Louisiana and during the specified dates of the events. By capturing hogs in Texas and presenting them as if they were caught in Louisiana, the accused men allegedly violated these rules.
Legal Repercussions
The penalties for the crimes these hunters are accused of are severe. The maximum penalty for hunting contest fraud and criminal conspiracy is a year in jail and a $3,000 fine.
Those charged with violating interstate commerce could face up to a $950 fine and 120 days in jail. The charge of obstruction of justice carries the most severe penalty, with potential fines of up to $10,000 and up to five years in jail.
According to the source, Webb’s charge of hunting under a suspended hunting license could result in up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.
The Arrests and Investigation
Nathan Granger, one of the accused, did not participate in the Caldwell hunting contest and turned himself in at the Bienville Parish Jail on June 4. The remaining suspects turned themselves into the Bienville Parish and Caldwell Parish jails on June 7.
Fox News Digital reached out to LDWF officials for comments, but no immediate response was received. The investigation into this matter is ongoing, and more details are expected to emerge.
Conclusion
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to the rules and regulations of hunting contests. The alleged actions of these individuals not only undermine the integrity of the competitions but also cast a shadow on the sport as a whole.
The outcome of this investigation will be closely watched by the hunting community and the public at large.
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