Karma comes back to those who do not play by the rules.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) recently released a press release detailing a wild story of a man who was cited for alleged contest fraud on November 1st.
Authorities cited Andrew Riels, 27, of Crossett, Arkansas, for allegedly poaching a massive 15-point buck in Arkansas and then entering the deer in a big buck contest being held in Louisiana.
According to the press release, Riels harvested the buck during illegal hours on September 8th. The man then kept the buck intact, later entering it into the Simmons Sporting Goods Big Buck Contest in Bastrop, Louisiana.
“During the investigation, agents learned that Riels illegally harvested a 15-point buck during illegal hours on Sept. 8 near Crosset, Ark. Riels then entered the buck into the Simmons Sporting Goods Big Buck Contest in Bastrop later that same day. AGFC enforcement agents cited Riels on Oct. 30 for his illegal hunting activity.”
This discovery alleges hunting contest fraud, so Riels could be looking at jail time. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries notes that this fraud could result in:
“Up to a $3,000 fine and one year in jail. Violating interstate commerce regulations carries a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail.”
According to The Centre Daily Times, the winner of the hunting contest wins a $10,000 shopping spree at Simmons Sporting Goods and can also win a Can-Am 4-Wheeler, which might have served as the motive for this Arkansas man to harvest this large buck. However, contest rules also state that the deer must be harvested within 200 miles of the store’s location and be “in accordance with State Game Laws.”
Given that Crossett, Arkansas, is only a 30-mile drive from Bastrop, Louisiana, he technically did not violate those terms of the contest (unless, of course, that 200-mile radius is limited to the state of Louisiana.)
However, I believe this man’s title will be stripped regardless, given his violation of interstate commerce regulations. This violates State Game Laws in Arkansas and Louisiana.
At this time, it has not been reported whether Andrew Riels has been punished for his citation. However, it does not look good either way. He’s either spending a few nights behind bars or is looking to open up his wallet, paying a pretty penny.
I doubt any contests in the future will let him enter after he has “contest fraud” on his record…
