WACO, Texas (KWTX) – A group of hunters from Louisiana was caught with three times the legal daily limit of ducks during a routine patrol by Texas Game Wardens in Bosque and Hamilton counties.

Game Wardens Detect Unusual Gunfire Along the Brazos River

On January 25, Texas Game Wardens were patrolling the Brazos River in Bosque County when they heard gunfire. During their initial rounds, they checked multiple boats and a duck hunter but found no violations.

However, later that morning, they heard gunfire again from the same area. Using satellite mapping technology, the wardens pinpointed private lakes where the gunshots might have come from.

As they approached one of the suspected locations, they spotted a man in camouflage leaving an equipment shed. The man appeared nervous and was urgently texting someone, raising suspicion.

Evasive Hunters Caught With Illegal Ducks

After questioning the man, wardens were led to a nearby duck blind where three other hunters were packing up their gear. The group provided conflicting statements about their total number, which made authorities more suspicious.

While interviewing the hunters, another game warden discovered a hidden pile of ducks on the other side of the riverbank. A fourth individual, also dressed in camouflage, was found hiding behind a dam with a stringer of ducks. This hunter lacked a valid hunting license and had climbed over two fences to hide 16 illegally harvested ducks.

Illegal Equipment and Overhunting Confirmed

Upon further inspection, the wardens discovered:

• 54 illegally harvested ducks – three times the legal daily limit.
• 250 spent shotgun shells and hulls, including prohibited lead shot.
• Lead shot ammunition, which is illegal for waterfowl hunting.
• One unlicensed hunter among the group.

The hunters later admitted they knowingly used leftover lead shot from dove season, despite being aware that it was illegal for waterfowl hunting.

Hunters Admit to Overhunting Due to High Duck Presence

Three of the Louisiana hunters confessed that they were aware of the bag limit but didn’t want to stop hunting. They claimed that they had never seen so many ducks this season in either Texas or Louisiana, which tempted them to keep hunting beyond the legal limit.

Fines and Legal Consequences

As a result of their violations, the Texas Game Wardens issued multiple citations for:

• Exceeding the legal bag limit.
• Hunting without a valid license.
• Using lead shot for waterfowl.

The hunters were also ordered to pay civil restitution fees for the illegally taken ducks, with fines and restitution totaling over $7,000.

Authorities Stress Importance of Ethical Hunting

Texas Game Wardens emphasize that wildlife laws exist to protect natural resources and ensure sustainable hunting practices. Overhunting and using illegal ammunition can damage ecosystems and harm bird populations.

Hunters are urged to follow regulations to avoid fines and protect the environment. Authorities will continue strict enforcement to prevent illegal hunting activities.

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