Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) enforcement agents cited three subjects on July 14 for their alleged roles in violating turkey hunting regulations. Cited for three counts each of violating interstate commerce regulations (State Lacey Act) for transporting illegally taken game across state lines were Charles Ladon Gilbert, 56, of Quitman, Zackary Turner Gilbert, 29, of Quitman and Morgan Levi Jones, 29, of Ruston.
Agents began the investigation in late May of 2026 after being contacted by the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission about possible turkey hunting violations. Agents began their investigation and discovered evidence that the subjects took over the daily and season bag limits while turkey hunting in Lincoln County, Nebraska.
The investigation revealed that all three hunters harvested four turkeys each, which put them two birds over the legal bag limit. The subjects then transported the illegally harvested turkeys to Louisiana. DWF Agents worked closely with their Nebraska counterparts on the investigation and charges in Nebraska. LDWF agents participating in the case were Lt. James Hagan and Sgt. Joshua Harris.
Additionally, the investigation revealed that Jones and Zackary Gilbert committed violations in Louisiana in April 2026. Jones was cited for failing to tag or validate turkeys and taking over the daily and seasonal limit of turkeys, while Zackary Gilbert was cited for failing to tag turkeys and taking over the daily limit of turkeys.
The subjects harvested 17 turkeys in Nebraska and Louisiana, with agents seizing turkey parts – including beards, spurs, and fans – from 16 of those birds. All three suspects will face criminal prosecution in Louisiana and Nebraska.
Violating the Interstate Commerce Act brings a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Taking over the daily and seasonal limit of turkeys carries a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail for each offense. Failing to tag turkeys brings up to a $350 fine.
Jones will also face civil restitution totaling $1,550 for the replacement value of the two illegally harvested turkeys in Louisiana. Zackary Gilbert will also face civil restitution totaling $775 for the replacement value of the illegally harvested turkey in Louisiana.