Louisiana Hunters Cited For Illegal Turkey Harvest In Nebraska

(KMDL-FM) Three Louisiana turkey hunters are finding out the hard way that the long arm of the law is not required to stop at state lines. The three hunters were cited in Louisiana for turkeys that were illegally harvested in Nebraska. The three are facing charges that they violated interstate commerce regulations as well as basic rules of the outdoors.

The incident's investigation began in May of 2026 when agents from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission reached out to their counterparts at the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. The reason for the comminque were the possibility that turkey hunting violations had been committed in Nebraska by hunters from Louisiana.

Why Were Louisiana Hunters Cited for Hunting in Nebraska?

Agents in Nebraska believed the three Louisiana hunters had harvested more turkeys than the daily and seasonal bag limits allow. All in all, it is alleged that each hunter took four turkeys. The subjects then transported the illegally harvested birds to Louisiana.

The three Louisiana hunters who are facing citations and charges in this case are Morgan Levi Jones of Ruston, Louisiana. Charles Landon Gilbert and Zackary Turner Gilbert, both of Quitman, Louisiana, were implicated and cited in this case.

How Much is the Fine for Illegally Harvesting a Turkey in Another State?

man in green shirt and brown pants sitting on brown tree log during daytime — Photo by Angie Gade on Unsplash

According to a news release from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife, 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 and Zackary Gilbert are also facing additional citations and charges for alleged hunting violations that occurred in Louisiana during April of this year. Jones was cited for failure to tag or validate turkeys and taking over the daily and seasonal limit. Zackary Gilbert was cited for failing to tag turkeys and taking over the daily limit.

All three men will face criminal prosecution in both Louisiana and Nebraska.