Hunter illegally kills buck in Arkansas, enters it in out-of-state contest, agents say

A hunter intent on winning a $10,000 shopping spree is facing fraud accusations after he entered an illegally harvested deer in a “Biggest Buck” contest, according to Louisiana Wildlife & Fisheries officials.

The 27-year-old Arkansas man is charged with “hunting contest fraud and violating interstate commerce regulations,” Louisiana agents said in a Nov. 7 news release.

“Agents received information from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) Enforcement Division about (a hunter) harvesting a buck in Arkansas and entering it into a big buck contest in Louisiana,” state officials said.

“Agents learned (he) illegally harvested a 15-point buck during illegal hours on Sept. 8 near Crossett, Ark. (and) then entered the buck into the Simmons’ Sporting Goods Big Buck Contest in Bastrop later that same day.”

Arkansas wildlife enforcement agents cited the man Oct. 30 “for his illegal hunting activity,” officials said.

Hunting contest fraud in Louisiana carries a fine of up to $3,000 and a year in jail. Violating interstate commerce regulations can result in $950 in fines and 120 days in jail, state officials said.

Winners of the Simmons’ Sporting Goods Big Buck Contest get a $10,000 shopping spree at the company’s stores.

Among the contest rules is a requirement that the deer be legally harvested within 200 miles of the store, “in accordance with State Game Laws.”

The Simmons’ store in Bastrop is about a 30-mile drive south of Crossett, Arkansas, and contest rules do not specify the deer has to be harvested in Louisiana.

This story was originally published November 12, 2024 at 11:02 AM with the headline "Hunter illegally kills buck in Arkansas, enters it in out-of-state contest, agents say."