Louisiana and Tennessee Hunting Guides Sentenced for Violating Migratory Bird Treaty Act

In a recent turn of events, two hunting guides have faced the consequences of illegal practices that defy the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Chase Michael Courville of Abbeville, Louisiana, and Dalton Harrison of Shelby County, Tennessee were sentenced after being indicted for utilizing bait to illegally attract waterfowl for hunting purposes. The baiting practice—a violation of the natural order of our wildlife conservation—led to the men being prosecuted under Title 16, United States Code, Sections 704(b)(2) and 707.

These convictions were the result of a federal grand jury’s decision on March 19, after the two men carried out their questionable activities in early December 2023. The type of bait placed by Courville, and Harrison at a small pond near Rosemark, Tennessee attracted eventual scrutiny. On December 7, special agents discovered both men, along with several others, in the act of hunting waterfowl, having already killed several birds. As it turns out, the cost for this malfeasance would be more than they bargained for.

According to a

Justice Department statement

, both men pleaded guilty to the baiting charge. As a result of their actions, “Senior United States District Court Judge Jon Phipps McCalla sentenced Harrison to one year of probation and a fine of $7,500.00.  On November 1, 2024, Judge McCalla sentenced Courville to one year of probation and a fine of $7,500.00,”

as per U.S. Attorney’s Office report.

The gravity of these offenses is underscored by the consequences the two men now face. Apart from probation and fines, Courville and Harrison have also been prohibited from hunting or working as hunting guides for the duration of their probation. They also agreed to forfeit the shotguns used in the December event to the government, which could be seen as a symbolic gesture towards rectifying the disregard for the laws meant to protect the migrants of the sky. Doug Ault, the Special Agent in Charge of the Service’s Southeast Region, encapsulated the sentiment by

stating

, “The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Office of Law Enforcement strives to ensure a fair and equitable hunting experience for all members of the public while protecting waterfowl populations from unsustainable methods of harvest.”

The case, which was thoroughly investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, highlights the ongoing efforts to preserve wildlife against unsanctioned hunting practices. Acting United States Attorney Reagan Fondren, in recognizing the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Murphy and law enforcement partners, reaffirmed their steadfast resolve in pursuing justice within the purview of conservation laws.

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