Man accused of illegally killing 15-point buck then entering it into Louisiana deer hunting contest

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — An Arkansas man has been cited after he allegedly killed a 15-point buck illegally in his home state, then entered the deer into a competition in Louisiana, authorities said.

Andrew Riels, 27, of Crossett, Arkansas, was cited for hunting contest fraud and violating interstate commerce regulations in Louisiana on Nov. 1, the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries said Thursday in a news release.

Riels is accused of killing the buck in Arkansas during illegal hours on Sept. 8, then entered it into the Simmons Sporting Goods Big Buck Contest in Bastrop, Louisiana, the same day. Bastrop is in northern Louisiana near the Arkansas border.

The contest remains ongoing and continues throughout the season. Prizes include the chance to win a $10,000 shopping spree as well as a Can-Am 4-Wheeler, according to the company’s website.

In addition to the Louisiana charges, Arkansas agents have also cited Riels for illegal hunting, the department said.

Hunting-contest fraud can result in a fine of up to $3,000 and one year in jail. Violating interstate commerce regulations carries a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail, the department said.