Three Mississippi men were arrested last week for their alleged involvement in illegal fishing activities. A joint investigation, which began in January, between the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries led to the arrests on Aug. 11.

The three subjects, including 40-year-old Howard D. Restor of Lumberton, 41-year-old Lance O. Davis and 51-year-old James A. Howard, both of Poplarville, were arrested at their fish camp around 4 p.m., according to a press release issued by the MDWFP.

The trio allegedly conducted several illegal activities such as using an electric power source to catch fish, which is known as a catfish stunner and transporting fish from Mississippi to Louisiana. Each man was charged by the LDWF with a Federal Lacy Act Violation for transporting fish across state lines, which could mean up to $10,000 in fines and five years in prison each, according to the release.

On Aug. 12, warrants were issued for their arrest in Mississippi, which resulted in the trio turning themselves in to MDWFP officers at the Pearl River County Jail, according to the release.

Each subject is charged with illegal methods of taking fish and unlawful possession. Each man could receive up to $5,000 in fines and could lose their fishing and hunting privileges for one year in Mississippi, the release stated.

MDWFP Maj. Lane Ball said in the press release, “Acting on a tip received in January, we contacted the LDWF and began a joint investigation in very harsh conditions….I want to thank LDWF for their cooperation as we move forward on additional investigations.”

To report a wildlife or fisheries violation, contact 1-800-BE-SMART.

For more information about fishing guidelines in Mississippi, visit https://www.mdwfp.com.