BASTROP -- A couple who allegedly shot a 14-pt. buck out of season, then entered it in a Big Buck contest are charged with several hunting violations and fraud.

While investigating a complaint, agents discovered that Thomas Crawford Boyte, 24, of Pioneer, allegedly killed a 14-point buck with a 30-06 rifle during closed gun season on Jan. 25.

Boyte and his wife, Amber Boyte, 19, of Pioneer, then entered the buck into the Simmon’s “Big Buck” contest in Bastrop that will be held on Feb. 12.

Agents charged Boyte with taking the deer, shot near Goodwill, using illegal methods and failing to properly tag the antlered deer.

Agents also charged the couple with contest fraud and booked them into the Morehouse Parish Jail.

During the investigation, agents also discovered blood and carcass evidence of another freshly taken deer.

Agents revealed that Thomas Boyte allegedly aided Kevin Allen, 38, of Goodwill, Jacob Faircloth, 22, of Goodwill, and Amber Boyte in killing a deer on the previous night from Allen’s pickup.

Each subject received citations for taking deer during illegal hours with artificial light and hunting from a moving vehicle.

Agents also discovered that Thomas Boyte and Kevin Allen allegedly drove the deer meat and two rifles to a separate location in an effort to hide the items.

Subsequently, agents charged Thomas Boyte and Kevin Allen with intentional concealment of illegally taken wildlife.

Agents charged all involved with possession of illegally taken deer. This charge included Thomas Boyte’s brother, Charles Boyte, 24, of Goodwill. Charles Boyte was found to have assisted Thomas Boyte in recovering the 14-point buck from the kill site.

The penalty for taking deer during illegal hours with artificial light is a fine up to $950, an up to 120 days in jail or both. Hunting from a moving vehicle carries fines up to $500, and up to 90 days in jail or both.

The penalty for taking deer by illegal methods is up to $500 in fines, and up to 90 days in jail or both. Failing to comply with deer tagging requirements carries up to a $350 fine, and up to 60 days in jail or both.

The penalty for intentional concealment of illegally taken wildlife is up to a $950 fine, and up to 120 days in jail or both.

The penalty for possession of illegally taken deer is a fine up to $950, and up to 120 days in jail or both. Contest fraud brings a $500 to $3,000 fine and up to a year in jail.

All charges do not include court costs. Civil restitution penalties for the value of the deer may also be imposed. Agents seized the deer meat and donated it to local charity. The trophy deer head was seized and will be held at the LDWF Monroe office as evidence in the case.

Agents involved in the case were Lt. Scott Mathews, Sgt. James Hagan, Sgt. Wayne Parker, Senior Agent Josh Estis, and Agent Ray Ellerbe.