Bayou Poachers: Cosse & Ockmond Face Federal Penalties

PORT SULPHUR & VACHERIE, LA – Two Louisiana men are facing federal consequences after admitting to a brazen pattern of illegal hunting activity within the Delta National Wildlife Refuge. ROBERT “BOOZIE” COSSE, JR., 40, of Port Sulphur, and DEAN “DINO” OCKMOND, JR., 36, of Vacherie, pled guilty today to charges stemming from a months-long investigation into their poaching operation.

The Delta National Wildlife Refuge, a 48,000-acre sanctuary south of Venice, was established in the 1930s to protect migratory birds and other wildlife. But for Cosse and Ockmond, it was simply another hunting ground – one they exploited with calculated disregard for the law. Investigators uncovered evidence that Cosse illegally maintained a sophisticated setup, including a deer stand and a corn feeder designed to lure deer and hogs into a remote section of the refuge.

The illegal operation ran throughout the winter of 2015-16, with Cosse and his associates repeatedly using firearms at the feeder. On January 17, 2016, federal agents caught OCKMOND red-handed, shooting and killing an 11-point white-tailed buck at the illicit feeding station. The pair then violated the Lacey Act by transporting the illegally harvested deer. Both men pled guilty to one count of violating the Lacey Act, a federal law prohibiting the transport of illegally obtained wildlife.

But the charges didn’t stop there. COSSE faced a staggering 16 misdemeanor counts under the Refuge Systems Administration Act, detailing a pattern of repeated violations. These included illegal baiting, unauthorized motor vehicle use within the refuge, hunting during closed season, and unlawful use of a firearm. The evidence painted a clear picture of a deliberate and ongoing effort to circumvent wildlife protection laws.

The penalties reflect the severity of the crimes. COSSE was slapped with a $8,775 fine, and forced to forfeit a Polaris All-Terrain Vehicle and a John Deere tractor used to navigate the refuge illegally. He’s also been sentenced to three years of probation, with a strict prohibition from entering any National Wildlife Refuge or engaging in any hunting activity. OCKMOND was fined $2,025 and must forfeit the mounted 11-point buck. He received two years of probation, also barred from future refuge access and hunting.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans commended the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agents for their diligent investigation, which brought these poachers to justice. Assistant U.S. Attorney Myles Ranier prosecuted the case. The message is clear: exploiting protected lands for personal gain will not be tolerated. This isn’t just about deer and hogs; it’s about preserving a vital ecosystem and upholding the law.