Headlighting deer investigation leads to charges across multiple Mississippi counties

An investigation by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) has resulted in multiple wildlife violations and a felony charge against a Brandon man following his arrest for illegally hunting deer at night.

On January 9, 2025, 24-year-old William Langston Jr. of Brandon was arrested in Madison County by MDWFP Conservation Officers and deputies with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office for headlighting deer and killing a domesticated cat.

During the arrest, officers seized two .300 Blackout rifles, one of which was equipped with a thermal scope and suppressor, as well as a .22 caliber rifle equipped with a suppressor.

A subsequent investigation into Langston’s illegal hunting activities resulted in charges across both Madison and Rankin counties, including:

• 21 counts of headlighting deer
• 19 counts of hunting from a public roadway
• Unlawful possession of illegally taken white-tailed deer
• Exceeding the annual bag limit for white-tailed deer
• One felony count under the Mississippi Pet Protection Act

Langston pleaded guilty in the Justice Courts of both Madison and Rankin Counties to all wildlife-related charges. He was placed in a pretrial diversion program by the Madison County Circuit Court for the felony charge under the Mississippi Pet Protection Act.

As a result of the convictions, Langston was ordered to pay a total of $77,244 in fines by the two Justice Courts. Additionally, the MDWFP revoked his hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges for three years.

We appreciate the support from the Madison County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance on the case and to the general public for being vigilant and reporting the violation.

“Our officers are committed to protecting Mississippi’s wildlife resources and holding violators accountable,” said Lt. Colonel Chris Reed. “Poaching has no place in Mississippi, as it steals from every law-abiding sportsman in our state. We take these violations seriously and will continue to investigate and prosecute those who choose to break the law.”