CHAMA – A Chama man was found guilty on September 9, 2014, of unlawful killing and possession of a turkey. The crime was reported to Game and Fish officers through the Operation Game Thief hotline.
The Operation Game Thief call was received in Feb. of 2014, and claimed that a Chama resident, later identified as James Ulibarri, shot a turkey out of season with a rifle in downtown Chama. Chama District Officer, Mark Bundren, initiated an investigation into the illegal killing and possession. When Officer Bundren questioned Ulibarri about the incident, he admitted to killing the turkey in his front yard, out of season, with a rifle. Officer Bundren filed two criminal complaints in Chama Magistrate Court, one for killing of a turkey out of season and one for unlawful possession.
Ulibarri was found guilty on both charges in Chama Magistrate Court and paid $142.00 in court fees and was ordered to donate $180.00 to Operation Game Thief.
The Department encourages anyone with information about violations of New Mexico’s wildlife laws to call Operation Game Thief toll-free, (800) 432-GAME (4263), or to visit www.wildlife.state.nm.us. Callers can remain anonymous and earn rewards if information leads to charges being filed.