Operation Game Thief

The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish continues to make law enforcement a high priority, and Operation Game Thief continues to be a successful deterrent to wildlife law violators. Of the 237 reports for fiscal year 1999, 61 charges were filed against 41 people. A total of $13,275 in penalties was levied, while Operation Game Thief paid out $6,120 in reward money. Of the 237 Operation Game Thief reports, 67 were for deer-related violations; 64 were for spotlighting, residency, trespass, possession of raptors and other similiar violations; 55 for elk-related violations; 20 related to small game; 17 for other big-game species; and 14 for violations involving fish.

Eight vehicles were seized by the Department's conservation officers from individuals allegedly hunting with the aid of an artificial light. Of the vehicles, three have been forfeited to the state, three are still pending civil action, one vehicle was adjudicated through the courts, and one vehicle was returned to the owner.

The State Game Commission revoked the license privileges of 306 individuals. Of those, 74 committed violations of hunting and fishing laws; 65 for failure to pay penalty assessments; 7 for insufficient funds checks; and 1 for guide and outfitter privilege violations. The other 159 were for failure to comply with the Parental Responsibility Act.

Photographs are from the 2000-2001 NM Proclamation

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