New Mexico regulates hunting and fishing. Doing so helps ensure stable wildlife populations and limits the nuisance that hunting and fishing generate for the general public. Most residents and tourists recognize that a hunting permit is necessary when pursuing big game, such as mountain sheep, ibex and antelope.
Fewer people realize that the state also treats turkeys as a trophy animal. These large birds, which dominate the dinner table on Thanksgiving and allow for dramatic displays after mounting, also require a state-issued permit.
While turkeys are plentiful, most people must secure a state permit before hunting them for sport. What is the risk of hunting a turkey without a New Mexico permit?
There are several penalties possible
Illegally taking a turkey without a permit does not carry the same penalties as hunting big game without a permit. Hunters could face up to $10,000 in fines in some cases involving prize specimens.
However, serious penalties are still possible. Depending on the size of the turkey, the state could potentially assess up to $500 in fines for taking a trophy bird without a license. Additionally, those who have hunted a turkey without a permit may not be able to hunt legally for up to three years.
In some cases, minor technicalities, such as the location of the hunting incident and the size of the bird, can directly influence the most effective response to allegations of hunting without a license. Reviewing one’s situation with a criminal defense attorney can help affected people avoid financial penalties and preserve their hunting privileges for future seasons.