Chatham man cited for alleged turkey violations

Incident occurred in Jackson Parish on April 9, LDWF says

A 59-year-old Chatham man was cited for turkey violations after agents with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries conducting surveillance allegedly watched him hunt over a baited area.

According to a news release, Michael Chatham was ticketed for hunting turkeys over a baited area and failing to comply with turkey tagging requirements.

Agents received an anonymous tip about a hunter who harvested a turkey over a baited area on March 25. After investigating, agents were able to determine the area and set up surveillance on the morning of April 9, the release states.

While observing the area, agents spotted Chatham allegedly hunting the area for more than an hour. After making contact with him, the release states Chatham confessed to harvesting the turkey on March 25 and not tagging it.

Hunting turkeys over a baited area carries a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail.  Failing to comply with turkey tagging requirements brings a $100 to $350 fine and up to 60 days in jail, the release states.