Jasper officers among those cited to court for hunting violations

Two Jasper officers were among six people cited to court on misdemeanor hunting violations in Kentucky early in April.

Officers Joe Chambers and Kaleb Chambers are set to appear in court on May 15, 2024, with four other men cited for allegedly hunting turkey over bait on a property in Butler County.

According to one citation issued to one officer on April 6, 2024, by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, during a compliance check at a turkey hunt near Farm Lee Road, one subject and a youth were found to be hunting turkeys over bait.

April 6 is the first day of Kentucky’s youth-only spring turkey weekend, and the citation does not indicate whether Chambers took a turkey or assisted the youth. Kentucky’s regular spring season opens April 13 and runs to May 5.

In response to the citations involving the officers, Jasper Police issued the following statement:

“The Jasper Police Department is aware of an incident involving two city officers who were claimed to be turkey hunting in Kentucky. The JPD reached out to the Butler County, Kentucky prosecutor several times and we are waiting to hear back. Our priority remains ensuring the well-being and safety of our community and employees. Rest assured, the City will continue to monitor the situation closely and we will take appropriate action when deemed necessary.”

Jasper Police Chief Nathan Schmitt added the department will consider what actions it will take after the misdemeanor cases are adjudicated in Kentucky courts.

According to Kentucky law, the penalties for this type of charge could range from a $100-$1000 fine and imprisonment of 30 days to a year. If convicted, they may also have to forfeit their hunting license for one to three years, and they could be subject to further restitution for the “amount reasonably necessary to replace” any turkeys that were taken.