Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) –A fraudulent scheme involving three men obtaining and selling NM elk hunting tags to out of state hunters has resulted in charges for the men.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of NM, from 2019 through 2022, Danial Adair, Daniel Nicolds, and Lary Nicolds allegedly operated a scheme through Big Horn Outfitters where they fraudulently obtained NM elk tags through the state resident draw system and transferred them to out of state hunters in exchange for payment, along with outfitting and guiding services. The indictment alleges the three created fake hunter accounts, used false identifying information, and paid draw fees with prepaid debit cards to obtain the resident elk tags. Prosecutors further allege the trio submitted fraudulent medical transfer requests and fake doctor notes and forged agreement to the NM Game and Fish in order to transfer tags to out of state clients. Adair, Danial and Lary Nicolds are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and violate the Lacey Act, five counts of wire fraud, and five counts of violations of the Lacey Act. Adair and Danial Nicolds are also charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States.
