NM Game Commission Chair resigns amid charges

Scott Bidegain

The chair of the New Mexico Game Commission has resigned amid allegations that he was an accessory to an unlawful killing of a cougar.

  The Department of Game and Fish announced Monday that Scott Bidegain turned in his resignation over the weekend. 

Officials say department officers filed a misdemeanor charge against Bidegain in Quay County Magistrate Court on Monday in connection with the cougar killing. Bidegain says he was present during "a hunting incident earlier this month" and he believed it was in the commission's best interest that he stepped down.

 Officials say Vice Chairman Thomas Salopek will lead the commission.

NM Game Commission Chair resigns amid charges