New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
Media contact: Dan Williams, (505) 476-8004
Public contact: (505) 476-8000
dan.williams@state.nm.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, NOV. 30, 2009:

BIG-GAME LICENSE APPLICATION DEADLINES ON COMMISSION AGENDA

HOBBS -- Earlier big-game license application deadlines, elimination of the every-other-year application restriction for antelope and some deer and elk hunts, and a request to transplant wild turkeys to Sandia Pueblo are among proposals the State Game Commission will consider Thursday, Dec. 3, at its meeting in Hobbs.

The meeting will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in multi-purpose room 111-114 of Bob Moran Hall of New Mexico Junior College, 5317 Lovington Highway, in Hobbs. The full agenda, detailed agenda-item briefings and other information are available on the Department of Game and Fish Web site, www.wildlife.state.nm.us or by calling (505) 476-8008.

The Department of Game and Fish is proposing moving the application deadline for deer, elk, antelope, ibex, bighorn sheep, Barbary sheep and javelina licenses from early April to mid-March. Earlier applications would allow the Department to conduct the drawing in time for resident hunters to purchase discount licenses such as a general hunting and fishing license for the April1-March 31 license year.

Other agenda items include:

• Proposals to eliminate or modify the every-other-year application restriction on "Quality" or "High Demand" deer and elk licenses. Modification options include exemptions to the every-other-year restriction for youth hunts, some private-land-only hunts, and public-land hunts that were unfilled or purchased via the secondary sale after the drawing.

• A request by Sandia Pueblo to transfer 30 state-owned wild turkeys to Pueblo land so the Pueblo can implement a turkey management program.

• Proposals to require trapping license holders to submit a harvest report to be eligible to purchase a trapping license the following year, and to require trappers to purchase licenses only at Department offices or on the Department Web site.

• Several proposed changes to the state's fishing rules, including banning the use of felt-soled waders in waters statewide, allowing anglers to take one tiger muskie, and reducing the bag limit of striped bass at Elephant Butte Lake from three to two.

• Discussion of recent boundary changes between Game Management Units 5B and 51 and how they are affecting deer management objectives for the area.

The State Game Commission is composed of seven members who represent the state’s diverse interests in wildlife-associated recreation and conservation. Members are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state Senate. Current members are Chairman Jim McClintic, Albuquerque; Vice-chairwoman Sandy Buffett, Santa Fe; M.H. “Dutch” Salmon, Silver City; Alfredo Montoya, Alcalde; Leo Sims, Hobbs; Tom Arvas, Albuquerque; and Kent Salazar, Albuquerque.

If you are an individual with a disability who is in need of a reader, amplifier, qualified sign language interpreter, or any other form of auxiliary aid or service to attend or participate in the meeting, please contact Sonya Quintana, (505) 476-8030. Public documents, including the agenda and minutes, can be provided in various accessible forms.

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