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, MAY 21, 2013:

STATE GAME COMMISSION TO MEET THURSDAY, MAY 23, IN ROSWELL

ROSWELL – The New Mexico Game Commission will consider a proposal to revise hunting season dates for squirrels and grouse to a single, statewide season – Sept. 1 through Nov. 30 – at its meeting Thursday, May 23, in Roswell.

The proposal is intended to simplify current squirrel and grouse seasons, which are divided into north and south zones with different season dates.

Thursday’s meeting will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Daniels Leadership Center Auditorium at New Mexico Military Institute, 101 W. College Blvd., in Roswell. The full agenda, detailed agenda-item briefings and other information are available on the Department of Game and Fish website, www.wildlife.state.nm.us, or by calling (505) 476-8008. Details of proposed rules and opportunities to comment about them also are available on the website.

Other agenda items include:

• Renewal of the annual lease that allows hunters, anglers and trappers to use State Trust Lands during appropriate seasons. Approval by the Commission will allow the Department director to sign the lease and present it to the State Land Commissioner.

• Consideration of a Department recommendation for no change to current rules regarding the use of hunter orange clothing by hunters in the field. The Department will present alternate strategies to educate hunters about the benefits of wearing hunter orange during certain hunting seasons.

• A presentation of proposed changes to the amount of time hunting and fishing license privileges can be revoked for hunters or anglers who violate wildlife laws. A bill passed by the 2013 Legislature authorized the Commission to revoke a person’s license privileges for longer periods for certain violations.

• An update on a plan to convert vendor license sales to the Department’s web-based sales system.

• An update on the state’s desert bighorn sheep population and discussion of potential release sites, including the Sacramento Mountains.

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 Scott Bidegain, Vice-chairman Thomas “Dick” Salopek, Tom Arvas, Bill Montoya, Robert Espinoza Sr., Paul Kienzle, and Ralph Ramos.

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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