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, MARCH 30, 2010:

DEADLINE IS APRIL 7 TO APPLY FOR BIG-GAME HUNTING LICENSES
GAME COMMISSION WILL DISCUSS HUNTING, TRAPPING RULES

DEADLINE IS APRIL 7 TO APPLY FOR BIG-GAME LICENSES, PERMITS

Wednesday, April 7, is the deadline for hunters to apply for 2010-2011 deer, elk, antelope, ibex, javelina, Barbary sheep and bighorn sheep hunting opportunities allotted by draw in New Mexico.

Online applications must be received by 5 p.m. Wednesday. Paper applications must be postmarked by April 7 or delivered to the Department office in Santa Fe by 5 p.m. April 7.

Online applicants are encouraged to apply early to avoid missing the deadline because of forgotten passwords or other computer-related issues at the last minute. Late applications will not be accepted.

Applicants are reminded that everyone applying for a public-land license or permit, or purchasing a license via a private land authorization or the Valles Caldera must first obtain a free Customer ID Number online at www.wildlife.state.nm.us or in person from any Department office. This number must be included on each application, paper or online, or the application will be rejected.

The Department is expecting to receive more than 150,000 applications for about 50,000 available licenses and permits.

Hunters who held deer permits or elk licenses for the 2009-2010 season must have reported their harvest results before applying. Hunters who fail to report their 2009-2010 harvest results -- successful or not -- will have their 2010-2011 applications rejected. Harvest reports can be submitted online at www.newmexico-hunt.com or by calling toll-free (888) 248-6866. 
    
For more information about big-game hunting in New Mexico, please consult the 2010-2011 Big Game & Trapper Rules and Information Booklet, available at all license vendors, Department offices, and online at www.wildlife.state.nm.us. Information also is available by calling (505) 476-8000.

GAME COMMISSION WILL DISCUSS HUNTING, TRAPPING RULES

ALBUQUERQUE -- The State Game Commission will hear recommendations for the 2011-2014 hunting seasons for turkey, upland game and javelina, and discuss a review of trapping and furbearer rules at its meeting April 8 in Albuquerque.

The meeting will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in La Cienega Conference Room, second level, east complex, of the Albuquerque Convention Center, 401 2nd Street N.W., in Albuquerque. 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.

Hunting recommendations for turkey, upland game and javelina follow a public comment period that began in March. The April 8 presentation is the first of a three-part approach to proposed big-game hunting rules for the 2011-2014 seasons. Proposals for bighorn sheep, exotic species, elk, waterfowl and the Open Gate program will be available on the Department Web site in April and will be presented to the Commission in May or June following public comments. Proposals for deer, bear, cougar, pronghorn antelope and the A-PLUS program will be on the Web site in June and presented to the Commission in July.

Other agenda items include:

• A presentation and proposed timeline for review of the trapping and furbearer hunting rules, including several opportunities for public comment before any Commission action.

• A presentation by the Department, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service about the Habitat Stamp Program, which needs to be re-authorized by the Commission if it is to be continued past its March 31, 2011, expiration date. The program has an annual budget of $800,000 entirely supported by hunters and anglers, who must purchase a $5 Habitat Stamp each year to participate in their sports on BLM or Forest Service lands. In the 23-year life of the program, $31.3 million has funded 1,998 wildlife habitat projects. In this effort, the Habitat Stamp Program has contributed $15.4 million and federal agencies have spent an additional $14 million in matching funds.

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, Vice-chairwoman Sandy Buffett, Tom Arvas, Gary Fonay, Kent Salazar, M.H. “Dutch” Salmon, and Thomas "Dick" Salopek.

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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