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, AUG. 20, 2013:

STATE GAME COMMISSION TO MEET THURSDAY IN GRANTS

GRANTS – The New Mexico Game Commission will meet Thursday, Aug. 22, in Grants to set 2013-14 hunting season dates for migratory birds, discuss over-the-counter license sales for ibex and Barbary sheep, and hear public comments about future management of the Valles Caldera National Preserve.

Thursday’s meeting will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Martinez Hall Theater at the New Mexico State University branch campus, 1500 3rd St., in Grants. 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:

• A proposal to clarify a rule prohibiting the possession or sale of wild turkeys, including captive-raised birds, except by special permit for scientific, education or temporary purposes, or for commercial out-of-state sales.

• A presentation about the impacts of recent wildfires on New Mexico’s wildlife and habitat.

• An update on bear and cougar depredation and hunter harvest for 2012-13.

• A Department request for review and approval of the fiscal year 2015 budget request and infrastructure capital improvement project request.

• An update on proposed changes to fishing rules, including allowing game fish to be taken by bow and arrow, closure of some trout waters where wildfires have impacted threatened fish, and reducing the daily bag limit on striped bass from 2 to 1 fish a day.

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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