New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
Media contact: Rachel Shockley, (505) 476-8071; cell: (505) 470-6832
Public contact: (888) 248-6866
Rachel.shockley@state.nm.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, MAY 19, 2014:

HUNTERS IN NORTHERN NEW MEXICO INVITED TO GIVE INPUT ON BIG-GAME HUNTING RULES

SANTA FE – New Mexico Department of Game and Fish invites hunters and wildlife enthusiasts in the Santa Fe area to give comments on several big-game hunting rules during a public meeting at 6 p.m. May 21 at the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish office, 1 Wildlife Way. Participants are asked to bring their questions, concerns and ideas.

The department is seeking public input about proposed hunting rules for bighorn sheep, deer, elk and pronghorn. The department also is seeking input for turkey and migratory game bird hunting rules. Times and locations of meetings, as well as rule development schedules for the various species are posted on the department website.

“Our recent public meetings have had some of the highest participation rates we have seen for big-game rule development,” said Stewart Liley, big-game program manager for the department. “We want to thank hunters for providing their valuable input.” Hunting rules for Barbary sheep ibex, javelina, and oryx were finalized May 15 at the Game Commission meeting in Albuquerque.

The department reviews and revises hunting rules every four years. Public involvement is invaluable, and ensures diverse perspectives will help influence rules and license numbers of hunting seasons for 2015 through 2019.

Proposed adjustments to the rules are available for public review on the department website, www.wildlife.state.nm.us, by clicking on “For review and comment” or by following the link. Public comments, along with biological information, management goals and harvest and survey data will be considered by the State Game Commission when finalizing the rules later this year.

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