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, SEPT. 3, 2008:

FOREST SERVICE REMINDS MANZANO MOUNTAINS HUNTERS OF CLOSURES

SANTA FE -- Archery hunting season for deer and elk opened Sept. 1 in many areas of New Mexico, and the Department of Game and Fish is reminding hunters to check for forest closure orders before going afield.

The U.S. Forest Service has closed portions of Game Management Unit 14 in the Manzano Mountains to all entry, including hunters, to protect natural resources and provide for public safety following the Trigo, Ojo Peak and Spring fires. The closures will remain effect until rescinded or until Dec. 31, 2008, whichever comes first.

Deer hunting in Unit 14 is limited to archery only Sept. 1-22. Hunts for grouse, squirrels, band-tailed pigeons and doves also opened Sept. 1 in Unit 14. Hunting for any species is prohibited in the closure areas.

To view maps of the closure areas, please visit www.fs.fed.us/r3/cibola/districts/mountainair.shtml or for more information, call the Mountainair Ranger District of the Cibola National Forest, (505) 847-2990.

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