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, JULY 31, 2009:

COMMENTS SOUGHT ON PROPOSED CHANGES TO DEER LICENSE APPLICATION PROCESS

SANTA FE -- The Department of Game and Fish is asking for public comments about proposals to change the way hunters apply for deer licenses. The State Game Commission will consider the proposals at its Sept. 24 meeting in Las Cruces.

The proposals include simplifying the deer licensing process by eliminating the current deer hunting permits. Successful applicants would be issued a deer license, similar to the way elk, antelope and other big-game licenses currently are issued.
 
Other proposals include giving hunters who are successful in the drawing the opportunity to buy discounted licenses, including junior, senior and combination licenses, which are available after March 31 annually; and expanding youth hunting opportunities for quality and high-demand deer hunts.

The proposals and various options are available for review on the Department Web site, www.wildlife.state.nm.us in the "Public Comments" and "Hunting" sections.

Comments can be submitted to Barry Hale, the Department's deer program manager, by e-mail at barry.hale@state.nm.us or by regular mail at New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, P.O. Box 25112, Santa Fe, NM 87505.

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