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, FEB. 6, 2012:

DESERT BIGHORN SKULLS, HORNS UP FOR AUCTION THIS WEEK

SANTA FE – Eight desert bighorn sheep skulls and horns that were recovered from ranges in southern New Mexico go up for sale this week in a silent auction at the Department of Game and Fish office in Santa Fe and at Bob Gerding’s Hunting & Fishing Show in Albuquerque.

The skulls, six rams and two ewes, became available for sale in November 2011 when the State Game Commission removed desert bighorn sheep from the state threatened and endangered species list. Protected game animals and their skulls are the property of the state. Proceeds from the auctions will be used to augment the Department’s bighorn sheep restoration program.

Those interested in bidding on the skulls and horns can see them and make a bid Wednesday and Thursday at the Department office at 1 Wildlife Way off Caja del Rio Road next to the Marty Sanchez Golf Course. Friday through Sunday, the skulls will be at the Gerding Show at the Manuel Lujan Building at Expo New Mexico, the state fairgrounds. Admission to the show is $8 for adults and free to children ages 11 and younger.

Bidding for the first four skulls will close at 4:30 p.m. Saturday and bidding for the remaining skulls will close at 3:30 p.m. Sunday. Winning bidders will be able to pick up their skulls and pay for them Feb. 13-17 at Department offices in Santa Fe or Albuquerque.  

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