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, MARCH 16, 2012:

SPRING TURKEY HUNTERS: BUY YOUR GAME-HUNTING LICENSE EARLY, DON’T REQUEST REFUND WHEN APPLYING FOR BIG-GAME DRAW

SANTA FE – Spring turkey hunters are reminded that beginning this year, they are required to purchase a Game-hunting license before they can purchase a turkey license or apply for big-game licenses. Although hunters can request a refund in case they are unsuccessful in the draw, those who plan to hunt turkeys this spring are advised not to request a refund or they risk having to pay for a second Game-hunting license if they are successful in the draw.

Hunters who apply for big-game licenses must purchase their Game-hunting or Game-hunting and Fishing license online – not from a license vendor. Turkey licenses may be purchased online or from a vendor.

“If you plan to hunt turkeys this spring and you are applying for big-game licenses, your best option is to purchase a 2012-2013 Game-hunting or Game-hunting and Fishing license and plan to use it all year,” Department Director Jim Lane said. “The licenses not only will allow hunters to apply for big-game licenses, but also allow them to purchase a turkey license before the season opens April 15, and to hunt small-game during the license year.”

Game-hunting and Game-hunting and Fishing licenses are available only on the Department website, www.wildlife.state.nm.us, until March 29 when they will go on sale at license vendors statewide.
The deadline to apply for big-game hunting licenses is March 28. Spring turkey season opens April 15. Hunters who select the “refund” option and are successful in the draw will not receive their Game-hunting license until the draw results are available in May. That means they will have to purchase a separate Game-hunting license to be eligible to buy a turkey license.

Game-hunting licenses cost $15 for residents and $65 for nonresidents. Turkey licenses cost $25 for residents and $100 for nonresidents.

For more information about turkey hunting, license fees and requirements, or the big-game draw, please contact the Department of Game and Fish toll-free at (888) 248-6866.

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