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 20, 2012:

HUNTERS: DON’T MISS MARCH 28 ONLINE LICENSE APPLICATION DEADLINE;
COMPUTERS, PHONE HELP AVAILABLE

SANTA FE – Hunters who need help applying online for New Mexico big-game hunting licenses before the March 28 application deadline can get it either on the telephone or by attending one of several computer-assisted sessions at various communities this weekend.

This year, the Department of Game and Fish eliminated paper application forms in favor of a paperless online system designed to streamline the application and licensing process and make drawing results and refunds available much sooner.

The application deadline is 5 p.m. March 28 for 2012-13 deer, elk, antelope, bighorn sheep, Barbary sheep, ibex, oryx and javelina licenses. Hunters are encouraged to start the online application process early as the application program will shut down promptly at 5 p.m. March 28. Applications still in process at 5 p.m. will be rejected. The Department began accepting applications Jan. 4.

Hunters without computer access or who need assistance applying can call toll-free, (888) 248-6866 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Friday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday. Telephone application assistance will end at 4 p.m. March 28.

Applicants in some communities also can get free computer access and help from Department staff and representatives by attending one of the following sessions:

March 24 (all sessions 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

• Carlsbad – Carlsbad Library, 101 S. Halagueno St.
• Socorro – New Mexico Tech, northwest corner of Leroy and Bullock Ave., ISD Building, training room 106.
• Las Vegas – New Mexico Highlands University, corner of Baca and Mora avenues, Purple Pub Computer Lab, Student Center, second floor.
• Santa Rosa – Luna Community College.

March 25 (all sessions 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

• Alamogordo – New Mexico State University, 2400 Scenic Drive, Room SC 135.
• Quemado – Quemado High School, U.S. 60 east of the intersection with N.M. 36.
• Raton – Raton High School, 1535 Tiger Circle, Room 220.

For more information about the online application process and other changes that will affect hunters this year, please visit www.wildlife.state.nm.us or call (888) 248-6866.

EXPECT ROADBLOCKS STATEWIDE DURING HUNTING, FISHING SEASONS

SANTA FE -- The Department of Game and Fish will conduct roadblocks throughout the state during spring and fall hunting and fishing seasons to collect harvest data and to apprehend wildlife law violators.

New Mexico’s fishing season unofficially opens April 1, when new licenses are required. Spring turkey season opens April 15.

At roadblocks, conservation officers also will check for compliance with provisions of the Off Highway Motor Vehicle Act and the Aquatic Invasive Species Control Act. Drivers of vehicles hauling wood products will be asked to produce documentation as required by the Forestry Conservation Act.

Department officers may be assisted by other law enforcement agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, New Mexico State Police or county sheriff's departments. As a result, the public may encounter minor delays.

To report a wildlife-law violation, please contact your local Department of Game and Fish conservation officer or call the toll-free Operation Game Thief hotline at 1-800-432-GAME (4263). Callers can remain anonymous and earn rewards for information leading to charges being filed.

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