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, JUNE 15, 2012:

STATE GAME COMMISSION TO MEET THURSDAY, JUNE 21, IN MESCALERO

RUIDOSO – The State Game Commission will consider proposed revisions to the state’s bear and cougar management rule, and a proposal to add two additional bighorn sheep enhancement licenses during its meeting Thursday, June 21 in Mescalero.

Proposed changes to the bear and cougar rule would allow the Department to better manage the state’s growing bear and cougar populations. Recommendations include separating depredation and road kill bear and cougar numbers from hunter harvest numbers in calculations used to establish annual harvest limits. Recommendations also include increasing the cougar season to year-round and increasing the bag limit to two adult cougars statewide.

Thursday’s meeting will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Inn of the Mountain Gods, 287 Carrizo Canyon Road, in Mescalero. The full agenda, detailed agenda-item briefings and other information are available on the Department of Game and Fish website, www.wildlife.state.nm.us, or by calling (505) 476-8008. Details of proposed rules and opportunities to comment are available on the website.

Other agenda items include:

• A proposal to add two additional bighorn sheep enhancement licenses – one to be sold by auction, the other by raffle – with proceeds used to fund bighorn sheep restoration efforts statewide. The additional licenses were approved by the 2012 Legislature.

• Proposed amendments to fisheries rules, including clarifying the status of the catch-and-release pond at Albuquerque’s Tingley Beach, and opening Bonito Lake to year-round fishing.

• Proposed amendments to the Antelope Private Land Use System and the pronghorn antelope rules that will simplify processes and adjust season dates to fit with traditional hunting seasons.

• A proposal to grant two elk licenses to nonprofit wish-granting organizations.

• A presentation of a potential web-based system for game and fish license sales.

State Game Commission meetings are broadcast live over the Internet and can be accessed from Gov. Susana Martinez’s website, http://www.governor.state.nm.us/Webcast.aspx. Information about how to view the streaming video is available on the website.

The State Game Commission is composed of seven members who represent the state’s diverse interests in wildlife-associated recreation and conservation. Members are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state Senate. Current members are Chairman Jim McClintic, Vice-chairman Thomas “Dick” Salopek, Tom Arvas, Bill Montoya, Scott Bidegain, Paul M. Kienzle and Robert Espinoza Sr.

If you are an individual with a disability who is in need of a reader, amplifier, qualified sign language interpreter, or any other form of auxiliary aid or service to attend or participate in the meeting, please contact Sonya Quintana, (505) 476-8030. Public documents, including the agenda and minutes, can be provided in various accessible forms.

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