New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
Southeast Area Operations Division
Media contact: Mark Madsen (575) 624-6135
mark.madsen@state.nm.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, AUG. 10, 2012:

MEETINGS WILL ADDRESS BLM HUNTING AGREEMENTS IN SOUTHEASTERN N.M.

ROSWELL -- The Department of Game and Fish will conduct public meetings to discuss an agreement that would allow a southeastern New Mexico landowner to exchange hunting privileges on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) property for those on private land. The agreement involves the BLM, the Department, Felix Canyon Ranch and Felix River Ranch.

Unitization agreements benefit sportsmen and landowners. They give hunters access to private land for deer and Barbary sheep hunting. They also provide the landowner greater flexibility in maintaining ranching operations on State and BLM grazing allotments.

Historically, the unitization agreements dealt with State Trust lands and deeded property. Last fall, the State Game Commission agreed to include BLM lands in the process. The change came about after collaboration with the BLM in both Santa Fe and Roswell.

The agreement between the Department of Game and Fish and BLM calls for obtaining input and comments on the unitization process and agreements throughout the state.  All comments received will be provided to the Director of the Department of Game and Fish and the BLM state director.

Under the Felix Canyon Ranch and Felix River Ranch agreements, public hunting and access will be restricted on certain portions of BLM land in exchange for opening portions of deeded property to public hunting and access.  If approved, this unitization agreement will provide access to thousands of acres of landlocked BLM property.

Three public meetings have been scheduled:

• Aug. 15: Carlsbad, 6:30 to 9 p.m., Eddy County Extension Office, 1304 W. Stevens
• Aug. 16: Artesia, 6:30 to 9 p.m., Public Safety Complex, 3300 W. Main St.
• Aug. 17: Roswell, 6:30 to 9 p.m., Game and Fish Office, 1912 W. 2nd St.

For information about the agreements, please contact George Farmer, habitat specialist, (575) 624-6135 or george.farmer@state.nm.us.  Written comments may be submitted to:  Department of Game and Fish, 1912 W. 2nd Street, Roswell, NM 88201, Attn: George Farmer.