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, AUG. 17, 2012:

ANTELOPE HUNTING RULES, WILDFIRES ON GAME COMMISSION AGENDA

RIO RANCHO – A proposal to change the way antelope hunting licenses are distributed in some parts of the state, and a discussion of wildfire impacts on wildlife and upcoming hunting seasons are among agenda items for the State Game Commission’s meeting Thursday, Aug. 23, in Rio Rancho.

Proposed changes to the Pronghorn Antelope Rule stem from ongoing efforts by the Department of Game and Fish to simplify regulations for hunters and private landowners. The proposal would establish hunt dates, areas and management strategies similar to the way the Department manages deer hunting. It would affect mostly areas of southeastern New Mexico. Public-land licenses would be issued through the annual drawing. Private-land licenses would be sold over-the-counter, and hunters would deal with landowners for access to private land.

The meeting will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 23, in the council chambers of Rio Rancho City Hall, 3200 Civic Center Circle NE, in Rio Rancho. 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:

• An update on the impact of recent wildfires on wildlife and habitat and how upcoming hunting seasons may be affected.

• A proposed amendment to the Hunter Education Rule that would permit young hunters to participate in a program that would allow youths to hunt with an adult mentor and still meet the requirements of the state’s Hunter Training Act.

• A presentation about the Terk court decision and its impact on license quotas for bighorn sheep, ibex and oryx.

• An update about a proposal to gain public access into an area between White Sands Missile Range and the Carrizozo Lava Flow (Malpais) west of Carrizozo and south of U.S. Highway 380.

• An update on the 2011 harvest and depredation statistics for black bears and cougars.

• A recommendation to expand ibex hunting opportunities to address an expanding ibex population.

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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