New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
Media contact: Ross Morgan, (505) 222-4700
Public contact: (505) 476-8000
ross.morgan@state.nm.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, FEB. 5, 2013:

GET THE LATEST HUNTING INFORMATION AT HUNTING AND FISHING SHOW
LAS CRUCES MAN CONVICTED OF ILLEGAL HUNTING
EXPECT ROADBLOCKS DURING BARBARY SHEEP HUNTING SEASONS

GET THE LATEST HUNTING INFORMATION AT HUNTING AND FISHING SHOW

ALBUQUERQUE – Hunters, anglers and other outdoor adventurers are invited to join the Department of Game and Fish this weekend, Feb. 8-10, at the state fairgrounds, where visitors will find information about upcoming seasons, off-highway vehicle riding and more.

Bob Gerding’s Outdoor Adventures Hunting and Fishing Show will be from noon to 6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Manuel Lujan Building at EXPO New Mexico, also known as the state fairgrounds.  Admission is $8 for adults. Children ages 11 and under are free.

The Department will be at the show with the new Hunting Rules and Information Booklets, information on changes for upcoming hunting seasons and computer stations for hunters to report their harvest, purchase licenses and apply for hunting license drawings for the 2013-14 seasons.

If you are interested in off-highway vehicles, the department will have an OHV simulator that will give riders a feel for the ride while emphasizing safety. “The purpose of the simulator is to give people of all ages a hands-on experience on proper riding techniques,” said Marc Hildesheim, off-highway vehicle education coordinator for the department.

This is the 15th year for the popular show that features exhibits from guides, outfitters and lodges from around the country.

LAS CRUCES MAN CONVICTED OF ILLEGAL HUNTING

LAS CRUCES – A Las Cruces man whose hunting license privileges had been suspended for noncompliance with the Parental Responsibility Act was fined $763 after pleading guilty to illegally buying a hunting license and unlawful possession of a deer.

Martin Chacon, 41, appeared before Las Cruces Magistrate Richard Silva in early January. An investigation following a tip to Operation Game Thief revealed evidence that Chacon had purchased numerous hunting licenses since the State Game Commission suspended his license privileges in December 2000. A search warrant for Chacon’s residence also led to the seizure of multiple deer heads and firearms.

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 Operation Game Thief offers rewards for information leading to the arrest or filing of charges against individuals who violate wildlife laws. The reward for information involving deer is $500. The toll-free Operation Game Thief number is (800) 432-4263.

EXPECT ROADBLOCKS DURING BARBARY SHEEP HUNTING SEASONS

ROSWELL – Department of Game and Fish officers will conduct roadblocks in southeastern New Mexico during the Barbary sheep hunts to collect harvest data and to apprehend wildlife law violators. Roadblocks will be scheduled primarily in Game Management Units 29, 30, 32, 34, 36 and 37. 

Conservation officers also will check for compliance with the registration requirements and safety provisions of the Off Highway Motor Vehicle 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, hunters may encounter minor delays.

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

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