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Wildlife crimes net stiff fines and jail time

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Media contact: Karl Moffatt, (505) 476-8007 Public contact: (888) 248-6866 karl.moffatt@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, SEPT. 4, 2015: WILDLIFE CRIMES NET STIFF FINES AND JAIL TIME RATON –A Colfax County magistrate judge fined two Raton men more than $7,000 and sentenced one to 60 days in jail for “egregious” crimes against wildlife. Judge Warren Walton convicted Michael A. Malcom, 29, of Raton on 13 charges including criminal trespass, illegal trapping and unlawful possession of deer and other wildlife parts following a bench trial Aug. 31, according to court records. Walton characterized Malcom’s crimes as “egregious” and sentenced him to 60 days in jail and fined him $6,500 and $689 in court costs. State Department of Game and Fish officers discovered Malcom trespassing on Vermejo Park Ranch last December. He was suspected of illegal trapping. Malcolm could not produce a valid trapping license but did [...]

Statelifts catch and release recommendation for Animas and San Juan Rivers

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Media contact: Karl Moffatt, (505) 476-8007 Public contact: (888) 248-6866 karl.moffatt@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, SEPT. 4, 2015: STATE LIFTS CATCH AND RELEASE RECOMMENDATION FOR ANIMAS AND SAN JUAN RIVERS SANTA FE – New Mexico Department of Game and Fish biologists have determined fish caught in sections of the Animas and San Juan rivers affected by last month’s Gold King Mine wastewater spill in Colorado are safe to eat. A laboratory in Colorado tested the organs and tissue for lead, mercury, selenium, copper, arsenic and cadmium in 17 fish, five catfish, and 12 trout that were taken from the affected areas of the rivers. “Tissue samples from fish tested revealed trace amounts of metals that are within acceptable levels for human consumption,” said Mike Sloane, chief of fisheries for the Department. “After consulting with the Environment Department and the Department of Health, we have [...]

Department seeks next generation of conservation officers

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Media contact: Karl Moffatt, (505) 476-8007 Public contact: (888) 248-6866 karl.moffatt@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, AUG. 28, 2015: DEPARTMENT SEEKS NEXT GENERATION OF CONSERVATION OFFICERS SANTA FE – The Department of Game and Fish is seeking qualified men and women to join the next generation of Conservation Officers who protect and conserve the state’s wildlife. The department is accepting applications for game warden trainees with a starting pay of $17.03 an hour with an increase upon successful completion of required training. Prior law enforcement experience is not required, but successful applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree in a related field, pass a psychological and medical exam, and fitness and drug tests. Recruits will receive basic training at the Law Enforcement Academy and on-the-job training before working alone in the field. Conservation officers enforce New Mexico’s game and fish laws and investigate and pursue criminal [...]

Hunting seasons ramp up across New Mexico

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Media contact: Karl Moffatt, (505) 476-8007 Public contact: (888) 248-6866 karl.moffatt@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, AUG. 28: HUNTING SEASONS RAMP UP ACROSS NEW MEXICO SANTA FE – Many hunters will be taking to the woods and fields across New Mexico starting Sept. 1, the opening day for deer, elk and turkey archery hunts and for most small game and upland game birds. Hunting seasons for doves, blue grouse, band-tailed pigeons and squirrels will open in many areas of the state starting Sept. 1. Licenses, maps, questionnaires and other related materials are available online at the Game and Fish Department’s website, www.wildlife.state.nm.us. The 2015-16 migratory game-bird hunting rules and information booklet is available on the department website. Printed copies will be available soon at game and fish offices and license vendors. The department will accept draw applications for sandhill crane and pheasant hunts from Sept. [...]

Game Commission meet Aug. 27 in Santa Fe

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Media contact: Karl Moffatt, (505) 476-8007 Public contact: (888) 248-6866 karl.moffatt@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, AUG. 14: GAME COMMISSION TO MEET AUG. 27 IN SANTA FE SANTA FE – The New Mexico Game Commission will meet Aug. 27 in Santa Fe to consider numerous matters, including discussion of a new statewide fisheries management plan. The meeting will be from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, 2015, at the Santa Fe Community College Jemez Rooms, 6401 Richards Ave., Santa Fe. Other agenda items include: Discussion of the development of a new easement to provide continued sportsmen access to State Trust Lands for the 2016-2017 hunting seasons. Final department proposals to the Bear and Cougar Rule based on public comment, harvest data, population status and other management needs. United States Fish and Wildlife Service appeal of the department’s denial of its request to release [...]

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