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Chairman resigns from State Game Commission

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Media contact: Rachel Shockley, (505) 476-8071 Rachel.shockley@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, FEB. 17, 2014: CHAIRMAN RESIGNS FROM STATE GAME COMMISSION SANTA FE – Scott Bidegain, chairman of the New Mexico Game Commission, tendered his resignation from the commission over the weekend. Bidegain represents Game Commission District 4. In his resignation letter, Bidegain stated: “I am honored to have served on the commission and as its chair. Unfortunately, I was present during a hunting incident earlier this month that will result in charges being filed shortly. I believe that it is in the best interest of the Commission and the Department that I step down at this time. I think you should be proud to know that throughout this incident, the officers at the Department acted honorably and professionally.” Department conservation officers diligently pursue all wildlife violations in their efforts to protect and conserve the state’s [...]

Off-Highway Vehicle Trail Safety Fund Grant Money Available

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Media contact: Marc Hildesheim, (505) 222-4728 Public contact: (888) 248-6866 marc.hildesheim@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, FEB. 17, 2014: OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE TRAIL SAFETY FUND GRANT MONEY AVAILABLE ALBUQUERQUE – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Off-Highway Vehicle Program is accepting applications for grants to promote responsible off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation and support enforcement of the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Act. The New Mexico Legislature enacted the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Act to enhance the safety of OHV users, promote responsible use of public lands, and protect the state’s natural, cultural and historic resources. The Act requires OHVs used in New Mexico to be registered, and allows a portion of the registration fees to be returned to communities through two separate grant programs. Applicants may apply for either grant. Only projects relating to OHV safety, education, and development of trails or areas open to the public for [...]

Wild Turkeys Trapped, Relocated

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Media contact: Dan Williams, (505) 476-8004 Public contact: (888) 248-6866 dan.williams@state.nm.us B-roll available FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, FEB. 14, 2014: WILD TURKEYS TRAPPED, RELOCATED IN NEW MEXICO SANTA FE – Sixty-seven wild turkeys have new places to roost in southern New Mexico this week following successful trapping and transplant operations by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. The separate transplants will increase existing turkey populations in southwestern and southeastern New Mexico, with a goal of one day offering more hunting opportunities in those areas. Early this month, the department partnered with the Arizona Game and Fish Department to trap 20 Gould’s turkeys in Arizona and move them to the “Bootheel” region of extreme southwestern New Mexico. The Gould’s turkeys, a threatened species in New Mexico, were released in the Coronado National Forest, where they will add to a growing population of birds. [...]

Hunters: Don’t Forget To File Your Mandatory Harvest Reports

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Media contact: Rachel Shockley, (505) 476-8071; (505) 470-6832 (cell) Public contact: (888) 248-6866 Rachel.shockley@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, FEB. 11, 2014: HUNTERS: DON’T FORGET TO FILE YOUR MANDATORY HARVEST REPORTS Mandatory harvest deadlines are fast approaching for hunters and trappers who held licenses for New Mexico’s 2013-14 seasons. New mandatory harvest reporting requirements are in effect this year. The deadline to file a free report for hunters who held 2013-14 deer, elk, antelope or turkey licenses is Feb. 15, 2014. After that date, an $8 late fee will apply. Hunters must report on or before the March 19 application deadline or their applications will be rejected from the big-game draws. The deadline to report for those who held 2013-14 Barbary sheep, javelina, oryx, ibex, or trapping licenses is April 7, 2014. The later harvest-reporting deadline allows license holders for those species to submit results [...]

WAFWA Announces Landowner Sign-Up for Lesser Prairie-Chicken Conservation

Media Contact: Bill Van Pelt, WAFWA Grassland Coordinator, bvanpelt@azgfd.gov, 623-236-7573 New Mexico Landowners Contact: Grant Beauprez, Grant.Beauprez@state.nm.us, (575) 478-2460 February 6, 2014 WAFWA Announces Landowner Sign-Up for Lesser Prairie-Chicken Conservation The Western Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) is now accepting applications through Feb. 28 from agricultural producers in lesser prairie-chicken range willing to implement conservation practices to benefit the species. Practices include activities such as mechanical brush removal, prescribed grazing, and establishment and management of planted native grass stands. Only producers not currently enrolled in federal farm bill programs will be eligible to apply for five and 10 year contract options. At the end of the sign-up period, WAFWA will score and rank applications based on their value to prairie-chickens and select the highest ranking offers to receive funding. Landowners with accepted offers will receive a sign-up incentive and payments for implementing conservation practices that will maximize the value of [...]

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