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Two men sentenced for poaching mule deer

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact, Cody Johnston: (575) 291-2138 gary.johnston@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, AUG. 7, 2018: Two men sentenced for poaching mule deer LOVINGTON – Two men pleaded guilty to killing mule deer out of season, unlawful possession, tampering with evidence and other charges filed against them in Lovington District Court last December. Both men received probation and were ordered to pay $2,400 in fines, $330 in court fees and forfeit their rifles earlier this month. On Dec. 28, 2017, Hobbs District Offic­er Andrew Jolliff received a tip from the Operation Game Thief hotline — a number set up by the Department of Game and Fish for the public to report poachers — about a deer that was killed illegally on Christmas Day. The tipster mentioned that the deer had been butchered and was buried near an oil rig in [...]

Annual Fishing Derby sets record, teaches youth valuable fishing and shooting skills

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact, Cody Johnston: (575) 291-2138 gary.johnston@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, AUG 6, 2018: Annual Fishing Derby sets record, teaches youth valuable fishing and shooting skills HOBBS – Everyday is a great day to go fishing, but clear skies and great prizes set the bait for success at the sixth annual Hooked on Fishing Derby at Harry McAdams Park in Hobbs, New Mexico. The City of Hobbs and New Mexico Department of Game and Fish held the July 28 event for youth 11 and under. Over 225 youth registered for the record setting derby; topping the 2017 high of 175 registered youth. “It was a great day for the event – not too hot,” said conservation officer Andrew Jolliff. “Along with fishing, participants enjoyed archery and pellet gun activities with department staff instruction.” This year, more than two-dozen [...]

Raton man attacked by bear

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact, Tristanna Bickford: (505) 476-8027 tristanna.bickford@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, JULY 26, 2018: Raton man attacked by bear Raton – New Mexico Department of Game and Fish conservation officers are investigating a bear attack that occurred southeast of Raton Wednesday. State police alerted department officers after receiving a distress call from a 36-year-old man exercising his dogs. The individual was airlifted to the UNM Hospital due to the severity of the injuries, including a bite to the back of the knee. During the attack the man was able to draw his sidearm and shoot the bear, killing it. The male bear will be tested for rabies. The department reminds outdoor recreationists to be bear aware. During the summer, bears are active as they look for food sources in preparation for the winter months. Bears are unpredictable; the [...]

Game Commission names Michael Sloane Department of Game and Fish Director

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact, Tristanna Bickford: (505) 476-8027 tristanna.bickford@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, JULY 24, 2018: Game Commission names Michael Sloane Department of Game and Fish Director SANTA FE – Michael Sloane, a 24-year employee of the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, was named the department’s new director by the State Game Commission Tuesday. Sloane began his career with the department in 1994 as a wildlife culturist at Lisboa Springs Hatchery in Pecos, New Mexico. He went on to become a wildlife specialist supervisor, assistant chief of fisheries and chief of fisheries. He has a masters of science in fisheries and allied aquacultures from Auburn University. As director, Sloane will be responsible for leading the state wildlife agency whose mission is to conserve, regulate, propagate and protect the wildlife and fish within the state of New [...]

Feeding bears can create unsafe conditions for people and the bear

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact, Tristanna Bickford: (505) 476-8027 tristanna.bickford@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, JULY 23, 2018: Feeding bears can create unsafe conditions for people and the bear SANTA FE – Human nature can lead us to believe that when we feed wild animals we are helping them. In reality we are causing them more harm than good. In the natural world, bears are very good at finding food sources on their own that help them maintain a balanced diet, without becoming habituated to people and residential environments. In light of recent activities, the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish reminds people that it is never acceptable to feed bears or other wildlife. Bears that are intentionally or inadvertently fed items that are not natural to their diet, such as cracked corn or pet food, can quickly become habituated to [...]

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