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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 [...]

Apply now for special Sandhill crane and pheasant hunts

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: Apply now for special Sandhill crane and pheasant hunts SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish began accepting applications for special Sandhill crane and pheasant permits 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 18. Applications can be made online at the department’s website or over the telephone with the department’s information center, 1-888-248-6866. The application deadline for special crane and pheasant permits is 5 p.m. Aug. 22. Information about Sandhill crane draw hunts is available in the department’s 2018-19 Migratory Bird Hunting Information booklet, and information about pheasant hunts are available on the department Hunting Rules and Information booklet. Both can be viewed on the department’s website. Successful applicants must have a game hunting license and applicable stamp(s) in addition to their [...]

Deer, elk and elk private lands use system changes topic of public meetings

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: Deer, elk and elk private lands use system changes topic of public meetings SANTA FE – The Department of Game and Fish is seeking public comments on proposed revisions to the deer, elk, and elk private lands use system rules. The department is proposing changes in deer, elk and the elk private lands use system (E-PLUS) across the state, including; splitting the deer archery season into 2 distinct seasons (September and January), adjusting licenses, adding new hunts, increasing elk harvest in some areas and establishing criteria to better administer the E-PLUS program. To gather public comments, four public meetings will be conducted: Roswell: 6 to 7:30 p.m. July 25 at the Department of Game and Fish office, 1912 W. Second Street. Las Cruces: 6 [...]

Officers investigate bear attack in Cloudcroft

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 20, 2018: Officers investigate bear attack in Cloudcroft Alamogordo – New Mexico Department of Game and Fish conservation officers are investigating the scene of a predatory bear attack that occurred early Friday morning. A Cloudcroft resident, age 70, admitted to feeding wildlife with cracked corn at his residence. He also told officers that a minimum of four bears have routinely been coming into the residence. Department officers identified several bowls of pet food with residual amounts of dog or cat food near the house as well as bear prints on the windows and scratch marks on the porch. The home owner sustained multiple injuries including puncture wounds to the arm and scratches on the leg, his wife drove him to a hospital in Alamogordo, where he [...]

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