LA JOYA – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish is asking the public for information and assistance in solving the unlawful killing of two immature swans.
On Monday, November 17, 2014, Game and Fish Officer John Martsh found two dead swans under a tree in pond 2, just northeast of the levy that separates pond 2 and 3 on La Joya North Wildlife Management Area (WMA). According to Officer Martsh, the swans appear to be immature in age based on their pink-colored bills; carcasses were entirely intact and had probably been killed one to two weeks ago.
La Joya North WMA is open to migratory game bird hunting Monday, Wednesdays and Saturdays, during open season for specific species. The department has received several swan sightings this year. Swan occurrence is occasional during the winter months, however, hunting swans is not allowed in New Mexico.
Officers are seeking information from those who visited La Joya North WMA in early November and are asking for any details that could help the investigation (swan sightings, photographs, vehicles in the area, suspicious behavior, etc.).
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to call Operation Game Thief at 1-800-432-GAME (4263) or Game and Fish Officer, John Martsh at (505) 259-3707.
Callers may remain anonymous and earn cash rewards for reporting wildlife violations leading to charges filed.