HUNTING RULES FOR ELK, BIGHORNS, EXOTIC SPECIES ON COMMISSION AGENDA

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The State Game Commission will consider establishing rules for the 2011-2014 hunting seasons for elk, bighorn sheep, exotic species and waterfowl seasons at its meeting July 8 in Silver City.

The meeting will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Global Resource Center Auditorium at Western New Mexico University on the corner of 12th and Kentucky streets in Silver City. The full agenda, detailed agenda-item briefings and other information are available on the Department of Game and Fish Web site, www.wildlife.state.nm.us, or by calling (505) 476-8008 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (505) 476-8008 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

The Department of Game and Fish final hunting recommendations for elk, bighorn sheep, exotic species and waterfowl follow a public comment period that began in April. Proposals include establishing nine more licenses for desert bighorn sheep if the animals are removed from the state threatened species list, adjusting oryx seasons, increasing ibex hunting opportunities and opening the Bernardo Wildlife Area to waterfowl hunting on Tuesdays.

More details about the proposals and the timeline of the Department's three-part approach to establishing hunting rules for the 2011-2014 seasons are available on the Department Web site.

The Commission adopted new rules for turkey, upland game and javelina in June, and will hear a presentation about public comments and development of hunting seasons and rules for deer, bear, cougar, pronghorn and the A-PLUS (Antelope Private Lands Use System) program in August.

Other agenda items July 8 include:

* A proposal from Department Director Tod Stevenson to remove desert bighorn sheep from the state endangered and threatened species lists because of population increases in the state's six desert bighorn herds.

* A proposal to adopt new rules and establish fees for the importation of live non-domestic animals, birds and fish into New Mexico.

* A request to extend the Habitat Stamp Program until March 31, 2021, and a separate request to approve statewide Habitat Stamp Program projects recommended by citizen advisory committees.

* A presentation of a draft biennial review of the status of state threatened and endangered species.

* An update on the Department's progress on a study of the potential consolidation of hunting and fishing licenses and associated stamps, as requested in House Joint Memorial 56 of the 2010 Legislature.

* A request to transfer funds from Bond Interest and Retirement Funding (BIRF) to finance capital improvement projects in fiscal year 2011.

The State Game Commission is composed of seven members who represent the state’s diverse interests in wildlife-associated recreation and conservation. Members are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state Senate. Current members are Chairman Jim McClintic, Vice-chairwoman Sandy Buffett, Tom Arvas, Gary Fonay, Kent Salazar, M.H. “Dutch” Salmon, and Thomas "Dick" Salopek.

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