"Jennings" Depredation Law Review & Update
You stepped up to the plate to help move forward to fix New Mexico's depredation law and stop abuses like the 39 antelope killed by the Cimarron-area rancher.
· You sent hundreds of faxes to Governor Richardson:
o More than 4 out of 5 of you added personalized comments to your fax.
o Half of you who sent faxes were first-time action alert responders, like Rod Jackson of Silver City, Patrick Chavez of Albuquerque, and John Naranjo of Espanola.
· You sent letters to the editor: Over a dozen letters to the editor appeared in the Albuquerque Journal on 4/27 and 4/29, as well as the Santa Fe New Mexican, from members like
o Mike DePauli of Gallup
o Jim Walters of Santa Fe
o Jim Brown of Ruidoso
o Richard Moya of Los Lunas
o Jeffrey Mason of Scottsdale, Arizona
o Rick Abreu of Las Vegas
o Dale Buser of Gallup
o Marshall Maez of Los Alamos
· You posted opinions and information on blogs and your websites to counter misinformation about the incident and the current law.
· You were interviewed on television: Yancey Ranspot, who's son held a depredation permit and was never called because rancher Neal Trujillo refused to allow depredation hunts, stepped up and was interviewed by Channel 4 News.
Current status: We're beginning to work with legislators and the New Mexico Game Commission to fix these obvious problems with the law. We should have specific recommendations completed soon, and will keep you posted on developments.
Sportsmen Continue Pressure To Update 1872 Mining Act:
Check out the op-ed published in the Ruidoso News about this issue. In addition, New Mexico Republicans For Environmental Protection ran a radio ad supporting reform for the 1872 Mining Law. The radio spot was recorded by Scott MacCurdy, President of New Mexico Republican's For Environmental Protection, sportsman, and NM Wildlife Federation member.
Public Lands Closures and Fire Restrictions:
With fire season starting, keep in mind that some public lands may be closed due to fire danger. Check out the current restrictions before you head out. Note that the Lincoln National Forest is closed as of May 1st; NM Game & Fish also has a press release about the closure.
Also note that the Trigo fire has expanded to over 18 square miles in the Manzano mountains.
2 Extra Turkey Hunting Days For Youth:
While turkey season ends May 10th, NM Game & Fish offers 2 extra days for youth hunters: May 17 & 18th. Game & Fish states: "To be eligible for a [youth] hunting license, each applicant for any Youth Only hunt must be younger than 18 years old on the beginning date of the hunt."
Volunteers Needed For Outdoor Expo:
The 7th annual New Mexico Outdoor Expo, hosted by NM Game & Fish will be Saturday and Sunday, May 17th and 18th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. The event will take place at the Shooting Range State Park, west of Albuquerque. We need to hear from volunteers who would like to help staff our table at the event. Volunteers will provide information to attendees about the NM Wildlife Federation, and get new members signed up. It's a great way to spread the word about our work and get to meet people! Find out more by calling our office at 505-299-5404 or e-mailing us.
