We want predators in balance, to where we can allow some predation but not so much that a population declines to where we have to significantly limit hunting opportunity. The public wants science-based management and we’re getting there.

The fact is that our exotic game animals are likely here to stay, regardless of any future intentions to annihilate them all. Under current management strategies, hunters play an important role in keeping them at a manageable level.

As shown by the data, managers have found that New Mexico’s liberal regulations have no significant impact on turkey numbers while providing generous seasons and ample opportunities for hunters to pursue this exciting and delectable game bird.

Rocky Mountain sheep license numbers are inching up. Three ram licenses added to this year’s Latir area hunts brought the draw license totals to 12 rams, and the game department is in the early planning stages to open two new hunt areas, the Rio Grande and Dry Cimarron.

Desert and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep numbers are inching up in New Mexico, just as a recent federal judge’s decision cleared the way for resident hunters to receive the vast majority of bighorn tags for the first time ever.

Thanks to stronger laws and game management through New Mexico’s adherence to the North American Model of Wildlife Management, plus efforts by sportsmen and the state to rebuild populations, pronghorn antelope numbers begin to rise.

When you think of game species in the West, the mule deer is an iconic representation of western hunting and heritage. With their large distribution and popularity among hunters, Odocoileus hemonious is one of the most economically and socially significant animals in New Mexico.

Despite the high demand, New Mexico hunters probably can’t expect to see the number of elk licenses increase dramatically in the near future.

The drought has taken a terrible toll on native trout species. In addition to its restoration projects, Game and Fish is working to create recreational native fisheries so the public can reacquaint itself with the trout that make our state unique.

Eric Frey, the Sportfish Program Manager for Game and Fish, said the state’s trout hatcheries are operating at 100 percent capacity.

Toner Mitchell gives his thoughts on the state of spring fishing in New Mexico.