New Mexico seeks comments on changes to hunting rules

If you enjoy hunting bighorn sheep, antelope and javelina in New Mexico, you may want to weigh in on some proposed rule changes currently under consideration. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) will be hosting two virtual public meetings later this month to discuss the following:

• For bighorn sheep, NMDGF is considering allowing ram hunting in the Jemez population, dividing the Hatchets hunt to redistribute hunters across the mountain range, changing the Ladron and Peloncillo hunts into two hunt periods and adding a third hunt window for ram hunting in the Rio Grande Gorge.
• For antelope, the agency wants to push hunt dates later because the current season, which falls in August, is too hot and “not ideal” for hunting antelope, according to a press release. This decision is based upon public feedback. There also may be “small adjustments to license numbers.”
• For javelina, NMDGF wants to increase both the number of licenses available as well as the actual season length. Other changes could expand the javelina hunt zone into some Wildlife Management Areas.

You have to register in advance for the meetings:

• February 22, 2022: 6 to 7 p.m. Register in HERE.
• February 24, 2022: 6 to 7 p.m. Register in HERE.

You can also email your comments to DGF-Pronghorn-Rule@state.nm.us , DGF-Bighorn-Rule@state.nm.us  or DGF-Javelina-Rule@state.nm.us. 

The changes will be discussed during the next state game commission meeting.