Goodbye New Mexico

[noharleyyet]

http://www.huntthewest.com/2011/NMc...tm_campaign=Feed:+HuntTheWest+(Hunt+the+West)

New Mexico Poised to Reduce Non-Resident Opportunity
March 24, 2011.

On March 18, the New Mexico state House approved Senate Bill 196 and the Senate voted its concurrence a few hours later. If Governor Susana Martinez signs the bill into law, non-resident hunting opportunity will be reduced by more than 3,000 elk, antelope and other Big Game Draw licenses starting in 2012.

SB 196 increases the resident quota to 84% from 78%, and also gives residents all elk licenses in state wildlife management areas and all cow elk tags statewide.

Nonresident hunters who choose not to hire an outfitter will receive 6% of licenses under the new bill, down from 10% now.

And 10% of licenses go to hunters, both resident and non-resident, who hire an outfitter. Currently, there is a 12% quota for guided non-residents.

The final decision on SB 196 lies with Governor Martinez.

If you've ever wanted to hunt in New Mexico, apply now before opportunities are significantly reduced and draw odds become much tougher.

 

[Baerman]

Not sure what they are thinking there. I wonder what thier financial loss will be as a result? Definately a unique decision with our nations financial situation.

I'm guessing the odds are going to be thrown this year as well now that non-res hunters see this year as thier last year with any hope.

 

[DRAFTSTUD]

Well they can KMA! I really enjoyed my Bear Hunt in New Mexico and was researching Elk as well for the Future. Now I have got to hire Billy Jack to go hunting? John

 

[wyoming556]

I'm sure Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana will gladly sell a tag to the hunters who don't get tags in New Mexico. Seems like NM is shootng theselves in the foot on this one.

 

[noharleyyet]

Outfitters and LO permit holders are a motivated constituency. The politicians can espouse empathy for the average NM resident hunter but it's not rocket science to ascertain who really benefits.It will be interesting to see if LO voucher demand justifies an increase in this economy.

I don't know what most hunters budget for out of state hunt trips but 3000 less of em can't be unsubstantial.

 

[howler]

I think each state should manage their hunting for the resident first and formost, I believe most of the states who restrict non residents do so on a 90% resident and 10% non resident basis. the new law in New Mexico is still well below that average. So they are still catering to the non resident more than a lot of other states.

 

[Moosie]

they aren't getting my money any more..........

 

[Khunter]

Everybody should boycott the NM draw in protest this year

 

[DRAFTSTUD]

I think each state should manage their hunting for the resident first and formost, I believe most of the states who restrict non residents do so on a 90% resident and 10% non resident basis. the new law in New Mexico is still well below that average. So they are still catering to the non resident more than a lot of other states.

That sounds good on the surface, but where does Billy Jack Guide Service come in as the way to increase my odds of hunting the Enchanted Land? First and Foremost they are putting the screws to all Hunters by aligning the Draw with the Outfitters. John

 

[Brudno]

Having to buy another non-refundable hunting licsense burns me the most now, and on top of that there already expensive non-refundable app fees. I'm going to apply this year for sure, I'm still up in the air about next year though. Maybe I'll just start saving my money I would normally spend there to hunt the Jicarilla Res someday, my desire for a non-typical Muley is great.

It just seems funny that most of the supporters of this dont realize that changing NR tag allocations barely increases there draw odds in the most coveted units a few tenths at the most in most cases. There fighting over a few NR tags when the land owner tags and guide only tags account for most of the tags. There were some wonderfull people in New Mexico though, that worked in the energy industry though that I met, that went out of there way to tell me about deer in the area, I just hope I get a chance to get back there again.

A big difference would even be to consider everyones first choice instead of the current system of going through a persons 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choices before moving on, that I think would have the effect of making alot more people happy than this ever will.

 

['Ike']

Dropped 'em long ago... Spend my money elsewhere...

 

[mixedbag]

Can't wait to see how this all works out for them