NM Legislation; Senate Bill 196

[svizzle]

New Mexico Resident hunters are getting excited that 90% of the DRAW licenses available may go to Residents...

On the other hand, we are not too excited that the bill states the following:

(a) no more than eight percent of the licenses to be drawn by nonresidents and residents who will be guided by a New Mexico outfitter or guide
(b) no more than two percent of the licenses to be drawn by nonresidents who are not required to be guided by a New Mexico outfitter or guide

Now those out of state hunters who want to hunt NM without a guide, it may be harder for you to draw a permit.

Outfitters are speaking out, saying that this is bad for NM business. This is not true because in previous years, less than 4% of the outfitters quota has been taken through the draw.

If you're interested in hunting in NM and want to do a real DIY hunt, I urge you to contact NM legislators and let them know you want to be able to decide if you want an outfitter or not!

 

[ringer]

I have hunted there many times but no more. 2% is a joke and I am not paying for LO tags or guides. Maybe all the surrounding states should limit NM residents to 2% and see how they like it. They can do what they want but that state is an outfitter and LO welfare state.

 

[Steelhead]

This would go into effect NEXT year, correct? 2012?

 

[svizzle]

Trust me, I am just a frustrated as you and I am a resident here. You're not the only one who feels that way. We need non-resident hunters to speak out about this. The United Bowhunters of New Mexico, the New Mexico Wildlife Federation, and many other groups are working on this issue as we speak. If you want to help, just call and let them know how you feel about the 2%.
Here is a link to the members of the Finance Committee, where the bill will be next!

Help us help you!

http://www.nmlegis.gov/lcs/committeedisplay.aspx?CommitteeCode=SFC

Steelhead-- I am not 100% sure but I think so. Let me find out for you and get back to you.

 

[bobbydean]

I am a New Mexico resident. I think a 90/10 split is fair. I wouldn't give the outfitters jack sh*t! I would like to draw a tag in my home state.

The bigger problem is LO tags. A resident cannot draw an antelope tag in New Mexico. Stop the LO tags.

I honestly don't think the 8/2 non resident tag is fair or will not pass, too much inequity!

 

[ringer]

Agree. Landowner tags are the bane of hunting IMO. I talked to a NM G&F person a few years ago and she told me most of the cow tags are never sold so the damage arguement is BS. All about money.

 

[svizzle]

It is obviously all about money. I have my own long-winded opinion on how the the LO tag system should work but unfortunately I haven't had the opportunity to sit down with the game commission and senators to tell them how it should really work.
I am going to attach a link of these posts to an email to some legislators in the hopes it helps us get this bill passed. One thing we do have going for us is that it was introduced by a Democrat and the way things are going here in NM, the big D's are sitting on bills that are introduced by republicans and bills specifically supported by our Governor.

 

[dan.kirkpatrick]

does any body have any new info on this bill? I would like to see a reduction of landowner tags,guide tags should go away completely but we all know that wont happen,d.i.y. non-resident tags i hope will continue at10% i hope as non-residents will put out alot of money for there revinues that will be lost otherwise.I think it should be up to the hunter to decide if he wants to hire a guide or not.not a penalty on tag draw...

 

[mixedbag]

I e-mailed some legislators out there about this.Got the normal,"thanks for your input".We'll see how it all plays out.I still think even 10% NR tags are pretty low,but we should be the ones to decide how to hunt;guided or not.I'm obviously not a resident so have no idea how hard it is for residents to draw,but think 8/2 is a fair split.LO tags there are the real joke.I guess unless you can afford them.NM has become a big turn off for me,and have no intention of applying there till I see how this all works out.Alot of other states that appreciate my money.with no point system and my bad luck, I'd just be handing them license money each year;no thanks

 

[MNHunter]

It is now just awaiting a signature from the Governor. Done deal. 2012 draws will be affected.