Media Chapter News 6/12/2025 NM State Game Commission Recap 6/24/2025 Beginning at 9 a.m., the Commission met in the Red River Convention Center in Red River, New Mexico. All seven Commission members were present, including Chair Richard Stump, Vice-Chair Sharon... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News Press Releases State Issues BHA Condemns Senate Proposal to Sell Off Up to 3 Million Acres of Public Lands 6/11/2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 11, 2025 Contact: media@backcountryhunters.org MISSOULA, Mont. — Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) is rebuking a sweeping new proposal released by the Senate... Tags: Colorado Chapter, Washington Chapter, Idaho Chapter, Utah Chapter, policy blog, the campfire, featured, press releases, New Mexico Chapter, Alaska Chapter, Arizona Chapter, California Chapter, Nevada Chapter, Oregon Chapter, Wyoming Chapter
Media Chapter News Public Land Stewards on the Taos Plateau 5/12/2025 The Taos plateau is a high elevation basalt filled valley in north New Mexico. It is bordered by the Tusas mountains to the west and the Sangre de Cristo in the east. It sits at 7,000'... Tags: stewardship blog, New Mexico Chapter, stewardship, Events
Media Chapter News 4/25/25 NM State Game Commission Recap 4/30/2025 This meeting was called to order by Richard Stump, Commission Chair at 9 a.m. on Friday, April 25th at the NMDFG office in Roswell, New Mexico. All 6 members, Chair Stump, Vice Chair Sharon... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News Press Releases State Issues BHA Pushes for Permanent Protections of Two Iconic New Mexico Watersheds 4/22/2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 22, 2025 Contact: Kaden McArthur, Director of Policy & Government Relations, mcarthur@backcountryhunters.org BHA Pushes for Permanent Protections of Two Iconic... Tags: policy blog, press releases, New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News New Mexico BHA March/April Newsletter 3/27/2025 Join Backcountry Hunters & Anglers for the 14th Annual North American Rendezvous. Between June 13-15, we’re headed back to our roots in Missoula, Montana! Secure your spot and experience iconic... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News State Issues Understanding SB5 and Future NM Fish & Wildlife Governance 3/21/2025 SB 5, signed into law in 2025, brings major updates to wildlife governance in New Mexico. It renames the State Game Commission as the State Wildlife Commission and changes the Department of Game... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News Press Releases State Issues 10th Circuit Court Affirms District Court Decision in Corner-Crossing Case, Upholding Public Access Rights 3/18/2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 18, 2025 CONTACT: Devin O’Dea, Western Policy & Conservation Manager, odea@backcountryhunters.org Denver, CO – In a huge victory for public land owners,... Tags: Colorado Chapter, Utah Chapter, the campfire, press releases, New Mexico Chapter, Oklahoma Chapter, Wyoming Chapter, Kansas Chapter, utah
Media Chapter News BLM & BHA Tackle Water Site Inspections to Prioritize Repair 3/18/2025 The Carlsbad Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages over two million acres in southeast New Mexico, providing unmatched public recreation opportunities. Everyone can find... Tags: stewardship blog, New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News State Issues New Mexico BHA Policy Update 3.17.25 3/17/2025 Have you been paying attention to your local public lands? Sierra, Otero, and Catron counties recently passed anti-public lands resolutions, and now Luna County is next. The attack on our public... Tags: policy blog, New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News State Issues Western State Policy Spotter - March 3/4/2025 This is your March 4th edition of BHA's Western Policy Spotter - a high-level scan of state policy and legislation impacting wild public lands, waters and wildlife across the West. Note - this... Tags: Colorado Chapter, Washington Chapter, Idaho Chapter, Utah Chapter, policy blog, the campfire, Montana Chapter, New Mexico Chapter, Alaska Chapter, Arizona Chapter, California Chapter, Nevada Chapter, Oregon Chapter, Wyoming Chapter, Texas Chapter
Media Chapter News State Issues NM BHA Supports SB 291 to Enhance LEO Authority 3/3/2025 BHA Supports Senate Bill 291 At Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, we fight to protect wild places, fair chase hunting, and responsible fishing. But none of that matters if our fish and game laws... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News State Issues NM BHA Supports SB 5 - Bill Summary & Status Report 3/3/2025 The New Mexico Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (NM BHA) supports Senate Bill 5 (SB 5) and has worked with legislators and hook and bullet partners to ensure the hunting and angling... Tags: policy blog, New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News State Issues NM BHA January 2025 Newsletter! 2/11/2025 New Mexico Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers Don't miss your chance to connect with fellow hunters and anglers at the upcoming New Mexico Outdoor Adventures Show. NMBHA will be selling... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News State Issues Western State Policy Spotter - First Look 2/7/2025 Welcome to your first glimpse of BHA's Western Policy Spotter - a high-level scan of state policy and legislation impacting wild public lands, waters and wildlife across the West. Much like... Tags: Colorado Chapter, Washington Chapter, Idaho Chapter, Utah Chapter, policy blog, the campfire, Montana Chapter, New Mexico Chapter, Arizona Chapter, California Chapter, Nevada Chapter, Oregon Chapter, Wyoming Chapter, Texas Chapter
Media Chapter News State Issues Policy Alert: Senate Bill 5 Gains Momentum in the New Mexico Legislature 2/3/2025 After many years of unsuccessful attempts at reforming the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, a new bill is speeding through the 2025 legislative session. The New Mexico Chapter of... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News Backcountry Stewardship in the Bootheel of New Mexico 1/29/2025 The Bootheel region of New Mexico is normally viewed from inside a car speeding down I-10. From the interstate it appears desolate and dry. Large wide expanses of creosote bush and mesquite... Tags: stewardship blog, New Mexico Chapter, stewardship, Events
Media State Issues NM BHA Supports Caja del Rio Monument Designation 1/17/2025 Recognizing Caja del Rio as an Ancestral Homeland The Caja del Rio holds profound significance as an ancestral homeland for Indigenous communities, including the Pueblo people who have lived,... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News 1.10.25 NM State Game Commission Recap 1/16/2025 This meeting was called to order at 9 a.m. in Santa Fe, New Mexico, by Chair Richard Stump. Director Michael Sloane delivered the Commission roll call; six members were present (one position has... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News 11.8.24 NM State Game Commission Recap 1/16/2025 The meeting gathered at Las Cruses. Five Commissioners were present in the room at the beginning of the meeting (Chair Stump, Vice Chair Sharon Salazar Hickey, Dr. Sabrina Pack, Tirzio Lopez,... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News Press Releases State Issues Two-Year Protection Initiated for Pecos River Watershed 12/13/2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dec. 13, 2024 Contact: Kaden McArthur, Government Relations Manager mcarthur@backcountryhunters.org Two-Year Protection Initiated For Pecos River Watershed Washington, D.C.... Tags: press releases, New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News Two Miles of Sheep Fencing Removed in New Mexico 8/28/2024 Domesticated sheep arrived with the early Spanish conquistadors and explorers in the 1500's. Sheep herding was a lucrative venture for many people... Tags: stewardship blog, New Mexico Chapter, stewardship, Events
Media Chapter News 8/15/24 NM Habitat Stamp Citizen Advisory Committee - Meeting Recap 8/28/2024 The NM Citizen Advisory Committee* met with NMDGF staff on August 15th in Santa Fe to determine priorities for Habitat Stamp funding among 11 collaborative submissions. Eight of the nine Advisory... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News 8/9/24 New Mexico State Game Commission Recap 8/14/2024 This meeting was called to order at 9 a.m. in Taos, New Mexico by Chair Stump. The Commission roll call was conducted by Director Michael Sloane; all members were present. Commissioners attending... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News New Mexico BHA Volunteers Remove 6 miles of Fencing on the Marquez/ L Bar WMA 8/13/2024 Summer thunderstorms built up on the horizon of the Marquez/L Bar Wildlife Management Area. This years monsoon season has been a memorable one. It's rare that the landscape of New Mexico stays... Tags: stewardship blog, New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News Fence Modification on the Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument 7/23/2024 On July 20, 2024, NM and CO BHA members, BLM staff, a Pheasants Forever intern and multiple non BHA members joined Habitat Stewardship Coordinator Bard Edrington V... Tags: stewardship blog, New Mexico Chapter
Media State Issues NM Youth Hunter Benefits from Soules Family Elk Tag Donation 6/12/2024 Since 2021, the family of late game commissioner and conservationist David Soules has generously donated a private land elk authorization to New Mexico BHA with the aim of getting one more public... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News New Mexico BHA: Fence Removal on the Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument 6/4/2024 The Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument was established in 2013 and comprises 242,500 acres with an additional 3,700 acres recently added. It lies in northern New Mexico and is bisected by the... Tags: stewardship blog, New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News NM BHA Repairs Trick Tank Fencing Alongside USFS 6/4/2024 On May 18, 2024 New Mexico BHA Vice Chair Mark Zschoche led a group of BHA volunteers on yet another spring work project. The exclosure fencing around the Sargent KV Trick Tank had been damaged... Tags: stewardship blog, New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News 5/16/24 NM State Game Commission Recap 5/20/2024 Thursday, May 16, 2024 Hobbs, NM The meeting began at 9 a.m. with the Commission roll call by Director Michael Sloane. Six Commissioners attended physically: Tirzio Lopez (Vice-Chair), Fernando... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News Buckman Road Cleanup Recap 5/14/2024 On March 23 BHA volunteers partnered up with the BLM, NM Public Lands Interpretive Association, NWF, NM Wild, NM Crag, and NM Mountain Club to clean up 7 miles of Old Buckman Road down to the Rio... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News Volunteers Restore Habitat for Rio Grand Cutthroat Trout 5/7/2024 The Kirtland AFI club and New Mexico Chapter had an incredible time at the Annual Lincoln National Forest stream restoration project on April 20th! Our crew worked diligently to repair two small... Tags: stewardship blog, AFI Featured Stories, New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News 4/19/24 NM State Game Commission Recap 4/24/2024 The State Game Commission is finally up to full membership, though with half the commissioners either brand new or relatively new to the job, their April meeting in Silver City was more about... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News New Mexico BHA Tackles Kiowa Fence Improvements 4/16/2024 As Backcountry Hunters and Anglers members and Forest Service personnel gathered on Friday evening, newcomers were treated to the wide open vistas of the high plains, vast unbroken skylines and... Tags: New Mexico Chapter, stewardship
Media Chapter News NM Waterfowl Hunters Comment on 2019 State Land Closure 4/15/2024 The New Mexico State Land office is undergoing a public planning process for the 212 acre parcel of state land adjacent to Valle de Oro that was unilaterally closed to waterfowl hunting by the... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News New Mexico BHA Board Member Appointed to Habitat Stamp Committee 4/15/2024 On March 8, 2024, Mark Mattaini (Paguate, NM), a member of the NM BHA board, was appointed by the New Mexico Game Commission to a five-year term on the Citizens’ Advisory Committee (CAC), which... Tags: New Mexico Chapter, stewardship
Media Chapter News State Issues 03/08/24 New Mexico Game Commission Recap 3/11/2024 Friday March 8, 2024 Albuquerque, NM The meeting began shortly after 9 a.m. with the Commission roll call. Commissioners present included Tirzio Lopez (Vice-Chair), Fernando Clemente, Sharon... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News Sandia Bowhunt Outreach - November Hunt Recap 12/22/2023 NMBHA and NMDGF were out at the Sandias on Nov 18th helping the general public understand the importance of hunting in conservation. Did you catch our last public outreach event? About a dozen... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News 10/27/23 New Mexico Game Commission Recap 11/8/2023 Friday October 27, 2023 Farmington, NM Attending in person: Commissions Tirzio Lopez (Vice Chair), Fernando Clemente Attending Virtually: Sharon Salazar-Hickey, Greg Fulfer, Ed Garcia All... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News New Mexico & Texas BHA Receive USFS Prairie Partner Award 10/25/2023 The New Mexico & Texas Chapters of Backcountry Hunter & Anglers are honored to receive the USFS’s 2023 Prairie Partner Award! This award is for external partners that have demonstrated resource... Tags: stewardship blog, New Mexico Chapter, Texas Chapter, habitat
Media State Issues 8/25/23 New Mexico State Game Commission Recap 8/28/2023 Friday August 25, 2023 Raton, NM All Commissioners were present: Attending in-person: Commissioners Tirzio Lopez (Vice Chair), Sharon Salazar-Hickey, Fernando Clemente, Ed Garcia Attending... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News State Issues Defend Science-Based Bear & Cougar Management in New Mexico 8/16/2023 Currently the New Mexico State Game Commission is undergoing rulemaking for bear and cougar with a goal to, “Maintain sustainable bear and cougar populations and hunting opportunities throughout... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News State Issues 7/21/23 NM Game Commission Recap 7/21/2023 Friday July 21, 2023 Albuquerque, NM Attending in-person: Commissioners Tirzio Lopez (Vice Chair), Sharon Salazar-Hickey, Fernando Clemente Attending Virtually: Commissioner Greg Fulfer Not... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News Senate Committee Takes Action on Recreation, Conservation 5/18/2023 A May 17th business meeting held by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee was a highly anticipated opportunity to advance multiple conservation and recreation policy priorities... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, New Mexico Chapter, California Chapter, Oregon Chapter, Oregon Blog
Media Chapter News NMBHA Funds Pronghorn Habitat Improvement 5/15/2023 Drink. Eat. Keep watch. You’d be forgiven for boiling down pronghorn behavior as such. If you observe their daily samba across the New Mexico plains they always seem to be partaking in one of... Tags: stewardship blog, New Mexico Chapter, stewardship
Media Chapter News NMBHA Improves Riparian Habitat & Hunts Spring Gobblers 5/4/2023 Our first project partnering with the USFS in the Lincoln National Forest was a success in many ways. After kicking off the weekend with a Pint Night at the Downshift Brewery's Hidden Taproom in... Tags: stewardship blog, New Mexico Chapter, stewardship
Media Chapter News New Mexico Department of Game and Fish April Update 5/2/2023 4/28/23 NMDGF GAME COMMISSION RECAP The meeting was opened by Vice Chair Tirzio Lopez (as there was not a current chair). Also present were commissioner Sharon Salazar-Hickey, as well as two new... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News Kiowa National Grasslands - 2023 Project Recap 4/18/2023 I originally joined BHA, because I wanted to be outside, doing cool things with like-minded folk. I quickly found BHA was the perfect Reese’s peanut butter cup of getting guidance to advance my... Tags: stewardship blog, New Mexico Chapter, stewardship
Media Chapter News Press Releases New Mexico Public Lands, Habitat Would be Conserved in New Wilderness Bill 3/2/2023 News for Immediate ReleaseMarch 2, 2023Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org Bicameral introduction of Cerro de la Olla Wilderness Establishment Act commended by... Tags: the campfire, press releases, New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News Press Releases U.S. Supreme Court Decision Upholds New Mexico Public Access Law 2/27/2023 News for Immediate ReleaseFeb. 27, 2023Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org The court declined to hear arguments from landowners challenging the public’s right to... Tags: the campfire, press releases, New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News NM AFI ladies Night 11/28/2022 The Kirtland AFB AFI chapter hosted its first ladies’ night. The event was centered around a pack dump where we discussed gear, tools, resources, and lessons learned. Attendees were treated to... Tags: AFI Comms Channel, New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News NM AFI Antelope Adventure 9/14/2022 As I sit here watching the sun go down, the chickens peck and the sheep do sheep things, I am chewing on a piece of backstrap from an antelope that not a week ago was living on a pasture that... Tags: AFI Comms Channel, New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News Press Releases New Mexico Supreme Court Rules in Support of Public Access to Public Waters 9/2/2022 News for Immediate ReleaseSept. 2, 2022Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org Decision confirms the public’s right to walk or wade streambeds that cross privately... Tags: the campfire, featured, press releases, New Mexico Chapter, stream access
Media Chapter News Slate of Public Lands Bills and Nominee Considered in Senate Committee 7/22/2022 A long-awaited markup of public lands legislation by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee was held on Thursday, July 21. Among a total of more than three dozen bills were eight pieces... Tags: Colorado Chapter, policy blog, Montana Chapter, New Mexico Chapter, Arizona Chapter, California Chapter, Oregon Chapter, public lands
Media Chapter News 6/3/22 NMDGF Game Commission Recap 6/15/2022 EAGLE NEST, NM —The June 3 State Game Commission meeting dove into proposed big game rule changes on exotic species, bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope and javelina. Barbary Sheep Rules: No Single... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News 4/11/22 NMDGF Game Commission Recap 4/12/2022 New Mexico elk hunters could see big changes including unlimited OTC private land hunts in GMU 34 and a prohibition on muzzleloader sights, while turkey hunters could get a longer season plus a... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media State Issues Location is Everything for EPLUS 4/4/2022 Fifth in a series Many private landowners in New Mexico with elk on their property are eligible to participate in EPLUS. Not all of them qualify – they first have to exhibit verifiable benefits... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News 3/4/22 NMDGF Game Commission Recap 3/7/2022 If you hunt in New Mexico and want to see changes in elk, deer and other big game regulations – season dates, bag limits or anything else -- now is the time to tune in. The State Game Commission... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News Press Releases New Mexico Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Public Access to State Waters 3/1/2022 News for Immediate ReleaseMarch 1, 2022Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org Court rules unanimously that ‘non-navigable regulation’ is unconstitutional, voids... Tags: the campfire, press releases, New Mexico Chapter, public lands, stream access, keepitpublic
Media Chapter News Kiowa National Grasslands - A Hidden Gem 2/16/2022 It’s always shocking when you find some wonderful piece of public land that’s been sitting under your nose for years. Many New Mexican’s are likely to find themselves in this condition if they... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News State Issues 11 Ways BHA Chapters Are Working on Public Access to Your Public Lands & Waters Right Now 1/26/2022 Quality public hunting and fishing access consistently tops the list of issues outdoorsmen and women expect Backcountry Hunters & Anglers to help tackle. The need for recreational access only... Tags: Pennsylvania Chapter, the campfire, Montana Chapter, New Mexico Chapter, California Chapter, Wyoming Chapter, public lands, Oregon Blog, West Virginia Chapter, Mid-Atlantic Chapter, Tennessee Chapter, Capital News, Rhode Island BHA, Mississippi News
Media Chapter News Governor Removes Another Qualified Commissioner 1/12/2022 Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham this week removed State Game Commissioner Jeremy Vesbach, apparently because he has repeatedly stood up for New Mexico resident hunters and anglers. She notified him... Tags: the campfire, New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News Backcountry Journal Paying It Forward 1/6/2022 BY JOEL GAY It’s not easy for resident hunters to draw an elk tag in New Mexico, even for kids. As in many states, demand for tags far outstrips supply. But that’s only part of the equation.... Tags: the campfire, Backcountry Journal, New Mexico Chapter
Media State Issues EPLUS Outside the Primary Zone 11/15/2021 Fourth in a series To understand how a small number of landowners controls a third of the elk hunts in New Mexico, you have to start on the ground – where the elk are most concentrated versus... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News 10/22/21 NMDGF Game Commission Recap 10/27/2021 Big changes and a vast improvement in the Open Gate program could be in store in the near future, according to a report delivered to the State Game Commission last week in Las Cruces. NMDGF... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media State Issues Primary Zone is the heart of EPLUS action 10/13/2021 Third in a series Almost every state in the West has a private land hunting program for elk – Arizona being the exception – but it’s hard to imagine any program more complicated than EPLUS. We’ve... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media State Issues EPLUS Could Be Up For Change in 2022 9/21/2021 (Second in a series) Most western states have a “private land” program for elk hunting, but New Mexico’s EPLUS – the Elk Private Land Use System – is arguably the most liberal landowner tag... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media State Issues New Mexico Elk Tags – There Must Be A Better Way 8/31/2021 First in a series Elk, bighorn sheep, antelope and other big game species were drastically reduced or wiped out entirely by the time New Mexico became a state in 1912, due to a combination of... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News NM BHA Applauds 30x30 State Executive Order 8/25/2021 New Mexico's 30x30 Executive Order NM BHA Statement on 30x30 State Executive Order Hunt Fish 30x30 August 25, 2020 New Mexico Backcountry Hunters & Anglers welcomes Governor Lujan Grisham’s... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News State Issues NM Game Commission Rejects 5 Non-Navigable Stream Certifications 8/12/2021 The State Game Commission stood up for everyday New Mexico anglers, boaters and others today and rejected attempts to shut down public access to five stretches of New Mexico streams. Meeting... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News NM BHA Applauds Sabinoso Wilderness Expansion 7/22/2021 Public land hunters in New Mexico got a boost in mid-July when the Sabinoso Wilderness Area expanded by nearly 10,000 acres. Located on the Canadian River drainage east of Las Vegas, NM, the... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media State Issues NM Game Commission Awaits New Appointees 7/7/2021 State Game Commission member Gail Cramer, of Mayhill, unexpectedly resigned this week. It comes just months after the sudden death of Commissioner David Soules, of Las Cruces, which means Gov.... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News Water Flows Again in the Black Range 6/30/2021 Many thanks to hunter, conservationist and BHA member Norm Gruner as well as Andrew Gruner, Mark Hakkila (BHA, RMEF and MDF member), RMEF and MDF, for fixing a critical water source.While hunting... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News State Issues 6/18/21 NMDGF Game Commission Recap 6/18/2021 In a move that surprised both sides in the acrimonious debate over stream access, State Game Commission Chairwoman Sharon Salazar Hickey has delayed the decision on closing portions of five... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News 2021 NM Legislative Recap 3/22/2021 It was a tough year in the Legislature this session for public land sportsmen and women, but one bill alone accounted for most of the setbacks. NMBHA strongly supported Senate Bill 312, which had... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News State Issues 3/14 Hearing Update! NM Trapping Ban Likely to Pass 3/14/2021 Over the objections of thousands of individuals and organizations, including NMBHA, the proposed statewide ban on public lands trapping took a crucial step toward becoming law Sunday... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media State Issues Join NM BHA in Opposing the Public Land Trapping Ban 3/8/2021 An all-out ban on public lands trapping throughout New Mexico known as the “Wildlife Conservation & Public Safety Act” inched closer Friday night when the Senate Judiciary Committee voted in... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News State Issues NM Public Land Trapping Ban Moves Forward 2/2/2021 A ban on trapping on public lands throughout New Mexico is a step closer after the Senate Conservation Committee today (Tuesday, Feb. 2) voted by a wide margin to approve it. Senate Bill 32, known... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News 1/15/21 NMDGF Game Commission Recap 1/20/2021 Funding for habitat protection projects throughout the state will roughly double after the State Game Commission last week approved the first increase in the Habitat Stamp in more than 30 years.... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News The Legislative Finance Committee Evaluates NMDGF 10/30/2020 NOTE: The original post contained an error about EPLUS harvest reporting requirements. It has been corrected here. A new report by the powerful Legislative Finance Committee says New Mexico elk... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News 10/16/20 NMDGF Game Commission Recap 10/19/2020 Habitat restoration efforts in New Mexico could receive a major infusion of cash after the State Game Commission agreed with NM BHA and other sportsmen’s organizations to bring the cost of a... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News 8/13 NMDGF Game Commission Recap 8/14/2020 Image by Patrick Hendry - Unsplash. Unlike most state agencies, which are taking substantial cuts in this year of declining revenues, the Department of Game and Fish budget should see no... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media State Issues NM BHA Opposes Dolomite Mine in Ibex Country 7/1/2020 NMBHA recently submitted comments opposing a planned dolomite mine on BLM land in the Florida Mountains – ground zero for New Mexico’s unique ibex hunt and adjacent to the Florida Mountains... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News 6/25 NMDGF Game Commission Recap 6/26/2020 The State Game Commission met Thursday, but it was mainly an opportunity to discuss issues coming up in the future. Meeting online, commissioners heard a variety of reports and proposals,... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News NM BHA Supports the M.H. Dutch Salmon Greater Gila Wild and Scenic River Act 5/28/2020 On behalf of the New Mexico chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, the voice for our wild public lands, waters and wildlife, we thank you for introducing the M.H. Dutch Salmon Greater Gila Wild... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News 4/30/20 NMDGF Game Commission Recap 4/30/2020 A new committee devoted specifically to the concerns of hunters was formed Thursday during the State Game Commission meeting. Proposed by Vice-chairwoman Roberta Salazar Henry, the Hunt Structure... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media State Issues New Mexico Stream Access Lawsuit Moves Ahead 4/21/2020 The state constitution says all waters in New Mexico belong to the public. In 1945, the state Supreme Court ruled that all waters should be open to the public for recreational use, provided the... Tags: New Mexico Chapter, stream access
Media Chapter News 4/20 NM State Game Commission Meeting Recap 4/20/2020 The State Game Commission did not vote on anything substantial during its special meeting Monday morning, but there were fireworks nevertheless. The commission had called the meeting to discuss... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News 3/4/20 NMDGF Game Commission Recap 3/5/2020 There was little to note about the State Game Commission meeting this week in Albuquerque except this amazing statement from the chairwoman: The Department of Game and Fish has sued the Game... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News 1/17/20 NMDGF Game Commission Recap 1/22/2020 After Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham dismissed the best game commission chair we've ever had – Joanna Prukop – NM BHA specifically asked that Prukop's replacement be just as qualified. We were... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media State Issues Hunters Lose Access in SLO's Closed-door Decision 11/28/2019 Waterfowl hunters in the Rio Grande Valley lost a small but important hunting area this week after the State Land Office (SLO) closed it to public access – perhaps in violation of the SLO lease... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News State Issues Protect Hunting and Fishing Opportunities in the Rio Grande Watershed 10/4/2019 The U.S. Forest Service is currently in the process of developing plans that will direct the management of more than 3 million acres of your National Forest lands in Northern New Mexico for the... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News 9/18 NM State Game Commission Meeting Recap 9/26/2019 The State Game Commission met Sept. 18 in Cloudcroft, and although no final decisions were made, the Commission showed its intention to approve major changes to bear, cougar and trapping rules in... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News Cibola National Forest Planning Update 9/26/2019 A new Land and Resource Management Plan for New Mexico’s Cibola National Forest is being enacted, and the public is encouraged to comment through November 7, 2019. What will the proposed changes... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media State Issues Uphold Hunting and Fishing Opportunities in the Carson and Santa Fe National Forests 9/3/2019 Our national forests play host to a wide variety of users, not least of whom are sportsmen and women. Totaling nearly 190 million acres across the United States, national forests are critical to... Tags: New Mexico Chapter, priority landscapes
Media Chapter News Industry Partners Speak Up for Stream Access 8/23/2019 On July 24 New Mexico's State Game Commission enacted a 90-day moratorium on the existing stream access regulation that allows sections of streams running through private land to be deemed... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News NM State Game Commission Recap - 8/22 8/23/2019 As expected, the State Game Commission meeting in Santa Fe on Thursday was mostly discussion, although the panel did approve a $42 million operating budget for NMDGF, representing a 3 percent... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News Reporting Locked Gates on NM State Land 8/14/2019 It's that time of year when hunters head into the field to enjoy public lands and carry on our time honored tradition of hunting with family and friends. Sometimes during these outings we... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News BHA Well Represented on NM Land Office Sportspeople's Advisory Committee 6/21/2019 New Mexico’s new State Land Commissioner, Stephanie Garcia Richard, recently revived the Sportspeople’s Advisory Committee, originally established to help guide the Commissioner's decisions on... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News Protect NM Public Lands & Wildlife - Support SB 458 & SB 383 3/8/2019 Two important bills for New Mexico hunters and anglers need your help today in order to get through the Legislature before it adjourns next week. Please take a minute to read this, and then take... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News State Issues NM BHA Speaks Out Against Game Protection Fund Redirection 1/22/2019 Once again there is an attempt brewing to transfer money ($500k this time) from the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) to the State Parks Division. This has been proposed multiple... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News State Issues 2018 New Mexico Midterm Election Candidate Questionnaire 10/11/2018 Backcountry Hunters & Anglers members in New Mexico will vote in several crucial elections in 2018 that will ultimately affect hunting, fishing, wildlife management and public lands in our state.... Tags: featured, New Mexico Chapter
Media State Issues LWCF Success Story, Valles Caldera National Preserve, New Mexico 8/21/2018 If a single landscape can embody the true wonder of the Land of Enchantment, it is the Valles Caldera National Preserve, in the Jemez Mountains of north-central New Mexico. The caldera is the... Tags: New Mexico Chapter, access, lwcf
Media Chapter News NMDGF Overhauls Antelope Tag System 6/19/2018 It just got easier for hunters, both resident and non-resident, to draw an antelope tag in New Mexico. The State Game Commission in May voted for a massive overhaul of its antelope management... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News State Issues 2018 New Mexico Primary Candidate Questionnaire 5/8/2018 New Mexico Backcountry Hunters & Anglers members will vote in several crucial elections in 2018 that will affect hunting, fishing, and the management of wildlife and public lands, including... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News State Issues New Mexico BHA Action Alert: Public Stream Access in Crosshairs 12/15/2017 New Mexico anglers know all too well that the Land of Enchantment has precious few fishable streams, and that many sections of those rivers and streams are closed to the public. What most anglers... Tags: New Mexico Chapter, stream access
Media Chapter News State Issues Action needed: Senate must advance important energy bill 4/27/2016 Senate leaders have cleared a path forward for passage of the first comprehensive energy bill in almost a decade. But your help is vital in getting it across the finish line! The Energy Policy... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News Rally with New Mexico Sportsmen for Your Public Lands 1/8/2015 In New Mexico and throughout the West, politicians have their eyes set on selling off the public lands that you depend on to hunt, fish and recreate. We simply cannot stand idle as special... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News State Issues New Mexico BHA Weighs-in on Gila Travel Management Plan 6/13/2014 Dear Secretary Vilsack,On behalf of the undersigned organizations representing thousands of New Mexican sportsmen and women, we are writing to express our strong support for the recent Gila... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News New Mexico Sportsmen Applaud Protection of Habitat in Newly Designated Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks Monument 5/20/2014 For Immediate ReleaseWednesday, May 21, 2014Today, President Obama made a presidential declaration under the Antiquities Act to designate 496,000 acres as part of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News State Issues Banning Drones for Hunting - A letter from New Mexico BHA 5/5/2014 September 20, 2013To: New Mexico Game & Fish CommissionFrom: New Mexico Chapter, Backcountry Hunters & AnglersIssue: ... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News Sportsmen Recognized for Contributions to Backcountry Conservation 4/10/2014 DENVER, CO - Four sportsmen from across the West were presented with awards at the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers’ Annual National Rendezvous in Denver, in recognition of their outstanding... Tags: Washington Chapter, Montana Chapter, New Mexico Chapter, media
Media Chapter News NM sportsmen hoping newest national monument designation bodes well for Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks 4/4/2014 New Mexico sportsmen are optimistic that President Obama will do the same for New Mexico that he did today in California – use his authority to designate a new national monument.At a White House... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News New Mexico Sportsmen Support President's Proposed Conservation Funding 3/8/2014 New Mexico BHA Chair, Oscar Simpson speaks-up in support of the president's proposed conservation funding priorities. A live video interviewwith Oscar that acompanied this release can also be... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News State Issues Action Alert: Big Impacts to Big Game Habitat at Stake 2/5/2014 The following is a letter submitted by members of NM BHA to the Cibola National regarding a proposal to permit intensive military operations in otherwise relatively undisturbed backcountry... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News Press Release: Sportsmen Support for Columbine Hondo Wilderness Area 6/3/2013 The following is a joint press release highlighting New Mexican sportsmen's support of the Columbine Hondo Wilderness Act. Washington D.C. – New Mexican hunters and anglers continue to lead by... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News State Issues Letter: Overwhelming Sportsmen Support for Columbine Hondo Wilderness Area 6/3/2013 New Mexico BHA has been working to build on the already-overwhelming breadth of support among sportsmen who agree that the Columbine Hondo Wilderness Study Area should be permanently protected as... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News Maintaining Roadless Land Around the Pecos Wilderness Area 6/3/2013 Located just Northeast of Sante Fe, New Mexico’s Pecos Wilderness Area provides 350 square miles of high quality roadless backcountry habitat. The Pecos is known by hunters primarily for its... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News State Issues New Mexico Sportsmen Support Wilderness Protections in Rio Grande del Norte National Monument 5/21/2013 The following is a joint press release submitted by NM BHA, NM Wildlife Federation and Trout Unlimited in support of legislation that would provide permanent wilderness protection in two areas... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News NM BHA Update 4-30-13 4/30/2013 NM BHA Member: Between spring turkey season, the designation of the Rio Grande del Norte and the reintroduction of the Columbine-Hondo Wilderness legislation, NM BHA has been busy, to say the... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News State Issues NM BHA Supports Wilderness Designation of the Columbine-Hondo WSA 4/30/2013 Located in Taos County just East of the recently-designated Rio Grande del Norte National Monument (242, 555 acres), is a section of wild country that has long been recognized by sportsmen for its... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News NM BHA Update 3-28-13 3/28/2013 NM BHA Update –As you’ve probably heard by now, this past Monday President Obama permanently protected 242,555 acres of high quality elk, mule deer, antelope and big horn sheep habitat through the... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News Letter to Editor from NM BHA Phil Young in Support of RGDN National Monument 3/28/2013 The following is a letter to the editor that was written by NM BHA Member Phil Young, in support of the habitat that has been protected through the designation of the Rio Grande del Norte National... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News Celebrate Permanent Protection of the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument with NM BHA 3/28/2013 New Mexico BHA invites everyone to join us in celebration of the permanent protection of 242,555 acres of elk, mule deer, antelope and big horn sheep habitat, through the designation of the Rio... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News New Mexico Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Applauds Permanent Protection of the Rio Grande del Norte 3/25/2013 ALBUQUERQUE, NM— Locally and nationally hunters and anglers today applaud President Barack Obama’s decision to designate the Rio Grande del Norte area as a National Monument.This designation will... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News NM BHA Statement on Columbine Hondo Wilderness Study Area 2/27/2013 The following statement was provided by Oscar Simpson on behalf of NM BHA and Backcountry Horsemen of America to the NM Congressional Delegation at a meeting on 2/16/13, at Rivers & Birds facility... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News Río Grande del Norte legislation reintroduced for Taos, Río Arriba counties 2/25/2013 In recognition of the reintroduction of legislation which would protect critical big game habitat and wild fisheries within the Rio Grande del Norte, New Mexico BHA, Trout Unlimited and the New... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News NM Update 2-14-13 2/25/2013 Here's a run-down a few key projects that NM BHA is involved with: Improving the make-up of the Game Commission – As many of you are likely well aware the current composition is weighted heavily... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News Reforming New Mexico's Game Commission 2/14/2013 New Mexico Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is working in collaboration with other New Mexican sportsmen organizations and interests to reform the state game commission in a manner which better... Tags: New Mexico Chapter
Media Chapter News Protecting Habitat in the Rio Grande del Norte 1/14/2013 UPDATE: Since this article was posted, President Obama used the Antiquities Act to create the "Rio Grande del Norte National Monument." NM BHA appluaded habitat protection in the Rio Rio Grande... Tags: New Mexico Chapter