Mark Mattaini / Tuesday, June 24, 2025 / Categories: Media, Chapter News 6/12/2025 NM State Game Commission Recap 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 Salazar Hickey, Gregg Fulfe, Dr. Sabrina Pack, Turzio Lopez, Fernando Clemente Jr.; and Dr. Christopher C. Witt, a new member. Dr. Witt is a faculty member at the University of New Mexico, holding a doctorate in Biological Sciences. Also in attendance were about 15 staff members, and about 10 citizens; as the meeting proceeded, at least 20 citizens connected virtually. The meeting began with the usual role calls, introduction of guests, and approval of the agenda and consent agenda. Unlike all previous meeting for at least the past 3 years, the minutes of the past 2 meetings were not read and approved. The agenda moved to the approval of the State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP), which is required every 10 years by all states to maintain eligibility for federal funding. The previous SWAP was approved in 2015, and included 400 pages, the new one included 778 pages. A valuable summary of the 2025 was presented in detail by the staff; followed by comments from the commission members and over 20 citizens—all of whom were very positive. The content had been developed and shared over more than 2 years, including participation by state, local, tribal, and citizen groups, and individuals. It is difficult to describe the details in depth here, but among chapters in the SWAP are a New Mexico State Wildlife included: Species of Greatest Conservation Need, Ecoregions, and Habitats; Threats, Conservation Action and Opportunities; Climate Change and Severe Weather; and Detailed chapters on each of the six ecosystems identified in the state. All comments from Commissioners and attenders were quite positive, including, representatives of nonprofit organizations (including ours), professionals, and other interested individuals in the room and online. This item continued over about 2 hours. The next item was a hearing and adoption of changes in the Migratory Game Bird Rule, related to changes in regular season dates, increases in sandhill crane draw permits by 12 additional MRGV or SW Draw Sandhill crane licenses, and increases for northern pintails from 1 to 3. These changes were approved. A series of brief, relatively brief items followed, including: An initial discussion on proposals to make changes in the Manner and Method rule for shed hunter licenses given the legislative change. Approval of gifting two elk licenses for persons under 21 who have been determined by a physician to have a life-threatening illness who have qualified through a nonprofit wish-granting organization. Discussion of eligibility verification for persons on the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program for discounts on licenses, to be finalized on a later meeting. A first discussion of proposed changes in the Game and Fish License/Permit rule, increasing vender fees; this will be finalized at a later meeting. The final items were time for further comments by the commissioners, followed by a few citizens attending. Comments were generally positive (expectations for additional funding and services likely contributed to the generally positives tone). The final two persons who asked to comment were the Jicarilla Apache Nation President and tribal wildlife biologist. They first thanked the Department for reducing the number of mule deer tags in GMU 2 by 20% for the coming season. The tribal nation then invited the Commission to visit the reservation, to could share their experiences, perspectives, and beliefs related to wildlife. Three of the Commissioners stated that they had been in contact with the tribe, and strongly encouraged that the Commission accept the invitation. After a very brief discussion, including interest in increasing contacts and cooperation with indigenous tribes overall around the state, the Commission accepted the invitation. Arrangements for it will be made. Sign up for our newsletter, follow us on social media, and become a member or support our work today! Facebook: New Mexico Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Instagram: @newmexicobha Previous Article Utah Sportsmen’s Organizations and Businesses Unite in Opposing Public Land Sales Next Article USDA Rescinds Near Quarter Century Old Protections for 58.5 Million Acres of National Forest Lands Print 1 Rate this article: No rating Tags: New Mexico news Mark MattainiMark Mattaini Activist Social Worker/Behavioral Systems Scientist; Editor, Behavior Science Perspectives on Culture and Community, Author, Strategic Nonviolent Power: The Science of Satyagraha Other posts by Mark Mattaini Contact author Full biography Full biography Activist Social Worker/Behavioral Systems Scientist; Editor, Behavior Science Perspectives on Culture and Community, Author, Strategic Nonviolent Power: The Science of Satyagraha x