Camo-clad hunters and anglers mingled with elected officials and others at the New Mexico State Capitol on Monday. They gathered for the New Mexico Wildlife Federation’s annual “Camo at the Capitol” event, staged to highlight the importance of hunters and anglers in conservation.
Speaking in the Capitol Rotunda, NMWF Executive Director Jesse Deubel emphasized the importance of maintaining the state’s hunting and angling heritage.
Deubel said the NMWF supports pending legislation to increase hunting and fishing license fees. The last increase went into effect in 2006, he said.
The bill (SB254) is sponsored by Sens. Steven Neville and Pete Campos. It’s set for its first hearing before the Senate Conservation Committee on Tuesday morning.
Although the NMWF supports a fee increase to provide adequate funding to the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, the NMWF has expressed concerns that the bill would put the bulk of increases on nonresident licenses.
Placing an increasing share of the department’s operating expenses on nonresidents will make it more difficult for New Mexicans to roll back existing game commission policies that give nonresidents an outsized share of the state’s permits for elk and other species, the NMWF has warned.
Mike Sloane, director of the game department, urged the crowd to support the fee increase measure. “Our funds are getting depleted,” he said. “It’s important that we get it done.”
Sen. Martin Heinrich addressed the crowd in the Rotunda. He noted that hunters and anglers have stepped up repeatedly over the country’s history to protect wildlife.
Heinrich said he cherishes the memories of hunting with his sons. “It is truly one of those things that makes New Mexico so special,” he said of the state’s hunting and fishing opportunities.
Rep. Gabe Vasquez related that his grandfather hunted to feed his family. Vasquez said it’s critical for hunters and anglers to work together to preserve their rights and traditions. “We need a solution, and the solution is that we all stand up for each other,” he said.
State Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard said her office manages more than 13 million acres of public land. Her agency leases hunting and fishing access to the state game department.
Garcia Richard said her office is considering possibilities for increasing allowable camping on state trust lands.