The New Mexico Wildlife Federation strongly supports a bill pending in the New Mexico Legislature that would require hunters to remove the edible portions of bear, cougar and javelina from the field. Expanding New Mexico’s existing law against the wanton waste of game animals to include these three species is necessary to protect the future of all hunting in our state.
Democratic Reps. Kristina Ortez and D. Wonda Johnson and Republic Sen. Gregg Schmedes are sponsoring the legislation, HB261. The House Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee is scheduled to consider the bill Tues., Feb, 7. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. in Room 317 of the State Capitol. There are other bills on the agenda.
New Mexico has strong hunting traditions and hunters need to be aware that they’re in the minority. Only about 6 percent of the population hunts, and the future of hunting depends on upholding the image of responsible hunting with non-hunters. Surveys show that 80 percent of the non-hunting public support hunting for food. Only 37 percent support “trophy hunting,” – which some perceive as an activity in which wildlife is killed solely for a trophy.
When a New Mexico hunter kills a black bear, javelina or cougar and leaves the carcass in the field, it threatens to tarnish the public image of all hunters. It sends the message to any non-hunters who happen to come across a discarded carcass that hunting is just a blood sport, and that banning the activity entirely would be justified.
The New Mexico Wildlife Federation has met with a diverse group of stakeholders on this issue. We have wide support to add bear, javelina and to the list of wildlife protected by the state’s prohibition against wanton waste. Other species already on the list include elk, deer and bighorn.
Many groups that generally don’t support hunting support this legislation, as do the state’s hunting advocacy organizations. Passing this legislation will be a victory for the image of hunters. This legislation illustrates the importance of procuring sustainably harvested, wild protein to feed our families. It also will be a win for wildlife, ensuring that harvested animals are fully utilized.
Hunters and anglers fund the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish through the purchase of licenses and associated federal matching dollars. The NMDGF operates on an annual budget of roughly $47 million. Historically none of that money is provided by the state’s General Fund. It is critical that our hunting tradition continues to thrive to ensure adequate funding for our state’s wildlife management agency.
Hunting is a privilege. It’s imperative that hunters take responsible steps to police our own ranks and keep up our image with the general population to preserve our traditions for future generations.