The New Mexico Wildlife Federation got outside a lot in 2016: whether we were rafting with students and our elected officials, camping in the Valles Caldera National Preserve, or hiking in Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks, but New Mexico has even more to offer! As we close out 2016 and look forward to the next year, some of our staff shares their outdoor resolutions for 2017.
Wendy Sandidge, finance coordinator: Wants to learn to kayak and continue to practice her fly-fishing skills.
Garrett Vene Klasen, executive director: (Did not follow the directions of providing “a couple of sentences” and identified a lot!) At least two weekend Mearn’s quail hunts in the Gila before season’s end, at least one duck hunt before season’s end, bag a public lands barbary sheep in February, three day winter backcountry canoe trip from Buckman to Cochiti Lake, fish the blue winged olive hatch in the Rio Grande Gorge, spring turkey hunt in the Lueras, spring backcountry turkey hunt on Mt. Taylor, backpack deep into the San Pedro Wilderness and catch a big Rio Grande cutt from the Las Vacas, backpack back into the Pecos Wilderness and fish the headwaters of the Pecos again, draw antelope, off range oryx, second season archery elk, deer tag in unit 26 or 27, or draw a bighorn tag (top wish)!
Susan Torres, communications director: Go on a backpacking trip in the Gila with my spouse and dog. Also go on more fly-fishing trips!
Susan Calt, office manager: Go camping somewhere in the Gila in the spring or summer.*
Todd Leahy, deputy director: To go on a buffalo hunt on public lands in the Kaibab and to have more time with my son outside.
Sophie Shemas, public lands fellow: Become a public lands geocaching champion, learn how to fly fish, hike Petroglyph National Monument without falling down like I did the first time.
Happy New Year, and may all your outdoor dreams come true in 2017!
*All Susan’s have the same interests.
