In previous years, residents would receive 78 percent of big game tags while 22 percent went to non-residents.
The original bill was introduced to New Mexico legislature in 2010 by Senator George Munoz of Gallup. He said he wanted New Mexicans to receive 90 percent of big game tags while 10 percent went to non-residents, but this was changed in early 2011.
Resident hunter John Cruger, who has lived in Albuquerque since 1978, feels that the bill will do well for New Mexico outdoorsmen and women.
“It’s an improvement of what has been going on in the past,” says Cruger. “We’re already paying taxes for our weapons and gear but it’s an insult to be giving most of our tags to people who don’t even live here”.
He also mentioned that the states surrounding New Mexico give their residents a good percentage of big game tags.
Many non-resident hunters, however, are not happy about the new law. Many out of state hunters have voiced their concerns online about the new law.
One hunter even said, “everybody should boycott the NM draw in protest this year”.
Resident hunter, Kevin Earl, feels differently. “The hunters of New Mexico support the bulk of wildlife not only with game tags, but with weapons, ammo, various gear for hunting and fishing through the taxes,” Earl said. “It’s because of this that residents should have more big game tags”.
This bill not only helps New Mexico hunters; it helps the economy as well.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said residents spend more money on hunting and fishing gear than non-residents. This is due to the fact that residents buy all of their gear from the same places and hunt in familiar territory.
Earl also added that there should be reciprocity for all states regarding hunting. “If we go to another state to hunt and are treated one way, then non-residents who hunt in New Mexico should be treated the same way”, he said.
Both hunters said the bill will secure antelope tags. “The last time I drew for antelope…I can’t even remember the last time I drew,” Cruger says, “but I do remember it’s been over 20 years”.
Earl added that most antelope tags go to landowners, who can sell their tags to non-residents in order to turn a profit. This new bill has changed that significantly.
When asked if he would feel differently about SB 196, Cruger simply replied “of course”.
Sources
1. http://www.santafenewmexican.com/localnews/Senate-bill-hikes-N-M--hunters--shot-at-license
2. http://www.nmpolitics.net/index/2011/04/governor-don%E2%80%99t-forget-resident-hunters/
3. http://onyourownadventures.com/hunttalk/showthread.php?t=246214