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WE NEED GAME & FISH REFORM TO:

HUNTING & FISHING TRADITIONS

SUSTAIN OUR

This session, a proposed bill in the state legislature would increase hunting and fishing license fees for the first time in 20 years. The sportsmen community has worked closely with the Department of Game & Fish to ensure increases are minimal for New Mexico residents.

PROBLEM & OPPORTUNITY

1

There’s a funding crisis at the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish. Because it’s an “enterprise agency,” it doesn’t receive money from the legislature- it’s funded mainly by hunting and fishing license fees.

2

License fees haven’t changed in almost 20 years, making the current system unsustainable to meet our modern-day challenges. 

3

Hunters and anglers support a license fee increase because they know it’s necessary to ensure healthy populations of game, fish, and other wildlife.

4

Hunting and fishing provides New Mexicans with an important food supply. A license fee increase would sustain our traditions for future generations.

5

The Department also needs a new source of revenue to ensure wildlife conservation does not rest solely on the backs of hunters and anglers. 

A SNAPSHOT OF THE PROPOSED FEES:

License Type
2021-2022 Fee
$ Increase
Proposed Fee
RESIDENT, GAME HUNTING
$15
$10
$25
RESIDENT, FISHING & HUNTING GAME COMBO
$30
$12
$42
RESIDENT, FISHING
$25
$10
$35
NONRESIDENT, GAME HUNTING
$65
$20
$85
NONRESIDENT, FISHING
$56
$34
$90
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No license fees would be increased before April 1, 2026

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Average increase is $15 a year for residents

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Maintains discounts for youth, seniors, residents with disability, and veterans

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Includes a 25% discount for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) beneficiaries

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Gives the State Game Commission greater flexibility to adjust fees in the future

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HUNTING & FISHING IN NEW MEXICO: 

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Funds important conservation work to ensure healthy populations of game, fish and other wildlife

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Contributes $600 million to the state's economy

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Brings in federal dollars to New Mexico for fish and wildlife conservation

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​Pays for critical habitat restoration, migration corridors, and spawning grounds

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​Helps operate state fish hatcheries, supports boating access and improves outdoor recreation infrastructure

21st CENTURY WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT FOR NEW MEXICO:

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Update the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish’s mission

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Sustain our hunting and fishing traditions

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Fix the State Game Commission

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Improve wildlife conditions

CONTACT

Judy Calman

Audubon Southwest
judy.calman@audubon.org

Jesse Deubel

New Mexico Wildlife Federation

jesse@nmwildlife.org

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