53rd legislature – STATE OF NEW MEXICO – first session, 2017
INTRODUCED BY
Pete Campos
A MEMORIAL
REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF GAME AND FISH TO ENGAGE IN A DIALOGUE REGARDING THE FUTURE OF TRAPPING IN NEW MEXICO.
WHEREAS, New Mexico is home to a wide variety of wildlife species; and
WHEREAS, wildlife belongs to the residents of New Mexico; and
WHEREAS, the department of game and fish is charged with managing certain wildlife species; and
WHEREAS, New Mexico has a long tradition of hunting, fishing and trapping, which provides food for some families, income to local communities and opportunities for tourists to enjoy the wildlife found in New Mexico; and
WHEREAS, New Mexico also has a long tradition of bird watching and wildlife viewing and other nonconsumptive outdoor recreational opportunities that enhance tourism and provide income opportunities for local communities; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the department of game and fish to provide an adequate and flexible system for the protection of game and fish and fur-bearing animals in the state; and
WHEREAS, the department of game and fish is charged with ensuring that fur-bearing animals are not wasted or depleted; and
WHEREAS, there is a diverse interest in the management of fur-bearing and non-game animals in the state; and
WHEREAS, the shared and safe use of public lands is important to New Mexico; and
WHEREAS, it would be beneficial for the department of game and fish to enter into a dialogue with constituents regarding current trapping practices used to harvest both fur-bearing and non-game animals on public land;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the department of game and fish be requested to engage in a dialogue with interested constituents regarding the future of trapping in New Mexico; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the department of game and fish be requested to seek input and participation from constituents for an adequate and flexible system of managing fur-bearing and non-game animals on public lands and for the protection of public safety; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the director of the department of game and fish.