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President’s Message

January 2021

Our next monthly meeting will feature Larry Marshall’s Stone Sheep hunt. This hunt happened a while back but I know lots of members are eagerly anticipating his presentation. The meeting will take place on Jan 28th at the Chaparral Skeet Club. As usual, the Board will meet at 5:30 and the General membership will gather at 7 PM. No meal will be served this month so bring a snack or sandwich. The Skeet club has bottled water for sale. Please remember that all members are welcome at our Board meeting.

To bring everyone up to date, the Chapter Board voted to oppose the proposed changes to (or do away with) the NMDG&F EPLUS program. We felt that moving away from the recognition private landowners make to conserve and protect our State’s wildlife would have negative affects too numerous to mention. Based on what was said at this month’s NMDG&F Commission meeting, I believe our voice was heard.

Another issue the Board plans to discuss this month is pending legislation that would turn three state wildlife areas in the Chama area over to private hands. A bill introduced by Rep Miguel Garcia, (Dem Albuquerque) would set up a process for turning the Sargent, Humphries and Rio Chama wildlife areas over to the Tierra Amarilla Land Grant. Each of these area provides public access for prime hunting of elk, deer and other species. If you have thoughts either way, please come to the Board meeting or let your Board members know how you feel.

As most of you are already aware, The Board has decided to cancel our Annual Banquet. With the draconian measures the Governor has forced on us, we felt it was impossible to hold an event. For the past 25 years the Chapter has conducted the premier event of the year for sportsman's groups in Southern NM.  We’ve already begun planning for a Banquet on 11 & 12 Feb, 2022. Hopefully we’ll be in a better situation by then.

I’ve finally had an opportunity to get out and chase Mr. Quail a bit. I find that this year he is scarce and when you do find some they are really wild. No joy on that account. Oh yeah, it is time to once again put in for the hunt drawings. The NMDG&F website is up and running. And for sure, get your license before April 1st when the Habitat Stamp fee goes up to $10. I pray you and yours are safe and healthy and will be participating in some exciting hunts this coming year.

Some dates to remember:
Jan 28th – General membership meeting, Chaparral Skeet Club, Roswell, 7PM
Feb 10th – Bear and Turkey draw application deadline
Feb 15th – 2020-2021 Harvest Report deadline
Feb 24th – Results Bear and Turkey draw
Mar 17, 2021 – Draw deadline for most big game species
Aug 18, 2021 – Draw deadline for pheasant and sandhill crane
Feb 11 & 12, 2022 - Annual SNM SCI Banquet.