New Mexico Register / Volume XXXI, Issue 7 / April 7, 2020

MODIFICATION TO THE STATE GAME COMMISSION MEETING AND RULE MAKING NOTICE

Due to Executive Order 2020-004 Issued by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham

The New Mexico State Game Commission (“Commission”) will be hosting a virtual meeting and rule hearing on Thursday April 30, 2020 beginning at 9:00 a.m. This will replace the previously scheduled meeting at the same time at the Grant County Administration Center, 1400 Highway 180 East, Silver City, NM 88061. For instructions on how to virtually attend this meeting, visit the Department’s website at: http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/commission/webcast/. The purpose of this meeting is to hear and consider action as appropriate on the following: presentation of proposed changes to the Hunting and Fishing - Manner and Method of Taking rule.

Synopsis:

The proposal is to amend the Hunting and Fishing - Manner and Method of Taking rule, 19.31.10 NMAC, which will become effective May 19, 2020. The current Hunting and Fishing - Manner and Method of Taking rule is a permanent rule.

The proposed new rule no longer allows traps and foot snares as a method of sport harvest for cougar. This proposed deletion is necessary to align with the recently approved Bear and Cougar rule, 19.31.11 NMAC. A full text of changes will be available on the Department’s website at: www.wildlife.state.nm.us.

Interested persons may submit comments on the proposed changes to the Hunting and Fishing - Manner and Method of Taking rule at: DGF-Manner-and-Method-Rule@state.nm.us, or individuals may submit written comments to the physical address below. Comments are due by 1:00 p.m. on April 28, 2020. The final proposed rule will be voted on by the Commission during a virtual public meeting on April 30, 2020. Interested persons may also provide data, views or arguments, orally or in writing, at the virtual public rule hearing to be held on April 30, 2020.

Full copies of text of the proposed new rule, technical information related to proposed rule changes, and the agenda can be obtained from the Office of the Director, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, 1 Wildlife Way, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507, or from the Department’s website at www.wildlife.state.nm.us/commission/proposals-under-consideration/. This agenda is subject to change up to 72 hours prior to the meeting. Please contact the Director’s Office at (505) 476-8000, or the Department’s website at www.wildlife.state.nm.us for updated information.

If you are an individual with a disability who is in need of a reader, amplifier, qualified sign language interpreter, or any other form of auxiliary aid or service to attend or participate in the hearing or meeting, please contact the Department at (505) 476-8000 at least one week prior to the meeting or as soon as possible. Public documents, including the agenda and minutes, can be provided in various accessible formats. Please contact the Department at 505-476-8000 if a summary or other type of accessible format is needed.

Legal authority for this rulemaking can be found in the General Powers and Duties of the State Game Commission 17-1-14, et seq. NMSA 1978; Commission’s Power to establish rules and regulations 17-1-26, et seq. NMSA 1978.