This meeting was called to order by Richard Stump, Commission Chair at 9 a.m. on Friday, April 25th at the NMDFG office in Roswell, New Mexico. All 6 members, Chair Stump, Vice Chair Sharon Salazar Hickey, Gregg Fulfer, Sabrina Pack, Tirzio Lopez, Fernando Clemente Jr. were present in the room, as were approximately 25 citizens, including at least 15 members of the Jicarilla Apache Nation, and about 10 NMDGF staff. BHA was represented by Mark Mattaini, and for a period by Charles Tripp.
Following standard introductions and consent agendas, the meeting turned to an extensive presentation by representatives of the Jicarilla Nation, including the two highest tribal officials and the tribal wildlife scientist. This presentation and discussions with the commission lasted for about 2 hours, all of which was of real value, certainly in my view, and I believe to most in the room. The discussion began with a well-presented slides and explanations of the traditional and still committed values and wildlife practices of the tribe, emphasizing the spiritual associations of wildlife and indigenous peoples. Those importances are understood as key to continuation of their, and wildlife’s, survival. In particularly they indicated that the substantial decline in mule deer populations was an area of deep concern, both practically in terms of maintaining cultural practices and spiritual survival. The Tribe indicated that they believed that better support was needed from the state to recover and maintain healthy deer populations. The data presented indicated that there have clearly been reductions in numbers of surviving deer; the state generally acknowledged this to be true over time.
The key current issue raised by the Tribe had to do with the number of tags allowed by the state in game unit 2B (including youth tags in November), as compared with the numbers allowed on Jicarilla land. The Tribe is concerned with tag numbers in the state lands, which they understand as excessive, noting that migratory wildlife don’t recognize land ownership barriers. The statistical data, maps, and history presented were impressive. The entire presentation and following discussion with NMDGF staff is worth following in the video available from the NMDGF website. (One note, the first 20 minutes of the Jicarilla presentation were not recorded with sound, due to technical failure.) The state however indicated that except in an emergency, they only make modification on tags for game units on a regular 4-year rotation, and do not believe they can make changes at this time; the next cycle is two years away. This item closed with a strong request by the tribal leaders that the tribal staff and state staff meet before the next commission to share data and options, which they asked to establish an agreement with the state at the next commission meeting in Red River.
The next item was a presentation by the Catron County commission chair and a local resident, who presented photos and experiences with the Mexican wolves that have been released in and around the county by U.S. Fish and Wildlife, discussing the dangers that some residents and ranchers are concerned with (this presentation has also been delivered in other parts of the western NM area in recent months). An additional resident spoke of the threats they see as well, as did several persons calling in. The state officers and a number of attenders expressed opposite perspectives.
Paul Varela and Jane followed, presented a brief report on the Annual Financial Audit that indicated no issues. Following an extended break, Chief Patten provided an initial discussion on proposed changes to Fisheries Rule 19.31.4 NMC. Among items briefly discussed are clarity of the definitions of Barbless Lure and Flys to ensure consistency with the state Manner and Method definitions, adjusting lakes identified as closed to ice fishing and those open to trotlines, and several additional items that will be included in planning, including expanding the Directors authority to suspend some limits, methods, and sizes. The department will post proposed changes and hold hearings later in the year. Chief Liley followed listing proposed changes to the Migratory Bird Rule and proposed changes to the Upland Game Rule, to set dates and identify other related changes.
Director Michael Sloane then listed and discussed relevant outcomes of the legislative session, primarily House Bill 2 (the budget), Senate Bill 5 (Game Commission Reform), and House Bill 450 (the capital outlay). The meeting then entertained comments from the commissioners and others present. Following resolution of a plan to develop a a new approach to handle decisions on approving meeting minutes, the commissioners then withdrew for Executive Session.
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About Mark Mattaini
Activist Social Worker/Behavioral Systems Scientist; Editor, Behavior Science Perspectives on Culture and Community, Author, Strategic Nonviolent Power: The Science of Satyagraha