This meeting was called to order at 9 a.m. in Taos, New Mexico by Chair Stump. The Commission roll call was conducted by Director Michael Sloane; all members were present. Commissioners attending onsite were Chair Robert Stump, Vice-chair Sharon Salizar-Hickey, Fernando Clemente, Greg Fulfer, Ed Garcia, and Sabina Pack; Commissioner Tirzio Lopez attended virtually. Self-introductions of others present onsite and those attending virtually were given by about a 10 staff members of the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, and about the same numbers of members of the public. 

The agenda as distributed in advance was approved without discussion, as was the consent agenda, which included approval of minutes from May 16, 2024, revocations, items on the disposal list, and approval of draw deadlines for 2025. Draw deadlines as approved were:

• February 12, 2025 – bear and turkey
• March 19, 2025 – Big Game
• August 13, 2025 – Sandhill Crane and Pheasant Permits

The following items (#6 and #7) were hearings on the Migratory Game Bird Rule (19.31.6 NMAC) for the 2024-2025 Hunting Season, and for the Bighorn Sheep Rule (19.31.17 NMAC). Presentations on both items were offered by Chief Steward Liley, with Director Michael Sloane presiding. With limited discussion, both actions proposals in the hearings were unanimously approved by the Commission. On item 6, Chief Lilely indicated that changes that were made were in response to federal schedules and calendar shift dates, and small unit additions. Only two attender comments were shared around the bighorn sheep approval, with Jesse Deubel (NM Wildlife Foundation) continuing to be concerned about legalities and whether nonresidents were being  prioritized, and David Heft (Wild Sheep Foundation) agreeing with the Department as to the legal requirement for the rule to be adopted, as Chief Liley had discussed in his presentation.

Item #8 was an update on a Required Revision of the State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP). The New Mexico “SWAP” is part of a national initiative focused on conservation of the nation's fish and wildlife and protect or prevent endangered species. This initiative, is designed with particular emphasis on species of greatest conservation need (SGCNs) and their habitats. Such an action plan is federally required at least every ten years. In turn, the federal government provides about $1,000,000, and the state about $2.700.000. The most recent state SWAP report was published in 2017 (400 pages); the plan is to complete the next draft for approval by a partner state and the federal government by October 1, 2025. NMDGF has assembled a core group of about 40 outside groups to consult on this work (including agencies that manage public lands, tribal entities, and nonprofits with expertise in habitat conservation). New Mexico’s SWAP is intended as a blueprint for conservation and to catalog what is known about native wildlife, threats to their habitats, and strategies to mitigate those threats. The updated SWAP is expected to increase the number of SGCNs included in the analysis. The department has developed (and continues to expand) a detailed and accessible website describing this program at: https://nmswap.org/overview, and have conducted public information meetings. While NM BHA is not immediately involved in SWAP, it is likely to be of interest to many.

The next item, again prevented by Chief Lilely, was an approval to open a 14 day public comment period on the Director’s Draft 2024 Biennial Review (Available here). 

The next item was approval of the FY26 budget proposal as shared in the previous meeting; this item was passed with 6 approving, and one (Commissioner Lopez) voting no, due to some items he regarded as unclear.

The final formal public item was approval of two shooting preserve applications, one for Trout Stalker Ranch, and the other for Three Sisters Ranch. After positive recommendations from senior Conservation Officer staff, both were approved. A few comments from Commissioners followed, with Commissioner Lopez asking if it could be possible to try to release agendas earlier for meetings, even if just rough drafts, and asked if the Commission and Department might be better represented at statewide hunting and fishing events. Commissioner Pack asking for consideration of ways to bring in more public residents to Commission meetings.

The Commission then initiated an executive session for discussions pursuant to Purchase, Acquisition, or Disposal items; Attorney-Client Privilege issues; and Limited Personnel Matters. Others present left the meeting when the executive session began.