NM BHA January 2025 Newsletter!

New Mexico Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers

Don't miss your chance to connect with fellow hunters and anglers at the upcoming New Mexico Outdoor Adventures Show. NMBHA will be selling raffle tickets for a chance to win a Weatherby model 307 Hush chambered in 7mm Backcountry as well as other great merchandise. So swing by the NMBHA booth for a chance to swap adventure stories with like minded members and support your New Mexico chapter. This event takes place at the Manuel Lujan Building of EXPO New Mexico on February 14th through the 16th.

Stewardship:

NMBHA proudly issued a letter of support for the proposed Caja del Rio National Monument near Santa Fe. This culturally and ecologically significant area, rich with ancestral Pueblo sites, diverse wildlife, and dramatic landscapes, deserves permanent protection. Designating it as a national monument will honor its Indigenous heritage, safeguard hunting and fishing traditions, and ensure sustainable outdoor recreation. Protecting Caja del Rio aligns with conservation goals like the America the Beautiful initiative. NMBHA calls on the Department of the Interior and the Biden Administration to include robust protections for hunters and anglers while preserving the land for future generations.

On January 25, 11 NMBHA members joined staff from the Bureau of Land Management and New Mexico Department of Game and Fish in the Pyramid mountains south of Lordsburg. Juan Ramon from the Las Cruces BLM office has been implementing the Bootheel Wildlife Habitat Connectivity Project and requested NMBHA’s help in removing a 1.5 mile section of fence. Fencing is one of the biggest barriers to wildlife movement. In arid landscapes, it is crucial for wildlife to be able to move freely to access water or find better habitat.

The net wire fencing was located on top of Rimrock mountain in an area inaccessible for vehicles. A long procession of hikers headed up the steep slope to the top of Rimrock where they would start removing wire. Like most stewardship events, volunteers broke into groups and quickly and efficiently divided up tasks. Some cut wire from the fence posts and cut it into sections, others rolled it up to be transported to the staging area. With their hard work they were able to remove all 1.5 miles in a day.

The local rancher, part of a family that's been grazing on this land for four generations, came to watch as they took down a section of fence he never thought would be removed. Collaboration efforts like this build relationships with state and federal agencies and private landowners.

(Link to Blog Recap of Rimrock mountain Fence Removal)

Volunteer opportunities:

We have multiple stewardship events planned for the year, and more to come.
Look for the Beer, Bands and Barbed Wire Strands event on July 26 in Embudo, NM. This will be our largest stewardship event of the year with camping, fence removal, beer, live music, raffles and prizes.

Beer, Bands and Barbed Wire Strand

Policy:

NMBHA has been closely monitoring SB 5 as it moves through the New Mexico legislature, providing feedback to committee members on key issues important to hunters and anglers across the state. Our advocacy efforts have focused on:

Securing a guaranteed seat for a hunter and angler on the commission
Ensuring New Mexico residency requirements
Strengthening language on the use and qualifications of science in decision-making
Addressing concerns over the disproportionately high fee increases for trappers

We look forward to seeing how the bill evolves through the committees and will continue to offer balanced recommendations.

SB5: https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?Chamber=S&LegType=B&LegNo=5&year=25

Join NM BHA Here!

About Joel Weltzien

Joel grew up backpacking and river running in rural Montana, and as an adult began hunting and fishing every chance he got. As California's Chapter Coordinator, Joel seeks to advance diverse coalitions in support of BHA's mission in the Golden State.

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