The New Mexico Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (NM BHA) supports Senate Bill 5 (SB 5) and has worked with legislators and hook and bullet partners to ensure the hunting and angling community has a strong voice in the future management of our cherished fish and wildlife resources. BHA has advocated for amendments to the bill that benefit hunters, anglers and trappers, both prior to and after introduction, based on feedback from staff, policy leaders and members. The bill, co-sponsored by Senators Pete Campos, Peter Wirth, Crystal Brantley and Representatives Matthew McQueen and Nathan Small, addresses critical issues for the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, including the need for sustainable long-term funding, more transparent and qualified appointments to the Game Commission, and increased authority to manage species of greatest conservation need.

A version of this bill advanced to the Governor's desk during the last legislative session and Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham did not sign it into law. The current bill has undergone extensive changes and has significant momentum. It's New Mexico BHA’s intent to continue to work on behalf of our members and supporters on this bill and others during the 2025 session to ensure legislation reflects the values and priorities of BHA's hunting and angling community. 

Key Provisions of SB 5 that New Mexico BHA advocated for: (Click here for full bill text)

• Guaranteeing a seat for a "hunter and angler" on the commission.
• Including language that the entire commission should possess knowledge of hunting and fishing, in addition to requiring NM residency for commissioners.
• Advocating for lower resident trappers and fur buyer fees more comparable to fee increases for other license types.

Today's Reality - An Underfunded Department & Broken Game Commission 

The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish is in the midst of a funding crisis. License fees haven't increased in over 20 years and additional funds are needed to keep pace with mounting environmental and financial pressures, ensuring our wildlife managers have the resources they need to steward our shared fish and wildlife resources for current and future generations. Hunters and anglers have a century long history of leading the way in conservation funding. North America’s unique user pay system, set atop a foundation of science-based wildlife management, has proven to be the most effective model of wildlife management in the world. We look forward to building on this legacy of investment in the next 100 years. 

For too long our state game commission has been in disarray. Currently, the Governor has unilateral power to dismiss commissioners without just cause or a formal process. This has led to the abrupt removal of qualified commissioners who aim to solve politically sensitive issues and an unstable governing body that is disrupted when a new governor takes office. Additionally, there is a lack of transparency and public involvement in appointments, with limited requirements around qualifications and no formal vetting to determine conflicts of interests. This dysfunctional system has led to the appointment of commissioners that represent special interests or those who are uneducated on wildlife management, hunting and angling and ill-equipped to address the nuanced and challenging issues of our time. 

Necessary Funding:

• Adjusts hunting and fishing license fees, which haven’t increased in over 20 years, to provide critical funding for wildlife management.
• Introduces inflation-based fee adjustments and discounted licenses for residents participating in SNAP.

Commission Reforms:

• Creates a new State Wildlife Commission Nominating Committee to ensure transparent and merit-based appointments.
• Requires commissioners to be New Mexico residents with knowledge of wildlife, hunting, and fishing.
• Includes a dedicated seat for an individual who is both a hunter and an angler, ensuring representation of these vital stakeholders.
• Sets clear qualifications for commissioner removal, reducing political vulnerability and unnecessary vacancies that hinder progress.

Department Rebranding and Expanded Authority:

• Renames the Department of Game and Fish to the Department of Wildlife, reflecting a broader focus on wildlife conservation beyond traditional game species.
• Expands the department’s authority to manage species of greatest conservation need and publish related data.

March 3 Update: SB 5 Passes Senate Finance Committee with Amendments – Moving to the House

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) remains committed to advocating for sound wildlife management, fair and transparent governance, and sustainable funding for the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. We are pleased to report that SB 5 has successfully passed the Senate Floor debate (Y:28 N:12) and is now moving to the House for further consideration.

BHA continues to support SB 5, recognizing its importance in reforming the Game Commission, ensuring long-term funding, and strengthening wildlife conservation efforts in New Mexico. However, recent amendments introduced in the Senate Finance Committee bring significant changes that require further discussion and input from our community.

READ CURRENT BILL WITH AMENDMENTS HERE

Key Changes Introduced in the Senate Finance Committee Amendment

Shed Hunting License Requirement            

The amendment legislates a shed hunting license, rather than leaving this decision to the State Game Commission.

Proposed fees: Nonresident shed hunter license: $500.00

This shift would solidify a shed hunting license in statute and undercut the Game Commission’s flexibility in managing this activity, setting an unfavorable precedent for future regulatory decisions of outdoor activities.

Substantial Increase in nonresident Bighorn Sheep Tag Prices

• Nonresident bighorn sheep tag price increases from $3,150 to $9,000.
• While we support efforts to secure sustainable funding for wildlife management, this excessively high price is prohibitive for non-resident hunters while providing nominal financial gains to the game department.
• This significant cost represents an unreasonable barrier for DIY hunters that want to apply for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, further limiting big horn sheep hunting opportunity for the regular hunter and increasing draw odds for those of greater than average means.

BHA’s Position Moving Forward

We continue to support SB 5 and its core objectives, particularly the much-needed Game Commission reforms and sustainable funding mechanisms for wildlife conservation. However, we recognize concerns regarding these new provisions and their potential long-term implications.

As SB 5 moves to the House, BHA is actively engaging with legislators and stakeholders to ensure a balanced approach—one that maintains conservation funding while keeping hunting, angling, and public land access fair and accessible.

Join BHA as a member to elevate the voice of hunters and anglers in New Mexico and nationally or sign up for our newsletter to receive policy and chapter updates. To share feedback or questions on this bill or other policy email the chapter at [email protected].