44th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2000

REQUESTING THE NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO DIRECT THE APPROPRIATE INTERIM COMMITTEE TO STUDY THE DEPARTMENT OF GAME AND FISH'S POLICIES ON ISSUING ELK PERMITS AND RECOMMEND CHANGES TO THE LEGISLATURE.

WHEREAS, the department of game and fish varies the number of elk permits annually; and

WHEREAS, the rationale for variances in elk permit numbers should be based on trends in elk populations and habitat pressures; and

WHEREAS, reports have circulated that the department of game and fish has increased the number of permits for non-residents on certain allotments but not for residents; and

WHEREAS, twenty-seven depredation permits for each of five years were issued for one absentee, non-resident landowner in addition to the normal permit number; and

WHEREAS, some of these decisions have been made without approval or review by the state game commission; and

WHEREAS, the department of game and fish has made commitments to assist landowners and acknowledges damage to private land by wildlife;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the New Mexico legislative council be requested to direct the appropriate interim committee to study the policies of the department of game and fish in allotting elk permits and report its findings and recommendations to the legislature by January 2001; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the New Mexico legislative council.