Storm Usrey

The meeting commenced with a roll call and approval of the agenda, which involved moving agenda item number 12 (e+ hearing) to after the lunch break to accommodate the public. Following the introduction of guests and representatives from various environmental and sportsman groups, the commission addressed agenda item 5, the consent agenda, which included a detailed explanation of the license revocation process, which is similar to the Department of Motor Vehicles point system, including options for hearings and appeals to district court. During the general public comments period, attendees expressed concerns regarding the global extinction crisis and advocated for broader species protection authority, stream access issues following an Attorney General opinion on navigability, and the need for equitable access to public lands and waterways for all demographic groups. A moment of silence was observed to honor the sons of retired director Alexa Sandal and Ernie Sandal.

This document outlines the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish's top priorities for 2016. Key strategic areas include large-scale habitat restoration, a mountain lion population study, native trout restoration, and recruitment and retention of sportsmen and women through family hunter education programs. Additional priorities involve revising the Share with Wildlife program, enhancing web-based data access, implementing a riparian zone mapping project, and operational improvements such as improving radio communications, decreasing vacancy rates, validating a new federal aid cost tracking system, and implementing a web-based employee time reporting system.

The meeting agenda for the New Mexico State Game Commission included several action items and discussions. Key topics involved the election of the Chair and Vice Chair, approval of the 2026 Open Meetings Act Resolution, and discussion of proposed 2026 meeting dates and locations. Significant regulatory discussions included a Rule Hearing on the Manner and Method Rule concerning Shed Hunting, and initial discussions regarding rules for Javelina, Turkey, and Barbary Sheep, Oryx, and Persian Ibex. The agenda also allocated time for general public comment and an executive session to discuss attorney-client privilege related to ongoing litigation.

The meeting agenda included approval of the agenda and minutes from the previous meeting, followed by Department Awards recognizing four teams/individuals: Outstanding Conservation Service Award (Mark Watson), Outstanding Support Services Award (Jeff Brody), Rising Star Award (Justin Heppler), and Outstanding Teamwork Award (Jacob Davidson, Isaac Caviente, Daniel Lusk, Jeff Oddborn, and Gary Calkins) for their work on a historic prescribed burn. Discussions continued on Agenda Item 8 regarding license revocations under the Interstate Wildlife Violators Compact, Parental Responsibility Act, and Penalty Assessments, involving several groups of individuals. Agenda Item 9 involved the request to dispose of Fiscal Year 2018 vehicles and other assets, with discussion on auction proceeds benefiting the Game Protection Fund and the need to demolish derelict structures at Callister Lake. Agenda Item 10 provided an update on the construction of the Albuquerque Office Complex, which is on schedule for turnover in September, with plans to hold the next Commission meeting there in October. Agenda Item 11 provided a successful update on the Bighorn Sheep Status in Cochiti Canyon, noting significant population growth since initial translocations beginning in 2014. Agenda Item 12 covered recognition of cooperation between the Department and Los Alamos County regarding the implementation of bear-resistant trash receptacles to reduce human-bear interactions, including the purchase of dumpsters and residential roll-off carts. Finally, Agenda Item 13 involved a subsequent discussion on potential rule changes for Barbary Sheep, Oryx, and Persian Ibex for the 2019-2023 seasons, where data supported maintaining the Once-in-a-Lifetime status for Oryx hunts on the White Sands Missile Range, with adjustments proposed for the number of available licenses across various categories.

The meeting agenda was approved, including the addition of an executive session to discuss property purchase/disposal, attorney-client privilege regarding litigation updates, and personnel matters. Discussion topics included a video presentation on 'The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation: Origins, Meaning, and Purpose,' an overview of the Recovering America's Wildlife Act (RAWA), an update on the WMI's Commission Guidebook concerning strategic partnership, and a facilitated discussion of the Commission's Mission, Vision, and Values. An executive session was subsequently held to discuss property matters and personnel issues.