It’s time to take back our elk and ensure fair hunting opportunities
In a state known for its rugged landscapes and abundant wildlife, New Mexico’s elk management system stands out for all the wrong reasons.
The recent release of the second Take Back Your Elk report sheds light on the persistent issues plaguing the system and underscores the urgent need for reform.
One glaring problem highlighted by the report is the disproportionate allocation of elk licenses, favoring those with deep pockets over ordinary residents. New Mexico’s Elk Private Land Use System (EPLUS) allocates a significant portion of licenses directly to landowners, with a staggering 75% of these licenses ending up in the hands of nonresident hunters. This not only raises concerns about fairness but also undermines the principle of equal access to our state’s natural resources.
Moreover, the state’s unique “outfitter set-aside” law further exacerbates the inequities by reserving 10% of public draw licenses for hunters who can afford to hire outfitters. This system essentially tilts the playing field in favor of wealthy hunters, leaving many residents at a disadvantage in the pursuit of their hunting opportunities.
The lack of transparency and accountability within the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish only compounds the problem. Despite calls for greater transparency from legislators and conservation groups, the department has failed to provide public reports on license distribution. Meanwhile, the department continues to benefit from selling elk licenses to nonresidents at higher fees, further perpetuating the inequities in the system.
It’s clear that New Mexico’s elk management system is in dire need of reform. The coalition behind the Take Back Your Elk report is calling on all New Mexicans to urge their state legislators to support necessary changes in state
law:
Prioritize resident hunting opportunity and undertake wholesale reform of the state’s elk management system.
Ensure that 100% of public land elk hunting opportunities are distributed through the public draw system, guaranteeing equal access for all.
Repeal the “outfitter set-aside” provision that unfairly advantages hunters with financial means.
These reforms are not just about ensuring fairness; they are about upholding the fundamental principle that our wildlife belongs to all the people of New Mexico, not just a privileged few. It’s time to take back our elk and ensure that hunting opportunities are accessible to all residents, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
For more information, report details and to join the call for reform, visit TakeBackYourElk.com. Together, we can create a more equitable and sustainable future for elk management in New Mexico.