Private Land Ranch-Only Elk Hunt Season Extended - New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
09/05/03
Ranch-only elk hunts on private lands have been extended until Feb. 28, 2004, except in Game Management Unit 4, to help reduce elk depredation on private lands. The State Game Commission extended the date at its Aug. 20 meeting in Santa Fe, following a request by the Department of Game and Fish. The new date extends the season for private land ranch-only permits statewide by 28 days, although no additional permits will be issued.
"We want to extend ranch-only hunting to accommodate a late harvest of cows," said Luis Rios, Division of Wildlife chief. "The private land cow harvest is below ideal. We're not increasing the number of permits, just the window of opportunity to hunt."
Rios noted that elk may not be present on some ranches until February, making it difficult for those landowners to offer valuable hunting opportunities under the current closing date of Jan. 31. Unit 4 was excepted from the change at the request of outfitters and landowners in the area, who want the opportunity to raise quality bulls.
The Commission approved the changes only for the 2003-2004 season, because the Landowner Sign-Up System, or LOSS, is under review.
