S TAT U S O F
P E N D I N G L AW S
NEW MEXICO HOLDS MEETINGS ON
TRAPPING PROPOSAL
14
SPORTSMEN’S MONTHLY
mile of NM Hwy 475 on the Santa Fe
National Forest and NM Hwy 150 on
the Carson National Forest
Despite requests, the commission
has not provided the total acreage
affected by these restrictions.
Trapping setbacks, such as the
ones under the new rule proposal,
would negatively impact local
wildlife and the safety and health
of the general public as some
furbearers carry diseases, like rabies,
which can be contracted by other
wildlife and humans. Federal and
state wildlife experts agree that
trapping is an essential aspect of
wildlife management, and these
proposed rules will push sportsmen
farther and farther away from areas
that need aggressive management.
the state of new mexico is increasingly
becoming hostile to sportsmen. These pro-
posals will harm other wildlife, ecosys-
tems and pose a danger to public safetey,
while decreasing trapping participation.
T
he New Mexico State Game
Commission hosted several
meetings throughout October
to discuss a proposal that
establishes setbacks on trapping
and bans land-sets on several areas
of public land.
The commission also took public
comment on a proposed rule that
establishes setbacks of a half-
mile from any trails, picnic areas,
campgrounds and roadside rest
areas. Additionally, several areas will
be closed to land-set traps, including:
• The Sandia Ranger District
• The Eastern portion of Organ
Mountain-Desert Peaks National
Monument
• Forest Service lands within 1/2