New Mexico's legislature wrapped up its 30-day budget session on February 19th. Legislation relevant big game, wildlife management and conservation funding are highlighted. The session produced meaningful wins for sportsmen and women, and one significant victory in defeating threat to lawful firearms commerce. 

• SB 104 — Fish and Game Commissioner removal process. This bill passed and was signed into law to establish a formal process for removing Fish and Game commissioners, including public notice requirements, cause standards, and a pathway for commissioners to contest removal in the state Supreme Court. Strong and consistent commission leadership is essential to sound wildlife management — a principle we support. We have seen in Washington and Colorado what happens when commission appointments go sideways. Solidifying this process brings clarity to a commission that has seen significant turnover in recent years and highlights the importance of governors appointing serious and qualified candidates. 

• HB 2 — Annual budget with key conservation appropriations. The omnibus budget bill that passed included $70 million for public land access, investment and recovery; $15 million for the River Stewardship Program; and $2 million for aquatic species and fish hatcheries. These investments support the landscape-level conservation that benefits elk and other wildlife across New Mexico. 

• SB 17 — Restrictions on firearms dealers and ban on modern sporting rifles. This bill died but would have imposed significant new burdens on Federal Firearms License holders and banned the sale of modern sporting rifles and standard capacity magazines. It stalled in the House and died at session adjournment. As we have noted in other states, undermining lawful firearms commerce has direct consequences for conservation — Pittman-Robertson excise tax revenues generated by firearms and ammunition sales are foundational to wildlife funding. Some versions of this bill have been introduced in each of the last eight sessions, and it is expected to return in future sessions. 

About Hunt 2 Conserve 

Hunt 2 Conserve is a 501(c)4 nonprofit organization affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Its mission is to advance a legacy of hunting and conservation by educating, activating and developing stewards and defenders of these fundamentally American ideals. For more information, go to hunt2conserve.org. 

(Photo credit: Jim Bowen)