On February 23, members of the New Mexico Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus gathered at the Inn of the Governors for a reception to celebrate the Land of Enchantment’s outdoor heritage. Upwards of 30 legislators from the Roundhouse – New Mexico’s Capitol – stopped by the event to interact with members of the sportsmen’s community and acknowledge the cultural and economic benefits that hunting, angling, recreational shooting, and trapping bring to the state.
During the reception, National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses (NASC) Executive Council Alternative and New Mexico Caucus member Representative Bill Rehm addressed the crowd and highlighted the 6.3 million days that New Mexico sportsmen and women spend in the field and on the water each year, generating $579 million in spending and an economic ripple effect of $819 million.
“With numerous sportsmen’s issues popping up at the Legislature this year, the Sportsmen’s Caucus plays a critical role in making sure we can get feedback from the people these proposals would impact the most. Whether it’s stream access, trapping or predator control, the NMLSC provides us the venue to do just that,” said Rep. Rehm.
Sponsors of the event included the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers, Charlie 
Marquez, Ducks Unlimited, John Thompson Consulting, Modrall Sperling, National Rifle Association, National Wild Turkey Federation, New Mexico Cattle Growers Association, New Mexico Council of Outfitters and Guides, New Mexico Farm and Livestock, the New Mexico Game and Fish Officers Association, New Mexico Wool Growers, Inc., Qwest, and the Rutherford Group.
For more information about the New Mexico Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, please contact CSF Western States Director Andy Treharne at andy@sportsmenslink.org.
Studies conducted at both the state and federal level have found that the number of hunters and trappers have been on a generally declining trend over the past several decades. To increase recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) of hunters and trappers, which initiative do you think would have the greatest impact?
