KRWG News – SANTA FE, N.M. (krwg) New Mexicans will get a larger share of licenses to hunt elk and other big game under a bill heading to the House.
The Senate approved a measure 38-3 Wednesday to earmark 84 percent of licenses for New Mexico hunters in the yearly drawing for the right to hunt elk, deer and other big game on public land.
Currently, 78 percent of licenses are designated for New Mexicans and 22 percent go to out-of-state hunters.
The bill by Democratic Sen. George Munoz of Gallup reserves 10 percent of licenses for nonresidents guided by a New Mexico outfitter, down from 12 percent currently. Six percent of licenses will go to other out-of-state hunters.
Drawing applicants must buy a small game license, costing $65 for nonresidents and $15 for New Mexicans.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. krwg