NEWS | 04.08.20
ALBUQUERQUE — The April 15 start of spring turkey season in New Mexico is just a week away. With the ongoing pandemic, the burden is on hunters even more than usual to show responsible behavior.
In common with many New Mexicans, we here at the New Mexico Wildlife Federation regard the opening of turkey season as a significant date every year. It means winter’s over, and it’s time to get out to the woods again and renew the cycle of hunting and fishing that defines the year.
Many people statewide enjoy making their hunting camps essentially into family reunions — places where dozens of people gather to visit, swap tales and keep our traditions alive.
Most years, such large gatherings are fine. But of course, this year’s different. New Mexico, like all the other states, is feeling the effects now of the pandemic that’s sweeping the globe.
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham was out well ahead of the pack with her orders closing schools and non-essential businesses. Even as the sad tally of those infected and killed by the virus in our state rises daily, there’s no doubt that early government action is saving lives.
Established campgrounds and other facilities that would allow people to congregate already have been closed. Even so, some turkey hunters already are setting up camps in the woods.
There’s rising concern in rural areas of our state that traveling hunters could bring the virus with them. Some are pushing for greater limits on travel and even for full closures of our public lands.
As we head out this season to hunt, we must all remember that we’re ambassadors for the sport. The general public’s tolerance could be sorely tested if we fail to show responsible behavior.
Here are some suggestions:
_ Purchase your tag online and use the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish’s E-Tag option so you won’t have to shop in person for paper license and tag.
_ Follow established social-distancing guidelines and limit the number of people in your vehicles and in your camp.
_ Show respect and consideration for our rural communities. If you don’t have to stop, don’t stop. If you do need to gas up, pay at the pump and clean the pump handle and keyboard before and after use.
_ Pack all the food, water and supplies you need for your trip at home so you don’t need to stop to shop in rural towns.
_ Be particularly respectful of our Native American pueblos and communities, respect their sovereignty and whatever closure orders they have in place.
The more sportsmen adhere to the rules, the faster our state can get this public health threat behind us. Let’s all do our part.
