This is what we will be fighting.
https://www.abqjournal.com/opinion/...bd3cbcc-6892-11ee-9734-7f1fc0520d14.htmlThe New Mexico Department of Game & Fish — NMDGF — is proposing to extend current hunting limits on our iconic mountain lions (cougars). Given that mountain lions are hardly a realistic food source; that the mountain lion has no idea they are involved in a life or death struggle where it’s most likely to be shot point-blank … ; and only the hunter is fully equipped with gadgets, radio-collared dogs, GPS, and weaponry, the department is essentially selling out our mountain lions to trophy hunters. How is this ethical, humane, or remotely fair?
Estimates have placed New Mexico’s cougar population somewhere around 3,500. In the last two years, the number of known mountain lion deaths per the NMDGF website was nearly 350 per year. That means 10% of the state’s estimated mountain lion population is now being killed annually from known causes, according to NMDGF’s own statistics — primarily from hunting. However, this data does not include unknown cougar deaths from natural causes, starvation, dehydration, disease, poisonings, wildfires, or attacks from bears and wolves; etc.
But, here’s the kicker — based on the department’s own proposed limits, as many as 563 individual mountain lions could potentially be killed per year over each of the next four years. That equates to 16% of the estimated population per year without counting unknown deaths. How is that sustainable?
Many people live in New Mexico or move here in part due to its gorgeous scenery and the amazing array of wildlife. Exactly when will the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish start considering our interests? Mountain lions mean so much more to us than being a target — they are a keystone species that other wildlife depends upon and without which New Mexico would certainly lose a significant part of its enchanting charm. For the NMDGF to maintain such high hunting limits on our majestic mountain lions is just plain wrong and totally unacceptable.
If you, too, oppose this awful plan, please email the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish at
[email protected] or phone them at 505-476-8000 or toll free at 888-248-6866, as soon as possible. Because they are scheduled to act on Oct. 27.