Lawmakers make another push to reform New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

Lawmakers in New Mexico are considering reforms to the state’s wildlife management agency, the Department of Game and Fish. Representative Matthew McQueen has proposed two bills to broaden the agency’s mission beyond hunting and fishing, as well as reform the Game Commission’s structure to address issues of politicization and high turnover.
One bill aims to rename the agency to the Department of Wildlife, increase its budget, and support animals beyond hunting and angling. The second bill would change the Game Commission’s structure, mandate specific backgrounds for commissioners, and establish a nominating committee.
The reforms seek to address longstanding issues within the agency and the commission, including political influence and dysfunction. The proposed changes have received support from conservation groups and lawmakers, although some concerns have been raised by Republicans regarding overlapping responsibilities with federal agencies.
The reform bills are seen as a crucial step to modernize the agency and ensure effective wildlife management in New Mexico. Governor Lujan Grisham’s office is collaborating with sponsors on the proposed legislation, which faces significant hurdles in the upcoming 60-day session.

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