New Mexico: Anti-Trapping Measure Passes Senate, Will NOW Be Heard in House Committee
March 13, 2021
Earlier this week, the New Mexico Senate passed Senate Bill 32, a measure to ban the use of traps or snares on public lands, on a 26-13 vote. The measure does exempt hunting with firearms and archery equipment, but many sportsmen and agricultural partners that are Second Amendment supporters are concerned about eliminating a traditional wildlife management tool, especially after the New Mexico Game Commission adopted and implemented new trapping regulations just a little over a year ago.
These new regulations include mandatory education for anyone purchasing a trapping license and new setbacks, requiring a half-mile distance from designated trailheads, roadside rest areas, picnic areas, and public campgrounds or boat launches. Such a ban micromanages state wildlife biologists rather than allowing them to make the best decisions for wildlife management based on science and biological necessity.
The House Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee had originally scheduled this bill for Saturday, but will now hold a virtual committee hearing on SB 32 this Sunday, March 14, at 9:00am. Please click this link to join the webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88692377623.
Depending on how many attendees there are, the committee chair may limit testimony for, or against, the bill. But at a minimum, he will take an online poll to gauge the number of people on the Zoom who support or oppose the bill, so please make plans to attend.
Also, please contact your State Representatives and urge them to OPPOSE Senate Bill 32!
Established in 1975, the Institute for Legislative Action (ILA) is the “lobbying” arm of the National Rifle Association of America. ILA is responsible for preserving the right of all law-abiding individuals in the legislative, political, and legal arenas, to purchase, possess, and use firearms for legitimate purposes as guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.