New Mexico's wildlife management agency is under scrutiny for its decision to allow increased trophy hunting of black bears and cougars. The plan permits hunters to kill 864 black bears and 563 cougars annually over the next four years, using radio-collared hunting hounds.

Nina Eydelman, Chief Program & Policy Officer-Wildlife for Animal Protection New Mexico, criticized the move, stating, "Our state’s black bears and cougars are worth far more than a stuffed trophy." She emphasized that New Mexicans value these animals and expect more conservation efforts as they face extreme environmental conditions.

Mary Katherine Ray from the Rio Grande Chapter of the Sierra Club highlighted challenges in accurately counting bear and cougar populations. She noted that few studies have been conducted in New Mexico, risking inflated population estimates that justify high hunting quotas.

The public rulemaking process by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) has also faced criticism. Changes to rules are posted on their website without prior notice during the public comment period. Eydelman commented on this issue, saying it makes it difficult for the public to provide meaningful input.

The NMDGF is finalizing new rules for bear and cougar hunting for the next four years. Public comments can be submitted until August 23rd via email at DGF-Bear-Cougar-Rules@state.nm.us. The Game Commission will vote on October 20th after meetings in Raton on August 25th and Farmington on October 20th.

Critics argue that current quotas threaten local populations due to inaccurate population estimates derived from limited data. They call for reduced hunting quotas to protect these species, which reproduce slowly and are vulnerable to overhunting.

New Mexico faces severe environmental challenges, including a prolonged drought and recent record-breaking fires affecting wildlife habitats. These conditions further stress bear and cougar populations reliant on specific ecological resources.

Animal Protection New Mexico (APNM) and the Rio Grande Chapter of the Sierra Club urge public opposition to current quotas through written comments or attendance at upcoming meetings.