Traps have been banned in neighboring states, but not New Mexico

November 20, 2019

The New Mexico Game Commission will meet in Roswell, N.M., on November 21, its final opportunity to provide input on a proposed tweak to the state’s trapping rules. The modification would close .5% of public lands in New Mexico to most traps—small comfort to wildlife, companion animals, and people who want traps off all public lands.

According to an analysis of a recent TrapFree New Mexico map, many of the areas chosen for closure have no reports of companion animals being trapped, while other lands across New Mexico remain unprotected. During the public comment period on the trapping rules, many New Mexicans submitted written or oral comments asking for a public lands trapping ban and the state’s two largest papers editorialized against trapping. Polling also shows 70 percent of New Mexico voters oppose the use of traps. Nevertheless, Game Commissioners have so far not publicly requested any changes to the proposed rules.

“Public sentiment, the best available science, and the direction of our state’s economy all dictate that public lands should be free of traps,” said Guardians’ Chris Smith. “But we’ve received no sign that the message has gotten across to the Commissioners.”

Read the press release.

About the Author

WildEarth Guardians | ,

Read more from