Long debate as Senate Finance hears SB5 game and fish reform; supporters and ranching groups clash

Senate Bill 5, a multi‑part package of changes to the Department of Game and Fish, drew extensive testimony and divided testimony in the Senate Finance Committee. Sponsors described the measure as a negotiated, compromised reform that updates the department’s authority, reforms the state game commission composition and raises modest hunting and fishing license fees to shore up department operations. The bill’s sponsors and several outdoor and conservation groups said the package reflects extensive interim collaboration; opponents — principally ranching associations, stockmen and some county groups — urged the committee to slow down and requested more consultation.

Sponsor overview and stated intent. Senator Campos, sponsor of the bill package, said the measure would modernize the department’s authority to address non‑game species where appropriate, strengthen the commission to make it a more effective independent body, and raise modest license fees to fund conservation work. Co‑sponsor Senator Brantley described the bill as the result of months of negotiation and emphasized what the bill does not do: it does not change Endangered Species Act authority, does not alter private landowner rights or land‑use statutes and does not create new federal listing powers.

Support testimony. Representatives from the Audubon Society, New Mexico Wildlife Federation, Trout Unlimited, New Mexico Council of Outfitters and Guides and other organizations offered support. They said the Department needs stable funding to operate hatcheries, monitor populations and undertake habitat work, and they noted a $10.5 million Grow Fund allocation referenced in committee materials for species of greatest conservation need. Several anglers and hunters who testified by video emphasized that a modest license increase is acceptable if it sustains fieldwork and stocking services.

Opposition and concerns. Multiple ranching and landowner groups — Northern New Mexico Stockmen, New Mexico Cattle Growers Association and others — opposed the bill. Their written and oral testimony argued the bill expands the department’s mission language in ways that could reduce private property rights and undercut statutory protections in Chapter 17; some witnesses said they were not consulted sufficiently. Opponents also criticized aspects of commission authority and changes they said would allow the department to shift toward a conservation‑biology focus at the expense of traditional game‑management approaches.

Amendments, shed‑hunt proposal and bighorn sheep language. Committee members considered several amendments. Senator Lanier offered a small, agreed amendment to address a license convenience fee for anglers and to remove an obsolete species name; the sponsors described that change as friendly and accepted it. Senator Munoz introduced a more consequential amendment (filed as 357.1 in committee) that would add a new “shed‑hunting” license (resident $1, nonresident $300) and boost nonresident desert bighorn and shed‑hunt fees; that amendment prompted substantial pushback. Department and stakeholder witnesses urged more time for discussion. Committee sponsors withdrew the larger amendment for further stakeholder work and said they would return to the committee with refined language; the hearing recessed on SB5 with further consideration planned.

Department position and management questions. Department Director Mike Sloan said the department has not taken an official position on the bill as a whole but acknowledged concerns about language removing or changing commissioner removal provisions. He confirmed the department actively manages desert and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep and conducts surveys and biologist work funded in part by current licensing revenue. Experts testifying urged careful consideration of fees and noted nonresident hunters already supply a substantial share of agency revenue (testimony said nonresidents purchase about 31% of licenses but provide about 60% of funding).

Why it matters. SB5 would reshape how the Department of Game and Fish is funded and how the commission is constituted. Supporters said modest fee increases and targeted reforms would create a sustainable funding base and a more effective commission; opponents said statutory mission language could be broadened in ways that affect landowners and wildlife management practices. Several members asked for more time to reconcile differences and to vet fee and license language with the wide range of hunting, conservation and ranching stakeholders.

Ending. Sponsors and stakeholders agreed to continued negotiations; the committee did not take a final vote on SB5. Senators said they plan to revisit the measure after the sponsors circulate revised amendments and after additional stakeholder meetings.