Fishing in New Mexico has changed quite a bit from last year; the NM Department of Game and Fish decided to update the licensing system to an online format. While this seems like a good move there is some confusion as to whether someone can still obtain a license from traditional vendors or are forced to buy online and print, I know I will definitely miss the old paper license system since I have kept them for years.
If you are in need of a license go to wildlife.state.nm.us and look for the "Buy a License" button to the left, the site redirect is secure and requires you create a new account in your name before using a check box system to select your license type and validations/stamps.
Sadly Bob Gerding's Outdoor Hunting and Fishing Show, traditionally held in February was canceled this year following Bob's passing Dec. 18, 2013 after a battle with cancer. He was a high profile NM resident advocate for conservation and sustainable harvest and lifelong outdoors man. The ABQ Journal obituary profile can be found here.
A number of water restrictions are still in place as various streams and reservoirs are recovering from fire and ash. Water levels are way down in Heron while Brantley, Santa Rosa and Lake Sumner are above 650% of last year. As of August Brantley is at 8141% of levels last year, no idea what that would look like but I aim to find out.
