If you are planning to go hunting in New Mexico, it is important to understand the legalities. For example, it is necessary to have a license to hunt, and if you do not have one, you could be fined.
Penalties for hunting without a license
The penalty for hunting small game without having a license is $100. If you do not have other necessary validation or stamps, there could be a $50 penalty. These are considered misdemeanors, and when you pay them and the cost of a license and other validation, you can get the necessary permits.
Observing other rules
However, having a hunting license does not simply authorize you to go out and hunt whatever you want as often as you want. There are other restrictions under state law. For example, you are limited to only killing one of certain types of wildlife unless there are additional rules in place. You are also limited in how you are permitted to hunt. For example, if you shoot at a protected species from your vehicle, even if you have the proper hunting license, you could face penalties. You are also not permitted to use bait when hunting game, make decoys out of live protected species, or shoot from an aircraft. You need an owner’s or tenant’s permission to shoot within 150 yards of their home.
While fines may seem minor for these violations, they can add up, and some penalties related to game and fishing violations can be severe. They could include having your license permanently revoked and even jail time. It is also important to know your rights as a hunter. If you are faced with charges related to hunting and fishing violations, you may want to consult an attorney to ensure that you fully understand your situation and how to proceed.
