Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refug Hunt Plan

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge

Hunt Plan

March 2020

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge

1001 Highway 1

San Antonio, NM 87832

Submitted By:

Refuge Manager

______________________________________________ ____________

Signature Date

Concurrence:

Refuge Supervisor

______________________________________________ ____________

Signature Date

Approved:

Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System

______________________________________________ ____________

Signature Date

Table of Contents I. Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 3

II. Statement of Objectives ............................................................................................................. 5

III. Description of Hunting Program ............................................................................................... 6

A. Areas to be Opened to Hunting ........................................................................................ 6

B. Species to be Taken, Hunting periods, Hunting Access ................................................ 11

C. Hunter Permit Requirements .......................................................................................... 14

D. Consultation and Coordination with the State................................................................ 15

E. Law Enforcement ........................................................................................................... 15

F. Funding and Staffing Requirements .................................................................................. 16

IV. Conduct of the Hunting Program ............................................................................................ 16

A. Hunter Permit Application, Selection, and/or Registration Procedures ......................... 16

B. Refuge-Specific Hunting Regulations ............................................................................ 17

C. Relevant State Regulations............................................................................................. 18

D. Other Refuge Rules and Regulations for Hunting ......................................................... 18

V. Public Engagement .................................................................................................................. 19

A. Outreach for Announcing and Publicizing the Hunting Program .................................. 19

B. Anticipated Public Reaction to the Hunting Program .................................................... 19

C. How Hunters Will Be Informed of Relevant Rules and Regulations ............................ 19

VI. Compatibility Determination .................................................................................................. 19

List of Tables

Table 1. Wildlife Species Open to Hunting on Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge ... 11 Table 2. Bosque del Apache NWR Hunting Regulations ............................................................. 12

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BOSQUE DEL APACHE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

HUNT PLAN

I. Introduction

National wildlife refuges are guided by the mission and goals of the National Wildlife Refuge

System (NWRS), the purposes of an individual refuge, Service policy, and laws and international

treaties. Relevant guidance includes the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of

1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, Refuge

Recreation Act of 1962, and selected portions of the Code of Federal Regulations and Fish and

Wildlife Service Manual.

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge (refuge) was established by Executive Order No.

8289 on November 22, 1939, as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other

wildlife. Refuge establishment also included: “...for use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for any

other management purposes, for migratory birds.” Migratory Bird Conservation Act (16 U.S.C.

712d), and; The Wilderness Act of 1964 provides the following purposes for the Bosque del

Apache Wilderness (Chupadera, Indian Well, and Little San Pascual Wilderness units) on the

refuge: “…to secure for the American people of present and future generations the benefits of an

enduring resource of wilderness… wilderness areas ... shall be administered for the use and

enjoyment of the American people in such manner as will leave them unimpaired for future use

and enjoyment as wilderness, and so as to provide for the protection of these areas, the

preservation of their wilderness character, and for the gathering and dissemination of

information regarding their use and enjoyment as wilderness...” The refuge lands, with the

exception of the 140-acre Chupadera Peak addition, were purchased using funds from the

Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp) Program.

Early management focused on provisioning wintering sandhill cranes with wetlands for roosting

and food from agricultural crops. The focus has broadened to include serving the needs of other

wildlife, protecting and enhancing wildlife habitat for native and special status species,

protecting and preserving wilderness areas, and providing visitors opportunities for wildlife-

dependent recreation.

The refuge is an important migration and wintering area for hundreds of thousands of migratory

water birds, for which the refuge implements intensive management actions to produce food

resources. In addition, a tremendous amount of work goes into the protection, restoration, and

management of federally listed species and their habitats. The refuge works closely with state,

federal, private, and tribal partners on numerous species management plans and efforts.

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge encompasses 57,331 acres located along the Rio

Grande at the northern edge of the Chihuahuan Desert. It straddles the Rio Grande in Socorro

County, New Mexico, supporting perhaps one of the most diverse and unique assemblages of

habitat and wildlife within the Middle Rio Grande Valley (MRGV). The extraordinary diversity

and concentration of wildlife draws people from around the world. A comprehensive visitor

services program provides opportunities for people to connect with nature. The refuge takes an

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active role in restoring and preserving both historic floodplain and upland habitats, providing

high-quality habitat year-round for many resident wildlife species and those that migrate through

and to the refuge. The rest of the refuge is made up of arid foothills and mesas. Most of these

uplands are wilderness providing visitors with an opportunity for solitude.

Hunting has been occurring since before 1982. Mule deer hunting occurred in the uplands

during the state gun, muzzleloader and archery seasons only. These hunts were management

hunts to reduce the deer herd to acceptable levels. Archery hunts were implemented sometime

after 1983. Dove, quail, rabbit and a special goose hunt also continued (USFWS 1982). A

Special Youth Bearded Rio Grande Turkey Hunt began approximately seven years ago and

population reduction hunts for oryx have been occurring on the refuge for approximately

fourteen years.

Currently, hunting of snow goose, Ross’s goose, mourning and white-winged dove; quail

species, jackrabbit, cottontail rabbit, mule deer, oryx, and bearded Rio Grande turkey is

permitted in various locations on the refuge.

The mission of the NWRS, as outlined by the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration

Act (NWRAA), as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act (16

U.S.C. 668dd et seq.), is to:

“... to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation,

management and, where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife, and plant resources

and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future

generations of Americans.”

The NWRAA mandates the Secretary of the Interior in administering the System to (16 U.S.C.

668dd(a)(4):

● Provide for the conservation of fish, wildlife, and plants, and their habitats within the

NWRS;

● Ensure that the biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health of the NWRS are

maintained for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans;

● Ensure that the mission of the NWRS described at 16 U.S.C. 668dd(a)(2) and the

purposes of each refuge are carried out;

● Ensure effective coordination, interaction, and cooperation with owners of land adjoining

refuges and the fish and wildlife agency of the States in which the units of the NWRS are

located;

● Assist in the maintenance of adequate water quantity and water quality to fulfill the

mission of the NWRS and the purposes of each refuge;

● Recognize compatible wildlife-dependent recreational uses as the priority general public

uses of the NWRS through which the American public can develop an appreciation for

fish and wildlife;

● Ensure that opportunities are provided within the NWRS for compatible wildlife-

dependent recreational uses; and

● Monitor the status and trends of fish, wildlife, and plants in each refuge.

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Therefore, it is a priority of the Service to provide for wildlife-dependent recreation

opportunities, including hunting and fishing, when those opportunities are compatible with the

purposes for which the refuge was established and the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge

System.

Hunting is an existing use on the refuge and is allowed by the public under authority of the

National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act. Hunting opportunities for migratory game

birds which includes light goose (snow goose, Ross’s goose), mourning and white-winged dove;

upland game (scaled quail, Gambel’s quail, Montezuma quail, Northern bobwhite quail, black-

tailed jackrabbit, desert cottontail rabbit) and big game (mule deer, oryx, and bearded Rio

Grande turkey) would continue. This hunt plan also includes hunting opportunities for big game

(javelina, oryx, and bearded Rio Grande turkey); feral hog; upland game (scaled quail, Gambel’s

quail, Montezuma quail, black-tailed jackrabbit, desert cottontail rabbit and Eurasian collared-

dove); and migratory game birds (snow goose, Ross’s goose, dark goose (Canada goose, white-

fronted goose), duck species (American widgeon, gadwall, northern pintail, northern shoveler,

ring-necked duck, bufflehead, common merganser, red-breasted merganser, hooded merganser,

greater scaup, lesser scaup, canvasback, mallard, redhead, common goldeneye, ruddy duck,

white winged scoter, wood duck, cinnamon teal, blue-winged teal, green-winged teal), American

coot, common moorhen and common snipe (see Appendix 1 for species list). The portion of the

Rio Grande corridor, which falls within the East Hunt Unit of the refuge is also open to hunting

of migratory game birds, upland game, and big game.

II. Statement of Objectives

Hunting is a popular activity on Bosque del Apache. The refuge is committed to managing its

hunt program based on population and habitat management objectives.

The objectives of the Bosque del Apache hunt program are to:

Provide the public with a unique opportunity to participate in one of the wildlife-

dependent public recreation activities.

Promote understanding, appreciation, and support for the mission of the refuge.

Make public safety a top priority.

Utilize hunting as a management tool to meet wildlife population management goals.

Reduce wildlife depredation of agricultural crops on and off refuge lands that are

intended for migratory waterbirds.

Administer in accordance with wildlife management principles based on the best

available science.

Better align with the hunt programs implemented by the New Mexico Department of

Game and Fish (NMDGF) for the State of New Mexico.

Provide opportunities to address the nationwide decline in the participation of hunting

activities. Opportunities will focus on recruitment, retention, and reactivation, also

known as R3. The goal of R3 is to encourage new participation in outdoor wildlife and

fisheries dependent recreation, including hunting, and increase use by current and former

participants.

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Expand hunting opportunities on public lands to align with Secretarial Order 3356

(Hunting, Fishing, Recreational Shooting, and Wildlife Conservation Opportunities and

Coordination with States, Tribes, and Territories).

III. Description of Hunting Program

A. Areas Opened to Hunting

The various refuge hunts occur on different tracts on the refuge as shown on the Hunt Units Map

(Figure 1). All five refuge hunt units are open to the public on a seasonal basis for some type of

recreational hunting.

Figure 1. Map of Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge Hunt Units

East Hunt Unit

The East Hunt Unit at 28,022 acres is comprised of open habitat and rolling topography with a

variety of native upland grasses and extends from the east into the river corridor to the west bank

of the Rio Grande. The 19,859-acre Little San Pascual Wilderness Unit also falls within the East

Hunt Unit boundary, which was designated by Congress through Public Law Number 93-632 on

January 3, 1975, averages 2¼ miles in width and approximately 14 miles in length. This

wilderness unit lies within the Eastern section of the hunt unit, from a point beginning at the gas

pipeline east to the boundary of the refuge. Elevations range from 4,500 feet above sea level

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along the riverbed of the unit to 5,500 feet at the top of Little San Pascual Mountain near the

southeastern corner of the wilderness. The eastern half of the unit is mesa-like with widely

spaced arroyos adjacent to rolling terrain along the western side which flows toward the Rio

Grande. The surface layer over most of the western portion of the unit is extremely sandy. The

top layer of the unit becomes sand-gravel on higher elevations with scattered shallow ridges of

sand covered caliche, and is primarily rock on the mountains. No natural surface water is

available in the uplands. Some of the major plant species include mesa dropseed, giant dropseed,

and sand sage. The river portion of the unit is mixed bosque with the major canopy composed of

cottonwood and some salt cedar. Understory is a mix of New Mexico olive, seep willow, and

Gooding’s willow. Natural wetlands, oxbows and backwater habitat make up the riverbed

portion of the unit.

The East Hunt Unit boundary extends from the refuge’s eastern boundary fence to the western

bank of the Rio Grande which serves as the unit’s western boundary, and runs approximately six

miles from the refuge’s south boundary fence to the refuges north boundary fence (see Figure 1).

Access to this unit is through access gates on the North, East, and South boundaries, where the

public can park and walk in (no motorized vehicles of any type allowed), or access with the use

of horses in support of hunting activities during hunting season.

The East Hunt Unit is open to oryx, mule deer, javelina, feral hog, quail species, mourning dove,

white-winged dove, Eurasian collard dove, jackrabbits, cottontail rabbit, light goose, dark goose,

duck species, common snipe, common moorhen, American coot and bearded Rio Grande turkey.

Bajada Hunt Unit

The Bajada Hunt Unit is 3,489 acres and has an average elevation of 4,550 feet where the major

vegetative species on the series of small ridges and mesas include creosote bush, black grama

grass, and fluffgrass. Snakeweed, prickly pear cactus species, and Apache plume are distributed

throughout most of the area as well. One-seed juniper trees are scattered along some of the

ridges.

The Bajada Hunt Unit boundary extends east from the powerline that separates the West Hunt

Unit from the Bajada Hunt Unit and runs approximately six miles from the refuges south

boundary fence to the refuge’s north boundary fence. The east boundary (traveling from north to

south) follows the transition of the sloped hills to the flat terrain of the historic floodplain

(marked by PUBLIC HUNTING AREA and NONTOXIC SHOT ZONE signs) until the sloped

hills intersect with the train tracks, where it continues along the train tracks southward until it

intersects with State Highway 1, where it continues along State Highway 1 until it intersects with

the refuge south boundary (see Figure 1). Public access to this unit includes the Canyon

National Recreation Trail, Chupadera Wilderness National Recreation Trail, Covey Run Road,

or the walk in only Hunting Access Area adjacent to the refuges north boundary fence via State

Highway 1 (see Figure 2). Areas open to hunting will be posted with PUBLIC HUNTING

AREA and NONTOXIC SHOT ZONE signs (if applicable), and units closed to hunting adjacent

to hunting areas will be posted with NO HUNTING ZONE and/or CLOSED AREA signs.

The Bajada Hunt Unit is open to mule deer, javelina, feral hog, quail species, mourning dove,

white-winged dove, Eurasian collard dove, jackrabbits, cottontail rabbit and bearded Rio Grande

turkey.

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West Hunt Unit

The West Hunt Unit at 13,241 acres is made of a small chain of rounded mountains extending

along the western portion of this unit. Elevations range from 4,600 feet at the southeastern

corner of the unit to 6,272 feet at the top of Chupadera Peak. In the heart of the unit is an area of

rugged Chihuahuan desert habitat. Here, outcroppings of rich brown, almost reddish, cliff-like

formations, some more than 100 feet high, form what is probably the most spectacular

characteristic within this wilderness area. The combination of gravelly, rocky soil and 7.74

inches of annual precipitation combine to limit vegetation to creosote bush, bear grass species,

sotol, and similar desert plants, although a good growth of grass covers parts of the area unless

drought conditions exist.

The West Hunt Unit encompasses two wilderness units within its boundaries. The 5,429-acre

Chupadera Wilderness Unit was designated by Congress through Public Law Number 93-632 on

January 3, 1975, and is nearly six miles long and averages about 1½ miles in width. The 5,139-

acre Indian Well Wilderness Unit, which was designated by Congress through Public Law

Number 93-632 on January 3, 1975, averages about two miles in width and is approximately four

miles long. This wilderness is located in the southwestern portion of the hunt unit and adjacent

to the Chupadera Wilderness Unit.

Similar to the Chupadera Wilderness Unit, there is also no surface water in the Indian Well

Wilderness Unit. Named for a distinctive geological formation in the foothills that trapped and

held water, which was used by Native Americans and settlers alike, this wilderness unit also

provides access to areas that exhibit Chihuahuan desert habitat qualities. Public access to this

wilderness unit is from the Canyon National Recreation Trail, which enters the wilderness

boundary. Once inside the Indian Well Wilderness Unit, visitors may access it at any point along

the Canyon National Recreation Trail (see Figure 2). Flora are the same for this unit as for the

Chupadera Wilderness Unit. The Indian Well Wilderness Unit is open to foot-traffic only.

Motorized vehicles of any type and make, bicycles, and horses are not permitted.

The West Hunt Unit boundary extends from the powerline, which serves as the unit’s east

boundary to the refuges western boundary fence, and runs approximately six miles from the

refuges south boundary fence to the refuge’s north boundary fence (see Figure 1). For the public

to access the West Hunt Unit, hunters must pass through the Bajada Hunt Unit via the Canyon

National Recreation Trail, Chupadera Wilderness National Recreation Trail, Covey Run Road, or

the walk in only Hunting Access Area adjacent to the refuges north boundary fence via State

Highway 1 (see Figure 2). The Chupadera Wilderness Unit is open to foot traffic only.

Motorized vehicles of any type and make, bicycles, and horses are not permitted.

The West Hunt Unit is open to hunting for mule deer, javelina, feral hog, quail species,

mourning dove, white-winged dove, Eurasian collard dove, jackrabbits, cottontail rabbit and

bearded Rio Grande turkey.

North Special Hunt Area and South Special Hunt Area

The North Special Hunt Area (1,960 acres) and the South Special Hunt Area (1,432 acres) are

made up of mostly fallow agricultural land, some active agricultural land, seasonal moist soil

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units, wet meadow habitats and intermittent mixed bosque with the major canopy composed of

cottonwood and Goodings willow. The understory of the mixed bosque includes mostly New

Mexico olive and seep willow.

Light goose hunting is allowed during the Special Light Goose Hunt as a special draw permit

only on the refuge’s North Special Hunt Area (NSHA).

Bearded Rio Grande turkey hunting is allowed during the Special Youth Bearded Rio Grande

Turkey Hunt on the refuges NSHA and South Special Hunt Area (SSHA).

Closed Area

The area centrally located within the refuge boundary is closed to hunting with exception to the

NSHA and SSHA (see Figure 1). The area around the auto tour route (includes north loop, south

loops and any public access roads) with connected hiking trails, refuge visitor center, and

headquarters buildings and facilities are closed to hunting (see Figure 2). Areas open to hunting

will be posted with PUBLIC HUNTING AREA and NONTOXIC SHOT ZONE signs (if

applicable) and adjacent areas where hunting is not allowed will be posted with NO HUNTING

ZONE and/or CLOSED AREA signs.

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Figure 2. Map of Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge Public Use Facilities

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B. Species to be Taken, Hunting periods, Hunting Access

The refuge is open to hunting within parameters of the state season and bag limits. The

refuge is closed to hunting for all species not listed, including species designated as

unprotected by state regulations.

Table 1. Wildlife Species Open to Hunting on Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge

Migratory Game Birds Upland Game Non-game and

unprotected species

Big Game

Mourning dove

White-winged dove

Dark goose

Light goose

American coot

Common moorhen

Common snipe

Ducks include:

American wigeon

Gadwall

Northern pintail

Northern shoveler

Ring-necked duck

Bufflehead

Common merganser

Hooded merganser

Red-breasted merganser

Lesser scaup

Greater scaup

Canvasback

Mallard

Redhead

Common goldeneye

Ruddy duck

White-winged Scoter

Wood duck

Cinnamon teal

Blue-winged teal

Green-winged teal

Eurasian Collared dove

Gambel’s quail

Scaled quail

Northern bobwhite quail

Montezuma quail

Jackrabbit

Cottontail rabbit

Feral hog

(unprotected species)

Mule deer

Bearded Rio Grande turkey

Javelina

Oryx

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Table 2. Bosque del Apache NWR Hunting Regulations

Species and Bag

Limit

State Season

(Range)

Hunt Hours Units and Method of Take

Mourning and

White-winged

Dove

15 per day singly or

aggregate / 45 in

possession

South Zone:

Sept 1-Oct 28 and

Dec 1-Jan 1

*these dates are

subject to change.

1/2 hour before legal sunrise to

legal sunset

East, West and Bajada hunt units.

Shotgun or muzzle-loading

shotgun (non-toxic shot only);

bows and arrows, crossbows and

bolts

Ducks

6 ducks singly or in

aggregate / 3 times

daily bag.

Aggregate may

consist of no more

than: 5 mallards,

only 2 of which

may be female

(Mexican-like

ducks are

considered part of

the mallard bag

limit); 3 scaup; 3

wood ducks; 2

redhead; 2 hooded

merganser; 1

pintail; and 2

canvasback.

*Subject to change

South Zone:

Oct 28-Jan 31

*these dates are

subject to change.


legal sunset

East Hunt Unit.




bolts

American Coot

15 daily / 45 in

possession

*Subject to change

South Zone:

Oct 28-Jan 31

*these dates are

subject to change.


legal sunset

East Hunt Unit.




bolts

Common

Moorhen

1 daily / 3 in

possession

*Subject to change

South and North

Zones:

Sept 14 – Nov 22

*these dates are

subject to change.


legal sunset

East Hunt Unit.




bolts

Common Snipe

8 daily / 24 in

possession

*Subject to change

South and North

Zones:

Oct 12 – Jan 26

*these dates are

subject to change.


legal sunset

East Hunt Unit.




bolts

September Teal

Hunt

6 singly or in

aggregate / 18 in

possession

September Season:

Sept. 14-22

*these dates are

subject to change.


legal sunset

East Hunt Unit.




bolts

13

*Subject to change

Light Goose

50 daily / No

possession limit

*Subject to change

Oct. 17–Jan. 31

Conservation Order:

Feb 1- March 10

*these dates are

subject to change


legal sunset

East Hunt Unit




bolts

Special Light

Goose Hunt

50 daily / No

possession limit.

*Subject to change

annually

Dec 1–Jan. 31

Conservation Order:

Feb 1- March 10

*these dates are

subject to change


noon

North Special Hunt Area.




bolts

MRGV Dark

Goose

2 per day / 2 per

season

*Subject to change

Dec. 21–Jan. 31

*these dates are

subject to change.


legal sunset

East Hunt Unit.




bolts

Quail

15/day (no more

than 5 Montezuma

quail) /

30 in possession

(no more than 10

Montezuma quail)

Nov 15-Feb 15

*these dates are

subject to change.


1/2 hour after legal sunset





bolts

Bearded Rio

Grande Turkey

Up to 2 bearded

Rio Grande turkeys

per hunter

Apr. 15 – May 10

*these dates are

subject to change.







bolts

Special Youth

Bearded Rio

Grande Turkey

Hunt

Up to 2 bearded

Rio Grande turkeys

youth hunter.

*bag limit

dependent on

refuge populations

surveys

Early season state

established youth

hunt dates and Apr.

15 – May 10

*these dates are

subject to change.



North and South Special Hunt

Area.




bolts

Javelina

One javelina (either

sex)

Jan 1- March 31

*these dates are

subject to change.



West Hunt Unit (any legal

sporting arm), Bajada Hunt Unit

(bow and arrow, crossbow,

muzzle-loader (smoothbore

flintlock or musket, using open

sights in which the charge and

projectile are loaded via the

muzzle) or muzzle-loading

14

shotguns only), and East Hunt

Unit (any legal sporting arm)

Oryx

One oryx (either

sex)

June 1 – March 31

*these dates are

subject to change.



East Hunt Unit

Any legal sporting arm

Mule Deer

One fork-antlered

mule deer (or

larger)

Sept and Jan are

Archery only.

Oct: Muzzleloader

Nov: any legal

sporting arm

*these dates are

subject to change.



West Hunt Unit includes two

separate Game Management

Units (GMU), GMU 17 and

GMU 20. Please follow season

dates as set by the NMDGF.



(bows and arrows, crossbows and

bolts, muzzle-loader (smoothbore







Eurasian Collared

Dove

Unlimited bag limit

April 1-March 31, of

every year

*these dates are

subject to change.







bolts

Feral Hog

Unlimited bag limit

No closed season,

unprotected species





(bow and arrow, crossbow,

muzzle-loader (smoothbore







Jackrabbit and

cottontail rabbit

Unlimited bag limit

No closed season,

unprotected species.

*Subject to change







bolts

C. Hunter Permit Requirements

Big game hunters are required to possess a NMDGF Game-hunting License, carcass and/or

antler tag for each species, Habitat Management and Access Validation, and other appropriate

over-the-counter licenses.

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Migratory game bird hunters are required to possess a NMDGF Game-hunting License, Habitat

Management and Access Validation Stamp, Harvest Information Program Number (HIP), and a

Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp) for waterfowl hunters. Hunters

17 years of age or younger must possess a state-certified Hunter Education number or Mentored-

youth Hunter Number.

A refuge-specific special use permit for big game (with exception of the Special Youth Bearded

Rio Grande Turkey Hunt), upland and small game, and migratory birds (with exception to

Special Light Goose Hunt) is not required. A refuge-specific Special Use Permit and Hunt

Application Form (FWS Form 3-2439) is required for the Special Youth Turkey Hunt and

Special Light Goose Hunt. See section IV for additional information.

D. Consultation and Coordination with the State

Bosque del Apache and the NMDGF will work together to provide safe and enjoyable hunting

opportunities for the public. Data from refuge hunts and refuge wildlife surveys are shared with

NMDGF annually. Federal wildlife officers from the Service and NMDGF work together to

patrol the refuge and surrounding areas.

Annual consultation and coordination with the NMDGF will continue. Meetings are held prior

to finalizing the state’s regulations to ensure that any changes are properly coordinated. The

NMDGF was consulted throughout the development of this hunt plan.

E. Law Enforcement

Enforcement of refuge violations normally associated with management of a national wildlife

refuge is the responsibility of commissioned law enforcement officers. Enforcement of hunting

regulations is primarily carried out by federal wildlife officers (FWO) that patrol Bosque del

Apache and are currently stationed out of Albuquerque. Other agency officers, special agents,

State game wardens, and the local Sheriff’s Department often assist the FWOs.

The following methods are used to control and enforce hunting regulations:

● Refuge and hunt area boundaries are clearly posted;

● The refuge provides a brochure/information sheet that provides a map of hunt areas;

● FWOs check hunters for compliance with federal and state laws, as well as refuge-

specific regulations pertinent to hunting, including compatibility stipulations;

● FWOs coordinate with NMDGF and other law enforcement agencies; and

● Information on refuge hunts is made available at the refuge visitor center and website.

Procedures for obtaining law enforcement assistance are based on legal jurisdiction, pending

where the incident occurs. The FWO has met with local law enforcement agencies in the

surrounding area to develop good working relationships and coordinate appropriate strategies. A

memorandum of understanding has been developed and is in place for 2019.

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F. Funding and Staffing Requirements

The cost to initially place signage, repair gates and maintain current access points would likely

increase the first year from $40,000 annually to approximately $50,000 as new boundaries will

need to be marked. During following years, there is potential to expand access opportunities for

hunting purposes which includes: building/placing additional gates ($30,000), purchasing and

placing two new foot bridges ($125,000), purchasing and placing fencing ($10,000), and

expanding roads/trails and access points ($15,000), thus totaling $180,000. In addition, law

enforcement activities would likely increase under the Proposed Action and result in additional

administrative burdens, thus increasing the need to hire a Law Enforcement Officer currently

estimated to cost the Service $80,000. Refuge funds are used to conduct Special Youth Bearded

Rio Grande Turkey and Special Light Goose Hunts in the North Special Hunt Area and South

Special Hunt Area within actively managed units. Funding specifically for hunts has not been

allocated, although limited funds are generated through hunter fees that help cover some costs.

Incurred salary and other related operational costs for the hunts are incurred by the refuge. It is

anticipated that funding would continue to be sufficient to continue the hunting program at

Bosque del Apache in the future.

IV. Conduct of the Hunting Program

A. Hunter Permit Application, Selection, and/or Registration Procedures

The NMDGF administers all hunting licenses and big game draw hunts for game species hunted

within New Mexico. The NMDGF issues licenses, which allows valid license holders access to

the refuge during the appropriate season. No entrance fee is collected from participants during

the hunts at this time.

Hunt Application Form 3-2439 for the Special Youth Bearded Rio Grande Turkey Hunt shall be

submitted prior to the beginning of the state assigned turkey season. An application fee is

required upon submittal of the application. Only one application per person will be accepted.

Up to five hunt weekends may be available per year, dependent upon NMDGF specified seasons.

Hunters 17 years of age or younger would need to possess a state-certified Hunter Education

number or Mentored Youth Hunter Number prior to application. Applications must be submitted

prior to the specified deadline. Applicants are selected randomly and successful applicants will

be notified soon after drawing occurs. Selected hunters will be notified either by phone or email.

Selected youth hunters must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at least 18 years of age or

older. Hunters and the parent or guardian will coordinate with the assigned hunting mentor to

specify arrival times on each hunt day, fulfill permitting requirements, conduct refuge

orientation/safety briefing and plan transportation to hunt areas within the refuge.

The Special Youth Bearded Rio Grande Turkey hunts occur within the NSHA and SSHA. The

refuge has the flexibility to determine the number of hunters and allow harvest of up to two

turkeys per hunter dependent on refuge turkey population estimates. A refuge-specific Special

Use Permit (SUP) and Harvest Report (FWS Form 3-2359) is required. Hunters are required to

possess NMDGF required tags, stamps, and licenses and would be required to follow NMDGF

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hunting rules and regulations.

Application Form 3-2439 for the Special Light Goose Hunt shall be submitted prior to the

deadline. An application fee is required upon submittal of the application. Up to three hunters

may apply per application. Available hunt days may vary annually depending on federal baiting

laws and compatibility with other refuge goals/objectives. Hunters are selected at random and

successful applicants will be notified soon after drawing. Selected hunters are notified either by

phone or email indicating their status as being drawn for the hunt. Hunters are notified when to

report to the refuge on each hunt day for check-in, refuge orientation, safety briefing, and

transportation to hunt areas. Special Light Goose Hunts (snow and Ross’s goose) occur within the NSHA (including

conservation order) if the light goose population is adequate and light geese are frequently

accessing the NSHA. Hunters are required to possess a NMDGF game hunting license, Habitat

Management and Access Validation stamps, Harvest Information Program (HIP) Number, Duck

Stamp and any other required NMDGF licenses. Hunters 17 years of age or younger need to

possess a state-certified Hunter Education number or Mentored Youth Hunter Number. A

refuge-specific SUP and Harvest Report (FWS Form 3-2359) will be required.

Access points to all other specified hunt areas will be provided within the refuge Hunting

Information Sheet. Additional information may be obtained from the NMDGF Hunting Rules

and Information booklets and the NMDGF website at: http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/.

B. Refuge-Specific Hunting Regulations

Listed below are refuge-specific regulations that pertain to hunting on Bosque del Apache.

These regulations are in addition to 50 CFR 32.2 and 27 and New Mexico state regulations.

These regulations may be modified as conditions change or if refuge expansion continues/occurs.

(b) Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge—

(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of mourning and white-winged dove, light

and dark goose, American coot, common moorhen, common snipe, ducks and mergansers on

designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) We allow hunting of light goose on dates to be determined by refuge staff. Hunters

must possess a permit available through a lottery drawing (Waterfowl Lottery Application, FWS

Form 3-2439, Hunt Application—National Wildlife Refuge System).

(ii) Legal hunting hours will run from ½ hour before legal sunrise to legal sunset on each

hunt day.

(iii) You must remove all waterfowl decoys, spent shells, all temporary blinds/stands, and

all other personal equipment at the end of each day's hunt (see §§27.93 and 27.94 of this

chapter).

(iv) We allow the use of dogs when hunting.

(v) We prohibit falconry on the refuge.

http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/

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(vi) You may hunt on the designated wilderness areas and the East Hunt Unit by foot,

horseback, or bicycle only. Bicycles must stay on designated roads.

(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of scaled, Gambel's, Northern bobwhite, and

Montezuma quail and cottontail rabbit, black-tailed jackrabbit and Eurasian collared-dove on

designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition:

(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (b)(1)(iv) through (b)(1)(vi) of this section

apply.

(ii) Legal hunting hours will be from ½ hour before sunrise to ½ after sunset.

(3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of mule deer, javelina, feral hog, oryx and

bearded Rio Grande turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

The condition set forth at paragraphs (b)(1)(vi) and (b)(2)(ii) of this section apply.

(i) We allow hunting of bearded Rio Grande turkey for youth hunters on weekends April

through May. All hunters must fill out FWS Form 3-2439 (Hunt Application—National Wildlife

Refuge System) and pay a fee. The permit is available through a lottery drawing. If selected, you

must carry your refuge hunt permit (FWS Form 3-2439) at all times during the hunt.

(4) Sport fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following

conditions:

(i) We allow fishing from April 1 through September 30.

(ii) We allow fishing from ½ hour before legal sunrise until ½ hour after legal sunset.

(iii) We prohibit trotlines, bow fishing, seining, dip netting, and traps.

(iv) We allow frogging for bullfrog on the refuge in areas that are open to fishing. We

allow the use of hook and line, spears, gigs, and archery equipment to take bullfrog.

C. Relevant State Regulations

All hunting at Bosque del Apache is in accordance with state regulations listed in State statutes

as published annually in the New Mexico Rules and Information Booklet (RIB) except where

refuge-specific hunting regulations as listed above apply. General hunting regulations, hunter

orange requirements, hunter education certification, license requirements and exemptions,

special licenses and permits, field checking and tagging requirements, season dates, and bag

limits are included in the RIB.

D. Other Refuge Rules and Regulations for Hunting

Only primitive weapons are allowed in the Bajada Hunt Unit (see Figure 1). Primitive weapons

include bows and arrows, crossbows and bolts, shotgun with slugs, or restricted muzzle-loader

weapons in accordance with State regulations. A restricted muzzleloading rifle is defined as:

including a smoothbore flintlock or musket, using open sights in which the charge and projectile

are loaded via the muzzle. Only black powder, Pyrodex or an equivalent substitute may be used.

Smokeless powder, inline ignition, sabots, multiple projectiles and scopes are illegal.

Additionally, non-toxic shot is required when in the form of shot pellets (shotgun shells or

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muzzle-loading shotgun).

Refuge-specific rules and regulations can be found online at:

https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Bosque_del_Apache/visit/rules_and_regulations.html.

The refuge lies within two State established GMU’s (GMU 17 and GMU 20). The units are

separated by Interstate 25 (I-25) in which east of I-25 is GMU 20 and west of I-25 is GMU 17.

GMU maps and additional information are available on the NMDGF website at:

http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/hunting/maps/big-game-unit-maps-pdfs/ .

V. Public Engagement

A. Outreach for Announcing and Publicizing the Hunting Program

Special announcements and articles may be released via local newspapers, radio, and websites.

In addition, information about the hunts will be available at the Bosque del Apache visitor center

and on the Bosque del Apache website at:

https://www.fws.gov/refuge/bosque_del_apache/visit/activities/hunting.html.

B. Anticipated Public Reaction to the Hunting Program

Hunting has been allowed on Bosque del Apache for more than 30 years. Based on the positive

comments regarding hunting on the refuge that were received during the Comprehensive

Conservation Plan (CCP) process (2003), the refuge anticipates continued support for this

activity. Hunting is an important economic and recreational use of New Mexico’s natural

resources. Preliminary feedback from current hunters indicates that they are in support of

expanding waterfowl and goose hunting. Some individuals may express concern with waterfowl

hunting in areas where sandhill cranes may be present.

C. How Hunters Will Be Informed of Relevant Rules and Regulations

General information regarding refuge hunting opportunities and other wildlife-dependent public

uses can be obtained at the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge visitor center located at

1001 Highway 1, San Antonio, New Mexico or by calling 575-835-1828 or website at:

https://www.fws.gov/refuge/bosque_del_apache/visit/activities/hunting.html.

VI. Compatibility Determination

A draft compatibility determination has been completed in conjunction with this hunt plan and

the Environmental Assessment. Hunting and all associated program activities proposed in this

plan are expected to be found compatible with the purposes of the refuge.

https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Bosque_del_Apache/visit/rules_and_regulations.html

http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/hunting/maps/big-game-unit-maps-pdfs/

https://www.fws.gov/refuge/bosque_del_apache/visit/activities/hunting.html

https://www.fws.gov/refuge/bosque_del_apache/visit/activities/hunting.html

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Appendix 1. Species List

snow goose (Chen caerulescnes)

Ross’s goose (Chen rossii)),

mourning dove (Zenaida macroura)

white-winged dove(Zenaida asiatica)

scaled quail (Callipepla squamata)

Gambel’s quail (Callipepla gambelii)

Montezuma quail (Cyrtonyx montezumae)

Northern bobwhite quail Colinus virginianus)

black-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus)

desert cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus audubonii)

mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus)

Rio Grande turkey (Meleagris gallopavo intermedia)

javelina (Pecari tajacu)

oryx (Oryx beisia)

feral hog (Sus scrofa)

Eurasian collared-dove (Streptopelia decaocto)

Canada goose (Branta canadensis)

American wigeon (Mareca americana)

gadwall (Mareca strepera)

Northern pintail (Anus acuta)

Northern shoveler (Anus clypeata)

Ring-necked duck (Aythya collaris)

bufflehead (Bucephala albeola)

common merganser (Mergus merganser)

red-breasted merganser (Mergus serrator)

hooded merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus)

greater scaup (Aythya marila)

lesser scaup (Aythya affinis)

canvasback (Aythya valisineria)

mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)

redhead (Aythya Americana)

common goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)

ruddy duck (Oxyura jamaicensis)

white-winged scoter (Melanitta fusca)

wood duck (Aix sponsa)

cinnamon teal (Anas cyanoptera)

blue-winged teal (Anas discors)

green-winged teal (Anas carolinensis)

American coot (Fulica americana)

common moorhen (Gallinula chloropus)

common snipe (Gallinago gallinago)

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refug Hunt Plan

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