RELATING TO GAME AND FISH; AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR'S DEER ENHANCEMENT PERMITS; MAKING AN APPROPRIATION.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

Section 1. A new Section 17-3-16.3 NMSA 1978 is enacted to read:

"17-3-16.3. LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR'S DEER ENHANCEMENT PERMITS--ISSUANCE--USE.--

A. The state game commission shall direct the department of game and fish to authorize two deer enhancement permits each license year for the taking of two deer to raise funds for programs and projects to better manage deer.

B. The state game commission shall prescribe by rule the form, design and manner of issuance of the two deer enhancement permits. The issuance of one permit shall be subject to auction by the department or by an incorporated nonprofit organization dedicated to conservation of wildlife, as determined by the commission, and shall be sold to the highest bidder. The issuance of the other permit shall be subject to a lottery by the department or by an incorporated nonprofit organization dedicated to conservation of wildlife, as determined by the commission.

C. All money collected from the issuance and sale of the lieutenant governor's deer enhancement permits shall be credited to the game protection fund to be used exclusively for deer restoration and management."