HENRC/HB 509
Page 1
AN ACT
RELATING TO STATE AGENCIES; CREATING EXCEPTIONS TO THE
PROHIBITION ON SPOTLIGHTING LAND WHERE BIG GAME OR DOMESTIC
LIVESTOCK RESIDE.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:
Section 1. Section 17-2-31 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1951,
Chapter 171, Section 1) is amended to read:
"17-2-31. USE OF ARTIFICIAL LIGHT WHILE HUNTING
PROHIBITED.--It is unlawful for a person or a group of persons
together in possession or control of a firearm or other
implement to throw or cast the rays of a spotlight or other
artificial light into any field, pasture, woodland, forest or
prairie where big game or domestic livestock may be, or are
reasonably expected to be, whereby any big game animal or
domestic animal could be killed by aid of an artificial light.
However, the following shall be exempt from the provisions of
this section:
A. an officer authorized to enforce the game and
livestock laws of the state;
B. a government employee acting in an official
capacity;
C. a landowner or lessee or employee of such
landowner or lessee, while on the land owned or leased in
connection with legitimate activities; or