RELATING TO GAME AND FISH; AMENDING A SECTION OF THE NMSA 1978 TO AUTHORIZE AN ADDITIONAL BIGHORN SHEEP ENHANCEMENT PERMIT.

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

Section 1. Section 17-3-16.1 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1989, Chapter 384, Section 1) is amended to read:

"17-3-16.1. BIGHORN SHEEP ENHANCEMENT PERMITS--ISSUANCE--USE.--

A. The state game commission shall direct the department of game and fish to authorize not more than two of the permits available for issuance in the license year for the taking of two bighorn rams for the purpose of raising funds for programs and projects to benefit bighorn sheep.

B. The state game commission shall prescribe by regulation the form, design and manner of issuance of the bighorn sheep 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 bighorn sheep enhancement permits shall be credited to the game protection fund to be used exclusively for bighorn sheep preservation, restoration and management."