New Mexico Game Commission to consider increasing hunting limits for black bears in some areas

The New Mexico Game Commission will consider in October increasing hunting limits for black bears in several areas of the state. The Santa Fe New Mexican reports that the state’s wildlife chief presented a plan to the commission on Friday, recommending that the total kills allowed be increased to 864 from the current 804. The plan also suggested keeping cougar hunting limits the same in all but one management zone, where it would be reduced by 17 kills. Wildlife advocates protest the increased killing of animals they say are vital to the ecosystem while ranchers and hunters generally support the effort.