New mexico season dates change

[WKR]

Just finishing up my application for NM an i noticed alot of the hunt codes and season dates have changed drastically. Last few years there has been early, mid, and late rifle usually starting early to mid August going into September, now there is a season in the last week of August and another in the last week of September.

Any residents or knowledgeable people care to chime in and explain what caused the change and the reasoning behind it?

 

[twdjr]

I've heard some of the argument was that the better bucks are being shot before they've had a chance to breed.

I don't know what their thinking was moving it from Oct to mid-Aug several years ago. The weather is nicer in Oct, the capes are in better shape, and bucks have had time to breed.

 

[hunter4life]

Here are a few reasons: Too hot. Capes were terrible. Meat spoilage. In the SW part of the state they hadn't even finished growing their horns. The better bucks were getting killed before breeding season.

I was on a hunt with my brother when it was 105F when he killed his antelope.

I think they should cancel the August seasons all together and make it Sept and Oct.

 

[WKR]

Here are a few reasons: Too hot. Capes were terrible. Meat spoilage. In the SW part of the state they hadn't even finished growing their horns. The better bucks were getting killed before breeding season.

I was on a hunt with my brother when it was 105F when he killed his antelope.

I think they should cancel the August seasons all together and make it Sept and Oct.

I was drawn two years ago in the SW but for the mid rifle season. My buck had fully grown horns and the meat was fantastic. I did kill him in the morning though.