We ve got outfitters and guides whose whole livelihoods depend on whether clients are selected or not. The key to this whole process is fairness. The only information we get from the Department of Game and Fish includes coded records of each applicant for the various special hunts. We can t attach any kind of individual recognition to that. The Department of Game and Fish is responsible for managing an array of wildlife in New Mexico, including elk, javelina, deer, pronghorn antelope and other species.
Computer programs go over each application, taking into account the different categories selected.
For example, hunters can apply for a license to hunt elk in up to four categories, Salazar-Henry said. The program randomly draws an applicant based on the hunt code selected and whether the person is a resident or a nonresident. Only 22 percent of licenses are allowed to nonresidents, because there is a mandatory quota on elk licenses for nonresidents. In the past, not enough time was invested in ensuring that the selection process was done accurately, Salazar-Henry said. It was extremely important that we check everything, including the results, to put the hunters minds at ease about their chances at being selected.