8/27/09
There’s no reason to sulk if you didn’t get that big game hunting tag for deer or elk after the license drawing by the state Game and Fish Department. Plenty of hunting opportunities are still available.
“Everybody complains that they can’t go hunting because they didn’t draw a tag,” Department spokesman Marty Frentzel said. “If they really want to go hunting, there are plenty of opportunities to hunt small game and enjoy the outdoors.”
Small-game hunting can be just as challenging as hunting for the large mammals.
“Hunting is hunting,” said Eddie Campos, a small game hunter from El Rito. “They’re a challenge to hit on the wing and you can walk up the game in their habitat.”
The small-game hunting season opens Sept. 1 (see sidebar for more details), and licenses are available year around over the counter from license vendors and Department offices. They are also available at the Department’s web site, www.wildlife.state.nm.us. Unlike big-game licenses, there is no limit to the number that can be sold.
Small-game license sales have increased since the 1990s, with 21,914 resident small-game licenses sold for the 2005-06 season, as opposed to 16,985 for 1998-99 season, according to Frentzel.
Rio Arriba County is home to the following small game: blue grouse, squirrel, dove and band-tailed pigeon. Following is a brief section on each animal:
Blue Grouse
Blue grouse are large birds whose slate-gray plumage deepens as they mature and takes on a bluish hue, giving them their name. They inhabit elevations above 8,000 feet and are unusual in that rather than migrating to lower levels in the winter, they migrate higher to the fir and pine forest, feeding almost exclusively on pine needles.
This time of year, grouse can be found feeding on berries, rose hips and chokecherries at lower elevations. They like to feed on the edges of the timber in small meadows looking for insects and like to roll in dry dirt in order to dust their feathers. If you find these dusting areas, you can be sure there are some grouse around.
The birds can weigh up to three pounds and are good eating.
Campos recommends slicing the breasts of grouse into one-quarter-inch strips, sauteing them in butter, sprinkling them with fresh tarragon and just before serving, sprinkling them with Parmesan cheese.
All grouse hunters must obtain a free blue grouse permit in addition to a small game license. The permits are free and available at the Department’s offices or web site.
Squirrels
Tassel-eared squirrels, also known as tsquirrels, prefer ponderosa pine forests. These grey and white squirrels can reach two pounds in size and are best spotted when they forage on the ground. They like to lie down tight to the tree branches when in the pine and remain motionless, but with patience you can spot them when they move.
Red squirrels, also known as chickarees, are also legal prey during squirrel season, but these small squirrels are not popular targets because of their small size. They prefer to inhabit higher elevations than tassel-eared squirrels and are found in fir and spruce forests.
Gray squirrels are protected and not legal game in New Mexico.
Pigeons
Mourning doves are the species hunted in Rio Arriba County, as white-winged dove are rare in Northern New Mexico.
These birds fly fast and erratically, making for challenging shooting. Doves like to drink before they roost for the night, so stands near a stock pond or along a river in the evening can yield some good shooting. During the day, doves like to feed on grains and wild sunflower seeds.
The Eurasian-collarded dove is now found in increasing numbers in New Mexico, including Rio Arriba. These birds are larger than mourning doves and have a small ring at the base of their necks. Because they are considered an invasive species, there is no limit on the number that can be killed. Hunters must leave one wing of any collared dove killed fully feathered for identification purposes.
Band-tailed pigeons inhabit the forests of New Mexico and are particularly fond of acorns, so hunting near patches of oak is a good place to start. They like to roost in tall trees and are strong fliers.
Pigeon meat can be tough and dry, so moist cooking methods designed to tenderize the meat are best.
“If you remove the breasts, wrap them in bacon and roast them at 375 degrees for 40 minutes, they’re delicious,” Campos said.
Pigeon hunters need a free permit similar to grouse hunters and these may be obtained at Department offices or on the Department’s web site.
Doves and pigeons are considered migratory birds and those intending to hunt them will need to obtain a Migratory Bird Permit (HIP) Number, which can be done at Department offices when purchasing a license. There is a $1 fee.
It is possible to bag several of these species in the same day and the variety is one of the appealing aspects of small game hunting.
“You’re not just limited to one animal, like big game hunting,” Campos said. “It’s a great way to get into condition for the big-game season.”