LTE: Gracias, Game and Fish

This piece originally appeared as an LTE in the Santa Fe New Mexican on January 15, 2022

By Max Trujillo, New Mexico Senior Field Coordinator for HECHO

New Mexico has a rich hunting and angling heritage that connects community members to nature and the outdoors. For generations, Hispanic families have relied on wildlife as a sustainable source of food, and hunting and angling are cultural traditions that fortify our relationship with the land. We express our gratitude to the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish for publishing the Hunting Rules and Information Booklet in Spanish, allowing for increased participation in hunting and fishing and accommodating Spanish-speaking New Mexicans to continue to practice a centuries-old tradition that puts food on the table.

As the state with the highest per capita population of Hispanic residents and with the greatest percentage of Spanish speakers, translating the official rules and regulations booklet prioritizes equity, fairness and inclusivity. It also levels the playing field for community members who are interested in applying for big-game draw hunts, while helping to mitigate misinterpretation of the rules on and off the field. Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting and the Outdoors (HECHO) is proud to have participated in the review process and will continue to work with the Department of Game and Fish to ensure comprehensive Spanish translations of all rules publications.

Max O. Trujillo