We also occasionally go out on a limb and present what we believe are thoughtful and well-researched examinations of some of the larger controversies within the hunting community. In recent months (see December, page 4; January, page 13; and March page 6), Senior Western Correspondent Lance Stapleton has followed a developing story in New Mexico, where the New Mexico Wildlife Federation in particular has supported efforts that would significantly curtail nonresident hunting opportunities. Admittedly, Stapleton has championed the nonresident's cause in these articles. But we remind readers that though all of our US subscribers are residents of one state or another, this publication is written for traveling hunters in other words, nonresidents.
Not surprisingly, however, a couple of subscribers who are New Mexico residents, have weighed in with forceful opinions on some of Stapleton's arguments regarding nonresident hunting, and have offered what only can be described as well-reasoned and well-supported dissenting opinions of their own.
In a lengthy e-mail, subscriber Larry T. Caudill, who describes himself as a "New Mexico resident, public land hunter and supporter of a better quota system," says "I take strong exception to the bias, errors of fact, and deficiencies in the treatment of the nonresident quota issue in New Mexico." Caudell then offers a history of the controversy going back at least 12 years and a clear perspective on the inequities residents perceive in the current nonresident quota system.
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