SEVILLETA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, N.M. – The phones are ringing at Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge in central New Mexico now that the U.S. government has expanded hunting at the refuge and 30 other federally managed spots around the nation.
Visitor services manager Jeannine Kimble says Sevilleta has fielded dozens of calls in recent days as hunters are inquiring about the new opportunities.
The refuge has opened up a 590-acre parcel along the Rio Puerco where white-winged and mourning doves can be hunted along with Eurasian-collared doves and Gambel’s quail.
Doves, ducks and certain species of geese can be hunted in two parcels near the Rio Grande.
Refuge managers say hunters still need to follow all federal and state regulations. There also are some restrictions on the days and times that hunting will be allowed near the Rio Grande.
