2004 Trapping, Wildlife, And Tourism Statistics (New Mexico Game & Fish)
This 2004 survey of New Mexico voters shows that the majority of respondents (63%) support the banning of leg-hold, snare, and lethal traps on public lands in New Mexico.
New Mexico statewide estimates:
- 767 trappers in New Mexico (95% in-state)
- 7,344 target animals trapped
- $671,000 generated by trapping through license, equipment, pelt sales, etc.
- 449,000 New Mexicans wildlife-watch
- 387,000 tourists visit New Mexico to wildlife-watch
- $931,500,00 generated by wildlife-watching
The target wildlife legally trapped includes badgers, beaver, bobcats, coyotes, foxes, muskrats, nutria, raccoons, and weasels. The non-target animals trapped include black bears, birds, cats (domestic), coati, deer, dogs (domestic), javelina, mountain lions, and squirrels.
According to this survey, 41% of voters are aware that trapping is legal on public lands in New Mexico, 33% believe it is illegal, and 26% are unsure.
41% strongly support and 22% somewhat support (63% combined) placing a ban on leg-hold, snare, and lethal traps on public lands, while 22% are opposed to such a ban. The biggest supporters of banning trapping are females and Anglo voters, in addition to those who participate in outdoor activities.
The poll suggests that approximately 50,000 New Mexican households have personally encountered traps on public lands or know someone who has. According to the poll, New Mexico residents have found a variety of non-target animals in traps including dogs, deer, bears, rabbits, quails, and coatis none of which can be legally trapped in the state.