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HB -97 -RESTRICT CERTAIN HUNTING DRAWS TO NON-FELONS

You can see the Bill by going to this link.. http://thenewmexicosportsman.com/?p=1812

Basically, it will restrict felons for putting in for rifle hunt codes... What do you think? Good or Bad??

J-

New Mexico law prohibits people convicted of felonies (in New Mexico or elsewhere) from possessing:

firearms bombs grenades, and missiles. The law does not apply to people who have been pardoned or received a deferred sentence or completed their sentence more than ten years ago. (N.M. Stat. § 30-7-16.) For example, a person who was convicted of felony drug trafficking and released from prison 15 years ago could legally possess a firearm in New Mexico.

Yep - thinking the same thing too.

missile

n.noun

1.An object or weapon that is fired, thrown, dropped, or otherwise projected at a target; a projectile.

2.A guided missile.

3.A ballistic missile.

I would think an arrow could be classified as a missile.

OP "pulled the info from Facebook". I'm not sure felons can EVER possess a firearm?? I'm good with that. Assuming that was the case, I have no problem with a felon owning a bow and engaging in legal bowhunting activities...including the draw. Should the individual violate the laws of the state (including Game and Fish laws) the individuals should be subject to maximum penalties.

Once someone is done with their sentence, it should be done. If they are still a threat, they should be in jail. I truly believe that the rights given to us by the constitution, are good given and should not be taken away.

I understand hunting is aprivilege. But the 2nd amendment is a right.

For the record, I'm not a felon. I'm just a Soldier who believes that no man should be able to take away RIGHTS.

To answer the question about hunting.

As far as hunting, let them apply.

I know it's way off topic, but hunting is a right as it coincides with natural law just like a man has the right to own land and eat the bread made by his own hands.

I know an ex con who cannot have a gun nor gun hunt for that matter, he is the least of my worries. But repeat offenders are NOT uncommon and there are some sick SOB's in this world, to not acknowledge that is naive and very well can jeopardize you and your loved one's well being. I'm sorry but our legal system has a reputation of failing miserably... more so with capital punishment being [pretty much] a thing of the past.

Just for conversation: Whether a right or privilege, The 5th amendment of the Constitution specifically states that rights (life, liberty and property) CAN be taken away given due process. Otherwise there would be no prisons or the death penalty. Felons also cant vote, hunting would be no exception.

Federal law does prohibit felons (and even certain misdemeanors) from owning a firearm. However the Firearm Owners Protection Act gave the states certain powers to restore felons right to own a firearm and each state is different. NM simply has a 10 year period.

The problem is that the law does not distinguish between the severity of the felony. Even within the same degree of felony I think most people would agree some crimes are worse than others. One could think of a 100 hypothetical situations of a 21 year old committing a minor crime which classifies as a felony and being haunted by it for years.

I had a friend who used to be a parole officer in ABQ, who testified in favor of two different people to have felonies expunged so they could hunt. I know one was successful I don't know the outcome of the other.

All that said it seems to me our legislators should be focused on more important issues in the brief time they will be in session.

The key to this is the due process part. Gov't can't just "do it".

The Firearms Owners Protection Act also prohibits a federal gov't from creating a mandatory national firearm registry.

cantgetdrawn - that is true, there are different degrees of felonies and their are different circumstances within that felony. I know a guy who was doing some work on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation (SUIT) in southern CO and didn't have a current work permit (yes, some reservations make you buy a work and trespass permit to enter tribal lands for any reason if you are not a member of that tribe - a racket if you ask me. Anyway) a SUIT cop stopped him and held him. That would have been a 4th degree felony, basically, trespassing on gov't property. The guy was a clean cut honest person, his place of employment fell on its responsibilities. Long story short, charges were dropped. So, you never know. Would have sucked to never be able to own or hunt with a firearm again because of a stupid petty thing like that.

It's probably an "I tried" for a buddy bill.

"AN ACT RELATING TO HUNTING; ENACTING A NEW SECTION OF CHAPTER 17, ARTICLE 3 NMSA 1978 TO RESTRICT HUNTING DRAWS, EXCEPT FOR BOW HUNTING, TO NON-FELONS."

Anyone see the problem with that wording?

PS--- That was a goofy sentence above but you get the point...