Join Sportsmen and Sportswomen for Richardson

Governor Richardson has always protected the Second Amendment rights of responsible gun owners. He has worked tirelessly to uphold the rights of sportsmen and sportswomen to bear arms. And as a candidate for Governor, he was endorsed by the NRA in 2006. Americans have a long and proud sporting heritage. It’s a heritage that he shares, and as a gun owner and outdoorsman, it’s one he has worked hard to protect.

Join Sportsmen for Richardson to show your support for Governor Richardson and his support of our sporting heritage.

Bill Richardson's Record

• Created the Gaining Access Into Nature (GAIN) Program, which opened some 8 million acres of land for use by hunters, anglers, and trappers.  This decision was the result of a 2004 Summit on Wildlife Associated Recreation, which drew upon the opinions of many of New Mexico’s sportsmen and outdoorsmen.
• Launched the Private Land Entry and Sportsmen Enjoyment (PLEASE) Program, which further increased access for hunters, fishermen, and other sportsmen to private lands and landlocked public lands by leasing private land for public use.
• Added over 5,000 acres to the state park system, including expansions at Coyote Creek, Manzano, Living Desert, City of Rocks, and Conchas.
• Supported Raton in the expansion of its 33,000-acre National Rifle Association Whittington Center.
• Improved the wetland habitat and recreation facilities at the Bernardo Wildlife Area with $225,000 in capital outlay funding.
• Cracked down on illegal poaching with the creation of the Anti-Poaching Strike Force, along with increased fines and penalties, so that law-abiding hunters and sportsmen can enjoy New Mexico’s wildlife for generations to come.
• Broke ground on New Mexico’s first-ever warm-water fish hatchery in Santa Rosa.  The hatchery will raise bass, catfish, walleye, tiger, and muskies.
• Designated the elk population on the Sergeant Wildlife Management Area as New Mexico’s official State Elk Herd. Created more deer and turkey enhancement permits.
• Launched online licensing, which provides for the easier online purchasing of hunting and fishing licenses. Amended the law to allow for hunting license refunds, transfers, and donations under certain circumstances. Created the Hunt of a Lifetime program, which grants special elk hunting licenses to young hunters with life-threatening illnesses.