New Mexico § 17-2-14 - Hawks, vultures and owls; taking, possessing, trapping, destroying, maiming or selling prohibited; exception by permit; penalty

§ 17-2-14. Hawks, vultures and owls; taking, possessing, trapping, destroying, maiming or selling prohibited; exception by permit; penalty

A. It is unlawful for any person to take, attempt to take, possess, trap or ensnare

or in any manner to injure, maim or destroy birds of the order Falconiformes, comprising

all of the species and varieties of birds represented by the several families of vultures

and hawks, and all of the order Stringiformes, comprising all of the species and varieties

of owls. It is also unlawful to purchase, sell or trade, or to possess for the purpose of

selling or trading, any parts of these birds. B. The director of the department of game and fish may issue permits to allow any

person to take, possess, trap, ensnare or destroy any bird protected by this section

or to possess, give, purchase, sell or trade, or to possess for the purpose of selling

or trading, any parts of any birds protected by this section. Permits shall be granted for the following purposes: (1) Indian religious purposes; (2) scientific purposes in accordance with law and the regulations of the department

of game and fish; or (3) falconry purposes in accordance with law and the regulations of the department. C. Notwithstanding any other law, any person engaged in the commercial raising of

poultry or game birds may take, capture or kill any hawk, owl or vulture that has

killed such poultry or game birds. The owner of such game or poultry farm who takes action under this provision shall

report this action to the department of game and fish, which shall verify the necessity

of the action taken. D. Any person violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a petty misdemeanor.