New Mexico Trappers Association Files Lawsuit Against State Officials Regarding Trapping Regulations
District of New Mexico, Las Cruces Division – A lawsuit has been filed in the District Court of New Mexico by the New Mexico Trappers Association (NMTA) and several individual trappers, challenging recent changes to state regulations pertaining to trapping. The case, docketed as 1:23-cv-00444, names New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Director Amber Torrez, among other state officials, as defendants. The filing, officially published by GovInfo.gov on September 9, 2025, marks a significant development in the ongoing discussions surrounding wildlife management and trapping practices within the state.
The New Mexico Trappers Association, a group representing licensed trappers and advocates for regulated trapping activities, along with the named plaintiffs, is reportedly seeking to address concerns regarding the scope and implementation of new rules affecting their livelihood and long-held practices. While the specific details of the regulations in question and the precise legal arguments of the plaintiffs are not fully elaborated in the initial docket information, such lawsuits typically involve challenges to agency rulemaking processes, allegations of exceeding statutory authority, or claims that the regulations are arbitrary, capricious, or unconstitutional.
Trapping is a regulated activity in New Mexico, with licensing and specific rules in place to manage populations of furbearing animals and to ensure ethical practices. The NMTA has historically played a role in advocating for trappers’ rights and promoting responsible trapping as a tool for wildlife management and conservation. Changes to these regulations can have a direct impact on the economic viability and traditional practices of individuals and communities involved in trapping.
The lawsuit’s filing initiates a formal legal process that will allow for a thorough examination of the regulations and the arguments presented by both the plaintiffs and the state defendants. The court will review the evidence and legal briefs submitted by each party to determine the validity and legality of the challenged rules. This process can involve extensive discovery, potential expert testimony, and ultimately, a judicial ruling.
This legal challenge underscores the complex interplay between wildlife conservation, land use, traditional practices, and regulatory governance in New Mexico. As the case progresses, further details regarding the specific grievances and the state’s defense are expected to emerge. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for the future of trapping in New Mexico, influencing both regulatory policy and the activities of the state’s trapping community. Updates on this developing legal matter will be made available as they become public record.
23-444 – New Mexico Trappers Association et al v. Torrez et al
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govinfo.gov District CourtDistrict of New Mexico published ’23-444 – New Mexico Trappers Association et al v. Torrez et al’ at 2025-09-09 22:04. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.