>I believe you're right elktrout. If
>it's a non-native species and
>not contained/regulated it's basically on
>the same level as a
>wild hog.
It's a little different than that Ohio. Bison are in fact native to New Mexico, however there are no wild populations in existence in New Mexico. Secondly, there are no feral bison running around New Mexico and if there were, they would be immediately extirpated. The Division of Wildlife does not regulate bison in New Mexico because there are no wild "free ranging" bison in New Mexico. There are only bison that roam within confined boundaries (fences) in New Mexico and as such, said bison receive a "livestock" designation. Bison are NOT recognized as wild or "free ranging" by the State of New Mexico which is why there is no license requirement to hunt them. Because there are no wild populations there is no license requirement. Ultimately, this is why Boone and Crockett does not recognize bison killed in New Mexico.
Here's B&C's position on the issue:
"Essentially, bison exist as wild, free-ranging herds in their original setting in very few places. Accordingly, only trophies from Alaska and Canada are fully eligible for consideration for possible awards as well as publication in the records books. Over most of the lower 48 states, existing bison herds are semi-domesticated and are regulated as domestic livestock. Since 1977, hunter-taken trophies from the lower 48 states are acceptable only for the records books (both Awards and all-time), not for consideration of the usual place awards, and only if they were taken in a state that recognizes bison as wild and free-ranging and which requires a hunting license and/or big-game tag for hunting bison." See:
http://www.boone-crockett.org/bgrecords/records_boundaries.asp?area=bgRecords
I would also add that bison fencing, whether it be high or low is very serious business. While bison can certainly trash any fence on any given day, good bison fencing will successfully retain animals, thereby insuring that they are not free to range or roam wherever they please. When spooked they will flee to whatever corner of whatever ranch they are on in order to avoid being killed, but they do not have the ability to escape their fenced areas.
Still a great video by a killer hunter.
http://themeateater.com/
www.streamflies.com