VCT News:

JEMEZ SPRINGS – Beginning this week and running until midnight March 18, public land hunters may enter the Valles Caldera Trust’s lottery for a chance to hunt for Rocky Mountain elk this fall on the Valles Caldera National Preserve. The Valles Caldera is known nationally for its large elk herds and quality hunting experience.

The number of elk tags for the 2015 hunt has increased to 242 from 226 in 2014 and are divided into 15 separate hunts: four mature bull hunts, nine antlerless hunts and two either sex hunts. For 2015, the Trust also is offering dedicated hunts for youth, women, veterans and mobility-impaired hunters.

The 2015 hunt will continue the Valles Caldera Trust’s recently updated policy of “one tag, one chance” to give all public land hunters an equal chance to experience one of the best hunting opportunities in New Mexico. Hunters may purchase one ticket per hunt, and may apply for more than one hunt. Lottery tickets are $35 for mature bull and either sex hunts and $20 for antlerless hunts. All funds generated from this lottery are used for management of the Valles Caldera including habitat restoration projects and increasing recreational access for the public.

Participants will be notified of the results by email and winning lottery numbers will be posted on the Valles Caldera website April 29. Call 1.866.382.5537 or see www.vallescaldera.gov/comevisit/elk for more details. 

The Valles Caldera Trust oversees the 88,900-acre Valles Caldera National Preserve, located in the Jemez Mountains of northern New Mexico. The Preserve was purchased by the federal government in 2000 under the Valles Caldera Preservation Act, and it is known for its huge meadows, abundant wildlife, meandering streams, remarkable scenery and science-based adaptive management. More information about the Preserve can be found at www.vallescaldera.gov.