New Mexico Refuges and the Division of Law Enforcement teamed up to present the Fish and Wildlife Service story to nearly 2000 participants at the New Mexico Outdoor Expo May 5 & 6.  Sponsored by the New Mexico Game and Fish Department, the Expo featured hands-on activities promoting hunting and fishing and all things associated with them.  The Law Enforcement Division had Wildlife Inspector Loida Mata and Special Agent Thomas Karabinof with wildlife items confiscated at the various ports-of-entry.  The purpose was to educate people about the laws governing importation and why it is important we enforce such laws.

Deputy Refuge Manager Dennis Prichard from Sevilleta NWR brought the Centennial Trailer highlighting each refuge and fish hatchery in the state.  The traveling trailer illustrates native wildlife, a guessing game with different furbearer pelts, and samples of how biologists track animals with bird bands, radio collars, and PIT tags for fish.  A continuous-playing video gives the broad picture of the entire Refuge System.  Opportunities for outdoor recreation were welcomed by the many participants, most of whom were families.