Hunters are conservationists. We play an important role in preserving the land and the habitat for wildlife.

"It isn’t all about killing animals, it’s about preparation, it’s about the chase and becoming so in touch with your surroundings that all else in the world is set aside for a brief moment in time. It is a time when I can be my primordial self and just experience the world without artificial influences. The sights, the smell of moist soil under foot, the sensation that I am completely self-sufficient in a world where I am only a visitor is the greatest feeling ever."

• Max Trujillo, HECHO’s New Mexico Senior Field Coordinator.
• Mar 22, 2023

Since I was a little kid, I've enjoyed nature. The first outing that had a profound impact on me was a hunting trip with my dad over 50 years ago, and from that moment, I have felt the need to be in the outdoors all the time. Being in wild places allows me to disconnect from the busy day-to-day, the hustle and bustle, work, and technology. It is where I can be myself, get back to my roots, and feel the closest to nature.

Fishing, hiking, camping, and hunting gives me so much joy and makes me feel grounded. My love for the outdoors has been shared with my children and now with my grandchildren.  Protecting public land and ensuring that future generations enjoy wild places has become somewhat of a legacy not only for my family but for all families.    

Although hunting is frowned upon by some, I make no apologies for practicing this centuries old tradition.  It isn’t all about killing animals, it’s about preparation, it’s about the chase and becoming so in touch with your surroundings that all else in the world is set aside for a brief moment in time.  It is a time when I can be my primordial self and just experience the world without artificial influences.  The sights, the smell of moist soil under foot, the sensation that I am completely self-sufficient in a world where I am only a visitor is the greatest feeling ever.

 

Hunting is part of my culture and is deeply engrained in my being.  When I am lucky enough to harvest an animal, the meat is shared with family and friends.  Sharing resources is also part of the culture and is appreciated by all who partake in the bounty.  Yes, it’s easier to buy meat at a grocery store, but if you think hunting is inhumane, think of a poultry farm or a beef processing establishment.  I know where this deer ate and drank, I know what went into the preservation and preparation of the meat.  I’m not too sure about how my chicken or beef was preserved and prepared for market.  

The opportunity to harvest an animal does not come easy, a hunter must make a clean and humane shot, process the animal in the field and take the edible parts and make sure all rules are followed while doing so.  Some hunters can go for years without even getting drawn for a tag, and drawing a tag is certainly not a guaranty that he or she will harvest an animal.

Hunters are conservationists. We care about animals, and we play an important role in preserving the land and the habitat for wildlife. We spend a lot of the money on hunting, fishing, and outdoor camping that goes to conservation efforts. We do support wildlife conservation and land stewardship.  We are witness to changes in climate and the rhythms in nature that are interrupted by our fast-changing world.  

I believe hunting is a tradition that needs to be preserved and passed down to future generations.  Evolution in my humble opinion is overrated and it is separating us from what is important.  Humanity should not and must not compromise survival skills and the love for nature for some twisted ideal we call progress. 

Max Trujillo is the Senior New Mexico Field Coordinator for HECHO. Max was born, raised, and educated in Las Vegas New Mexico which is situated in the Southeastern portion of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.  Being one of eleven children, a major component of Max’s upbringing included hunting and fishing not so much as a form of recreation, but a form of sustenance for the family.  During the countless outings into the mountains and streams of Northern New Mexico Max developed a profound love of our public lands.  While the family was not fortunate enough to enjoy the ownership of any significant amount of land, it was instilled in him that by virtue of his citizenship, he was an equal and rightful owner of millions of acres of public land.  This experience has made Max a fierce advocate for the conservation and protection of public lands.  Max also owns a small business and serves as San Miguel County Commissioner District 3. 

Max was one of the original contributors to the formation of HECHO. He has also worked with the New Mexico Wildlife Federation. During his time with NMWF and HECHO Max played an integral part in the permanent protection of millions of acres of public lands including the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, Organ Mountains, Desert Peaks National Monument, Chimney Rock National Monument, Columbine Hondo Wilderness, and the Sabinoso Wilderness. Working along side of many leaders in conservation, Max has created a legacy for future conservationists to aspire to. Access to our public lands has always been a priority for Max and he has lead the charge to keep our public lands public in spite of threats of privatization of these lands.

Realizing that there is a gross underrepresentation in the conservation arena for people of color, Max’s work with HECHO will ensure that all stakeholders regardless of color, ethnicity, or origin must and will have a seat at the table when it comes to conservation and preservation of our public lands.