New Mexico Officials Plan Pronghorn, Turkey Trade

By Al Macias
Published: Thursday, January 9, 2014 - 4:07pm
(Photo courtesy of NWTF)
Gould's Turkey.
(Photo courtesy of BLM/New Mexico Office)
Two dozen antelope were set free in the relocation.

You might call it a two state wildlife trade. New Mexico officials plan to capture and relocate almost 200 pronghorn and trade for some turkeys. 

The pronghorn will be herded, corralled and transported next week from a private ranch near Cimarron, NM. The pronghorn are related to antelope and are considered to be the fastest animal in North America, capable of speeds up to 60 miles an hour.

Most of the animals will be moved to a national forest in New Mexico and to Bureau of Land Management land northwest of Roswell. A small number will come to Arizona so they can augment herds with declining populations.

Arizona will send 70 Gould's Turkeys to add to flocks in mountains in southwestern New Mexico. Before being transported, the pronghorn will be vaccinated and fitted with radio collars.