New Mexico refuge to begin offering dove, quail hunting

SEVILLETA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, N.M. (AP) — A national wildlife refuge along the Rio Grande in central New Mexico is among the 30 spots around the U.S. where federal officials are expanding hunting opportunities.

The Interior Department announced Friday it's opening more than 390 square miles (1,015 square kilometers) to new or expanded hunting and fishing opportunities at Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge and the other sites.

Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke says the aim is to increase access to public lands and protect the stream of funding that comes from hunters and anglers for conservation projects.

At Sevilleta, the change means certain areas of the refuge will be open to Eurasian-collared dove and Gambel's quail hunting.