§ 17-3-16.5 NMSA 1978

The director of the department of game and fish [department of wildlife] may annually make available to the governor no more than twelve big game special authorizations and twelve game bird or trophy fish special authorizations. The authorizations shall be allocated by auction in conjunction with special events called by the governor to raise money for fish and wildlife conservation. Any auction used to allocate an authorization shall comply with rules adopted by the state game commission [state wildlife commission]. Each authorization shall allow the holder to purchase a license to hunt or fish for the species indicated on the authorization during dates and times at locations specified by the state game commission [state wildlife commission]. The director may designate the species allowable for each authorization, but no more than three authorizations shall be issued for any one species each year. Money collected pursuant to the special authorizations of the governor shall be deposited in the game protection fund.