§ 17-3-27 NMSA 1978

Any person desiring to procure a license for the purpose of engaging in the business of selling minnows and nongame fish for bait or taking minnows and nongame fish from the streams of this state for the purpose of sale to others shall apply to the state game commission [state wildlife commission] for a license. The application shall be upon forms provided by the commission and shall set forth the public streams or waters out of which the applicant intends to take the minnows and nongame fish and the place at which they are to be sold. The application shall be accompanied by a just and reasonable fee as determined by regulation of the state game commission [state wildlife commission]. Upon receipt of the application, it shall be the duty of the state game commission [state wildlife commission] or, when it is not in session, the director of the department of game and fish [department of wildlife] to pass upon the application and to issue a license authorizing the taking and the manner of taking of the minnows and nongame fish by the applicant from those waters in the state as in the opinion of the state game commission [state wildlife commission] or director will not be detrimental to the public or injurious to protected fish. The license when so issued shall specify the manner of taking and the waters from which the applicant is permitted to take minnows and nongame fish for sale for bait.