SANTA FE - Hunting season for doves, blue grouse, band-tailed pigeons and squirrels opens Sept. 1 in many parts of New Mexico.

This year, there is a new season for Eurasian-collared doves Sept. 1 - Dec. 30. There is no daily bag or possession limit for this species, however, hunters must retain one fully feathered wing on each field-dressed Eurasian-collared dove.

This year's first archery seasons for deer and elk also begin Sept. 1 and hunts for various species of big game continue into January. Department of Game and Fish conservations officers will be on patrol and at roadblocks statewide through the hunting seasons checking hunters' licenses and making sure wildlife laws and other state laws are observed.

Game and Fish personnel may be assisted by other law enforcement agencies during roadblocks. The U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, New Mexico State Police and sheriff's departments may assist statewide.

In southwest New Mexico counties including Catron, Dona Ana, Grant, Hidalgo, Luna, Otero, Sierra and Socorro - Game and Fish officers are assisted by the New Mexico Livestock Board and the U.S. Border Patrol.

Hunters are reminded that the application deadline is Sept. 8 for all sandhill crane hunts and youth waterfowl hunts at Bernardo Wildlife Management Area. The application deadline for all Bernardo light goose special permit hunts, youth-only light goose hunts and special permit pheasant hunts is Nov. 3.

Season dates, hunting areas, bag limits and other regulations vary by species. Hunters are encouraged to consult the Department of Game and Fish rules and information posted at the website at www.wildlife.state.nm.us. Paper copies of the 2007 Small Game Rules and Information booklet should be available at Department offices in Las Cruces, Roswell, Albuquerque, Raton and Santa Fe before Sept. 1. They will be distributed to license vendors statewide as quickly as possible.

To report a violation, contact your local conservation officer or call the toll-free Operation Game Thief hotline at 1-800-432-GAME (4263). Caller can remain anonymous and earn rewards for information leading to the appreshension of game law violators.