CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- For the fifth consecutive year, Cannon Air Force Base’s Range Management Office has partnered with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish to offer the Melrose Air Force Range (MAFR) Pronghorn Population Management Hunt Program, a unique opportunity for active duty members, youth hunters and Purple Heart recipients.
This program is part of Cannon’s initiative to provide unique and engaging events that increase morale for Air Commandos. Active duty military members have the opportunity to pursue a hobby they enjoy locally in a safe environment.
By inviting Airmen, youth, and Purple Heart recipients to help manage the pronghorn population, the base gives back to the community by providing exclusive access to the range, which is usually restricted for military training. The program offers the chance to experience the outdoors, build skills and partake in a unique conservation effort.
“This program is for everybody,” said Jose Casillas, range director at MAFR. “The hunters are active duty members and Purple Heart recipients who sacrifice for our country, and the youths who are the new generation of hunters. I enjoy providing them the opportunity to get a healthy bounty, as well as giving back to the community.”
The range of hunters is diverse, from youths who have just started hunting to seasoned professionals.
“I had a lot of fun hunting, and was very excited when I got an antelope!” said a youth hunter. “I’m the first hunter in my family, and I hope to be able to do this again.”
The hunt is open to New Mexico youth between the ages of 12 and 17 years old through the state’s lottery system. Youth hunters apply online by creating an account with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, selecting up to three preferred hunts by species, weapon type, and location. If not selected for one of their top choices, applicants may be awarded a spot on Melrose Range. Adults may also apply, with a separate lottery designated for active duty service members and Purple Heart recipients.
Casillas, the 27th Special Operations Wing and biologists from New Mexico Game and Fish, work alongside each other to create this opportunity for those on base and in New Mexico.
“The guides that we had with us were extremely knowledgeable and patient,” said Chris Ferrell, a Purple Heart recipient. “It made the entire hunt a core memory for me.”
For many families, the benefits go beyond the hunt itself. Participants often take home a large supply of pronghorn meat, providing fresh, local food for the dinner table and making the experience even more meaningful.
“I truly believe that being outdoors, hunting, and harvesting an animal that you’ll be able to use for yourself and your family definitely brings people together,” said Ferrell. “For my family, hunting has not only brought us closer, but also taught us a lot along the way.”
Whether you're a first-time youth hunter or a seasoned veteran, the MAFR pronghorn hunt is one more way The Steadfast Line brings people together through purpose, adventure, and community.
The pronghorn hunt is one of many resilience-building opportunities available to Air Commandos, enabled by Cannon Air Force Base’s unique location and initiatives for improved quality of life. To discover more events, check out the Cannon Force website or call 575-784-6623.