All game and fish seized under the game laws shall without unnecessary delay be sold by the officer making such seizure, or by the state warden [director of the department of game and fish], except when such sale is impracticable or likely to incur expenses exceeding the proceeds, in which case the same shall be donated to some charitable institution or needy person not concerned in the unlawful killing, or possession thereof. The officer making such seizure shall sign and give to each purchaser or donee an invoice stating the time and place of disposition, the kind and weight as near as may be of the game or fishdisposed of and the name of the purchaser or donee. Such invoice shall authorize possession, transportation and use within the state, and storage for thirty days from date. The proceeds from such sale, after deducting the cost of seizure and sale shall, if made by the state warden [director] or any deputy [conservation officer] under salary, be paid into the game protection fund, but if made by a deputy warden [conservation officer] not under salary, or any other officer, shall be paid one-half to the officer making such seizure.
Citation: N.M. Stat. Ann. § 17-2-21.