River Access Dispute in New Mexico & Beat the Heat

Learn about the New Mexico landowner facing felony charges in a river access dispute, plus learn what really works to beat the heat. Protect yourself and others during extreme summer temperatures. Join radio hosts Rebecca Wanner aka ‘BEC’ and Jeff ‘Tigger’ Erhardt (Tigger & BEC) with the latest in Outdoors & Western Lifestyle News! New Mexico Landowner Arrested After Alleged Armed Threats Against Fishermen  A New Mexico landowner has been arrested and charged with five felony counts of aggravated assault after authorities say he repeatedly threatened anglers who were legally fishing and wading in the Pecos River. According to the New Mexico Department of Justice, Erik Briones allegedly confronted multiple fishermen over several years while carrying firearms, despite court rulings affirming the public's right to access and wade in many of the state's rivers. Witnesses reported that Briones made threats suggesting he could shoot across the river and warned anglers they would be responsible if they were hit. One widely cited incident, captured on video in 2023, allegedly shows Briones holding a shotgun and telling a fishing guide, "I'm gonna start target practicing," while the guide stood in the river. The arrest comes amid a broader legal battle over public access to New Mexico waterways. Courts, including the New Mexico Supreme Court and later federal courts, have repeatedly upheld the public's right to wade and fish in streams that cross private property, provided people do not trespass on private land to gain access. Authorities also accuse Briones of ignoring court orders by installing barbed wire fences, using heavy equipment to alter the river channel, and creating hazards that could endanger anglers. State officials say these actions were intended to discourage public use of the river. New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez said the case is about enforcing both public access laws and criminal laws against threats of violence. The arrest marks the latest chapter in New Mexico's ongoing debate over private property rights and public access to rivers, with state officials emphasizing that disagreements over access laws do not justify intimidation or armed confrontations.  According to KOB4 News, the New Mexico attorney general had filed a motion to keep Briones in jail until trial. A hearing on that motion was canceled, and Briones is now being released. Court records show Briones must wear an ankle monitor after release. The records also say he cannot return to his residence on the Pecos River before his trial. Reference: https://www.outdoorlife.com/conservation/new-mexico-landowner-arrested-threatening-anglers/ https://www.kob.com/new-mexico/pecos-landowner-charged-with-threatening-fisherman-with-shotgun-released-from-jail/ Beat the Heat: What Really Works—and What Doesn't As summer temperatures climb, staying cool becomes more than just a comfort issue—it can be a matter of safety. The best ways to beat the heat include drinking plenty of water, limiting strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, wearing lightweight, light-colored clothing, and seeking shade or air conditioning whenever possible. Do and Don't In The Heat Don't take cold showers. This can constrict blood vessels and make one hotter after drying off from the cold shower. Don't sleep in the nude. Wearing pajamas offer an extra layer of wicking away the sweat at night from the sheets. Do drink electrolytes. These aid in staying hydrated along with drinking plenty of water. Do take a handkerchief, wet with cool water and wrap around the neck. This works well when working in the heat. Do offer fresh water daily to pets, preferably in a shaded area away from flies. Do use fans to cool off homes to shops to barns and pens. Tip: Set a bowl of ice in front of the fan so that cool air is blown. Not everything people try is effective, however. Waiting until you're thirsty to drink water can lead to dehydration, and using fans alone during extreme heat may not provide enough cooling when temperatures become dangerously high. Alcohol and excessive caffeine can also contribute to dehydration. Whether you're working outdoors, farming, fishing, or enjoying recreation, recognizing the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke can help prevent serious illness. OUTDOORS FIELD REPORTS & COMMENTS We want to hear from you! If you have any questions, comments, or stories to share about bighorn sheep, outdoor adventures, or wildlife conservation, don’t hesitate to reach out. Call or text us at 305-900-BEND (305-900-2363), or send an email to [email protected]. Stay connected by following us on social media at Facebook/Instagram @thebendshow or by subscribing to The Bend Show on YouTube. Visit our website at TheBendShow.com for more exciting content and updates! https://thebendshow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/thebendshow WESTERN LIFESTYLE & THE OUTDOORS Jeff ‘Tigger’ Erhardt & Rebecca ‘BEC’ Wanner are passionate news broadcasters who represent the working ranch world, rodeo, and the Western way of life. They are also staunch advocates for the outdoors and wildlife conservation. As outdoorsmen themselves, Tigger and BEC provide valuable insight and education to hunters, adventurers, ranchers, and anyone interested in agriculture and conservation. With a shared love for the outdoors, Tigger & BEC are committed to bringing high-quality beef and wild game from the field to your table. They understand the importance of sharing meals with family, cooking the fruits of your labor, and making memories in the great outdoors. Through their work, they aim to educate and inspire those who appreciate God’s Country and life on the land. United by a common mission, Tigger & BEC offer a glimpse into life beyond the beaten path and down dirt roads. They’re here to share knowledge, answer your questions, and join you in your own success story. Adventure awaits around the bend. With The Outdoors, the Western Heritage, Rural America, and Wildlife Conservation at the forefront, Tigger and BEC live this lifestyle every day. To learn more about Tigger & BEC’s journey and their passion for the outdoors, visit TiggerandBEC.com.