Joe,
just my thoughts, but the good part is that there's probably more Mearns habitat across the border than on this side and it's likely that there are far less hunting Mearns over there, with all the bandito stuff going on. So, I'm not too worried about the Mearns being able to make a comeback when the environment changes. Just the same, I'm in agreement with you that Mearns should be left alone until then.
Just a question for you that are familiar with that part of the country: Are there any guzzlers down there? I don't recall hearing about any nor seeing any. It would seem that guzzlers that got filled regularly by an organization of volunteers would help. That area had good road access for a water truck/trailer.