Public Comment

The following Wildlife Commission documents are available for public comments. We encourage your participation.

See also Meetings and Agendas for State Wildlife Commission meeting notices, agenda item briefings, and calendar.

Proposals Under Consideration

Click title below to open/close the proposal under consideration:

The proposal is to amend the Manner and Method Rule 19.31.10 NMAC to conform with changes made in other NMAC rules or to codify changes that were agreed upon during those rule development processes. This document summarizes those changes.

Summary of Manner and Method Changes

The Department opened the Bighorn sheep rule 19.31.17 at the February 20, 2026 State Wildlife Commission Meeting. We are currently accepting public comment on the proposed changes. To enter your comments into the official rule making record, please email them to:
DGF-Bighorn-Rule@dgf.nm.gov

Proposed Bighorn Sheep Rulemaking Record

The Department opened the deer rule 19.31.13 at the February 20, 2026 State Wildlife Commission Meeting. We are currently accepting public comment on the proposed changes. To enter your comments into the official rule making record, please email them to:
DGF-Deer-Rule@dgf.nm.gov

Proposed Deer Rulemaking Record

The Department opened the elk rule 19.31.14 at the February 20, 2026 State Wildlife Commission Meeting. We are currently accepting public comment on the proposed changes. To enter your comments into the official rule making record, please email them to:
DGF-Elk-Rule@dgf.nm.gov

Proposed Elk Rulemaking Record

The Department will open the Pronghorn rule 19.31.15 at the upcoming March 20, 2026 State Wildlife Commission Meeting. We are currently accepting public comment on the proposed changes. To enter your comments into the official rule making record, please email them to: DGF-Pronghorn-Rule@dgf.nm.gov

Proposed Pronghorn Antelope Rulemaking Record

The Department is adjusting hunt codes for several species as part of the new rules the State Wildlife Commission will vote on later this year. This document summarizes those changes.

Summary of Hunt Code Changes

How to identify changes that are proposed in draft rules:

  • Only sections of the rule which are highlighted are being proposed for changes.
  • Underlined sections of draft rule are being proposed as new language.
  • Strikethrough sections of draft rule are being proposed to be deleted.
  • A clean version of each affected draft rule in proposed final form is also being provided.

Rule Development Process

pdf - Rule Procedures 19_30_17 NMAC
pdf - Rule Process and Development Information Rev 3-29-24

The Department revises rules for hunting game every 4 years and migratory game birds (waterfowl) each year.  Involving hunters and other wildlife enthusiasts is invaluable during the review to ensure that their perspectives help influence hunting seasons and license numbers for the next four years.  As the process develops, proposed adjustments to the various rules will be available for public review.  The State Wildlife Commission, when finalizing the rules later this year, will consider all public comments, harvest and survey data, as well as biological information on population sustainability and management goals.