New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
Media contact: Dan Williams, (505) 476-8004
Public contact: (505) 476-8000
dan.williams@state.nm.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, AUG. 29, 2008:

VISIT DEPARTMENT EXHIBITS, PARK FREE AT THE STATE FAIR

ALBUQUERQUE -- Live game fish, quail, raptors, snakes and a bobcat are among the attractions awaiting visitors Sept. 5-21 at the Department of Game and Fish exhibit at the New Mexico State Fair.

Visitors will find the critters, along with information about hunting, fishing and wildlife conservation beginning at 8 a.m. every day in the Natural Resources Building at EXPO New Mexico. Parking will be free in celebration of the fair's 70th anniversary. Admission is $9 for adults, $5 for seniors, $4 for children ages 3-12, and free for children age 2 and younger.

This year, the Department's audio-video room will feature presentations by Wildlife Rescue, Wildlife West Nature Park, Valles Caldera National Preserve, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, JTD Knives, the New Mexico Hunter Education Association, New Mexico State Forestry, and  the State Engineer's Office. The Department also will have special activities by its Aquatic Education Division.

The “Poach Coach,” a trailer put together by the Department to display animals that were killed unlawfully, will make an appearance Sept. 11 for Law Enforcement Day.

The first 100 children who visit the Department of Game and Fish exhibit Sept. 17 will receive a free admission pass to the Albuquerque Zoo, Aquarium or Botanical Garden, courtesy of  the City of Albuquerque and Albuquerque Biological Park,.        

For more information about the fair exhibit or any other Department matter, please call (505) 222-4700 or visit www.wildlife.state.nm.us.      

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