NMDGF Conservation News
The latest conservation news and press releases from New Mexico Game and Fish. Department-wide news can be found under Home → NMDGF News.
State Agencies Swiftly React to Restore Wildlife Habitat After Trout Fire
Reseeding efforts in the Gila National Forest, Grant County, aim to jumpstart regrowth, stabilize soils and support wildlife and watershed recovery. SILVER CITY, N.M. - In the wake of the Trout Fire in Grant County, the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) and the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) swiftly reseeded burned areas in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to restore over 1,200 acres of key habitat near the Bear Canyon Lake Wildlife Management Area through targeted reseeding efforts. The state agencies' quick reaction was crucial because the rapid response bypassed the potentially lengthy federal approval process that could have jeopardized seeding efforts due to impending monsoon rains. Located approximately 31 miles northeast of Silver City, the Bear Canyon area was significantly impacted by the wildfire. On July 15-16, 2025, state agencies in collaboration with their federal partners mobilized to help the land heal, spreading a [...]
Mexican Wolf Located North of Interstate 40 in Northwest New Mexico
SANTA FE - A male wolf (M3065) has been documented crossing out of the Mexican Wolf Experimental Population Area (MWEPA) north of Interstate 40 in New Mexico. The wolf is affixed with a radio collar, which is transmitting its location. He was documented crossing the I-40 boundary west of Albuquerque late last week. His last location was near Mount Taylor. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish are monitoring the wolf’s movements. Mexican wolves that move outside the MWEPA, including north of I-40, are listed and protected as federally endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Therefore, the wolf cannot be hazed or harassed north of I-40 without violating the Act, unless the wolf actively poses a threat to human safety. Anyone convicted of killing, harming or harassing an endangered Mexican wolf is subject to a fine and/or criminal charges. [...]
Stephen M. Bush Memorial Shooting Range in Clayton to close every third Wednesday beginning July 16
CLAYTON – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish will close its Stephen M. Bush Memorial Shooting Range for maintenance at sunrise on the third Wednesday of each month, beginning July 16.The range will reopen at sunrise the following day. The closure will allow contractors to safely perform maintenance and remove trash and debris from the range. Public access to the range will be completely restricted on days the range is closed.The Department would like to remind the public to recreate responsibly. This includes packing out all shooting trash, including shell casings and targets and not shooting at glass or other objects not intended to be shot at on the range.
The Department of Game and Fish is transitioning to an online system for the EPLUS program!
EPLUS landowner elk authorizations for the Primary Management Zone are now available to view in your New Mexico Department of Game and Fish online account. If you haven't already become familiar with logging in to view your online EPLUS account, see below or refer to this document for step-by-step instructions.Click here to begin the login process. If you are having trouble signing into your account, you can click the Recover Username and/or Password option next to the Login button. Please call the Information Center at 888-248-6866 or email ispa@dgf.nm.gov if you need additional assistance to access your online account.Once logged in, click the Ranch Owners option in the menu to view your ranches. If the Ranch Owners option does not appear, then your EPLUS ranch account has not been linked to your customer account; please email the EPLUS program for assistance. You must be the Authorized Ranch Contact on record to complete the linking process.Electronic copies of your account statements can also be printed from [...]
Governor’s Special Hunt Auction Online for 2025
Proceeds to benefit Game Protection Fund and Department mission-related projects and programs NEW MEXICO — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has authorized the auctioning of eight packages containing nine big-game hunts to benefit the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. The Department has partnered with Ducks Unlimited (DU) to offer the New Mexico Governor's Special Hunt Auction online in 2025. Funds from the public auction support the Game Protection Fund and are used solely for Department mission-related projects and programs. The eight packages offered this year are up for auction now and will close on June 22 at 8 p.m. MDT. The hunts this year include: Exotics Hunt Package that includes: an either-sex oryx license and an either-sex Barbary sheep license; Coues deer license in Game Management Units (GMUs) 23, 24, 26 or 27; Elk license in GMUs 34 or 36; Elk license in GMUs 16 A-E; Elk license in GMU [...]