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.
Deer, elk and exotics hunting rules topic of public meetings
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact, Tristanna Bickford: (505) 476-8027 tristanna.bickford@dgf.nm.gov FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, APRIL 26, 2022: Deer, elk and exotics hunting rules topic of public meetings SANTA FE – The Department of Game and Fish is seeking public comment on proposed revisions to the deer, elk and exotics (Barbary sheep, oryx, Persian ibex) rules which opened at the State Game Commission meeting on April 11, 2022. For deer, the Department is seeking input on adjustments to license numbers and hunt dates and adding some new hunt opportunities. Additionally, the Department is proposing creating an October youth hunt in GMUs 2A and 2B and moving the majority of licenses out of the current November hunt period. For elk, the Department is seeking input on creating several new hunt opportunities, “Primary Management Zone” expansion in some southwestern GMUs, designating GMUs 34 and [...]
Expect checkpoints statewide during hunting and fishing seasons
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact, Tristanna Bickford: (505) 476-8027 tristanna.bickford@dgf.nm.gov FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, APRIL 15, 2022: Expect checkpoints statewide during hunting and fishing seasons The Department of Game and Fish will conduct checkpoints throughout the state during hunting and fishing seasons, in hunting and angling areas, to collect harvest data and to detect wildlife law violations. The 2022-2023 hunting and fishing season began April 1. All hunters and anglers are required to purchase a new license before hunting and fishing. Guides and outfitters are also reminded that new registration is required. The general turkey season begins April 15. For more information, please consult the Department’s Hunting Rules and Information Booklet. Hunters and anglers can expect checkpoints throughout the spring and summer. At checkpoints, conservation officers will check for compliance with the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Act. Drivers of vehicles hauling wood [...]
Turkey rule and delisting topic of public meeting
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact, Tristanna Bickford: (505) 476-8027 tristanna.bickford@dgf.nm.gov FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, APRIL 12, 2022: Turkey rule and delisting topic of public meeting SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish will hold hybrid public meetings and request public comments on the Turkey Rule and Gould’s turkey delisting. All three public meetings will be held in person, while two of the meetings will be available virtually. Biologists will provide a presentation at the meetings and allow time for questions and comments. The meetings will cover: The proposed changes to the Turkey Rule (19.31.16 NMAC) The recommendation to remove Gould’s turkey (Meleagris gallopavo mexicana) from the state list of threatened and endangered species. Both items were opened for consideration at the April 11, 2022, State Game Commission meeting in Santa Fe. The Department will hold public meetings [...]
New Mexico Wildlife Rescue Inc. Great Horned Owl Rescue
Following is a selected project highlight from the Share with Wildlife mission to assist all New Mexico wildlife in need, no matter what species. New Mexico Wildlife Rescue Inc. Great Horned Owl Rescue Fire fighters prepare to return owl to a safe place. (Penny Elliston) Do you want to learn more about how wildlife rehabilitation works and about some of the raptors that migrate through New Mexico? Do you want to know what you can do if you find a bird or other animal that appears to be sick or injured? If you live in the Albuquerque area, then Wildlife Rescue Inc. of New Mexico (WRINM) is the place to call to get your questions about injured or orphaned wildlife answered and the place to visit during their annual open house. Wildlife Rescue Inc. is based at the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park and has a vast [...]
Wild population of Mexican wolves continues to experience growth with a minimum of 196 wolves recorded
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Media contact, Aislinn Maestas: 505-331-9280 aislinn_maestas@fws.gov Arizona Game and Fish Department Media Contact, Tom Cadden, tcadden@azgfd.gov New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact, Tristanna Bickford: (505) 476-8027 tristanna.bickford@dgf.nm.gov FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, MARCH 30, 2022: Wild population of Mexican wolves continues to experience growth with a minimum of 196 wolves recorded The wild population of Mexican wolves in the United States continued to grow in 2021. According to the 2021 annual count, the U.S. population of Mexican wolves has increased by 5 percent since the previous year, raising the total number of wolves in the wild to a minimum of 196 animals. This marks the sixth consecutive year of growth in the wild population. From November 2021 through February 2022, the Interagency Field Team (IFT) conducted ground and aerial counts of Mexican wolves in Arizona and New Mexico. [...]