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.
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Cause for Rabbit Mortality
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Media contact, Tristanna Bickford: (505) 476-8027, tristanna.bickford@state.nm.us New Mexico Livestock Board Media contact, Mary Catey: (505) 841-6161, mary.catey@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, APRIL 7, 2020: Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Cause for Rabbit Mortality SANTA FE, NM - The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (Department) and the New Mexico Livestock Board report that Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus type 2 (RHDV-2) is the cause for recent rabbit deaths in both wild jackrabbit and cottontail populations as well as in domestic rabbit production facilities. RHDV-2 is highly contagious among rabbits; however, it is not known to be transmissible to humans or pets. RHDV-2 is from a different viral family from the corona virus and is not related to COVID-19. The Department collected carcasses for testing after reports of dead wild rabbits in early March. Mortalities in domestic rabbits also resulted in testing during this time. Tests [...]
Project proposals sought for Share with Wildlife funding
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact, Tristanna Bickford: (505) 476-8027 tristanna.bickford@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, MARCH 27, 2020: Project proposals sought for Share with Wildlife funding SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish’s Share with Wildlife program is now accepting proposals for projects that would start in 2021. The Share with Wildlife program funds projects up to $50,000 in four categories: habitat enhancement, biological and ecological research studies, wildlife rehabilitation and wildlife education. Topics of particular interest to the Department are projects that would start between Jan. 15, 2021 and May 31, 2021. Details about the proposal format are listed in the Call For Project Information for fiscal year 2021 available on the Share with Wildlife website, under the Applications-Reports tab. Offerors should make sure to use the updated Share with Wildlife Proposal Cover Sheet posted on the [...]
Services available for NM’s hunters, anglers and outdoor recreationalists
New Mexico Department of Game and FishPublic contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866Media contact, Tristanna Bickford: (505) 476-8027tristanna.bickford@dgf.nm.govFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, MARCH 18:Services available for NM’s hunters, anglers and outdoor recreationalistsSANTA FE – It’s important for agencies like the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish to do their part to help prevent the transmission of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) and you can help too.At this time the Department encourages hunters and anglers to utilize the many online and phone services available.Customers seeking general information including; license sales and harvest reporting can still reach the Department by phone at 505-476-8000 or toll-free at 1-888-248-6866. They can reach the Department by email, ispa@dgf.nm.gov or visit online at www.wildlife.state.nm.us. Hunting and fishing licenses can be purchased online at onlinesales.wildlife.state.nm.us.The New Mexico Game and Fish Department offers educational activities for youth and families. New Mexico wildlife and wildlife management lessons can be downloaded online at www.wildlife.state.nm.us/education/conservation-education/discover-new-mexico.Depredation [...]
Big Game deadline approaching and events across the state are postponed to protect public health
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact, Tristanna Bickford: (505) 476-8027 tristanna.bickford@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, MARCH 12, 2020: Big Game deadline approaching and events across the state are postponed to protect public health SANTA FE – Following the New Mexico Department of Health’s public health order regarding mass gatherings and in an effort to prevent transmission of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), several events in March and April have been postponed. However, the March 18, 2020 deadline to apply for big game hunts in New Mexico is still in place. The Department would like to remind hunters of the upcoming 5 pm. March 18 deadline to apply for the big game draw. Apply now at https://onlinesales.wildlife.state.nm.us/. All nonessential Department employees are working from home; however, a limited number of essential employees will be answering draw related questions from: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. March [...]
Rare Chipmunks
Following is a selected project highlight from the Share with Wildlife mission to assist all New Mexico wildlife in need, no matter what species. Rare Chipmunks How do you survey for a rare small mammal that, as far as we know, is only found in a few, hard to reach, high elevation sites in southeastern New Mexico and looks very similar to another species found in the same area? This is the conundrum facing Dr. Jennifer Frey and her graduate student, Fiona McKibben, at New Mexico State University when it comes to their studies of the Peñasco least chipmunk. Peñasco least chipmunk. (Jim Stuart) Until 2016, this chipmunk species had not been documented in New Mexico since 2000. Given that it is a candidate for federal Endangered Species Act listing, it is important to have up-to-date information on its distribution and status. The Peñasco least chipmunk is very [...]