Skills Camps

The Department of Wildlife will offer hunting, fishing or shooting camps throughout the state of New Mexico to assist in the R-3 (recruit, retain, and reactivate) mission. Camps will be year round, overnight or day camps, for families and those new to hunting, fishing, and shooting. A positive learning environment will be created to learn and pass along the hunting, angling and shooting heritage.

Archery can be fun and safe for all ages of youth and adults. Public Information Specialist Jeremy Lane coaches this group of youth as they shoot archery for the first time.
There are more to the skills camp than just shooting firearms. Public Information Specialist Ross Morgan helps this group learn what to do after you shoot an animal.
At the skills camp, Department staff will teach you skills so you can be successful on the water.
What do you do if you are not drawn in New Mexico’s Big Game Draw. You go fishing.
Learning to shoot Muzzleloaders can be a bit challenging, but Department staff and volunteers, can help break it down so it’s easier to understand.
Powder. Patch. Ball. Muzzleloader may seem like an older style gun, and they are, but they are also a great tool if you are looking to hunt in New Mexico, typically these hunts are a bit easier to draw.
In New Mexico, many people like to recreate using an Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV). OHV Law Enforcement Coordinator Desi Ortiz shows this young man the best ways to be safe while on the trails.
Shooting a shotgun at a moving target can be a lot of fun, we will help you learn the proper stance and form for shotgun shooting.
Shooting a shotgun is very popular during turkey season. Patterning your shotgun is just as important as sighting in your rifle, we can teach you how to pattern your shotgun.
Skills Camps offer a wide variety of skills to be learned, but also many targets to shoot.
Look out. There are wildlife all over the place, learn tips and tricks to see wildlife more often.

Online Hunter Education graduates and their families and outdoor enthusiasts looking to expand their skill set will get an introductory course in various firearms, archery, angling and other outdoor skills in a safe, positive environment.

Ladies Social Hour

Updated 8-20-2024

You can also view previous social hours on the Department’s YouTube page.

New and inexperienced hunters will gather for a weekend of hunting with mentors. Participants will learn tracking, stalking, shooting, processing, and cooking skills. Youth 17 and under must have a valid Hunter Education certificate or a Mentored Youth certificate (See Hunter Education for more information). These camps will most likely be overnight camping.

View hunting events calendar

New and inexperienced anglers will gather for a weekend of fishing with mentors. Participants will learn the basics of tackle, gear, baiting a hook, casting, catching, and cooking the catch.

View fishing events calendar

New and inexperienced shooters will gather for a weekend of discipline specific training, for example learning the game of skeet.

View shooting events calendar

Skills Camps Contact

Dylan Frentzel, Skills Development Manager
dylan.frentzel@dgf.nm.gov

Shooting Events Contact

Cody Johnston, Shooting Program Coordinator
cody.johnston@dgf.nm.gov