Enforcement News

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact: Dan Williams: (505) 476-8004 dan.williams@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, APRIL 13, 2018: Roswell game warden named Officer of the Year by Shikar Safari Club ROSWELL – Shikar Safari Club International has named New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Cpl. Tyson Sanders the 2018 Wildlife Officer of the Year. This highly prestigious award is given annually to a state officer whose efforts show outstanding performance and achievement among sworn conservation law enforcement personnel. Sanders began his career with the department in 2009, spending his first year in the Mora district before relocating to the Roswell district. His eight-year career has seen numerous successes in investigating and prosecuting numerous high-profile big-game cases. Education and community outreach also have been a significant part of Sander’s focus. He has led over 20 public outreach events in the [...]

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact: Information Center, (888) 248-6866 Media contact: Dan Williams, (505) 476-8004 dan.williams@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, JAN. 22, 2018: Expect roadblocks statewide during hunting seasons SANTA FE – The Department of Game and Fish will conduct roadblocks throughout the state during fall hunting seasons to collect harvest data and to detect wildlife law violations. Hunting seasons are underway or soon will begin in some parts of New Mexico. For more information, please consult the department's Hunting Rules & Information booklet, available at www.wildlife.state.nm.us or at area offices and license vendors. At roadblocks, conservation officers also will check for compliance with the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Act. Drivers of vehicles hauling wood products will be asked to produce documentation as required by the Forest Conservation Act. Department officers may be assisted by other law enforcement agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land [...]

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact: Cody Johnston, (575) 291-2138 gary.johnston@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, JAN. 4, 2018: Multiple deer and elk killed and left to waste in Otero County OTERO COUNTY – The Department of Game and Fish is seeking information about two deer and several elk that were illegally killed and left to rot recently in Otero County. Anyone with information about these poachings is encouraged to call Operation Game Thief, (800) 432-4263. Dec. 26, the department received an Operation Game Thief tip regarding a possible wildlife law violation near Calico Peak. A conservation officer responded and discovered a mule deer buck that had been shot and killed. The head was removed and all meat was left to waste. There was not an open deer hunting season at the time. This unlawful killing and waste of game is a fourth-degree [...]

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact: Clint Henson clint.henson@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, DEC. 8, 2017: Information sought in unlawfully killed elk LAS VEGAS – Game and Fish conservation officers are seeking information regarding two elk calves that were illegally killed near Guadalupita. On Dec. 5, a conservation officer responded to County Road A-020 to a report of an injured elk. When the officer arrived, he found two elk calves that had been shot and left to waste. Evidence was collected and the investigation is ongoing. If you have information on this crime or any other wildlife crime, please call Operation Game Thief at (800) 432-4263. Reports also can be submitted online at www.wildlife.state.nm.us. Callers can remain anonymous and receive a $500 reward for each elk if charges are filed against a suspect. Remember, poachers steal your wildlife. ###