Enforcement News
Here is the latest in conservation enforcement news & press releases from the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. For Operation Game Thief there is a list of solved cases and cold cases. And see the Featured Officer page for Officer of the Month and Career Advancement news.
Department-wide news can be found under Home → NMDGF News.
Department seeking next generation of conservation officers
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact: Brady Griffith (505) 795-1700 bradyd.griffith@state.nm.us Media contact: Dan Williams: (505) 476-8004 dan.williams@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, AUG. 31, 2017: Department seeking next generation of conservation officers SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish is seeking qualified men and women to join the next generation of conservation officers who protect and conserve the state’s wildlife and natural resources. The department is accepting applications for game warden trainees with a starting pay of $17.03 an hour. Applications for this position will be accepted until Oct. 20. Please visit www.wildlife.state.nm.us to learn more about the position and how to apply. Prior law enforcement experience is not required, but successful applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as fisheries or wildlife biology, forestry or criminal justice. Please visit www.wildlife.state.nm.us for a complete list of qualifying degrees. Candidates [...]
Expect roadblocks statewide during hunting seasons
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, AUG. 25, 2017: 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 [...]
Roswell man arrested for harassing pronghorns
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, AUGUST 17, 2017: Roswell man arrested for harassing pronghorns SANTA FE – Tips from the public resulted in the arrest of a 28-year-old Roswell man for allegedly harassing wildlife after he was reportedly seen chasing a herd of pronghorns with his four-wheel off-highway vehicle. Enrico Amaya, 28, of the 600 block of Pine St., Roswell, was arrested Aug. 11 by Cpl. Tyson Sanders, a New Mexico Department of Game and Fish conservation officer stationed in Roswell. Sanders had received tips from the public reporting someone riding an off-highway vehicle and chasing a herd of pronghorns in a pasture near town on several recent occasions. Sanders identified, questioned and arrested Amaya. A video camera and digital media card also was confiscated from Amaya. Sanders wrote in his affidavit [...]
Department shines at Santa Ana Pueblo public safety event
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, AUGUST 11, 2017: Department shines at Santa Ana Pueblo public safety event SANTA FE – The Department of Game and Fish won first place in the People’s Choice category Aug. 5 at the first Public Safety Day at Santa Ana Pueblo. Over 20 law enforcement agencies participated in the event, showcasing their specialties. The department was praised for its interesting, informative and attractive representation of the agency. “It was a great day to share with the people of New Mexico what the Department of Game and Fish law enforcement and the variety of resources we offer to the public,” said Capt. Tim Cimbal. “It was an honor for our agency to be chosen by the people for the People’s Choice award.” The Department of Game and Fish [...]
Officers seize 17 illegal game animal heads during multiple search warrants in Farmington
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact: Ross Morgan: (505) 222-4707 ross.morgan@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, June 21, 2017: Officers seize 17 illegal game animal heads during multiple search warrants in Farmington FARMINGTON – New Mexico Department of Game and Fish officers, with assistance from the New Mexico State Police and San Juan County Sheriff’s office, seized 17 illegal game animal heads during multiple search warrants throughout the Farmington area on Tuesday. The investigation into a Farmington man, who is facing multiple charges, originated in early 2017 from an investigation by Department of Game and Fish Officer Shana Burkhardt after trail camera pictures placed on private land revealed what appeared to be illegal activity. It is illegal in the state of New Mexico to kill any game animal out of season and without a proper and valid hunting license. It is also illegal [...]