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.
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 [...]
Department now accepting applications for conservation officers
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, SEPT. 9, 2019: Department now accepting applications for conservation officers SANTA FE – The Department of Game and Fish is seeking qualified men and women to apply to become conservation officers, who protect and conserve New Mexico’s wildlife. The department is currently accepting applications for conservation officer trainees with a starting pay of $18.34 an hour. Applications for this position will be accepted until Oct. 19, 2019. Physical assessments and interviews will take place Nov. 16, 2019 in Santa Fe. Candidates who advance past the interviews may be required to stay in Santa Fe until Nov. 22, 2019 for further testing. Prior law enforcement experience is not required. Successful applicants must possess a qualifying bachelor’s degree before Oct. 19, 2019. Qualifying degrees are those in a field [...]
CAPTURED!
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, SEPTEMBER 5, 2019: CAPTURED! SANTA FE – The search for the African serval spotted near Hyde Memorial State Park in Santa Fe has ended with its safe capture. Conservation Officer Manuel Overby caught the approximately 30-pound male Sub-Saharan African animal early Thursday morning in a cage trap and transported it to the Albuquerque BioPark for evaluation and safe keeping while a permanent home is determined. Officers will also attempt to identify the origin of its escape. “Our residents did the right thing by immediately reporting the sighting to the Department,” said Overby. “Exotic pets like these are not only illegal, they do not make good pets. They have the potential to put the public in harms way and cause damage to the state’s wildlife resources.” Park staff, [...]
Hunter attacked by bear near Cliff
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, AUGUST 30, 2019: Hunter attacked by bear near Cliff Cliff – New Mexico Department of Game and Fish conservation officers have completed the investigation of a black bear attack that occurred near Cliff in southwestern New Mexico on Thursday, Aug. 29. The 63 year old licensed guide, was injured when approaching a bear that had been shot by a member of the hunting party. The individual returned to his truck unassisted and drove himself to Gila Regional Medical Center where he was treated for multiple bite wounds to both arms and legs, administered antibiotics and released. "We are thankful the individual was not hurt worse," said Department Director Mike Sloane. "We caution all hunters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to always be careful around bears, especially if you [...]
Expect roadblocks statewide during hunting seasons
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, AUGUST 8, 2019: Expect roadblocks statewide during hunting seasons SANTA FE – Hunting seasons are underway and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish will be conducting roadblocks throughout the state during fall hunting seasons to collect harvest data and to detect wildlife law violations. Conservation officers may be assisted by other agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, New Mexico State Police or county sheriff’s offices. As a result, the public may encounter minor delays. 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. Everyone is encouraged to report any violations they may observe, such as shooting from a vehicle, spotlighting or driving [...]