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.
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 [...]
New conservation officers graduate from Law Enforcement Academy
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, JUNE 20, 2019: SANTA FE –Three New Mexico Department of Game and Fish conservation officers graduated from the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy in Farmington Friday, June 14. The department’s graduates of the 20-week law enforcement training academy are: Kayla Brauer Travis Bessett Montana Tidwell Notably, Brauer earned the title of class valedictorian and the exemplary performance award in a class of 30. In addition to attending the law enforcement academy, conservation officers undergo four weeks of departmental training in wildlife laws and department policies and procedures. They also undergo a year of on-the-job training under the supervision of a field training officer before being assigned to a district. For more information about a career as a conservation [...]
AIMS@UNM hits the mark at national tournament
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact, Lance Cherry: (505) 476-8003 lance.cherry@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, MAY 7, 2019: AIMS@UNM hits the mark at national tournament SANTA FE – Capturing bronze and silver, New Mexico’s National Archery in the Schools (NASP) high school division state champions, Albuquerque Institute for Mathematics and Science (AIMS@UNM) delivered the state’s best national tournament showing since the program began in 2008. More than 1,250 top-ranked student archers from 156 schools competed in the NASP Western Nationals, April 27-28 at the Salt Palace Expo in Salt Lake City, Utah. The AIMS@UNM team scored 3292 out of a possible 3600 in the high school division and pinned an amazing 146 bullseyes to clinch the third place finish. The team’s standout archer, Sofia Apodaca, racked up 20 bullseyes and a score of 289 out of 300, to capture second overall [...]
Expect roadblocks statewide during hunting and fishing seasons
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, MAR. 29, 2019: Expect roadblocks statewide during hunting and fishing seasons SANTA FE – The Department of Game and Fish will conduct roadblocks throughout the state during hunting and fishing seasons to collect harvest data and to detect wildlife law violations. The 2019-2020 hunting and fishing season begins April 1. All hunters and anglers are required to purchase a new license before hunting and fishing. Anglers can expect roadblocks throughout the summer. Guides and outfitters are also reminded that new registration is required. Youth turkey season begins April 12 and the general season begins April 15. For more information, please consult the department’s Hunting Rules and 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 [...]