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.
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 [...]
Second Case of Rabies Confirmed in a Fox in San Miguel County
New Mexico Department of Health Media Contact, Paul Rhien: (505) 470-2290 paul.rhien@state.nm.us 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 6, 2019 Second Case of Rabies Confirmed in a Fox in San Miguel County SANTA FE, NM – The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) and New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (DGF) announced today that a case of rabies was laboratory confirmed on March 1 in a fox that was seen to be acting abnormally in San Miguel County. It had been previously announced that another rabid fox was identified in that county on January 28. Pet and livestock owners should ensure that their dogs, cats, horses and other livestock get vaccinated against rabies. No pet food or garbage should be left outside. Pets should be leashed while being walked outside. [...]
Gallup conservation officer named Officer of the Year by Shikar-Safari Club
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. 5, 2019: Gallup conservation officer named Officer of the Year by Shikar-Safari Club SANTA FE – Shikar-Safari Club International has named New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Corporal Storm Usrey 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. “In a field as demanding as wildlife law enforcement, I can say with certainty, Officer Storm Usery lives and breathes the conservation officer concept,” said his supervisor, Sergeant Jeremy Smith. “He is second to none in customer service and the most professional officer I have worked with. Storm embodies professionalism and kindness beyond the duties of the job. His resume of good [...]