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, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact, Tristanna Bickford: (505) 476-8027 tristanna.bickford@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, MARCH 1, 2019: Department seeking next generation of conservation officers SANTA FE – The Department of Game and Fish is seeking qualified men and women to join the next generation of 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 $17.03 an hour. Applications for this position will be accepted until April 16, 2019. Physical assessments and interviews will take place May 11, 2019 in Santa Fe. Candidates who advance past the interviews may be required to stay in Santa Fe until May 17, 2019 for further testing. Prior law enforcement experience is not required. Successful applicants must either possess a qualifying bachelor’s degree or obtain a qualifying degree and provide documentation [...]
Charges issued in illegal trapping case
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, FEB. 13, 2019: Charges issued in illegal trapping case SANTA FE – In one of New Mexico’s most recent high-profile trapping cases, a Chimayo man is facing multiple charges associated with running illegal trap lines that resulted in the unlawful harvest of multiple wildlife animals and the death of Roxy, a family dog. On Tuesday, Feb. 12, Marty Cordova, 42, was charged with 34 counts of illegal trapping activities. Charges include: Charges include: 5 counts of trapping within 25 yards of a road 10 counts of failure to properly mark traps 5 counts of failure to check traps every calendar day 14 counts of unlawful possession of a protected species Conservation officers served a search warrant on Cordova’s residence in January resulting in officers seizing snares and [...]
Outdoor Adventures Hunting and Fishing Show this weekend in Albuquerque
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, FEB. 12, 2019: Outdoor Adventures Hunting and Fishing Show this weekend in Albuquerque SANTA FE – The annual New Mexico Outdoor Adventures Hunting and Fishing Show opens at noon Friday, Feb.15 and continues through Sunday, Feb. 17, in the Manuel Lujan Building at the state fairgrounds in Albuquerque. The event is bigger and better than ever with new exhibits and hands-on activities hosted by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. New this year will be a free 'catch and release' pond located in the red barn. Try your luck catching a tagged fish to win a prize sponsored by a vendor. At the start of each day’s show, the first 15 people to catch a tagged fish will win a prize from one of the [...]
Fox bites homeowner, tests positive for rabies
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 New Mexico Department of Health Media Contact, Paul Rhien: (505) 470-2290 paul.rhien@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, JAN. 29,2019: Fox bites homeowner, tests positive for rabies LAS VEGAS – On Saturday, Conservation Officer Justin Hepler responded to a call from a Las Vegas homeowner who was bitten by a fox she believed was starving when she attempted to feed it. After meeting with the bite victim at a local hospital, the officer learned the fox had jumped into a parked vehicle and began eating insulation on the door and chewing on a hammer handle. The homeowner admitted to offering the fox a bowl of dog food when it bit her on the wrist and hand, leaving several puncture wounds on both arms. Once on the scene, the officer was able to locate [...]
Expect roadblocks statewide during hunting 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, SEPT 10, 2018: 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 [...]