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NMDGF News

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Bill Evans Lake Project Nears Completion

Your Content Goes Here New Mexico Department of Game and FishPublic contact, Information Center: 888-248-6866Media contact, Darren Vaughan: 505-476-8027darren.vaughan@dgf.nm.gov GRANT COUNTY  – Bill Evans Lake, located approximately eight miles south of Cliff, is now open to the public as work to improve boater access and fishing opportunities nears completion. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has installed a new boat ramp and fishing access points, as well as improved road access on the north side of the lake. The old boat ramp has been modified to provide better access for non-motorized watercraft, and several fishing jetties were also added. Please note that the new boat ramp will remain closed until the water level comes up enough for boats to launch safely – likely in June – at which time the new boat dock will be installed. The project cost approximately $800,000, with funding coming from license sales [...]

Game Commission to meet May 19 (MEETING POSTPONED)

Update: The New Mexico State Game Commission meeting originally scheduled has been postponed. The department will issue a revised meeting notice once the meeting is rescheduled. At the time, the revised agenda, location address, attendee information and additional will be available soon. SANTA FE – The New Mexico State Game Commission will hold a meeting at 9 a.m., Friday, May 19, 2023, in the Fisheries Management Division Conference Room at NMDGF Headquarters; One Wildlife Way; Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507. The full agenda, location details, attendee information, and general information will be available on the Department of Game and Fish website. If you are interested in participating and providing comments, but cannot attend the meeting in person, you are encouraged to pre-register to attend the meeting on the Zoom Webinar platform. In addition, there will be a live webcast on the Department’s website. Webcast participants can listen to the meeting using a desktop computer or [...]

Bill Evans Lake Project Nears Completion

New Mexico Department of Game and FishPublic contact, Information Center: 888-248-6866Media contact, Darren Vaughan: 505-476-8027darren.vaughan@dgf.nm.gov GRANT COUNTY  – Bill Evans Lake, located approximately eight miles south of Cliff, is now open to the public as work to improve boater access and fishing opportunities nears completion. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has installed a new boat ramp and fishing access points, as well as improved road access on the north side of the lake. The old boat ramp has been modified to provide better access for non-motorized watercraft, and several fishing jetties were also added. Please note that the new boat ramp will remain closed until the water level comes up enough for boats to launch safely – likely in June – at which time the new boat dock will be installed. The project cost approximately $800,000, with funding coming from license sales as well as Sportfish [...]

Game Commission to meet May 19 (MEETING POSTPONED)

Update: The New Mexico State Game Commission meeting originally scheduled has been postponed. The department will issue a revised meeting notice once the meeting is rescheduled. At the time, the revised agenda, location address, attendee information and additional will be available soon. SANTA FE – The New Mexico State Game Commission will hold a meeting at 9 a.m., Friday, May 19, 2023, in the Fisheries Management Division Conference Room at NMDGF Headquarters; One Wildlife Way; Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507. The full agenda, location details, attendee information, and general information will be available on the Department of Game and Fish website. If you are interested in participating and providing comments, but cannot attend the meeting in person, you are encouraged to pre-register to attend the meeting on the Zoom Webinar platform. In addition, there will be a live webcast on the Department’s website. Webcast participants can listen to the meeting using a desktop computer or [...]

Migratory game bird rule topic of public meeting

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: 888-248-6866 Media contact, Darren Vaughan: 505-476-8027 darren.vaughan@dgf.nm.gov  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, APRIL 13, 2023 Migratory game bird rule topic of public meeting ALBUQUERQUE – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has scheduled a public meeting to discuss proposed revisions to the Migratory Game Bird Rule (19.31.6 NMAC). Members of the public are invited to attend this hybrid public meeting to learn about proposed revisions and provide comments: April 26, 2023, Albuquerque, 6:30 p.m. Attend in person at 7816 Alamo Rd, NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico Register in advance to attend virtually The proposed revisions were opened for consideration at the Jan. 27, 2023, State Game Commission meeting. Proposed revisions can be found at: https://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/commission/proposals-under-consideration/. In addition to the meeting above, comments on the proposed revisions can be provided by mail: New Mexico Department of Game and Fish; Attn: Migratory [...]

News Releases for 2021

News Releases for 2020

Game Commission to meet January 17 in Las Cruces

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, JAN. 6, 2020: Game Commission to meet January 17 in Las Cruces SANTA FE – The New Mexico State Game Commission will meet Friday, Jan. 17, in Las Cruces. The meeting will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum, located at 4100 Dripping Springs Road. Agenda items include: Rule Making Hearing on the Final Fair Chase Rule Rule Making Hearing on the Final Trapping and Furbearers Rule Rule Making Hearing on the Final Licenses/Permits Rule Workshop on the Departments E-PLUS program The full agenda and other information are available on the Department of Game and Fish website. The New Mexico State Game Commission meeting will be available to view via a live webcast on the Department’s website. The webcast [...]

Need a New Year’s Resolution? Take the Trout Challenge!

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, JAN 1, 2020: Need a New Year’s Resolution? Take the Trout Challenge! SANTA FE - Anglers in New Mexico are very fortunate to have such diverse fishing opportunities, especially when it comes to trout. With six different trout species, all within a few hours of each other, catching several, or all of them, can be quite the challenge. Today, January 1, 2020, the Department of Game and Fish has launched the New Mexico Trout Challenge (NMTC). This challenge, which is the first of its kind for New Mexico, will encourage anglers in our state to catch five of New Mexico’s trout species. The five trout species that anglers will be challenged to catch are the Rio Grande cutthroat trout, Gila trout, brown trout, brook trout and rainbow [...]

News Releases for 2019
News Releases for 2018

Department cautions campers be aware increased bear activity Jemez Mountains

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, May 25, 2018: Department cautions campers to be aware of increased bear activity in the Jemez Mountains JEMEZ – Due to multiple sightings of bear cubs by campers in the area of Forest Road 376 in the Jemez Mountains, recreationists are reminded to keep a clean camp and be bear aware during the long weekend. According to Tristanna Bickford, communications director, “some may view this as a unique opportunity to view young wildlife; however, it is very important for people to not attempt to approach these bears for any reason and to maintain a safe distance.” The department strongly urges you to avoid getting between the mother and her cubs. Bickford continues, “Always be aware that the mother is likely in the area. Approaching wildlife is [...]

Public reminded to leave young wildlife alone

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, May 21, 2018: Public reminded to leave young wildlife alone SANTA FE – Spring in New Mexico is an exciting time for wildlife. This is the time of year when most babies are born. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish reminds the public to leave alone any deer or antelope fawns, elk calves, bear cubs or other wild animals they may find. Most young-of-the-year wildlife that people discover are simply hiding while awaiting their parents’ return from foraging nearby. Removing these young animals can cost them their lives, Orrin Duvuvuei, department deer and pronghorn biologist, warned. “For about a week after birth, young wildlife exhibit hiding behaviors to avoid detection and increase their chance for survival. You might think it has been abandoned, but [...]

Special hunter education camp offered at Camp Tres Ritos near Mora

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact: Jennifer Morgan: (505) 222-4722 jennifer.morgan@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, May 18, 2018: Special hunter education camp offered at Camp Tres Ritos near Mora MORA – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish is offering a special hunter education camp where youth can receive hands-on training and earn their hunter education certification. The camp is open to youth ages 10 to 17 who are accompanied by a registered adult. It will be conducted the weekend of June 22-24, at the Boy Scout’s Camp Tres Ritos near Mora. Meals are free and participants will tent-camp on the property. Registration for this opportunity opens May 23. Those interested in attending must complete and return the registration form available at http://wildlife.dgf.nm.gov/education/hunter-education/ by 12 p.m. on June 4, to be eligible. Slots will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. [...]

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, May 17, 2018: 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. Applications for this position will be accepted until May 25. Physical assessments and interviews will take place June 2-3 in Santa Fe. Candidates who pass the interview may be required to stay in Santa Fe until June 8 to complete further testing. 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. Candidates also must pass a psychological [...]

Citizen Advisory Committees to meet to recommend Habitat Stamp projects

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, MAY 14, 2018: Citizen Advisory Committees to meet to recommend Habitat Stamp projects SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has scheduled statewide Habitat Stamp Program Citizens Advisory Committee meetings for 2018. Citizen advisors will prioritize Habitat Stamp-funded projects for 2019 and 2020. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend the following regional Citizen Advisory Committee meetings: Southeast: 10 a.m. May 22, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, Southeast Area office, 1912 W. Second St., Roswell. Southwest: 10 a.m. May 24, Bureau of Land Management, Las Cruces District office, 1800 Marquess St., Las Cruces. Northwest: 10 a.m. May 29, Bureau of Land Management, Farmington Field office, 6251 College Blvd. Suite A., Farmington. Northeast: 10 a.m. June 1, Bureau of Land Management, [...]

News Releases for 2017

Cimarron River open for fishing

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact: Karl Moffatt: (505) 476-8007 karl.moffatt@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, MAY 25, 2017: Cimarron River open for fishing SANTA FE – A closed section of the Cimarron River is open to angling again after restoration of the damaged area is complete. A 1.5 mile stretch of the river off N.M. Highway 64 within the Colin Neblett Wildlife Area and Cimarron Canyon State Park was closed in December 2016 after a tanker truck overturned and spilled approximately 1,100 gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel into the river. The area between mile marker 291 to the Perryville Fishing Access Area is open again to angling. “As a cautionary measure anglers should eat no more than three meals of fish per month from the spill area,” said Eric Frey, sportfish program manager for the New Mexico Department of Game and [...]

Big machinery moves in to save small, critical species

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact: Karl Moffatt: (505) 476-8007 karl.moffatt@state.nm.us The Nature Conservancy Tracey Stone, (602) 738-1586 tstone@TNC.ORG FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, MAY 25, 2017: Big machinery moves in to save small, critical species SILVER CITY – Huge machinery, backhoes, hard work and a lot of sweat will be part of a massive Mimbres River restoration project designed to save an imperiled fish found nowhere else in the United States and a frog that’s near extinction. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish and The Nature Conservancy are joining forces in this effort to rebuild a robust population of the Chihuahua chub and enhance the status of Chiricahua leopard frogs. The work is happening on The Nature Conservancy’s Mimbres River Preserve in Grant County. “We’re seeing great success from a similar project along the Mimbres and are excited to partner [...]

Boat inspections prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact: James Dominguez (505) 476-8163 james.dominguez@state.nm.us Media contact: Karl Moffatt: (505) 476-8007 karl.moffatt@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, May 25, 2017: Boat inspections prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species SANTA FE –Boaters will encounter inspection stations at New Mexico lakes this summer as the battle to keep aquatic invasive species out of the state’s waters continues. “The boating public’s cooperation has been essential in our fight to prevent destructive invasive species such as zebra and quagga mussels from infecting our waterways,” said James Dominiguez, aquatic invasive species coordinator for the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. Largely due to mandatory inspection stations, New Mexico remains free of zebra or quagga mussel infestation but is surrounded by states where the invasive species have taken root. The mussels can attach to boats and grow quickly, leading to encrusted equipment and clogged water pipes. Their [...]

New game wardens graduate from Law Enforcement Academy

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact: Karl Moffatt: (505) 476-8007 karl.moffatt@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, May 22: New game wardens graduate from Law Enforcement Academy SANTA FE – Two New Mexico Department of Game and Fish game wardens graduated from the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy in Santa Fe on Thursday. The department’s graduates of the 16-week law enforcement training academy are: Ariel Perraglio of Kirtland and a graduate of New Mexico State University. Christian Marrujo of Roswell and a graduate of the University of New Mexico. In addition to the attending the law enforcement academy, conservation officers, also known as game wardens, undergo four weeks of departmental training in wildlife laws and department policies and procedures. They also undergo many months of on-the-job training under the supervision of a field training officer before being assigned to a district. For more information [...]

Construction begins on new off-highway vehicle park near Farmington

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact: Karl Moffatt: (505) 476-8007 karl.moffatt@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, MAY 5, 2017: Construction begins on new off-highway vehicle park near Farmington SANTA FE – Construction has begun on a new off-highway vehicle park in the Brown Springs area of the federal Bureau of Land Management’s Glade Run Recreation Area near Farmington. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish contributed $600,000 from the Trail Safety Fund for construction of the park, which will include a small riding track for youths, a skills training track, primitive camp sites, toilets and a pavilion. Off-highway motor vehicle registration and user fees support the Trail Safety Fund. The Glade Run Recreation Area northeast of Farmington spans 19,000 acres and provides 42 miles of trails for use by motorized off-highway vehicles. For more information, please contact the BLM office in Farmington [...]

News Releases for 2016

Six new game wardens graduate from law enforcement academy

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact: Karl Moffatt: (505) 476-8007 karl.moffatt@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, June 16, 2016: Six new game wardens graduate from law enforcement academy SANTA FE – Six New Mexico Department of Game and Fish game wardens graduated from the Southeastern New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy in Hobbs Wednesday. “This team of new officers have accomplished something special, something the entire department is proud of,” Department Director Alexandra Sandoval said. “Each officer demonstrated the high standard of professionalism, integrity and honor that defines a New Mexico Conservation Officer.” The department’s graduates of the 16-week law enforcement training academy are: David Davis Carla Jo Ehlinger Justin Heppler Jacob Lobato Tyler Twitchell Two officers from this year’s graduating class had noteworthy accomplishments. David Davis graduated at the top of his class of 21 by scoring a total of 96.6 out of [...]

Game Commission to meet June 23 in Santa Rosa

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact: Karl Moffatt: (505) 476-8007 karl.moffatt@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, June 13, 2016: Game Commission to meet June 23 in Santa Rosa SANTA FE – The New Mexico Game Commission will meet June 23 in Santa Rosa to consider numerous matters, including updates on the Gold King Mine spill and the department’s Hunters Helping the Hungry program. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. Thursday, June 23, 2016, at the Blue Hole Convention Center, Civic Center Room, 1085 Blue Hole Road, Santa Rosa. The day before the meeting, the public is invited to join commissioners beginning at 1:30 p.m. as they tour the department’s Rock Lake Fish Hatchery, 1025 Hatchery Road, east of town about 2.5 miles off River Road. For more details, see the constituency tour agenda at www.wildlife.state.nm.us. Other agenda items include: A discussion about [...]

Special Oryx hunts available for injured servicemen and women

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact: Karl Moffatt: (505) 476-8007 karl.moffatt@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, June 13, 2016: Special Oryx hunts available for injured servicemen and women SANTA FE- Injured military service members can apply for an upcoming special drawing by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) to award three special oryx authorizations for hunts on White Sands Missile Range. Applicants must be active-duty or veterans of the U.S. military and must have a disability rating of 50 percent or greater in accordance with U.S. Veteran’s Administration guidelines for receiving disabled veteran benefits. Applicants (except NMDGF Disabled Veteran card holders) are required to provide proof of eligibility prior to the July 20 application deadline. Proof of eligibility may be e-mailed to specialhunts@state.nm.us or by postal mail with a postmark on or before July 20 to: NMDGF Attn: Special Hunts [...]

Monastery Lake to be closed June 13-14 for road, parking lot repair

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact: Karl Moffatt: (505) 476-8007 karl.moffatt@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, JUNE 10, 2016: Monastery Lake to be closed June 13-14 for road, parking lot repair SANTA FE – Monastery Lake near Pecos will be closed to the public June 13 and 14 to allow construction crews to make repairs to the road and parking lot. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish leases the lake for public fishing. Anglers will find other fishing opportunities nearby on the Pecos River and upstream at Cowles Ponds. Closure signs will be posted and conservation officers will be in the area for public safety. The angling public’s cooperation will be greatly appreciated. ###

Sign up for free All-terrain vehicle safety classes in Lincoln National Forest

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact: Matthew Seidel, (505) 222-4728 matthew.seidel@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, JUNE 7, 2016: Sign up for free All-terrain vehicle safety classes in Lincoln National Forest The Department of Game and Fish Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) program is teaming up with the U.S. Forest Service to offer free hands-on All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) safety classes in the Lincoln National Forest near Cloudcroft this summer. Morning and afternoon classes for adults and youths ages 6 or older are scheduled for June 25, July 9 and July 23, 2016, at Benson Ridge Pit. Each four-hour class is limited to six students and each student must be registered in advance. No walk-ins will be accepted. A parent or guardian must be in attendance while each youth is participating. State law requires ATV riders ages 18 and younger and riding on public land to [...]

News Releases for 2015

Single New Mexico duck tests positive for avian influenza

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Media contact: Karl Moffatt, (505) 476-8007 Public contact: (888) 248-6866 karl.moffatt@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, APRIL 14, 2015: SINGLE NEW MEXICO DUCK TESTS POSITIVE FOR AVIAN INFLUENZA SANTA FE – A lone bird at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge has tested positive for a highly pathogenic avian influenza strain that affects wild and domestic fowl, but is not known to be harmful to humans, officials announced. A cinnamon teal duck was one of 196 birds tested at the refuge for the disease that was first detected in the United States in late 2014. It was the first bird in New Mexico to test positive for the highly pathogenic strain. It is unknown whether the duck was migrating through the state. Most migratory birds have left the refuge for their northern nesting areas. Dr. Kerry Mower, wildlife disease specialist for the New Mexico Department [...]

Citizen advisory committees to meet to recommend Habitat Stamp projects

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Media contact: Karl Moffatt, (505) 476-8007 Public contact: (888) 248-6866 karl.moffatt@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, APRIL 10, 2015: CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEES TO MEET TO RECOMMEND HABITAT STAMP PROJECTS SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has scheduled statewide Habitat Stamp Citizens Advisory Committee meetings for 2015. Citizen advisors will prioritize Habitat Stamp-funded projects for 2016 and 2017. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend meetings: Northwest: 9 a.m. April 16, Carson National Forest office, 1110 Rio Vista Lane, Bloomfield. Southeast: 10 a.m. April 18, Lincoln National Forest office, 4 Lost Lodge Road, Cloudcroft. Central: 9 a.m. May 13, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish office, 3841 Midway Place NE, Albuquerque. Northeast: 10 a.m. May 15, New Mexico Highlands University, National Avenue and 8th Street, Student Senate Chambers, Student Union Building, Room 320, Las Vegas. Southwest: 10 a.m. May 16, [...]

Expect roadblocks statewide during hunting seasons

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Media contact: Karl Moffatt, (505) 476-8007 Public contact: (888) 248-6866 karl.moffatt@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, APRIL 10, 2015: EXPECT ROADBLOCKS STATEWIDE DURING HUNTING SEASONS SANTA FE – The Department of Game and Fish will conduct roadblocks throughout the state during hunting seasons to collect harvest data and to detect wildlife law violations. Hunting season for youth turkey hunters starts April 10 and the general season starts April 15, as listed in the department’s Hunting Rules & Information booklets. At roadblocks, conservation officers also will check for compliance with the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Act and the Aquatic Invasive Species Control 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 Management, New Mexico State Police or [...]

Clovis man pays $8,110 for catching 160 times his limit of trout

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Media contact: Lance Cherry, (505) 476-8003 Public contact: (888) 248-6866 lance.cherry@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, APRIL 8, 2015: CLOVIS MAN PAYS $8,110 FOR CATCHING 160 TIMES HIS LIMIT OF TROUT CLOVIS – A Clovis man convicted of illegally possessing more 1,600 trout – more than 160 times the limit -- agreed to pay $8,110 in civil penalties after accepting a plea agreement. Bounchanh Bounsombath, 63, was arrested in May 2014 after Department of Game and Fish conservation officers seized the trout during a search warrant at Bounsombath’s home. Bounsombath admitted to catching all of the fish at Green Acres Lake and Denis Chaves Pond in Clovis. Most of the trout were in one-gallon zip lock bags containing two to four trout per bag. All of the trout had been salted and dried before being frozen. Under the plea agreement in [...]

Fishing should be good this year — time to get a license

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Media contact: Lance Cherry, (505) 476-8003 Public contact: (888) 248-6866 lance.cherry@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, APRIL 1, 2015: FISHING SHOULD BE GOOD THIS YEAR -- TIME TO GET A LICENSE Fishing season has begun in New Mexico -- time for anglers to get a new license and enjoy all the fun! Anglers can expect good fishing in many waters this year, with many streams now carrying plenty of spring runoff from the state’s modest mountain snowpack. “We’re looking a lot better now than we have for years after all this drought,” said Eric Frey, Sport Fish Program manager for the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. ”I’d say the fishing is going to be pretty good this season.” Anglers are reminded to purchase a new fishing license before setting out for their favorite fishing hole. The fishing license year runs from April 1 [...]

News Releases for 2014

NMDGF releases bobcats back into wild

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Media contact: Rachel Shockley, (505) 476-8071 Public contact: (888) 248-6866 Rachel.shockley@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, APRIL 8, 2014: DEPARTMENT OF GAME AND FISH RELEASES BOBCATS BACK INTO THE WILD SANTA FE – Three young bobcats are back in the wild after being released April 4 by Department of Game and Fish staff near Glorieta Mesa near Santa Fe. Department of Game and Fish releases bobcats back into the wildThe Wildlife Center in Española rehabilitated the bobcats after they were found in residential areas of Eldorado near Santa Fe last spring. A homeowner discovered a litter of bobcats under his deck and called the department for advice. Conservation Officer Brady Griffith told the homeowner to leave the bobcats alone and wait for the mother to move the kittens. The mother moved her kittens, but she left one behind. The homeowner asked Griffith for help and [...]

Game Commission names finalists for next Game and Fish Director

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Media contact: Rachel Shockley, (505) 476-8071 Public contact: (888) 248-6866 Rachel.shockley@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, APRIL 3, 2014: GAME COMMISSION NAMES FINALISTS FOR NEXT GAME AND FISH DIRECTOR ALBUQUERQUE – The New Mexico State Game Commission announced Thursday, after more than three hours of deliberation, a list of four finalists for the director position of the Department of Game and Fish. The finalists are: • Edward "Ted" Koch, employed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. He holds a master's degree in zoology and a bachelor's degree in biology. • Brian Wakeling, employed by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. He holds a master's degree in environmental resources and a bachelor's degree in wildlife biology. • Alexandra J. Sandoval, employed by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. She holds a master's degree in business administration and a bachelor's degree in wildlife management. [...]

2014-2015 Fishing Season Begins

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Media contact: Rachel Shockley, (505) 476-8071 Public contact: (888)-248-6866 Rachel.shockley@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, APRIL 2, 2014: 2014-2015 FISHING SEASON BEGINS SANTA FE – Fishing season has begun and anglers are required to purchase 2014-2015 annual fishing licenses to fish in New Mexico state waters. Last year’s 2013-2014 fishing licenses expired March 31. Anglers can purchase their licenses online at the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish website at www.wildlife.state.nm.us, toll-free at (888) 248-6866, at all department offices or at local vendors. Children age 11 and under may fish without a license and New Mexico residents 70 years and older qualify for free annual fishing licenses and are not required to purchase a Habitat Improvement Stamp, a Habitat Management & Access Validation or a second-rod validation. Discounted licenses for disabled and military anglers also are available. “Spring has sprung, and warmer temperatures mean [...]

Citizens Committees will meet to recommend Habitat Stamp Projects

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Media contact: Dan Williams, (505) 476-8004 Public contact: (888) 248-6866 dan.williams@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, MARCH 27, 2014: CITIZENS COMMITTEES WILL MEET TO RECOMMEND HABITAT STAMP PROJECTS SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has scheduled statewide Habitat Stamp Citizens Advisory Committee meetings for 2014. The committee will prioritize habitat improvement projects for 2015 and 2016. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend meetings: • Southeast: 10 a.m. April 5, U.S. Forest Service office, 901 Mechem Drive, Ruidoso. • Central: 1 p.m. April 8, BLM office, 435 Montano Road NE, Albuquerque. • Northeast: 1 p.m. April 10, BLM office, 226 Cruz Alta Road, Taos. • Northwest: 1 p.m. April 14, U.S. Forest Service office (in the old Rio Vista Elementary School building), 1100 N. Rio Vista, Bloomfield. • Southwest: 9 a.m. May 3, BLM office, 1800 Marquess St., Las [...]

Applicants for Bighorn Sheep, Oryx and Ibex Hunting Licenses Eligible for Full Refunds

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Media contact: Rachel Shockley, (505) 476-8071 Public contact: (888) 248-6866 Rachel.shockley@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, MARCH 26, 2014: APPLICANTS FOR BIGHORN SHEEP, ORYX AND IBEX HUNTING LICENSES ELIGIBLE FOR FULL REFUNDS SANTA FE – Hunters who applied for bighorn sheep, oryx or ibex licenses for the 2014-15 seasons and are unsuccessful in the drawings will be eligible for full refunds of application fees and license fees, the Department of Game and Fish announced Wednesday. Application fees normally are nonrefundable whether a license applicant is successful or not. This year’s departure from that practice is in response to Monday’s ruling in U.S. District Court that vacated a 1977 injunction that prohibited the Department from applying preferential quotas that benefitted state residents in drawings for bighorn sheep, oryx and ibex licenses. The injunction allowed nonresidents to enjoy the same odds as residents when applying for those [...]

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