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Public Meeting: Citizen Advisory Committee to Meet Aug. 15

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (Department) has scheduled a public meeting with the Habitat Stamp Citizen Advisory Committee. The Citizen Advisory Committee will prioritize project opportunities at this meeting. Members of the public are invited to attend this hybrid public meeting. An agenda will be posted on the Habitat Stamp webpage prior to the meeting. Thursday August 15, 2024, Santa Fe, 9 a.m. Attend in person at 1 Wildlife Way, Santa Fe, NM, 87507 Register in advance to attend virtually A meeting agenda along with information about how to attend virtually will be available on the Department webpage,

Ashlynn McGinnis: A Rising Star in Archery

The world of competitive archery has witnessed the rise of new, young talent from New Mexico. Ashlynn McGinnis, a student from Deming High School, made a significant mark in the 2024 National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) IBO/3-D National Open Championship held in Daytona, Florida, on June 6-8. With a commendable score of 293 points out of 300, Ashlynn secured second place in the high school female division.  Ashlynn's achievements at the NASP IBO/3-D National Open Championship are a personal victory and a source of pride for her school and the state of New Mexico.   Because of Ashlynn's academic achievements, she earned one of just 34 coveted spots as a recipient of the NASP High School Division All-American Academic Archer award.   Ashlynn's journey in archery began at the young age of 10, under the guidance of her father Erik McGinnis. Her passion and commitment to archery [...]

Game Commission to meet Aug. 9

TAOS – The New Mexico State Game Commission will hold a meeting at 9 a.m., Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, at Bataan Hall, 121 Civic Plaza Dr., Taos, NM 87571. 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 or providing comments, but cannot attend the meeting in person, you are encouraged to pre-register to attend the meeting on the Zoom Webinar platform. For those who wish only to view the meeting, there will also be a live webcast on the Department’s website. If you are an individual with a disability who needs a reader, amplifier, qualified sign language interpreter or any other form of auxiliary aid or service to attend or participate in the meeting, please contact Darren Vaughan at 505-476-8027 or darren.vaughan@dgf.nm.gov. Public documents, including the agenda and minutes, can be provided in various accessible forms. [...]

Public Meeting: Citizen Advisory Committee to Meet July 15

LAS CRUCES – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (Department) has scheduled a public meeting with the Habitat Stamp Citizen Advisory Committee. Habitat restoration project opportunities that have been jointly developed by the Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service, and the Department will be presented. Members of the public are invited to attend this hybrid public meeting. An agenda will be posted on the Habitat Stamp website prior to the meeting. Monday July 15, 2024, Las Cruces, 9 a.m. Attend in person at SW Area Office, 2715 Northrise Drive, Las Cruces, NM 88011 Register in advance to attend virtually A meeting agenda along with information about how to attend virtually will be available on the Department webpage, https://wildlife.dgf.nm.gov/conservation/public-land-user-stamp/. Comments can be provided by mail: New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, Attn: Public Land User Stamp, 1 Wildlife Way, Santa Fe, NM 87507; or by email, PublicLandUserStamp@dgf.nm.gov, or in person at the [...]

Youth Encouragement Elk License sale begins July 10

SANTA FE – Youth hunters will be eligible to purchase one of 1,960 antlerless Youth Encouragement Elk Licenses through the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish’s Online License System starting at 10 a.m. MDT, July 10. The sale is designed to provide additional youth hunting opportunities and includes 1,570 licenses for any legal sporting arm and 390 licenses for muzzleloader. Licenses will be sold online only on a first-come, first-served basis. To purchase a license, customers will need to log into their Online License System account. Eligibility and requirements: For the first 14 days, the sale is open only to resident youth who have applied in the current license year for one or more draw hunts for deer, elk, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, Barbary sheep, oryx or ibex and were not successful for any hunt. Please note that the purchase of a leftover draw hunt does not count as a successful [...]

News Releases for 2021

News Releases for 2020

News Releases for 2019
News Releases for 2018

Game Commission to meet May 22 in Los Alamos

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 11, 2018: Game Commission to meet May 22 in Los Alamos SANTA FE – The New Mexico Game Commission will meet Tuesday, May 22, in Los Alamos to discuss potential hunting rule changes for Barbary sheep, oryx and Persian Ibex and final rule changes for bighorn sheep, javelina and pronghorn antelope. The meeting will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Los Alamos Holiday Inn Express Meeting Room at 60 Entrada Drive, in Los Alamos. Other agenda items include: An update on the construction of the Albuquerque Office Complex. An update on the status of bighorn sheep in Cochiti Canyon. The full agenda and other information are available on the Department of Game and Fish website. Details of proposed rules and opportunities to comment [...]

Officers catch wandering bear in Rio Rancho today

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, APRIL 26, 2018: Officers catch wandering bear in Rio Rancho today SANTA FE – Department of Game and Fish officers captured a male bear found roaming in Rio Rancho this morning and plan to relocate and release it. The healthy 200-pound bear has not been captured in the past and is approximately three years old. “Our officers did a great job safely catching the bear this morning,” said Major Colin Duff. “Even in the city, it’s important to remember you may encounter wildlife.” Due to drought conditions throughout the state, the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish is urging residents to be aware of the greater chance of encountering bears. The state has experienced less than average precipitation [...]

Barbary sheep, oryx, Persian ibex rule changes topic of public meetings

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, APRIL 25, 2018: Barbary sheep, oryx, Persian ibex rule changes topic of public meetings SANTA FE – The Department of Game and Fish is seeking public comments on proposed revisions to the Barbary sheep, oryx, and Persian ibex rule. The department is proposing changes in Barbary sheep, oryx, and Persian ibex hunting across the state, including increasing Barbary sheep draw licenses, adding new oryx hunts on White Sands Missile Range, and increasing female/immature ibex draw licenses. To gather public comments, three public meetings will be conducted: Las Cruces: 6 to 7 p.m. May 7 at the Department of Game and Fish office, 2715 Northrise Drive. Roswell: 6 to 7 p.m. May 8 at the Department of Game and Fish office, 1912 W. Second Street. Albuquerque: 6 to [...]

Big-game draw results available today

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, APRIL 18, 2018: Big-game draw results available today SANTA FE – Hunters who applied for New Mexico big-game licenses will know their draw results early again this spring through the Department of Game and Fish online license system. At 10 a.m. today, the department released draw results to customer accounts on the department website and began sending emails to successful applicants, seven days earlier than expected. Draw licenses may be printed from the customer's account and tags will be mailed to the address provided. Do not hunt without a valid license and tag. Unsuccessful applicants should receive refunds on credit cards beginning today and through their checking accounts within the next two weeks. More than 203,000 applicants tried for about 58,000 deer, 58,000 deer, elk, antelope, oryx, ibex, Barbary sheep and javelina licenses -- [...]

Game Commission properties in Pecos Canyon under fire restrictions; department officers step up area patrols

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, APRIL 17, 2018: Game Commission properties in Pecos Canyon under fire restrictions; department officers step up area patrols SANTA FE – State Game Commission properties in the Santa Fe National Forest, including campgrounds and fishing areas in Pecos Canyon are under Stage 1 fire restrictions because of extreme fire danger. Adjoining areas in the forest are also under Stage 1 restrictions. Stage 1 restrictions limit campfires and charcoal grills to designated camp and picnic grounds. Fires must be safely contained within a department provided fire ring within developed recreation sites. Smoking is permitted only in vehicles, buildings or in developed recreation sites. Possessing, discharging or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device is prohibited. Gas and propane stoves, lanterns or heating devices are permitted provided [...]

News Releases for 2017

Public comment sought on proposed changes to off-highway vehicle rules

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 4, 2017: Public comment sought on proposed changes to off-highway vehicle rules SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish is seeking public comment on proposed changes to off-highway vehicle rules. The proposed rule changes follow changes in state law governing off-highway vehicles made during the recent legislative session. The current rule requires all operators and occupants riding an off-highway vehicle on permitted streets and highways to wear an approved safety helmet. The proposed rule change will require only those operators younger than age 18 to wear an approved safety helmet and to have a state issued license plate attached to any off-highway vehicle operating on approved streets and highways. The proposed rule changes can be found on the department website, www.wildlife.state.nm.us. Comments [...]

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 4, 2017: 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 youths can receive hands-on training and earn their hunter education certification. The camp is open to youths ages 11 to 17 who are accompanied by a registered, responsible adult. It will be conducted the weekend of June 16-18 at the Boy Scouts Camp Tres Ritos near Mora. Meals are free and participants will camp out on the property. Registration opens May 10. Participants must complete and return the registration form available at www.wildlife.state.nm.us/education/hunter-education/ by 5 p.m. May 19 to be eligible. Slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants will learn safe and [...]

Public fishing on private ponds now available near Reserve

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, APRIL 27, 2017: Public fishing on private ponds now available near Reserve RESERVE – Anglers now can fish at two spring-fed ponds on private property outside of Reserve under a new Open Gate lease negotiated by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. The ponds at Rancho Grande Estates off N.M. 180 about seven miles west of Reserve will be stocked by the department with trout and catfish and already have some bass and bluegill in them. A fishing license is required and normal tackle and bag limits apply. “It’s really exciting for us and the community,” said Jennifer Swenson, who owns the property and the nearby Adobe Café and Bakery and Hidden Springs Inn. “The fishing is a real draw for some of our guests.” [...]

Game Commission to meet May 11 in Clayton

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, APRIL 26, 2017: Game Commission to meet May 11 in Clayton SANTA FE – The New Mexico Game Commission will meet May 11 in Clayton to consider numerous matters, including proposed hunting season dates and bag limits for upland game. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. Thursday, May 11, at the Community Facility on Airpark Road at the Clayton Municipal Airport in Clayton. Other agenda items include: Approval to provide two elk hunting licenses to nonprofit, wish-granting organizations for use by two individuals suffering from life threatening illnesses. Operational and capital outlay budget discussions for Fiscal Year 2018. Presentation of draft rule amendments to the Aquatic Invasive Species Rule. The full agenda, detailed agenda-item briefings and other information are available on the Department of Game and [...]

Public comment sought on upland game rules

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, APRIL 26, 2017: Public comment sought on upland game rules SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish is seeking public comment on upland game hunting rules for the 2018 to 2022 seasons. The department will present its initial proposals for the 2018-22 upland game seasons, including dates and bag limits, to the State Game Commission at its May 11 meeting at the Community Center on Air Park Road in at the Municipal Airport in Clayton. Comments about upland game rules can be emailed to casey.cardinal@state.nm.us or sent by postal mail to Casey Cardinal, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, P.O. Box 25112, Santa Fe, N.M. 87504. The department’s proposal will be posted to the department’s website, www.wildlife.state.nm.us, following the commission’s Clayton meeting. [...]

News Releases for 2016

Leftover deer, elk, javelina licenses go on sale June 22

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 6, 2016: Leftover deer, elk, javelina licenses go on sale June 22 SANTA FE – Almost 1,500 deer hunting licenses, over 1,000 javelina licenses and 7 elk licenses that were not allocated during the annual drawing for 2016-17 big-game hunting licenses will go on sale at 10 a.m. MDT June 22, only on the Department of Game and Fish website. New Mexico residents will get first shot at the licenses during the first-come, first-served sale. License sales will be open to residents only for the first 24 hours. The sale will be opened to everyone, regardless of residency, at 10 a.m. June 23. To be eligible to buy a leftover license, hunters are reminded that they must previously have purchased either a Game Hunting or Game [...]

Opportunity in Roswell for youths to catch memories of a lifetime

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact: Zen Mocarski, (505) 476-8013 zenon.mocarski@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, JUNE 2, 2016: Opportunity in Roswell for youths to catch memories of a lifetime ROSWELL – A hook, a line and a little bait will replace computers, cell phones and television as parents and children take home memories that will last a lifetime. Saturday, June 4, from 8 a.m. to noon, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish personnel will host Outdoor Adventure Day at the Spring River Park and Zoo children’s fishing pond. The event is free and open to youths ages 11 and younger. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and continues throughout the duration of the event. The first 100 to register will receive free t-shirts. The event is sponsored by the Department of Game and Fish, Safari Club International, Spring River Zoo and the [...]

Game and Fish conservation officers busy over holiday weekend

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center, (888) 248-6866 Media contact: Zen Mocarski, (505) 476-8013 zenon.mocarski@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, JUNE 2, 2016: Game and Fish conservation officers busy over holiday weekend SANTA FE – Memorial Day weekend ushers in a new season, a time of year when tourism begins to blossom, outdoor recreationists take to the field and anglers dust off their rods and reels. Conservation officers with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish spent the weekend educating the public and protecting the state’s resources. They made over 4,000 contacts with the public during more than 900 hours of patrolling. With fishing activity increasing, it is important for anglers to purchase a current license and any required stamps. While the majority of the officers’ contacts did not result in citations, 219 were written, the most common for fishing without a license and not having [...]

Some big Gila trout stocked in Lake Roberts for annual kid’s fishing derby

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 31, 2016: Some big Gila trout stocked in Lake Roberts for annual kid’s fishing derby LAKE ROBERTS – The annual Aldo Leopold Kid’s Fishing Derby at Lake Roberts in the Gila National Forest is back and bigger than ever, especially after being stocked with some record-breaking, native Gila trout. The free event is Saturday, June 4, at Lake Roberts off N.M. 35 north of Silver City in southwestern New Mexico. The annual event had been postponed for the past several years while maintenance work was performed on the dam. Although the fishing derby is for children, the lake is open to fishing for anglers of all ages. Native Gila trout from the Mora National Fish Hatchery, including some record-breaking, retired brood stock will be put into [...]

Go fishing for free Saturday, June 4.

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 30, 2016: Go fishing for free Saturday, June 4. SANTA FE – Anglers can fish for free in New Mexico on Saturday, June 4, as the state celebrates National Boating and Fishing Week. “Fishing is one of our state’s great cultural traditions,” said Eric Frey, sportfish program manager for the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. “And it’s one of the best ways to get kids outdoors.” Anyone can fish for free in public fishing waters throughout the state Saturday, June 4, but everyone must observe bag limits and all other rules and regulations. For more information, please visit www.wildlife.state.nm.us. Kids can learn to fish at the annual, free fishing derby on the Santa Fe River at the intersection of East Alameda and Old Santa [...]

News Releases for 2015

Special hunter education camp offered at Philmont Scout Ranch

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, MARCH 24, 2015: SPECIAL HUNTER EDUCATION CAMP OFFERED AT PHILMONT SCOUT RANCH The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, Philmont Scout Ranch and Safari Club International are offering a new way for youths younger than 18 to earn their hunter education certification and be able to legally hunt with firearms in the state. Participants of the free Hunter Education Camp will stay with their families at Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron the weekend of April 17-19, where they will learn safe and responsible firearms handling, ethical hunting behaviors, conservation, wildlife identification and basic survival skills. Participants also will have the opportunity to test their marksmanship skills with .22 rifles and shotguns on the range under the instruction of certified hunter education instructors and department staff. To qualify for [...]

Game Commission to meet March 26 in Alamogordo

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, MARCH 16, 2015: GAME COMMISSION TO MEET MARCH 26 IN ALAMOGORDO ALAMOGORDO – The New Mexico Game Commission will meet March 26 in Alamogordo to discuss possible strategies to reintroduce desert bighorn sheep in the Sacramento Mountains of southern New Mexico, and to discuss possible changes in the way hunters tag big-game and report harvest results. The meeting will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, March 26, at the New Mexico Museum of Space History, 3198 State Route 2001, in Alamogordo. The full agenda, detailed agenda-item briefings and other information are available on the Department of Game and Fish website, www.wildlife.state.nm.us. Details of proposed rules and opportunities to comment about them also are available on the website. Other agenda items include: A presentation about possible changes to [...]

Deadline fast approaching to apply for big-game hunting licenses

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact: (888) 248-6866 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, MARCH 11,2015: DEADLINE FAST APPROACHING TO APPLY FOR BIG-GAME HUNTING LICENSES SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish is reminding hunters that March 18 is the deadline to apply for deer, elk, pronghorn antelope, oryx, ibex, bighorn sheep, javelina and Barbary sheep licenses. The department expects more than 160,000 applicants for about 60,000 licenses. Hunters must complete their applications before 5 p.m. MDT March 18. All applicants previously must have created an online account at onlinesales.wildlife.state.nm.us. Here’s how to apply: Online: Applicants can access or create accounts via the “Customer Login” link on the department website, www.wildlife.state.nm.us. From their account, applicants will select “Draw Hunt Applications” in the main menu and then will be prompted through license and application choices. By phone: Hunters without computer access or who need help applying can [...]

Department-landowner agreement opens new bighorn sheep hunting area

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, MARCH 5, 2015: DEPARTMENT-LANDOWNER AGREEMENT OPENS NEW BIGHORN SHEEP HUNTING AREA SANTA FE – A new Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep area will open to hunting this year in northeastern New Mexico after successful negotiations between the Department of Game and Fish and two private landowners. The single public ram license will be the first offered in the Dry Cimarron area near New Mexico’s borders with Colorado and Oklahoma. “The growth of this bighorn sheep herd and this unique hunting opportunity would not be possible without the cooperation and land stewardship that these landowners have displayed,” Department Director Alexandra Sandoval said. “We are very thankful for their conservation efforts.” The agreement between the department and the Pacheco and Black Mesa ranch owners will allow a hunter who is successful in [...]

Mescalero Apache School takes top honors at State Archery in the Schools Tournament

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, MARCH 3, 2015: MESCALERO APACHE SCHOOL TAKES TOP HONORS AT STATE ARCHERY IN THE SCHOOLS TOURNAMENT NASP TOURNAMENT RIO RANCHO – Mescalero Apache School placed five archers among the top 10 finishers to win their division and become the first Native American team to win a state championship at the New Mexico National Archery in the Schools State Tournament. Almost 300 archers from across New Mexico braved stormy weather and difficult travel conditions to compete in the annual event at the Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho on Saturday. Mescalero Apache School and team winners in two other divisions will advance to the National Archery in the Schools Tournament May 7-9 In Louisville, Ky. Competitors shot 15 arrows each from distances of 10 and 15 meters, [...]

News Releases for 2014

Lesser Prairie-Chicken Range-Wide Plan Nears 4 Million Acres

Media Contact: Bill Van Pelt, WAFWA Grassland Coordinator, bvanpelt@azgfd.gov, 623-236-7573 New Mexico Landowners Contact: Grant Beauprez, Grant.Beauprez@state.nm.us, (575) 478-2460 March 25, 2014 Lesser Prairie-Chicken Range-Wide Plan Nears 4 Million Acres, Industry Enrollment Provides Nearly $21 Million for Habitat Conservation Thirty-two private companies in five states representing oil and gas, pipelines, electric transmission and wind energy have committed to enroll nearly 4 million acres in the Lesser Prairie-Chicken Range-wide Conservation Plan, providing about $21 million for habitat conservation over three years. The latest enrollment surge comes a week before the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service deadline to announce a final decision on whether to list the bird under the federal Endangered Species Act, expected by March 31. Enrolling companies get regulatory assurances through a special USFWS rule or a CCAA permit, so that if the species is listed the companies have a pathway to continue operations and development in the region. [...]

Eagle Nest Lake Open to Boating

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Media contact: Clint Henson, (575) 445-2311 Public contact: (888) 248-6866 Clint.henson@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, MARCH 24, 2014: EAGLE NEST LAKE OPEN TO BOATING RATON – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish and the State Parks Division will open Eagle Nest Lake for boating Wednesday, March 26. State Parks officials have been monitoring ice and debris remaining in the lake after the winter season and have determined that boating is now safe. The Department and State Parks want to ensure that anglers will be safe when fishing on the lake. Call the Department, (888) 248-6866, or Eagle Nest Lake State Park, (575) 377-1594 for more information.  

Court Ruling Gives New Mexico Resident Hunters Better Odds in Drawings for Bighorn Sheep, Oryx and Ibex

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 24, 2014: COURT RULING GIVES NEW MEXICO RESIDENT HUNTERS BETTER ODDS IN DRAWINGS FOR BIGHORN SHEEP, ORYX AND IBEX ALBUQUERQUE – New Mexico resident hunters scored a big victory Monday with a U.S. District Court ruling that allows the Department of Game and Fish to reinstate quotas that give state residents a big advantage over nonresidents when applying for bighorn sheep, oryx and ibex hunting licenses. “This is an important decision and a huge win for New Mexico hunters,” said Paul Kienzle, newly elected chairman of the State Game Commission. “It’s been a long fight, but New Mexicans now have a good shot at those quality hunts, as intended by the governor and the state legislature.” Monday’s ruling by Chief U.S. District Judge Christina Armijo vacated a 1977 injunction [...]

Rio Grande Gorge Stocked with Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Media contact: Rachel Shockley, (505) 476-8071; (505) 470-6832 (cell) Public contact: (888) 248-6866 Rachel.shockley@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, MARCH 19, 2014: RIO GRANDE GORGE STOCKED WITH RIO GRANDE CUTTHROAT TROUT TAOS – Department of Game and Fish personnel plan to stock the Rio Grande Gorge with almost 10,000 Rio Grande cutthroat trout March 24. Volunteers are needed to help carry the native fish down into the gorge by packing them in on foot. Anglers, schoolchildren and cutthroat trout enthusiast from a variety of organizations have volunteered, and everyone is welcome. The river is 800 feet down at the bottom of the gorge and is only accessible by foot. Trails to the bottom vary in length from less than a mile to a mile and a half. Volunteers will carry bags filled with 3 to 4 gallons of water containing more than 100 live fingerlings. The [...]

Young Archers Score Big at State Tournament

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Media contact: Dan Williams, (505) 476-8004 Public contact: (505) 476-8000 dan.williams@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, MARCH 10, 2014: YOUNG ARCHERS SCORE BIG AT STATE TOURNAMENT RIO RANCHO – Young archers loosed 18,930 arrows Saturday at the Santa Ana Star Center, where teams from across New Mexico gathered for the third annual National Archery in the Schools State Tournament. “This was our biggest turnout ever – 631 kids,” said Brian Guzman, program coordinator for the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. “There was a lot of good competition, and a whole lot of fun.” Aztec High School’s Clint Valerio was the top archer of the day, scoring 290 out of a possible 300 in the High School Division. Twenty-one of his 30 shots were bulls-eyes. His teammate, Douglas Hood, scored 280, helping Aztec beat defending champion Albuquerque Institute of Math and Technology by 167 [...]

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