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News2026-05-22T16:53:06-06:00

NMDGF News

For Hunter Education classes, please see Hunter Education Course Schedule and for the Hunter Educator Workshops schedule please see Hunter Educator Instructor.

Leftover draw licenses go on sale June 25th

SANTA FE – A total of 499 deer licenses left over from the 2025-2026 big-game draw will go on sale at 10 a.m. MDT on Wednesday, June 25, through the Department's Online License System. This first-come, first-served sale will only be open to New Mexico residents during the first 24 hours. If any licenses remain after the first 24 hours, the sale will be opened to nonresidents at 10 a.m. June 26.To buy a leftover license, hunters must possess a 2025-2026 Game Hunting or Game Hunting and Fishing License. Hunters may buy the Game Hunting License, the Habitat Stamp and the Habitat Management Access Validation by logging into their account and clicking the Over-the-Counter (OTC) Licenses, Permits and Stamps link under License Sales 2025.Hunters are strongly encouraged to purchase the Game Hunting and Fishing License and other stamps for the current license year in advance of the sale opening, if not already purchased. Hunters are further [...]

Jun 23, 2025|

Governor’s Special Hunt Auction Closes Today

Proceeds to benefit Game Protection Fund and Department mission-related projects and programs NEW MEXICO — The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish is auctioning eight hunting packages online through June 22 to raise funds for wildlife conservation programs, with proceeds supporting the state's Game Protection Fund. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has authorized the auction pursuant to 2007 legislation. The Department has partnered with Ducks Unlimited to offer the New Mexico Governor's Special Hunt Auction online in 2025. Funds from the public auction support the Game Protection Fund and are used solely for Department mission-related projects and programs. The auction is live now and closes June 22 at 8 p.m. MDT. This year's hunting packages include:Exotics Hunt Package that includes:an either-sex oryx license andan either-sex Barbary sheep license;Coues deer license in Game Management Units (GMUs) 23, 24, 26 or 27;Elk license in GMUs 34 or 36;Elk license in GMUs 16 A-E;Elk license [...]

Jun 22, 2025|

Department reminds hunters of reductions in 2025-2026 private-land pronghorn licenses

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish is reminding hunters that available private-land pronghorn licenses in northeastern New Mexico will be limited for the 2025-2026 license year. Four years of aerial surveys have shown a decrease in fawn and adult female pronghorn survival rates in northeastern New Mexico. As a result, the Department has capped the number of private-land pronghorn licenses to be sold in Game Management Units 41, 42, 47, 56, 57, 58 and 59. To see the number of licenses per hunt code, please visit the private-land pronghorn hunting section in the 2025-2026 Hunting Rules and Information Booklet. Private-land pronghorn licenses for all hunt codes will be available online, at license vendors and by phone at 888-248-6866. However, because of potential time constraints involved in purchasing licenses for northeastern hunt codes in person or by phone, the Department strongly encourages all potential private-land pronghorn license buyers in these [...]

Jun 20, 2025|

Free Fishing Weekend is June 7-8

SANTA FE – Anglers can fish for free in New Mexico on Saturday, June 7, and Sunday, June 8, as the state observes National Boating and Fishing Week. Anyone can fish for free in public fishing waters throughout the state on both days, but everyone must observe bag limits and all other rules and regulations. For more information, please visit the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish's website. "Free Fishing Weekend is a great opportunity for families to come together and take part in an activity that they can enjoy for a lifetime," Department director Mike Sloane said. The Department is excited to take part in several events across the state as part of Free Fishing Weekend, with staff and Department volunteers helping to introduce New Mexico youth to fishing. The Fifth Annual Outdoor Adventure Day, co-hosted by the Department and Corrales Parks and Recreation, will take place [...]

Jun 4, 2025|

The Elusive Pacific Marten in New Mexico

In the high–elevation forests of Northern New Mexico is an elusive and little-known member of the weasel family, the Pacific marten (Martes caurina). The Pacific marten is classified as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) in New Mexico. This designation is given to species because of various dynamics such as vulnerability (learn more here: https://nmswap.org/species). Pacific martens are found in Canada, the Pacific Northwest, the Rocky Mountains, the Sierra Nevadas and at the southernmost part of their range, New Mexico. Limited data exists on Pacific martens due to their solitary nature. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish is addressing this gap in research by conducting a multi-year study using camera traps to collect data on population dynamics. In these photos, the Department’s carnivore and small mammal program manager, Nick Forman, works in the Sangre de Cristo Range to establish camera and lure stations.  Nick evaluates a potential trail camera site. He considers their habitat preferences and focuses on features that would entice a visit. Cameras are placed [...]

Jun 4, 2025|

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