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

NMDGF News

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Department, partners help Rio Grande cutthroat trout go home to the Gorge

    Once a year, starting in 2008, Rio Grande cutthroat trout fingerlings (young fish about the length of a finger) embark on an expedition, trekking all the way down to the Rio Grande Gorge. I know what you’re thinking – no, they didn’t grow a pair of legs. Instead, they received a little help from their friends: New Mexicans who passionately believe in conservation. These participants carry a bag, or maybe two, filled with the state fish and travel down scenic-yet-steep sections of the Gorge to be released back into the river. This stocking of native New Mexico trout by the Department of Game and Fish is a unique endeavor, relying on multiple agencies and the public’s assistance to carry 5,000 Rio Grande cutthroat trout to their natural habitat. This special event would not be possible without the support from the public who want to see native populations [...]

Jun 4, 2025|

Game Commission to meet June 13

SANTA FE – The New Mexico State Game Commission will hold a meeting at 9 a.m. Friday, June 13, 2025, at the Red River Conference and Visitor Center, 101 W. River St., Red River, NM 87558. The full agenda, and other information, is 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 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. [...]

Jun 2, 2025|

Governor’s Special Hunt Auction Online for 2025

Proceeds to benefit Game Protection Fund and Department mission-related projects and programs NEW MEXICO — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has authorized the auctioning of eight packages containing nine big-game hunts to benefit the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. The Department has partnered with Ducks Unlimited (DU) 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 eight packages offered this year are up for auction now and will close on June 22 at 8 p.m. MDT. The hunts this year include: Exotics Hunt Package that includes: an either-sex oryx license and an 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 in GMU [...]

May 29, 2025|

Department officers help rescue injured canoers from Canadian River

SPRINGER, N.M. — Two conservation officers from the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish recently helped three canoers from Louisiana to safety after their boats overturned on the Canadian River in Colfax County. Sgt. Marcelino Peralta and Officer Tanner King were among the first on the scene after the boaters used their phone's SOS function to call for help on May 16. Their canoes had capsized in some rapids approximately five miles downstream from Taylor Springs, near Springer, during high-water conditions in a remote area of ranch land. Sgt. Peralta hiked down the east side of the canyon in challenging terrain, including an elevation change of 250 feet in just half a mile, to reach the injured canoers first. Peralta then rendered first aid while other responders drove around from the west side to reach the scene. One of the canoers was found to have suffered significant [...]

May 28, 2025|

Fisheries and manner and method rules topic of public meetings

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has scheduled two public meetings regarding proposed revisions to the Fisheries Rule and relevant sections of the Manner and Method of Taking Rule. Members of the public are invited to attend either public meeting in order to provide comments. June 9, 2025, 6 p.m. – Virtual Register in advance to attend June 13, 2025, 6 p.m. — Virtual Register in advance to attend The proposed changes to the rule are available on the Department web page. Comments on the proposed changes can be provided by mail: New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, Attn: Fisheries Rule Development, 1 Wildlife Way, Santa Fe, NM 87507; by email at DGF-FisheriesRule@state.nm.us; or in person at the meetings listed above.

May 28, 2025|

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