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News2026-07-08T12:45:50-06:00

NMDOW News

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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|

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|

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