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NMDGF News

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Game Commission to meet Oct. 14

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: 888-248-6866Media contact, Ryan Darr: 505-476-8027ryan.darr@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, OCT. 6, 2022: Game Commission to meet Oct. 14 LAS CRUCES – The New Mexico State Game Commission will hold a meeting at 9 a.m., Friday, Oct. 14, at the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum in Las Cruces. The full agenda, location address, attendee information and general information are 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. More information, including how to join the meeting by phone, will be available on the Department’s website. 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 mobile devices such as [...]

Moose Spotted Near Mora

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: 888-248-6866Media contact, Darren Vaughan: 505-476-8027darren.vaughan@dgf.nm.gov FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, NOV. 3, 2022: Moose Spotted Near Mora MORA – A young bull moose has been seen near Mora, and, based on photographs, officers suspect this may be the same moose spotted in Questa and on Taos Pueblo last month. This is the southernmost known sighting of a moose in New Mexico. There have been approximately a half dozen confirmed sightings of moose in New Mexico over the past 10 years, mostly of younger males in search of new habitat and breeding opportunities. Females have been observed in New Mexico as well, but there is no indication that moose are becoming established here nor are they expected to become established here in the future. Moose require a cool climate and wetland habitat next to rivers and streams. Colorado has more suitable moose habitat, [...]

Public Meeting: Habitat Stamp Program Citizen Advisory Committee to meet Sept. 27

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866Media contact, Ryan Darr: (505) 476-8027ryan.darr@dgf.nm.gov FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, SEPT. 16, 2022 Public Meeting: Habitat Stamp Program Citizen Advisory Committee to Meet Sept. 27 SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has scheduled a public meeting with the Citizen Advisory Committee. Members of the public are invited to attend this hybrid public meeting in order to provide comments. Sept. 27, 2022, Santa Fe, 9 a.m. Attend in person at 1 Wildlife Way, Santa Fe, New Mexico. Register in advance to attend virtually Information about how to attend and participate in the virtual component of this meeting is available on the NMDGF webpage, http://wildlife.dgf.nm.gov/conservation/habitat-stamp. Comments can be provided by mail: New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, Attn: Habitat Stamp Program Manager, 1 Wildlife Way, Santa Fe, NM 87507; or by email, Daniel.Lusk@dgf.nm.gov, or in person [...]

Tres Piedras Shooting Range will close for one-day cleanup on Sept. 21

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: 888-248-6866Media contact, Ryan Darr: 505-476-8027ryan.darr@dgf.nm.gov FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, SEPT. 16, 2022: Tres Piedras Shooting Range will close for one-day cleanup on Sept. 21 Tres Piedras – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish will close its Tres Piedras Shooting Range at 9 a.m. on Sept. 21, 2022, and will reopen at sunrise on Sept. 22, 2022. The range will be closed to allow department staff to safely clean up trash and debris on the shooting range. Public access to the range will be restricted on this day. The department wants to remind the public to recreate responsibly, pack out all of your shooting trash, including shell casings and targets, and not to shoot at glass or other items not designed to be shot at on the range. ###

Game Commission to meet Aug. 20

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: 888-248-6866 Media contact, Ryan Darr: 505-476-8027 ryan.darr@dgf.nm.gov FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, AUG. 12, 2022: Game Commission to meet Aug. 20 ALBUQUERQUE – The New Mexico State Game Commission will hold a meeting at 9 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 20, at the New Mexico Game and Fish Albuquerque office. The full agenda, location address, attendee information and general information are available on the Department of Game and Fish website. 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 mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. 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 Ryan Darr at 505-476-8027 or ryan.darr@dgf.nm.gov. Public [...]

News Releases for 2021

News Releases for 2020

News Releases for 2019
News Releases for 2018

Project proposals sought for Share with Wildlife funding

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 2, 2018: Project proposals sought for Share with Wildlife funding SANTA FE – As of April 2, 2018, the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish’s Share with Wildlife program is accepting proposals for projects that would start in 2019. The department’s Share with Wildlife program funds projects up to $50,000 in four categories: habitat enhancement, biological and ecological research studies, wildlife rehabilitation and wildlife education. Topics of particular interest to the department for projects that would start between Jan. 1, 2019, and May 31, 2019, and details about the proposal format are listed in the Call For Project Information (CFPI) for fiscal year 2019 available at http://wildlife.dgf.nm.gov/conservation/share-with-wildlife/ under the Applications-Reports tab. Any questions about the application process and final project proposals should be submitted to [...]

National search begins April 1 for new department director

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, Friday March 30, 2018: National search begins April 1 for new department director SANTA FE -- The New Mexico State Game Commission will begin a nationwide search for the position of director of the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish and will start accepting applications April 1, 2018. Interested applicants have until 5 p.m. MST on June 1, 2018, to submit resumes and other materials to the department. The director manages a department of approximately 300 employees and an annual budget in excess of $39 million whose mission is to conserve, regulate, propagate and protect the wildlife and fish within the state of New Mexico. The department director is an “exempt” position that serves at the pleasure of the commission. The annual salary will be between $99,999 and $120,000 [...]

Fishing season begins April 1 – Don’t forget your new license

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact: Ross Morgan, (505) 222-4707 ross.morgan@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, MARCH 30, 2018: Fishing season begins April 1 Don’t forget your new license SANTA FE – A new fishing season is approaching fast, and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish would like to remind anglers to purchase a 2018-19 fishing license. The fishing license year runs April 1 to March 31. Licenses can be purchased 24 hours a day on the department website, www.wildlife.state.nm.us, during business hours at department offices and license vendors statewide, or by calling the department Information Center, (888) 248-6866. For angler’s convenience, Information Center phone lines will be open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 31 and Sunday, April 1, giving everyone a chance to purchase a license on or before opening day. Licenses purchased online or through the [...]

Special hunter education camp offered at Gorham Scout Ranch near Chimayo

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, MARCH 29, 2018: Special hunter education camp offered at Gorham Scout Ranch near Chimayo CHIMAYO – 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 responsible adult. It will be conducted the weekend of May 4-6, 2018 at the Gorham Scout Ranch near Chimayo. Lodging and meals are free and all equipment is provided. Registration for this camp opportunity opens April 2. Those interested in attending must complete and return the registration form available at www.wildlife.state.nm.us/education/hunter-education/ by 12p.m. April 16, to be eligible. Slots will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. The department [...]

Game Commission to meet April 5 in Clovis

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, MARCH 27, 2018: Game Commission to meet April 5 in Clovis SANTA FE – The New Mexico Game Commission will meet Thursday, April 5, in Clovis to discuss potential hunting rule changes for Barbary sheep, Persian ibex, oryx, turkeys and migratory game birds. The meeting will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Clovis Civic Center Enchantment Ballroom, 801 Schepps Blvd. Other agenda items include: An update on construction of a department office complex in Roswell. An update on the department's Hunter Education Program and other educational opportunities. An update on a habitat restoration project on the Colin Neblett Wildlife Management Area. The full agenda and other information are available on the Department of Game and Fish website. Details of proposed rules and opportunities to comment about [...]

News Releases for 2017

Trophy poachers face stiffer fines, increased jail time

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 7, 2017: Trophy poachers face stiffer fines, increased jail time SANTA FE – Trophy poachers who kill bighorn sheep, ibex, oryx, Barbary sheep, elk, deer or pronghorn antelope without a license or out of season just for the head or horns face increased fines and jail times if convicted. Gov. Susana Martinez has signed legislation that elevates the crime of wasting game from a misdemeanor to a felony, which upon conviction carries a maximum prison sentence of 18 months and a fine of $5,000. Convicted felons also no longer would be able to hunt with a firearm. As a felony, the statute of limitations on wasted game cases increases from two to five years. Out-of-state suspects in such cases also could face extradition under the new [...]

USFWS approves N.M.’s State Wildlife Action Plan

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 7, 2017: USFWS approves N.M.'s State Wildlife Action Plan SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish received notice the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officially approved New Mexico’s State Wildlife Action Plan on Wednesday. The plan was approved by the New Mexico State Game Commission last November and was submitted to federal administrators resulting in an initial release of $812,000 in State Wildlife Grant Program (SWG) funds and qualifies the department to continue receiving annual funds through 2025. New Mexico’s State Wildlife Action Plan is a non-regulatory, science-based planning document that provides an inventory of species throughout the state in need of conservation, their habitats, potential threats and potential conservation actions. The department will use the plan to guide the preparation of [...]

Game wardens rescue snowbound motorists

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, MARCH 31, 2017: Game wardens rescue snowbound motorists SANTA FE – Game wardens rescued three men stranded in the mountains of northern New Mexico with no food or water after their truck got stuck in the snow on a remote forest road. The men had gone for a drive in the nearby Santa Fe National Forest after attending a funeral March 27 in Abiquiu, said Conservation Officer Wyatt Harwell. The weather was warm and sunny when the men, one from California, another from Arizona and the third from Abiquiu, set out in a two-wheel-drive Dodge pickup truck. The group drove out of Abiquiu and into the forest on Polvadera Road, intending to emerge at the village of Cañones and return home on a paved highway. The dirt [...]

Fishing season begins April 1; don’t forget your new license

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, MARCH 30, 2017: Fishing season begins April 1; don't forget your new license SANTA FE – A new fishing season is approaching fast, and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish would like to remind anglers to purchase a 2017-18 fishing license when they go on sale opening day, Saturday, April 1. Licenses can be purchased 24 hours a day on the department website, www.wildlife.state.nm.us, during business hours at department offices and license vendors statewide, or by calling the department Information Center, (888) 248-6866. For anglers’ convenience, Information Center phone lines will be open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 1, giving everyone a chance to purchase a license on opening day. The fishing license year runs April 1 to March 31. [...]

Project proposals sought for Share with Wildlife funding

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, MARCH 30, 2017: Project proposals sought for Share with Wildlife funding SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish’s Share with Wildlife program is accepting project proposals for the upcoming funding year. The Share with Wildlife program funds projects up to $50,000 in four categories: habitat enhancement, biological and ecological studies, wildlife rehabilitation and wildlife education. Topics of particular interest to the department for the funding year and details about the proposal format are listed in the Call For Project Information (CFPI) for FY (fiscal year) 2018 (July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018) available at http://wildlife.dgf.nm.gov/conservation/share-with-wildlife/ under the Applications-Reports tab. Any questions about the application process and final project proposals should be submitted to Share with Wildlife Coordinator Ginny Seamster, virginia.seamster@state.nm.us. All proposals [...]

News Releases for 2016

Game Commission to meet May 12 in Silver City

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 2, 2016: Game Commission to meet May 12 in Silver City SANTA FE – The New Mexico Game Commission will meet May 12 in Silver City to consider numerous matters, including an update on hunting access for State Trust lands next season. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m., Thursday, May 12, 2016, at the Murray Hotel Ballroom, 200 W. Broadway St., in Silver City. Other agenda items include: A proposal to amend bighorn sheep rules to allow population management hunts. An update on the department’s Gila trout restoration and management efforts. The full agenda, detailed agenda-item briefings and other information are available on the Department of Game and Fish website. Details of proposed rules and opportunities to comment about them also are available on the [...]

Big-game hunting application results available Wednesday

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Media contact: Zen Mocarski, (505) 476-8013 Zenon.mocarski@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, APRIL 25, 2016: Big-game hunting application results available Wednesday SANTA FE – Hunters who applied for New Mexico big-game licenses can look up their draw results Wednesday. Applicants can view their draw results beginning at 10 a.m. Wednesday from their accounts online at wildlife.state.nm.us. The Department will send email messages to successful applicants, informing them that they can print out receipts and licenses from their online account. Unsuccessful applicants will begin receiving license-fee refunds this week. Draw results also will be available Wednesday by telephone by calling the department’s toll-free information line, (888) 248-6866. The draw was for deer, elk, pronghorn antelope, oryx, ibex, javelina and Barbary sheep for the 2016-17 seasons. For more information about the big-game license draw, please visit the department website or call (888) 248-6866. ###

Biologists believe perch from Eagle Nest Lake will help Abiquiu Lake fishery

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Media contact: Zen Mocarski, (505) 476-8013 Zen.mocarski@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, APRIL 25, 2016: (B-roll available) Biologists believe perch from Eagle Nest Lake will help Abiquiu Lake fishery Stocking perch SANTA FE – About 20 years ago, yellow perch were illegally placed into Eagle Nest Lake in northeastern New Mexico, where they since have become overpopulated. Now, biologist believe they may serve a purpose elsewhere. The perch have had impacts to Eagle Nest’s primary species, rainbow trout and kokanee salmon due to competition for resources. However, they are expected to enhance angler opportunities at Abiquiu Lake, where growing populations of walleye and smallmouth bass are eager to eat them. New Mexico Department of Game and Fish fisheries staff recently spent two days capturing and transporting approximately 7,000 of the perch from Eagle Nest to Abiquiu. While the perch [...]

Public meeting May 5 in Taos on white-tailed ptarmigan recovery plan

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 25, 2016: Public meeting May 5 in Taos on white-tailed ptarmigan recovery plan white-tailed ptarmigan TAOS – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish invites the public to attend a meeting about development of a state recovery plan for the white-tailed ptarmigan. The meeting is from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 5, 2016, at the Juan I. Gonzales Agricultural Center, 202 Chamisa Road, Taos. White-tailed ptarmigan is a species of grouse that lives at or above the highest peaks and ridges of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The species is listed as endangered under the New Mexico Wildlife Conservation Act. The act requires the department to produce recovery plans, develop restoration strategies and maintain viable populations of state-listed species and their habitats with the [...]

Be bear aware when outdoors this spring

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 21, 2016: Be bear aware when outdoors this spring SANTA FE – Spring is in the air, and as people and wildlife become more active outdoors the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish is encouraging everyone to be aware of the potential of encountering bears and other native wildlife. Young bears are emerging from hibernation and will be foraging and seeking territory to call their own, said Rick Winslow, the department’s bear and cougar biologist. Sows with cubs will follow later in May. Those living in urban-wildland interface areas such as the foothills around Santa Fe or Albuquerque may have a greater chance of encountering bears, Winslow said. If a bear exhibits aggressive or strange behavior, people are [...]

News Releases for 2015

Outdoor Adventure show this weekend in Albuquerque

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, FEB. 9, 2015: OUTDOOR ADVENTURE SHOW THIS WEEKEND IN ALBUQUERQUE ALBUQUERQUE – Hunters, anglers and other outdoor adventurers are invited to join the Department of Game and Fish this weekend in Albuquerque at Expo New Mexico, where visitors will find information about upcoming hunting, fishing and trapping opportunities, all-terrain vehicle riding, the latest gear and more. The New Mexico Outdoor Adventure Show, formerly the Bob Gerding Show, will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Manuel Lujan Building at Expo New Mexico. Admission is free for licensed New Mexico hunters, anglers and trappers, and for anyone age 17 or younger. Nonlicensed adults will pay $3 at the door. Don’t forget to bring your license. The Department will be at [...]

Department capture-relocation projects help pronghorns, landowners

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, JAN. 22, 2015: DEPARTMENT CAPTURE-RELOCATION PROJECTS HELP PRONGHORNS, LANDOWNERS SANTA FE  - About 125 pronghorns have new homes and landowners in northeastern New Mexico have fewer threats to their crops following a successful capture-relocation operation by the Department of Game and Fish. The pronghorns captured Jan. 12-15 on the UU-Bar Ranch near Cimarron were released on U.S. Bureau of Land Management properties northwest of Roswell and east of Truth or Consequences. Fifteen pronghorn does also were released near Fort Stanton, where graduate students will monitor them and their fawns. The operation was the fifth of its kind since 2009, when the department resumed pronghorn trapping after an 11-year hiatus. Before that, traps were fairly common as the agency continued its efforts to relocate pronghorns and build the statewide population. Using [...]

Off-Highway Vehicle Trail Safety Fund Grant Money Available

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Media contact: Marc Hildesheim, (505) 222-4728 Public contact: (888) 248-6866 marc.hildesheim@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, JAN. 8, 2015: OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE TRAIL SAFETY FUND GRANT MONEY AVAILABLE ALBUQUERQUE – Communities and off-highway vehicle enthusiasts across New Mexico now have safer riding trails, more training classes and improved recreation areas thanks to grant money and assistance offered by the state’s Off-Highway Vehicle Act. Since the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish began administering the program in 2009, 79 grants totaling $572,980 have been issued to municipal, county, state and federal agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Funded projects have had positive impacts on communities by improving recreational opportunities, protecting fragile environments and providing enforcement of the state’s OHV laws. The Act requires OHVs used in New Mexico to be registered, and that a portion of the fees from registration to be returned to communities through two separate grant [...]

News Releases for 2014

Hunters: Don’t Forget To File Your Mandatory Harvest Reports

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, FEB. 11, 2014: HUNTERS: DON’T FORGET TO FILE YOUR MANDATORY HARVEST REPORTS Mandatory harvest deadlines are fast approaching for hunters and trappers who held licenses for New Mexico’s 2013-14 seasons. New mandatory harvest reporting requirements are in effect this year. The deadline to file a free report for hunters who held 2013-14 deer, elk, antelope or turkey licenses is Feb. 15, 2014. After that date, an $8 late fee will apply. Hunters must report on or before the March 19 application deadline or their applications will be rejected from the big-game draws. The deadline to report for those who held 2013-14 Barbary sheep, javelina, oryx, ibex, or trapping licenses is April 7, 2014. The later harvest-reporting deadline allows license holders for those species to submit results [...]

WAFWA Announces Landowner Sign-Up for Lesser Prairie-Chicken Conservation

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 February 6, 2014 WAFWA Announces Landowner Sign-Up for Lesser Prairie-Chicken Conservation The Western Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) is now accepting applications through Feb. 28 from agricultural producers in lesser prairie-chicken range willing to implement conservation practices to benefit the species. Practices include activities such as mechanical brush removal, prescribed grazing, and establishment and management of planted native grass stands. Only producers not currently enrolled in federal farm bill programs will be eligible to apply for five and 10 year contract options. At the end of the sign-up period, WAFWA will score and rank applications based on their value to prairie-chickens and select the highest ranking offers to receive funding. Landowners with accepted offers will receive a sign-up incentive and payments for implementing conservation practices that will maximize the value of [...]

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