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NMDGF News

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Game Commission to meet Aug. 19

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. 19 GALLUP – The New Mexico State Game Commission will hold a meeting at 9 a.m., Friday, Aug. 19, at UNM Gallup Campus. 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 smartphones and tablets. [...]

State agencies join forces to make New Mexico’s roads safer

Department of Transportation media contact, Marisa Maez: (505) 269-8243, Marisa.Maez@dgf.nm.gov Department of Game and Fish media contact, Ryan Darr: (505) 476-8027, Ryan.Darr@dgf.nm.gov FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, AUG. 9, 2022: State agencies join forces to make New Mexico’s roads safer Wildlife Corridors Action Plan now available SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) in partnership with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) has released the final Wildlife Corridors Action Plan (Plan). The Plan has been prepared to minimize wildlife-vehicle collisions and increase motorist safety in accordance with New Mexico Senate Bill 228, the Wildlife Corridors Act (Act). The Act, signed into law by New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham in 2019, directed the NMDOT and the NMDGF to develop the Plan for NMDOT roads statewide. The Plan identifies wildlife-vehicle collision hotspots that pose a high risk to the traveling public; see map in the Plan linked [...]

Cutthroat Trout Restoration Projects Continue

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, AUGUST 2, 2022: Cutthroat Trout Restoration Projects Continue The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) will continue native fish restoration projects in Middle Ponil Creek and Willow Creek. Middle Ponil Creek is within the Valle Vidal unit of the Carson National Forest and project activities will occur from Aug. 8-14, 2022. Willow Creek is on the Pecos District of the Santa Fe National Forest and project activities will occur from Aug. 15-21. These projects will remove non-native fish to create suitable habitat for stocking native Rio Grande cutthroat trout, some of which were rescued from the Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak Fire. Public access to the project areas will be restricted during the project periods. This will include a 300-foot buffer around Middle Ponil Creek from the [...]

Governor’s Special Hunt Auction returns online for 2022

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, JULY 19, 2022: Governor's Special Hunt Auction returns online for 2022 Proceeds to benefit Game Protection Fund and NMDGF mission-related projects and programs New Mexico – Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, pursuant to 2007 legislation, has authorized the auctioning of eight big-game hunts to benefit the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF). NMDGF has partnered with New Mexico Ducks Unlimited (DU) to offer the New Mexico Governor’s Special Hunt Auction 2022 online at www.nmdgfhunts.com. Funds from the public auction support the Game Protection Fund and are used solely for NMDGF mission-related projects and programs. The eight packages offered this year will be up for auction starting on July 20 at 8 a.m. and will close on Aug. 3 at 8 p.m. The hunts this year include: Exotics [...]

Game Commission to meet July 22

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, JULY 18, 2022: Game Commission to meet July 22 MESCALERO – The New Mexico State Game Commission will hold a meeting at 8:30 a.m., Friday, July 22, at Inn of the Mountain Gods in Mescalero. 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 [...]

News Releases for 2021

News Releases for 2020

News Releases for 2019
News Releases for 2018

Public meeting scheduled to discuss plans for construction of the department’s new regional office complex

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact: Cody Johnston: (575) 624-6135 gary.johnston@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, MARCH 23, 2018: Public meeting scheduled to discuss plans for construction of the department's new regional office complex LAS CRUCES – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has scheduled an open house to discuss future plans for the construction of a new southeast regional office. The open house is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, March 31, at the department’s current southeast regional office, 1912 W 2nd St, Roswell. The public is invited to attend and refreshments will be served. The department’s plans for the new office focuses on creating a destination that will provide the public a place to interact with staff and provide more educational and recreational opportunities for the public. For more information about the New Mexico Department of Game [...]

Anglers, hunters can purchase 2018-19 licenses early this year

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact: (888) 248-6866 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, MARCH 22, 2018: Anglers, hunters can purchase 2018-19 licenses early this year SANTA FE – Sales of "over-the-counter" fishing and hunting licenses for the 2018-19 license year opened today, giving anglers and hunters an opportunity to have licenses in-hand when the new license year begins April 1. The Department of Game and Fish previously began issuing "over-the-counter" licenses March 31. Licenses are available for purchase by telephone, (888) 248-6866, and at department offices and license vendors. Anglers will need a 2018-19 fishing license beginning April 1. The first hunting seasons of 2018 will be for spring turkeys. Those seasons are April 6-8 for youth-only hunts, and April 15-May 10 for everyone. More information about license fees, required stamps, season dates and other rules is available at www.wildlife.state.nm.us or toll-free, (888) 248-6866. ###

Deadline is Wednesday to apply for big-game hunting licenses

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact: (888) 248-6866 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, MARCH 19, 2018: Deadline is Wednesday to apply for big-game hunting licenses SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish is reminding hunters that Wednesday, March 21, 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 21. All applicants must create an online account at onlinesales.wildlife.state.nm.us prior to applying. 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 [...]

Signed agreement, cooperation marks path for Mexican wolf recovery

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact: Lance Cherry: (505) 476-8003 lance.cherry@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, MARCH 15, 2018: Signed agreement, cooperation marks path for Mexican wolf recovery SANTA FE – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish and the Arizona Department of Game and Fish signed a memorandum of agreement Wednesday to further collaboration between the agencies and to work on the recovery of Mexican gray wolves. The memorandum increases cooperation to achieve the downlisting and eventual delisting the Mexican wolf in accordance with the revised 2017 Mexican Wolf Recovery Plan. As part of this effort, a field team composed of members from each agency will provide input to determine the timing, location and the circumstances for release of Mexican wolves into the wild in Arizona and New Mexico. With the signing of this agreement, [...]

Migratory game bird, turkey hunting rules topics 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, MARCH 12, 2018: Migratory game bird, turkey hunting rules topics of public meetings Correcting Link: SANTA FE – The Department of Game and Fish is seeking public comment on proposed revisions to the migratory game bird and turkey hunting rules. The department is proposing small changes in turkey hunting across the state, including: adjusting seasons for calendar dates; modifying fall open units; and adding the Bluebird Wildlife Management Area to the open wildlife management areas. For migratory game birds, the department is proposing incorporating the federal recommendations on migratory bird seasons, and adjusting season dates for calendar dates. To gather public comments, three public meetings will be conducted: Farmington: 6 to 9 p.m. March 12 at the Farmington Civic Center, 200 W Arrington St. Las Cruces: 6 [...]

News Releases for 2017

Game Commission to meet April 5 in Artesia

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 27, 2017: Game Commission to meet April 5 in Artesia SANTA FE – The New Mexico Game Commission will meet April 5 in Artesia to consider numerous matters, including a legislative update and proposed hunting season dates and bag limits for migratory birds. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 5, at Central Valley Co-op, 1403 N. 13th Street, Artesia. Other agenda items include: Consideration of a final recovery plan for Gould’s turkeys and Gila monsters. Update on development of public shooting ranges around the state. Presentation of proposed 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 Fish website. Details of proposed rules and opportunities to comment about [...]

Wednesday is deadline to apply for big-game hunting licenses

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, MARCH 20, 2017: Wednesday is deadline to apply for big-game hunting licenses SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish is reminding hunters that Wednesday, March 22, is the deadline to apply for deer, elk, pronghorn antelope, oryx, ibex, bighorn sheep, javelina and Barbary sheep licenses. The department expects more than 170,000 applicants for about 60,000 licenses. Hunters must complete their applications before 5 p.m. MDT March 22. 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 [...]

National Archery in the Schools tournament draws big crowd

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 13, 2017: National Archery in the Schools tournament draws big crowd ALBUQUERQUE – More than 800 archers competed at the sixth annual National Archery in the Schools (NASP) State Tournament March 11 at the Albuquerque Convention Center. “We had a great turnout and an awesome time,” said Brian Guzman, archery coordinator for the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. “Kids have really taken to this sport and our tournament is one of the best in the west.” The tournament drew 840 archers and many friends and family that packed the convention center with close to 3,000 visitors, Guzman said. Anne Rolsma of the Albuquerque Institute for Mathematics and Science (AIMS) scored 284 out of a possible 300 points to take first place among female high [...]

Special hunter education camp offered at Philmont Scout Ranch

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 13, 2017 : Special hunter education camp offered at Philmont Scout Ranch CIMARRON – 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 April 28-30, 2017 at the renowned Philmont Scout Ranch near Cimarron. Lodging and meals are free and all equipment is provided. Registration opens March 27. Participants must complete and return the registration form available at www.wildlife.state.nm.us/education/hunter-education/ by 5pm, April 7, to be eligible. Slots will be filled on a first-come basis. The department is hosting the camp in partnership with [...]

Public meetings scheduled on migratory bird rule proposals

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 13, 2017: Public meetings scheduled on migratory bird rule proposals SANTA FE – The Department of Game and Fish is seeking public comment on proposed migratory bird rules for next hunting season. Proposals for the 2017-18 migratory bird hunting season including dates and bag limits can be seen on the department website, www.wildlife.state.nm.us. The department works with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Central and Pacific Flyway Councils to formulate proposals. Proposals are not considered final until they have been published in the Federal Register. Public meetings about the proposals are: Roswell: 6:30 to 8 p.m. March 20, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Southeast Area Office, 1912 W. Second St., Roswell. La Joya: 6:30 to 8 p.m. March 22, U.S. Fish and [...]

News Releases for 2016

Information sought in several northern New Mexico poaching cases

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, April12, 2016 Information sought in several northern New Mexico poaching cases dead elk RATON – New Mexico Department of Game and Fish conservation officers are seeking information in several unsolved poaching cases. Rewards are available for information leading to charges being filed in the following cases. A game warden found a dead cow elk about 80 yards off the south side of N.M. 283, outside of Las Vegas, N.M., March 27. The animal had been shot in the head with a .22-caliber bullet and left to rot. Four .22-caliber shell casings were found at the scene. A month earlier, officers found a dead, bull elk that had been shot and left to rot alongside the same highway on Indian Head Ranch property. Officers collected four shell casings [...]

Expect roadblocks statewide during fishing and hunting seasons

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, ARPIL 11, 2016: Expect roadblocks statewide during fishing and hunting seasons SANTA FE – The Department of Game and Fish will conduct roadblocks throughout the state during the hunting and fishing seasons to collect harvest data and to detect wildlife law violations. The 2016-17 fishing season began April 1. Youth turkey hunting season began April 8 and the general season begins April 15. For more information, please consult the department's fishing or hunting Rules & Information booklets available at www.wildlife.state.nm.us or at area offices and license vendors. At roadblocks, conservation officers also will check for compliance with the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Act and the Aquatic Invasive Species Control Act. Drivers of vehicles hauling wood products will be asked to produce documentation as required by the Forest Conservation [...]

New hunting, fishing rules take effect this month

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 11, 2016: New hunting, fishing rules take effect this month SANTA FE – Springtime marks the beginning of a new April 1-March 31 “license year” for the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish each season – always a good time to bring hunters and anglers up to date on any rule changes. This year, some of those changes are significant: Military discounts: Starting this year, New Mexico residents who are active-duty military or veterans will receive 50 percent discounts on all licenses, permits and stamps. Documentation is not required at the time of purchase, but may be requested later. OK on bow fishing: Bow fishing now is a legal means to take game fish in reservoirs and lakes that are open to fishing. It is [...]

Citizen Advisory Committees to meet to recommend Habitat Stamp projects

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 11, 2016: Citizen Advisory Committees to meet to recommend Habitat Stamp Projects SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has scheduled statewide Habitat Stamp Program Citizens Advisory Committee meetings for 2016. Citizen advisors will prioritize Habitat Stamp-funded projects for 2017 and 2018. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend the following regional Citizen Advisory Committee meetings: Central: 9 a.m. April 28, Cibola National Forest office, 2113 Osuna Road NE, Albuquerque. Northeast: 9 a.m. May 2, Carson National Forest office, 208 Cruz Alta Road, Taos. Southeast: 10 a.m. May 7, Bureau of Land Management office, 2909 W. Second St., Roswell. Northwest: 9 a.m. May 11, Bureau of Land Management office, 6251 College Blvd., Farmington. Southwest: 10 a.m. May 14, Gila National Forest [...]

Donate part of your state tax refund to help wildlife

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 8, 2016: Donate part of your state tax refund to help wildlife SANTA FE – Want to help wildlife in need of conservation? It’s as easy as filing out a line on your state tax return to donate some or all of your refund to the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Share with Wildlife program. The Share with Wildlife program funds many projects and organizations, including the nonprofit New Mexico Wildlife Center in Espanola, where injured animals receive veterinary care and rehabilitation before being released back into the wild. The program also funds research, including the study of natural defenses that bat species in New Mexico may have against white-nose syndrome, a devastating disease wiping out many bat colonies in the eastern United States. [...]

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