News

News2025-04-17T11:13:33-06:00

NMDGF News

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

State Wildlife Action Plan for New Mexico topic of public meetings

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish is holding two public meetings to discuss the 10-year review and revision of the State Wildlife Action Plan for New Mexico (SWAP). The SWAP revision process was initiated in May 2023 and presented at the State Game Commission meeting on Aug. 25, 2023. The final revision is due to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service by Oct. 1, 2025.  The SWAP identifies Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN), their habitats, threats, and conservation actions that can be taken to mitigate these threats and benefit SGCN. Part of the revision process is to review and update the SGCN list to reflect the latest scientific information. The draft SGCN list and slides to be presented during the public meetings will be posted on the Department’s website and available for review by June 28, 2024.  The two hybrid public meetings will open with a 30-minute [...]

Special military and veteran oryx and pronghorn hunts opening June 12

SANTA FE – Three special military and veteran drawing opportunities for oryx and pronghorn will open Wednesday, June 12. Oryx hunts for injured military service members on White Sands Missile Range: Injured military service members can apply online starting June 12 for one of up to 10 special oryx authorizations for hunts on White Sands Missile Range. Applicants must be veterans of the U.S. military with a disability rating of 50 percent or greater in accordance with U.S. Veteran’s Administration guidelines for receiving disabled veteran benefits. Significantly injured, active-duty military members who do not have a VA disability rating also may apply. Pronghorn hunts for resident Purple Heart recipients on Melrose Air Force Base: Resident Purple Heart recipients are eligible to apply for one of up to five special pronghorn authorizations on Melrose Air Force Base. Pronghorn hunts for New Mexico active-duty military on Melrose Air Force Base: Active-duty [...]

*CLOSED* Bonito Lake set to reopen May 25

The City of Alamogordo has issued a statement. You can view that here. RUIDOSO – Bonito Lake will reopen to anglers Saturday, May 25, after more than a decade of being closed. The lake, which is owned by the City of Alamogordo, filled with sediment after the 2012 Little Bear Fire. The City has undertaken extensive efforts to remove the sediment and restore the lake.  Last week, the City and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish signed an agreement through the Department’s Open Gate Access Program to allow angling to resume. This program uses funds from Department license sales to secure access for hunting and fishing. The agreement for Bonito Lake allows fishing only from the lakeshore in open areas, which exclude the shore near the dam and the Bonito Creek inlet. Access is allowed 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Camping, boating, building fires [...]

Governor’s Special Hunt Auction Online for 2024

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 wildlife conservation in New Mexico. The Department has partnered with New Mexico Ducks Unlimited (DU) to offer the New Mexico Governor’s Special Hunt Auction 2024 Online. Funds from the public auction support the Game Protection Fund and are used solely for Department mission-related projects and programs. The eight opportunities offered this year are up for auction now and will close on June 23 at 6 p.m. The hunts this year include: Exotics Hunt Package including an either-sex oryx license and 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 55A Valle Vidal. [...]

Game Commission to meet May 16

HOBBS – The New Mexico State Game Commission will hold a meeting at 9 a.m., Thursday, May 16, 2024, at the Lea County Event Center, 5101 N. Lovington Hwy., Hobbs, New Mexico 88240. The full agenda, location details, attendee information and general information will be 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 also 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 [...]

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. [...]

News Releases for 2015
News Releases for 2014

Go to Top