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NMDGF News

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A Serious Case of Oryx Poaching

In January 2022, Socorro District Cpl. Jake Baulch received an anonymous tip. A hunter had information about fraudulent hunting activity involving the owner of Wing River Outfitters, Jared Piepkorn. The hunter knew people who booked hunts with Piepkorn. He sold more than $30,000 worth of private-land oryx hunts, yet conducted several of those hunts on White Sands Missile Range and other public lands in south-central New Mexico. The White Sands Missile Range is a military base and restricted area for hunting. Oryx hunting is only allowed during controlled hunt dates. Most of the hunts that take place there are once-in-a-lifetime hunts with a limited number of tags allocated per license year, creating significant demand. Baulch suspected that multiple oryx must have been harvested illegally by nonresident hunters there under Piepkorn’s guidance. But when he looked Piepkorn up, he discovered that Piepkorn wasn’t even registered as a guide or outfitter [...]

Game wardens’ work brings poachers to justice

The articles in this special edition of New Mexico Wildlife are just a small example of the criminal cases and issues that game wardens face when protecting New Mexico’s wildlife. These cases can take months – or even years – to solve in order to hold criminals accountable for their actions. They could not be solved without the hard work, dedication and professionalism of the men and women serving in the Department of Game and Fish’s Field Operations Division.    The Department is currently looking for the next generation of game wardens. The people working in this role can be found patrolling the lands and waters of New Mexico day and night. If you are interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement, the Department is currently accepting applications through March 31, 2024. Visit https://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/enforcement/career-advancement/ for more information on the hiring process, requirements, pay scales and training schedule.  [...]

Game Commission to meet March 8

SANTA FE – The New Mexico State Game Commission will hold a meeting at 9 a.m., Friday, March 8, 2024, at the NMDGF Northwest Area Office, 7816 Alamo Rd. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120. 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 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. 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 [...]

Game Commission Meeting Postponed

SANTA FE – The State Game Commission has postponed the Commission meeting scheduled for Friday, Jan. 12, 2024 in Santa Fe, until Friday, March 8, 2024. An agenda, location details, attendee information and general information will be available on the Department of Game and Fish website prior to the rescheduled meeting.

News Releases for 2021

News Releases for 2020

News Releases for 2019
News Releases for 2018

Hunters: Don’t forget to file your mandatory harvest report

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, FEB. 13, 2018: Hunters: Don't forget to file your mandatory harvest report SANTA FE – Mandatory harvest deadlines are fast approaching for hunters and trappers who held licenses for New Mexico’s 2017-18 seasons. The deadline to file a free report for hunters who held 2017-18 deer, elk, antelope or turkey licenses is midnight Feb. 15, 2018. After that date, an $8 late fee will apply. Hunters must report on or before the March 21 application deadline or their applications will be rejected from the big-game draws. The deadline to report for those who held 2017-18 Barbary sheep, javelina, oryx, ibex, or trapping licenses is midnight April 7, 2018. The later harvest-reporting deadline allows license holders for those species to submit results after the seasons have closed. Hunters [...]

Special hunter education camp offered at Camp Washington Ranch near Carlsbad

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, Feb. 6, 2018: Special hunter education camp offered at Camp Washington Ranch near Carlsbad CARLSBAD – 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 March 23-25 at historic Camp Washington Ranch near Carlsbad. Lodging and meals are free and all equipment is provided. Registration for the camp opens Feb. 21. Participants must complete and return the registration form available at www.wildlife.state.nm.us/education/hunter-education/ by 5 p.m. March 7 to be eligible. Slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants will learn safe and responsible [...]

Outdoor Adventures Hunting and Fishing Show coming soon to Albuquerque

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact: Martin Perea: (505) 476-8019 martin.perea@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, FEB. 2, 2018: Outdoor Adventures Hunting and Fishing Show coming soon to Albuquerque ALBUQUERQUE – The annual New Mexico Outdoor Adventures Hunting and Fishing Show will be at the state fairgrounds Feb. 16-18 in Albuquerque. The event is bigger and better than ever, with new exhibits and hands-on activities hosted by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. This year, the show will feature an Outdoor Skills Room where visitors can receive instruction in fishing, game-calling, outdoor survival techniques, archery, pellet gun shooting and an off-highway vehicle simulator. The latest equipment for hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation will be on display. New models of recreational vehicles, boats and off-highway vehicles will be available for viewing. Outfitters, guides, taxidermists and local vendors will offer their products and [...]

Bighorn, javelina hunting rule changes 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, JAN. 22, 2018: Bighorn, javelina hunting rule changes topics of public meetings SANTA FE – The Department of Game and Fish is seeking public comments on proposed revisions to the bighorn sheep and javelina rules. The department is proposing small changes in bighorn sheep hunting across the state, including: adjusting seasons for calendar dates; increasing ram hunting licenses; modifying hunt dates to accommodate more hunters; and adding Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep ewe hunts in certain herds as a population management tool. For javelina, the department is proposing adjusting season dates for a new calendar year. To gather public comments, two public meetings will be conducted: Las Cruces: 6 to 7 p.m. Jan. 30 at the Department of Game and Fish office, 2715 Northrise Drive. Albuquerque: 6 to [...]

Expect roadblocks statewide during hunting seasons

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, JAN. 22, 2018: Expect roadblocks statewide during hunting seasons SANTA FE – The Department of Game and Fish will conduct roadblocks throughout the state during fall hunting seasons to collect harvest data and to detect wildlife law violations. Hunting seasons are underway or soon will begin in some parts of New Mexico. For more information, please consult the department's Hunting Rules & Information booklet, 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. Drivers of vehicles hauling wood products will be asked to produce documentation as required by the Forest Conservation Act. Department officers may be assisted by other law enforcement agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land [...]

News Releases for 2017

300 cow elk licenses added to 2017-18 draw; residents only

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 2, 2017: 300 cow elk licenses added to 2017-18 draw; residents only SANTA FE – The Department of Game and Fish has added 300 more hunting licenses for antlerless elk in Game Management Unit 34 in southeastern New Mexico to this year’s annual draw. Only New Mexico residents are eligible to apply for these licenses. Applications currently are being accepted through the department online licensing system, www.wildlife.state.nm.us, or by calling the Information Center, (888) 248-6866. Hunters who already have applied have the option of adding the new hunts to their applications by calling (888) 248-6866. Licenses will be added to three hunts, all in the Sacramento Mountains east of Alamogordo in Game Management Unit 34: ELK-1-310 – Nov. 25-29, 400 licenses (up from 300). Any legal [...]

N.M. game warden recognized as Officer of the Year

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, FEB. 24, 2017: N.M. game warden recognized as Officer of the Year SANTA FE – Shikar Safari Club International has named New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Captain Tim Cimbal the 2017 New Mexico Wildlife Conservation Officer of the Year. Cimbal received the award at the department’s third annual Governor’s Special Hunt Auction and Awards Banquet on Feb. 18 in Albuquerque. Cimbal, 36, currently is stationed in Albuquerque. He is a 12-year veteran of the department and holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science Policy and Management from State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Shikar Safari Club International annually presents awards to wildlife law enforcement officers in all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces and territories. The club is dedicated to [...]

Outdoor Adventures hunting and fishing show in Albuquerque this weekend

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, Feb 16, 2017: Outdoor Adventures Hunting and Fishing Show in Albuquerque this Weekend ALBUQUERQUE – The annual New Mexico Outdoors Adventures Hunting and Fishing Show is back at the state fairgrounds in Albuquerque this weekend. There’ll be plenty to see and do at this year’s event, hosted by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. Visitors will see the latest equipment for hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation. New models of off-highway vehicles, recreational vehicles, boats and kayaks will be on display. And as always, outfitters, guides and conservation organizations will be on hand to offer their services and advice. Admission is free to all licensed anglers, hunters and trappers. Youths younger than 18 get in free and it’s just $3 for everyone else. The event will [...]

Special hunter education camp offered at Camp Washington Ranch near Carlsbad

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, Feb. 13, 2017: Special hunter education camp offered at Camp Washington Ranch near Carlsbad CARLSBAD – 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 18 who are accompanied by a responsible adult. It will be conducted the weekend of March 31 – April 2 at historic Camp Washington Ranch near Carlsbad. Lodging and meals are free and all equipment is provided. Registration for the camp opens Feb. 27. Participants must complete and return the registration form available at www.wildlife.state.nm.us/education/hunter-education/ by 5 p.m., March 8, to be eligible. Slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. The department is [...]

Hunters: Don’t forget to file your mandatory harvest reports

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, FEB. 9, 2017: Hunters: Don't forget to file your mandatory harvest reports SANTA FE – Mandatory harvest deadlines are fast approaching for hunters and trappers who held licenses for New Mexico’s 2016-17 seasons. The deadline to file a free report for hunters who held 2016-17 deer, elk, antelope or turkey licenses is Feb. 15, 2017. After that date, an $8 late fee will apply. Hunters must report on or before the March 22 application deadline or their applications will be rejected from the big-game draws. The deadline to report for those who held 2016-17 Barbary sheep, javelina, oryx, ibex, or trapping licenses is April 7, 2017. The later harvest-reporting deadline allows license holders for those species to submit results after the seasons have closed. Hunters and trappers [...]

News Releases for 2016

Special hunter education camp offered at Philmont Scout Ranch near Cimarron

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 22, 2016: Special hunter education camp offered at Philmont Scout Ranch near Cimarron 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 29 – May 1 at the Philmont Scout Ranch near Cimarron. Lodging and meals are free and all equipment is provided. Registration opens March 24. Participants must complete and return the registration form available at www.wildlife.state.nm.us/education/hunter-education/ by 5 p.m. April 7 to be eligible. Slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. The department is hosting the camp [...]

Public meetings to address access to state Wildlife Management Areas

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact: Zen Mocarski: (505) 476-8013 zenon.mocarski@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, March 21, 2016: Public meetings to address access to state Wildlife Management Areas SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish will conduct four public meetings to outline proposed changes to the Gaining Access into Nature program for State Game Commission-owned Wildlife Management Areas. The program outlines the use of these Wildlife Management Areas for recreational activities other than, or in addition to, hunting, fishing and trapping, such as hiking, wildlife viewing, and horseback riding. The proposed changes are intended to make it easier for the public to access and enjoy Commissioned-owned and managed properties. Department staff will conduct a short presentation, accept public comments and answer questions. The meetings will be at 6 p.m. at the following locations: Abiquiu, March 28, Rio Arriba [...]

New Mexico game warden recognized as Officer of the Year by Shikar Safari Club International

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 16, 2016: New Mexico game warden recognized as Officer of the Year by Shikar Safari Club International Curtis Coburn SANTA FE - Shikar Safari Club International has named New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Corporal Curtis Coburn the 2015 New Mexico Wildlife Conservation Officer of the Year. Coburn received the award at the department’s second annual Governor’s Special Hunt Auction and Award Banquet on Feb. 20 in Albuquerque. Coburn, 35, currently is stationed in Ruidoso. He is a 12-year veteran of the department and holds a bachelor’s degree in Forest/Wildlife Management from Western New Mexico University in Silver City. Shikar Safari Club International annually presents awards to wildlife law enforcement officers in all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces and territories. The club is dedicated [...]

Several receive awards for wildlife conservation achievements

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 15, 2016: Several receive awards for wildlife conservation achievements ALBUQUERQUE – Several awards for achievement in wildlife conservation were bestowed during the second annual Governor’s Special Hunt Auction and Award Banquet on Feb. 20 in Albuquerque. Tod Stevenson, former department director, was awarded the Governor’s Conservationist Lifetime Achievement Award. Stevenson was recognized for his career with the department starting out as a hatchery worker in 1977 and retiring in 2011 as department director. During his career he served as a fish hatchery foreman and game warden before being promoted to division chief, assistant director, deputy director and finally, director of the department from 2008 through 2011. Eric Frey, sportfish program manager for the department, received the Director’s Professional of the Year Award for his work restoring [...]

National Archery in the Schools tournament draws record 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 15, 2016: National Archery in the Schools tournament draws record crowd ALBUQUERQUE – More than 900 archers competed at the fifth annual National Archery in the Schools (NASP) State Tournament March 12 at the Albuquerque Convention Center. “This sport is growing in popularity each and every year,” said Craig Sanchez, assistant chief of education for the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. “It’s fun, anyone can participate and it teaches discipline and focus.” Tournament participation grew by 15 percent over last year and reflects the popularity of the sport, Sanchez said. Cody Paris of Aztec High School scored 289 of a possible 300 points with 22 bullseyes to take first place among male high school competitors. Anne Rolsma of AIMS@UNM was the top female high school [...]

News Releases for 2015
News Releases for 2014

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