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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.

Leftover draw licenses on sale June 26

SANTA FE – A total of 630 deer licenses left over from the 2024-2025 big-game draw will go on sale at 10 a.m. MDT June 26, through the Department’s Online License System. This first-come, first-served sale will only be open to New Mexico residents during the first 24 hours. If any licenses remain after the first 24 hours, the sale will be opened to nonresidents at 10 a.m. June 27. Important note for youth hunters: Because these are draw licenses, purchasing a license will render youth hunters ineligible to purchase a youth encouragement elk license for the first 14 days of the upcoming sale in July. To buy a leftover license, hunters must possess a 2024-2025 Game Hunting or Game Hunting and Fishing license. Hunters may buy the Game Hunting license, the Habitat Stamp and the Habitat Management Access Validation by logging into their account and clicking the Over-The-Counter (OTC) Licenses, Permits and [...]

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. [...]

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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 [...]

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