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

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Help Keep New Mexico Beautiful!

You’re enjoying the outdoors and suddenly you see someone trying to pet Marty Moose... A pack of ATVs flies by across a pristine meadow... Another duck hunter shows up late and sets up right next to you... A pile of litter is dumped in the desert and Walter White has to clean it up!   You have probably seen some interesting – and disappointing  – things if you’ve spent time outdoors in New Mexico. Whether you’re hunting, fishing, biking, using OHVs, hiking or camping , it’s critical each of us work toward protecting outdoor spaces by minimizing our impact. It’s not that hard to do! Just follow the seven “Leave No Trace” principles that encourage us to promote a culture of respect and responsibility among all outdoor enthusiasts. These guidelines help protect the wild and wonderful experiences we love and enjoy.     This series is in collaboration with [...]

Off-highway vehicle education and trail safety, overtime grant awards announced

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Program is pleased to announce the following 2024-2025 grant cycle awards totaling $162,700:  OHV Education and Trail Safety Grants - $20,000 to Region II Emergency Medical Services, Inc., to distribute newly developed public-safety media campaigns that will help reduce preventable pediatric traumatic brain injuries among young OHV operators in Doña Ana, Grant, Hidalgo, Luna and Sierra counties. $14,000 to the Red Rock Motorsports Club, Inc. of Gallup, New Mexico, to upgrade OHV park facilities and maintenance and erosion-mitigation projects at the City of Gallup’s Red Rock Motorsports Park. $10,000 to the Village of Los Lunas Open Space Division for purchasing off-highway vehicle safety equipment to equip their staff while conducting OHV safety training and enforcing the Village of Los Lunas's ordinances. $10,000 to the Red River Off-road Coalition, Inc., to protect wetlands from Midnight Meadows [...]

El Departamento trabaja para salvar nuestras especies

Durante más de 120 años, el Departamento de Caza y Pesca (DGF, por sus siglas en inglés) de Nuevo México ha trabajado incansablemente para gestionar la diversa vida silvestre de nuestro estado. Nuestro trabajo con las especies cinegéticas (cualquier animal que es cazado, pescado o atrapado) siempre atrae la atención. ¡Pero haría el oso si pensara que gestionar especies cinegéticas es todo lo que hacemos! Ese es sólo un aspecto de nuestro objetivo de conservar la vida silvestre de Nuevo México para las generaciones futuras. Nuestro trabajo con las Especies de Mayor Necesidad de Conservación (SGCN, por sus siglas en inglés) de Nuevo México (animales no cinegéticos que desempeñan un papel vital en nuestra biodiversidad pero que luchan por sobrevivir) es otro aspecto de nuestra misión que merece más atención. Este número está dedicado a nuestros intrépidos esfuerzos por salvar nuestras especies a través de casi 80 proyectos en [...]

El Departamento, socios estudian matalotes jorobados en el río San Juan

El DGF colabora con Investigadores Ictiológicos del Sureste de Estados Unidos para probar algo nuevo en el río San Juan. Gracias a la tecnología, hemos desarrollado antenas con etiquetas transpondedoras integradas pasivas (etiquetas PIT, por sus siglas in inglés). Una etiqueta PIT es un pequeño dispositivo que utiliza radiofrecuencias para comunicar un código único desde una antena cuando se empareja con un lector, similar a la forma en que los microchips se utilizan para realizar un seguimiento de nuestros perros y gatos. Estas etiquetas PIT se están probando en su debut sobre el terreno para la detección y el estudio de nuestros SGCN. ¿Cuál es la primera especie que se estudiará con las etiquetas PIT? El matalote jorobado (Xyrauchen texanus), miembro de la familia de los peces catostómidos (Catostomidae). Es una especie en peligro crítico de extinción nativa del suroeste de los Estados Unidos y anteriormente de México. El Programa [...]

Department works to #SaveOurSpecies

For more than 120 years, the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has worked tirelessly to manage our state’s diverse wildlife. Our work with game species—any animals that are hunted, fished or trapped—always attracts the (mountain) lion’s share of attention. But managing game species is just one aspect of our goal to conserve New Mexico’s wildlife for future generations. Our work with New Mexico’s Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN for short)—non-game animals that play a vital role in our biodiversity but are struggling to survive—is another aspect of our mission that deserves more attention. This issue is devoted to our intrepid efforts as we work towards Saving Our Species through nearly 80 ongoing projects dedicated to our SGCN. In addition to behind-the-scenes field reports in New Mexico Wildlife, keep an eye out for information on our SGCN conservation efforts on social media by searching for #SaveOurSpecies. You [...]

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
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