News

News2026-07-08T12:45:50-06:00

NMDOW News

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

Monastery Lake closed to fishing due to unsafe ice conditions

PECOS, N.M. – Monastery Lake has been closed to fishing until further notice due to unsafe ice conditions. Ice fishing is not allowed at Monastery Lake. The lake, which is leased through the Department's Open Gate program, is located at the Benedictine Monastery just north of Pecos. A layer of ice has formed on the lake, prompting the closure. The closure will be lifted when there are sufficient open areas of water available to allow fishing from the bank. Anglers can find good winter trout fishing in the Albuquerque area drains, at Tingley Beach and at other fishing waters throughout the state. Visit our website for more information on trout species, the weekly fishing report, a list of convenient fishing locations and fish stocking reports.

Jan 30, 2026|

Project proposals due in April 2026 for Share with Wildlife funding in FY2027

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Wildlife's Share with Wildlife program will begin accepting proposals on Feb. 2, 2026, for non-game wildlife-focused projects. Projects must take place in New Mexico with a planned start date on or after Feb. 15, 2027. All project proposals are due by 4 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time on April 10, 2026. The Share with Wildlife program was initiated in the early 1980s and welcomes proposals for projects in four categories: habitat enhancement; biological and ecological research; wildlife rehabilitation and wildlife education. The program has consistently funded between nine and 11 projects during each funding cycle. More information regarding projects funded over the past 10 years is available on the Share with Wildlife "Reports" page. Project topics of current interest to the Department, details about the proposed format and directions for submitting proposals can be found in the Call for Project Information (CFPI) for [...]

Jan 27, 2026|

Application period open for Department’s Citizen Advisory Committee

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Wildlife is now accepting applications from interested members of the public to serve on the Public Land User (Habitat) Stamp Program Citizen Advisory Committee. Members will be appointed to the Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) by the State Game Commission. The CAC is a volunteer working group that collaborates with the Department to support the Public Land User (Habitat) Stamp Program. Funds generated from the sale of Public Land User stamps are used for various conservation projects across the state. Members provide citizen advice to program and project managers from the Department, the Bureau of Land Management, and the United States Forest Service. They also ensure that the interests and perspectives of New Mexicans are represented in conservation projects on federal public lands across the state that utilize Public Land User Stamp funds. This advisory role includes a five-year commitment. Candidates with professional, [...]

Jan 26, 2026|

Department announces 25% discount for SNAP recipients

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Wildlife announced that residents who receive Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are now eligible for a 25% discount on hunting and fishing licenses. The initiative expands access to outdoor recreation and supports food security for New Mexicans. “This discount will help make hunting and fishing more accessible to thousands of New Mexicans,” Department director Mike Sloane said. “With this discount, eligible participants will have increased accessibility to healthy, natural food sources." Between Jan. 1-10 each year, the New Mexico Health Care Authority will provide the Department with a list of current SNAP recipients. This is in accordance with requirements outlined in Senate Bill 5, which was passed by the New Mexico State Legislature during its 2025 session. Individuals who become eligible for SNAP benefits after Jan. 10 will be required to visit one of the Department's offices located in Santa Fe, [...]

Jan 5, 2026|

Game Commission to meet Jan. 9

SANTA FE – The New Mexico State Game Commission will hold a meeting starting at 9 a.m. Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, at the New Mexico State Library, 1209 Camino Carlos Rey, Santa Fe, NM 87509. The full agenda, and other 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 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 [...]

Dec 26, 2025|
Go to Top