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News2026-05-22T16:53:06-06:00

NMDGF News

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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|

Calling all birders: Join the 2026 New Mexico Birding Big Year Contest!

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish invites birders statewide to participate in the 2026 Birding Big Year Contest, a friendly competition to identify as many bird species as possible in New Mexico between January 1 and December 31. "New Mexico has the fourth-highest bird diversity, in terms of overall species, in the nation," Curt Coffman, Assistant Chief of Education, said of the contest. "Bird watching has become very popular and is a great way to introduce people to the incredible natural areas found throughout New Mexico. We hope to see a wide variety of individuals participate in the Birding Big Year, including teens, beginners and the most seasoned bird watchers." Participants ages 13 and up, from beginners to advanced, are encouraged to join, submit sightings through eBird and connect with a growing community of wildlife enthusiasts. Participants will be separated into three age groups: [...]

Dec 22, 2025|

Department reminds New Mexicans to keep holiday decorations wildlife-friendly

SANTA FE – Once Thanksgiving is over, many New Mexicans take the opportunity to decorate their homes for the holidays. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish would like to remind the public as they prepare to hang up those colorful strands of light and bring that inflatable Santa Claus out of storage to ensure that their holiday decorations do not pose a safety hazard to wildlife that may become entangled. Some tips to keep wildlife safe this holiday season include: Consider placing decorations on the inside of windows. Consider restricting outdoor decorations to those areas immediately around your house. If possible, consider having outdoor decorations that are firmly attached to door/window frames. Avoid placing outdoor decorations in areas around your home or yard that wildlife frequently visit or use as a travel corridor. Avoid using outdoor decorations with a net or closed circle design. String lighting should [...]

Dec 16, 2025|

New Mexico Birding Big Year Contest

Jan. 1 – Dec. 31, 2026 Join birders across the Land of Enchantment for the 2026 New Mexico Birding Big Year! This year-long competition challenges participants to identify as many bird species as possible within the state between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31. Open to birders of all ages and skill levels, the contest promotes wildlife appreciation, conservation awareness and community among New Mexico’s birding enthusiasts. June Quarterly Update April Quarterly Update!! Participation Guidelines for the 2026 New Mexico Birding Big Year competition Participants must register via the online form on or before April 1 to be part of the 2026 New Mexico Big Year. Any questions can be emailed to DGF-WildlifeEd@dgf.nm.gov. Participants must read and abide by the set of rules governing the competition (see below). These rules are adapted from the American Birding Association Recording Rules and Interpretations and include the Code of Birding [...]

Nov 25, 2025|
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