News

News2024-06-13T09:35:29-06:00

NMDGF News

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

Game Commission to meet April 19

SANTA FE – The State Game Commission will meet as a quorum, in-person on Thursday, April 18, 2024, for a tour of the Glenwood Fish Hatchery, 9 Hatchery Road, Box 67, Glenwood, New Mexico 88039, beginning at 3 p.m. Following the tour, the Commission will hold an executive session closed to the public to discuss litigation and property. A quorum will be present at Wrangler’s Bar and Grill, 2005 US-180, Silver City, New Mexico 88061, beginning at 7 p.m. for dinner. The State Game Commission has also scheduled a hybrid, public meeting on Friday, April 19, 2024, at the Grant County Business and Conference Center, 3031 US-180, Silver City, New Mexico 88061, and virtually via Zoom, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Public education activities will be available concurrent with this meeting, beginning at 10 a.m. The commission also invites the public to share their thoughts on conservation in New Mexico during the meeting’s [...]

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.

Game Commission to meet January 12 – Postponed

SANTA FE – The New Mexico State Game Commission will hold a meeting at 9 a.m., Friday, Jan. 12, 2024, at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center, 201 W. Marcy Street; Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501. 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 [...]

News Releases for 2021

Public reminded to leave young wildlife alone

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact, Tristanna Bickford: (505) 476-8027 tristanna.bickford@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, JUNE 4, 2021: Public reminded to leave young wildlife alone Spring in New Mexico is an exciting time for wildlife. This is the time of year when most babies are born. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish reminds the public to leave alone any deer or antelope fawns, elk calves, bear cubs or other wild animals they may find. Most young-of-the-year wildlife that people discover are simply hiding while awaiting their parents’ return from foraging nearby. Removing these young animals can cost them their lives, Orrin Duvuvuei, Department deer biologist, warned. “For about a week after birth, young wildlife exhibit hiding behaviors to avoid detection and increase their chance for survival. You might think it has been abandoned, but in reality, the [...]

Free Fishing Day is Saturday, June 5

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact, Tristanna Bickford: (505) 476-8027 tristanna.bickford@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, JUNE 3, 2021: Free Fishing Day is Saturday, June 5 Anglers can fish for free in New Mexico on Saturday, June 5, as the state celebrates National Boating and Fishing Week. Anyone can fish for free in public fishing waters throughout the state Saturday, June 5, but everyone must observe bag limits and all other rules and regulations. For more information, please visit the Department’s website. “This is a great time to take your family fishing and teach them a skill that will provide a lifetime of enjoyment,” said Mike Sloane, Director for the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. Before heading out, anglers are encouraged to check current fire restrictions. For information about where to fish and what to use, consult the Department’s weekly fishing [...]

Game Commission to meet June 18

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact, Tristanna Bickford: (505) 476-8027 tristanna.bickford@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, MAY 24, 2021: Game Commission to meet June 18 SANTA FE – The New Mexico State Game Commission will hold a meeting, 9 a.m., Friday, June 18, 2021 at the New Mexico State Capitol (Roundhouse), Room 322, 490 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87501. Among the items on the agenda will be a hearing and final decision on applications of Landowner Certification of Non-Navigable Water. Applications can be found on our website and include: Rancho Del Oso Pardo, Inc. River Bend Ranch, LLC Chama II, LLC, dba Canones Creek Ranch Fenn Farm Three Rivers Cattle Ltd. Co All comments or proposed documentary evidence related to the hearing and final decision on applications of Landowner Certification of Non-Navigable Water must be provided in a written format [...]

New Mexico Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Advisory Board Meeting

New Mexico Department of Game and FishPublic contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866Media contact, Tristanna Bickford: (505) 476-8027tristanna.bickford@state.nm.usFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, MAY 12, 2021:New Mexico Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Advisory Board MeetingSANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has scheduled a public meeting of the Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Advisory Board for Wednesday, June 16, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually on the OHV website.Those interested in participating and providing comments are encouraged to pre-register and attend the meeting on the Zoom webinar platform. The Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Advisory Board will meet in public session to hear the following: OHV budget update, general program update, OHV education update, OHV law enforcement update and public comment.The Department’s Off-Highway Vehicle Program has an annual budget of $795,100.00 funded by revenue generated from the Trail Safety Fund. The OHV Act required the creation of the Trail Safety Fund, which [...]

Public Meeting: Habitat Stamp Program Citizen Advisory Committee to Prioritize Projects for 2021-2022

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact, Tristanna Bickford: (505) 476-8027 tristanna.bickford@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, MAY 12, 2021: Public Meeting: Habitat Stamp Program Citizen Advisory Committee to Prioritize Projects for 2021-2022 SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has scheduled a public meeting on May 21 at 5:30 p.m. to allow the Citizen Advisory Committee to prioritize proposed projects for the upcoming fiscal year. Members of the public are invited to attend this meeting (to be held virtually) in order to become familiar with the proposed projects and to offer feedback and opinions. Information about how to attend and participate in this virtual meeting will be available on the Department's Habitat Stamp webpage. Copies of the proposed projects are also available on this webpage. Comments on the proposed projects can be provided by mail: New Mexico Department of [...]

News Releases for 2020

Department cautions homeowners be aware of increased bear activity in the foothills around Santa Fe

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact, Tristanna Bickford: (505) 476-8027 tristanna.bickford@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, JULY 10, 2020: Department cautions homeowners be aware of increased bear activity in the foothills around Santa Fe SANTA FE – Due to multiple sightings of bears, including a sow and cubs, in the foothills of Santa Fe between Canyon Road and Highway 285, homeowners are reminded to remove bird feeders, store trash in a secured location and never leave pet food in a space where a bear can access it. Director Mike Sloane warns while “some may view this as a unique opportunity to view wildlife; it is very important to follow our guidelines to keep yourself and bears safe.” The Department strongly urges you to avoid approaching a bear or getting between the mother and her cubs. Conservation officer Manny Overby said, “Approaching [...]

Wildlife crimes net $74,000 in restitution

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact, Tristanna Bickford: (505) 476-8027 tristanna.bickford@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, JULY 8, 2020: Wildlife crimes net $74,000 in restitution SANTA FE – On June 23, 2020, Sandoval County Judge James A. Noel ordered Cody W. Davis of Arnegard, N.D. to pay $74,000 in restitution to the state for poaching a trophy mule deer buck. This civil restitution included $20,000 for the mule deer which was killed out of season, without a license and resulted in the waste of game and an additional $54,000 in reimbursement to the Department for the extensive investigation required for this case. The restitution to the state is in addition to his criminal conviction which included a $3,000 donation to Operation Game Thief (OGT). An OGT tip in December of 2015 initiated the investigation. Conservation officers searched the area in question and found [...]

Encouragement elk license sale begins July 8

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact, Tristanna Bickford: (505) 476-8027 tristanna.bickford@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, JUNE 24, 2020: Encouragement elk license sale begins July 8 SANTA FE – New Mexico resident youth and senior hunters who applied and were unsuccessful in the 2020-2021 big-game draw are eligible to purchase one of nearly 1,900 antlerless elk licenses. The licenses will go on sale through the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish’s Online License System at 10 a.m. MDT July 8. The sale is designed to encourage unsuccessful youth and senior draw applicants and includes almost 1,500 licenses for any legal sporting arm and 390 licenses for muzzleloader, crossbow or bow. Licenses will be sold online only on a first-come, first-served basis. To purchase a license, customers will need to log in to their Online License System account. Eligibility and requirements: For the [...]

Game Commission to meet virtually June 25

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact, Tristanna Bickford: (505) 476-8027 tristanna.bickford@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, JUNE 17, 2020: Game Commission to meet virtually June 25 SANTA FE – The New Mexico State Game Commission will meet virtually Thursday, June 25. The full agenda and other information will be available on the Department of Game and Fish website before the meeting. If you are interested in participating and providing comments, you are encouraged to pre-register to attend the meeting on the Zoom Webinar platform. More information, including how to join the meeting by phone, is available on the Department’s website. The New Mexico State Game Commission meeting will also be available to view via a live webcast on the Department’s website. Webcast participants can listen to the meeting using a desktop computer or mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. The State Game [...]

Department expands black bear population estimate survey into the Gila National Forest

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact, Tristanna Bickford: (505) 476-8027 tristanna.bickford@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, JUNE 12, 2020: Department expands black bear population estimate survey into the Gila National Forest SANTA FE – During the summer of 2020, Department biologists and conservation officers will be starting a two-year black bear population estimate study using hair snares in the Gila National Forest. Bear hair snares are a modern study technique designed to collect DNA and allow biologists to identify the number of bears in an area. Starting in early June, Department biologists and conservation officers will set up the hair snares across the Gila National Forest. The hair snares will consist of strands of barbed wire stretched across an area with bait in the middle. As bears duck under or step over the wire a small amount of hair will be collected. Elise [...]

News Releases for 2019

New conservation officers graduate from Law Enforcement Academy

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact, Tristanna Bickford: (505) 476-8027 tristanna.bickford@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, JUNE 20, 2019: SANTA FE –Three New Mexico Department of Game and Fish conservation officers graduated from the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy in Farmington Friday, June 14. The department’s graduates of the 20-week law enforcement training academy are: Kayla Brauer Travis Bessett Montana Tidwell Notably, Brauer earned the title of class valedictorian and the exemplary performance award in a class of 30. In addition to attending the law enforcement academy, conservation officers undergo four weeks of departmental training in wildlife laws and department policies and procedures. They also undergo a year of on-the-job training under the supervision of a field training officer before being assigned to a district. For more information about a career as a conservation [...]

Leftover licenses go on sale June 26

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, JUNE 6, 2019: Leftover licenses go on sale June 26 SANTA FE – 763 deer, 85 youth-only pronghorn and 4 mobility-impaired-only elk hunting licenses that were not allocated during the annual 2019-2020 big-game draw will go on sale at 10 a.m. MDT June 26, only on the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish website. New Mexico residents will get first shot at the licenses for the first 24 hours of the first-come, first-served sale. The sale will be opened to everyone, regardless of residency, at 10 a.m. June 27. Important note for youth hunters: Because these are leftover draw licenses, purchasing a leftover deer or pronghorn license will render youth hunters ineligible to purchase an encouragement elk license during the upcoming sale in July. [...]

Monastery Lake to be closed Thursday, June 6 through Sunday, June 9

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact, Tristanna Bickford: (505) 476-8027 tristanna.bickford@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, JUNE 6, 2019: Monastery Lake to be closed Thursday, June 6 through Sunday, June 9 SANTA FE – Monastery Lake near Pecos will be closed to the public from dusk Thursday, June 6, through dawn Sunday, June 9. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish leases the lake for public fishing from the Benedictine Monastery in Pecos. The owners and the department have agreed to close the lake for a private fishing event. Anglers are encouraged to take advantage of other nearby fishing opportunities on the Pecos River and at Cowles Ponds. Conservation officers will monitor the lake during the closure and signs will be posted at the main gate. The angling public’s cooperation will be greatly appreciated. The lake will reopen to the public at [...]

Game Commission to meet June 14 in Albuquerque

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact, Tristanna Bickford: (505) 476-8027 tristanna.bickford@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, JUNE 4, 2019: Game Commission to meet June 14 in Albuquerque SANTA FE – The New Mexico State Game Commission will meet Friday, June 14, in Albuquerque to elect chair and vice chair positions and initiate the 2019-2020 Migratory Bird Rule. The meeting will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Northwest Regional Office located at 7816 Alamo Road NW, in Albuquerque. Other agenda items include: Approve the Land Transfers of the Mesilla Valley Bosque Park and the Laguna del Campo Approve the 2021 Capital Outlay Request Review the Current Commission Meeting Schedule The full agenda and other information are available on the Department of Game and Fish website. The State Game Commission is composed of seven [...]

AIMS@UNM hits the mark at national tournament

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact, Lance Cherry: (505) 476-8003 lance.cherry@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, MAY 7, 2019: AIMS@UNM hits the mark at national tournament SANTA FE – Capturing bronze and silver, New Mexico’s National Archery in the Schools (NASP) high school division state champions, Albuquerque Institute for Mathematics and Science (AIMS@UNM) delivered the state’s best national tournament showing since the program began in 2008. More than 1,250 top-ranked student archers from 156 schools competed in the NASP Western Nationals, April 27-28 at the Salt Palace Expo in Salt Lake City, Utah. The AIMS@UNM team scored 3292 out of a possible 3600 in the high school division and pinned an amazing 146 bullseyes to clinch the third place finish. The team’s standout archer, Sofia Apodaca, racked up 20 bullseyes and a score of 289 out of 300, to capture second overall [...]

News Releases for 2018

Two men sentenced for poaching mule deer

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact, Cody Johnston: (575) 291-2138 gary.johnston@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, AUG. 7, 2018: Two men sentenced for poaching mule deer LOVINGTON – Two men pleaded guilty to killing mule deer out of season, unlawful possession, tampering with evidence and other charges filed against them in Lovington District Court last December. Both men received probation and were ordered to pay $2,400 in fines, $330 in court fees and forfeit their rifles earlier this month. On Dec. 28, 2017, Hobbs District Offic­er Andrew Jolliff received a tip from the Operation Game Thief hotline — a number set up by the Department of Game and Fish for the public to report poachers — about a deer that was killed illegally on Christmas Day. The tipster mentioned that the deer had been butchered and was buried near an oil rig in [...]

Annual Fishing Derby sets record, teaches youth valuable fishing and shooting skills

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact, Cody Johnston: (575) 291-2138 gary.johnston@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, AUG 6, 2018: Annual Fishing Derby sets record, teaches youth valuable fishing and shooting skills HOBBS – Everyday is a great day to go fishing, but clear skies and great prizes set the bait for success at the sixth annual Hooked on Fishing Derby at Harry McAdams Park in Hobbs, New Mexico. The City of Hobbs and New Mexico Department of Game and Fish held the July 28 event for youth 11 and under. Over 225 youth registered for the record setting derby; topping the 2017 high of 175 registered youth. “It was a great day for the event – not too hot,” said conservation officer Andrew Jolliff. “Along with fishing, participants enjoyed archery and pellet gun activities with department staff instruction.” This year, more than two-dozen [...]

Raton man attacked by bear

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact, Tristanna Bickford: (505) 476-8027 tristanna.bickford@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, JULY 26, 2018: Raton man attacked by bear Raton – New Mexico Department of Game and Fish conservation officers are investigating a bear attack that occurred southeast of Raton Wednesday. State police alerted department officers after receiving a distress call from a 36-year-old man exercising his dogs. The individual was airlifted to the UNM Hospital due to the severity of the injuries, including a bite to the back of the knee. During the attack the man was able to draw his sidearm and shoot the bear, killing it. The male bear will be tested for rabies. The department reminds outdoor recreationists to be bear aware. During the summer, bears are active as they look for food sources in preparation for the winter months. Bears are unpredictable; the [...]

Game Commission names Michael Sloane Department of Game and Fish Director

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact, Tristanna Bickford: (505) 476-8027 tristanna.bickford@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, JULY 24, 2018: Game Commission names Michael Sloane Department of Game and Fish Director SANTA FE – Michael Sloane, a 24-year employee of the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, was named the department’s new director by the State Game Commission Tuesday. Sloane began his career with the department in 1994 as a wildlife culturist at Lisboa Springs Hatchery in Pecos, New Mexico. He went on to become a wildlife specialist supervisor, assistant chief of fisheries and chief of fisheries. He has a masters of science in fisheries and allied aquacultures from Auburn University. As director, Sloane will be responsible for leading the state wildlife agency whose mission is to conserve, regulate, propagate and protect the wildlife and fish within the state of New [...]

Feeding bears can create unsafe conditions for people and the bear

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact, Tristanna Bickford: (505) 476-8027 tristanna.bickford@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, JULY 23, 2018: Feeding bears can create unsafe conditions for people and the bear SANTA FE – Human nature can lead us to believe that when we feed wild animals we are helping them. In reality we are causing them more harm than good. In the natural world, bears are very good at finding food sources on their own that help them maintain a balanced diet, without becoming habituated to people and residential environments. In light of recent activities, the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish reminds people that it is never acceptable to feed bears or other wildlife. Bears that are intentionally or inadvertently fed items that are not natural to their diet, such as cracked corn or pet food, can quickly become habituated to [...]

News Releases for 2017

Game Commission to meet Aug. 24 in Albuquerque

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, Aug. 15, 2017: Game Commission to meet Aug. 24 in Albuquerque SANTA FE – The New Mexico Game Commission will meet Aug. 24 in Albuquerque to consider numerous matters, including approval of the department’s proposed fiscal-year 2019 operating budget. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 24, at the Marriott Pyramid North’s Taos Room, 5151 San Francisco Road NE, Albuquerque. Other agenda items include: Report of wildlife complaints and resolutions from fiscal-year 2017. Approval to exchange New Mexico antelope for Gould’s turkeys from Mexico. Consideration of proposed legislative initiatives for the 2018 legislative session. The full agenda, detailed agenda-item briefings and other information are available on the Department of Game and Fish website. Details of proposed rules and opportunities to comment about them also are [...]

Department shines at Santa Ana Pueblo public safety event

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, AUGUST 11, 2017: Department shines at Santa Ana Pueblo public safety event SANTA FE – The Department of Game and Fish won first place in the People’s Choice category Aug. 5 at the first Public Safety Day at Santa Ana Pueblo. Over 20 law enforcement agencies participated in the event, showcasing their specialties. The department was praised for its interesting, informative and attractive representation of the agency. “It was a great day to share with the people of New Mexico what the Department of Game and Fish law enforcement and the variety of resources we offer to the public,” said Capt. Tim Cimbal. “It was an honor for our agency to be chosen by the people for the People’s Choice award.” The Department of Game and Fish [...]

Apply now for special sandhill crane and pheasant hunts

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, JULY 25, 2017: Apply now for special sandhill crane and pheasant hunts SANTA FE – The Department of Game and Fish will begin accepting applications for special sandhill crane and pheasant permits at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 26. Applications can be made online at the Department of Game and Fish website, www.wildlife.state.nm.us, or over the telephone with the department’s information center, 1-888-248-6866. The application deadline for special crane and pheasant permits is 5 p.m. Aug. 23. Information about sandhill crane draw hunts is available in the department’s 2017-18 Migratory Bird Hunting Information booklet, and information about pheasant hunts are available on the department Hunting Rules and Information booklet. Both can be viewed on the department’s website, www.wildlife.state.nm.us. Successful applicants must have a game hunting license and applicable [...]

New rules to battle aquatic invasive species now in effect

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, July 18, 2017: New rules to battle aquatic invasive species now in effect SANTA FE – New rules to combat the spread of aquatic invasive species in New Mexico went into effect July 11. Changes include: Watercraft owners are required to stop at an inspection station whenever one is set up and in operation. Mandatory inspection and, if necessary, decontamination is required of all out-of-state registered watercraft or watercraft re-entering the state of New Mexico. All boaters are required to “pull the plug” and completely drain watercraft when transporting on a New Mexico roadway. “The boating public’s cooperation is essential in our fight to prevent destructive invasive species such as zebra and quagga mussels from infecting our waterways,” said James Dominiguez, aquatic invasive species coordinator for the [...]

Public reminded to leave young wildlife alone

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, JULY 13, 2017: Public reminded to leave young wildlife alone SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish reminds the public to leave alone any deer or antelope fawns, elk calves, bear cubs or other wild animals they may find. Most young-of-the year wildlife people discover are simply hiding while awaiting their parents’ return from foraging nearby. Removing these young animals can cost them their lives, Rick Winslow, a department biologist warned. “You might think you’re rescuing it, but in reality you’re just kidnapping it,” Winslow said. “In most cases, the best thing to do is just leave it alone and quietly leave the area.” People who pick up wild animals also risk exposing themselves to fleas and ticks that may carry [...]

News Releases for 2016

Free Fishing Day Saturday, September 24

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, SEPT. 22, 2016: Free fishing this Saturday SANTA FE – Fishing is free, no license required, this Saturday, Sept. 24, on all public waters in New Mexico. Residents and nonresidents can fish without a license, but must abide by all other fishing rules and regulations. Please visit www.wildlife.state.nm.us for the 2016-2017 Fishing Rules and Information booklet. For information about where to fish and what to use, consult the department’s weekly fishing and stocking report. Maps of public fishing waters, lists of where to find family-friendly fishing and tips on how to fish also can be found on the department website. For more information, please contact the department’s Information Center, (888) 248-6866.   ###

Leftover sandhill crane and pheasant hunt permits available Sept. 21

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, SEPT. 19, 2016: Leftover sandhill crane and pheasant hunt permits available Sept. 21 SANTA FE – Leftover sandhill crane and pheasant hunting permits will be available for sale at 10 a.m. MDT Sept. 21 on the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish website. Available permits are: One, youth-only, pheasant hunting permit for the Bernardo Wildlife Area on Oct. 22. Nine, youth-only, pheasant hunting permits for the W.S. Huey Wildlife Management Area on Dec. 3. Forty-three sandhill crane hunting permits for the southwest hunt area from Oct. 29 to Nov. 6. Fifteen sandhill crane hunting permits for the southwest hunt Jan. 7 and 8, 2017. Customers purchasing leftover permits must have a game-hunting license and stamp(s) prior to hunting. Crane hunters also must have a Harvest Information [...]

Chronic wasting disease found in McGregor Range deer

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact: Lance Cherry: (505) 476-8003 lance.cherry@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, SEPT. 19, 2016: Chronic wasting disease found in McGregor Range deer SANTA FE – Five deer harvested in the McGregor Range area of southern New Mexico during the 2015-16 hunting season have tested positive for chronic wasting disease, the Department of Game and Fish announced. Hunters who harvested those deer have been notified of the test results. Forty hunters who drew licenses for 2016-17 hunts on the range will be notified and advised of procedures to present their harvested deer for testing. First discovered in New Mexico in 2002, chronic wasting disease has only been found in the state’s southern hunting units. To date, 42 deer and 8 elk have tested positive for the disease. Tissue samples were obtained from hunters who presented their harvest for testing, [...]

State list of threatened and endangered species available for public comment

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, SEPT. 2, 2016: State list of threatened and endangered species available for public comment SANTA FE – The Department of Game and Fish is seeking public comment on proposed revisions to the Biennial Review of the status of all state-listed, threatened and endangered wildlife species. The Biennial Review process determines whether a state-listed wildlife species should maintain its current status or be moved from threatened to endangered or endangered to threatened. Adding or removing species from the state list is a separate process. Listing decisions are based on biological and ecological factors. Social, economic and political considerations noted during the review can be considered in the implementation of conservation and recovery actions after the species is listed. The Wildlife Conservation Act contains no provisions for critical habitat, [...]

Bass fingerlings stocked at Elephant Butte and other lakes

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, SEPT. 2, 2016: Bass fingerlings stocked at Elephant Butte and other lakes ELEPHANT BUTTE – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish recently stocked over 100,000 fingerling bass in Elephant Butte Lake and put another 80,000 in numerous lakes around the state. The young bass were obtained from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Park’s Miles City Fish Hatchery, said Kevin Gardner, warmwater fisheries supervisor for the department. Some of the largemouth bass were stocked in Alto Lake near Ruidoso, where it is expected they will grow to prey upon an unwanted population of discarded goldfish living there. They also will provide anglers with improved fishing opportunities in the area, Gardner said. An estimated 6,200 bass from the same shipment went to Bill Evans Lake, another 20,000 [...]

News Releases for 2015

Las Cruces teen takes first place in International Youth Hunter Education Challenge

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Media contact: Karl Moffatt, (505) 476-8007 Public contact: Customer service (888) 248-6866 karl.moffatt@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, AUG. 11, 2015: LAS CRUCES TEEN TAKES FIRST PLACE IN INTERNATIONAL YOUTH HUNTER EDUCATION CHALLENGE RATON – Raton played host to 339 contestants and coaches from 16 states for the International Youth Hunter Education Challenge at the National Rifle Association Whittington Center July 27-31. Team Bullseye of Las Cruces brought home top awards from the competition with Lawrence Richardson, 14, of Las Cruces, earning first place in the junior division. Richardson, a freshman at Mayfield High School and a member of team Bullseye, bested more than 120 contestants to win his division with high scores in multiple events. Bullseye’s junior team also took first place overall in orienteering while team member Kelsey Graves earned first place in wildlife identification. New Mexico teams sent 32 competitors and 11 [...]

Free family fun at N.M. Outdoor Expo Aug. 15 & 16

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Media contact: Karl Moffatt, (505) 476-8007 Public contact: Customer service (888) 248-6866 karl.moffatt@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, AUG. 11, 2015: FREE FAMILY FUN AT N.M. OUTDOOR EXPO AUG. 15 & 16 ALBUQUERQUE – If you’ve wanted to learn to catch a fish, shoot a rifle, paddle a kayak or try your hand at archery, check out the Department of Game and Fish’s annual New Mexico Outdoor Expo, a free family event at the Albuquerque Shooting Range Park 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday Aug. 15  and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday Aug. 16. “This is a great opportunity for families to enjoy some fun outdoor activities together,” says Jessica Fisher, shooting program coordinator for the Department of Game and Fish. “And we’ll be teaching folks basic skills that can lead to a lifetime of outdoor enjoyment.” Shooting ranges staffed by certified instructors await participants [...]

Expect roadblocks statewide during hunting season

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Media contact: Ross Morgan (505) 222-4707 Public contact: Customer service (888) 248-6866 ross.morgan@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Aug. 6, 2015: EXPECT ROADBLOCKS STATEWIDE DURING HUNTING SEASON SANTA FE - The Department of Game and Fish will conduct roadblocks throughout the state during hunting seasons to collect harvest data and to detect wildlife law violations. Hunting seasons are approaching for pronghorn antelope, deer, elk, bears and some other species as listed in the department’s Hunting Rules & Information booklets. At roadblocks, conservation officers also will check for compliance with the Off Highway Motor Vehicle Act and the Aquatic Invasive Species Control 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 Management, New Mexico State Police [...]

Agenda updated for Aug. 27 State Game Commission meeting

The agenda for the Aug. 27 State Game Commission meeting was updated Aug. 4. The full agenda, detailed agenda-item briefings and other information are available on the Department of Game and Fish website. Details of proposed rules and opportunities to comment about them also are available on the website, www.wildlife.state.nm.us.

Plenty of prime youth elk licenses available

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Media contact: Dan Williams, (505) 476-8004 Public contact: (888) 248-6866 dan.williams@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, JULY 30, 2015: PLENTY OF PRIME YOUTH ELK LICENSES AVAILABLE SANTA FE – Around 700 youth encouragement elk licenses remain available through the Department of Game and Fish Online License System. The sale is now open to all eligible youths, regardless of residency, who don’t have a 2015-16 elk license, whether they applied for draw hunts or not. Many of the remaining licenses are in prime hunting units, said Chad Nelson, supervisor of the department’s information center. “There are a lot of excellent hunting opportunities still available,” Nelson said. The sale is designed to encourage youth hunting and licenses are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. To purchase a license, customers will need to log in to their Online License System account at www.wildlife.state.nm.us. Youth hunters must have a [...]

News Releases for 2014

Fishing bag limits, tackle restrictions lifted on Santa Fe River

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Media contact: Rachel Shockley, (505) 476-8071; cell: (505) 470-6832 Public contact: (888) 248-6866 rachel.shockley@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, JUNE 23, 2014 FISHING BAG LIMITS, TACKLE RESTRICTIONS LIFTED ON SANTA FE RIVER SANTA FE – Beginning Monday, June 23, anglers will be allowed to catch and keep unlimited numbers of fish from a two-mile stretch of the Santa Fe River as the City of Santa Fe prepares to stop the flow from city reservoirs. The Department of Game and Fish issued the official emergency salvage order, to go into effect at 12:01 a.m. June 23, and remain in effect through 11:59 p.m. Monday, June 30. The salvage order will affect only the section of river from Paseo de Peralta two miles downstream to Camino Alire. Tackle regulations also will be suspended during the salvage period. Fish can be removed from the stream using nets or [...]

Leftover deer, javelina licenses go on sale online at 10 a.m. June 25

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Media contact: Rachel Shockley, (505) 476-8071; cell: (505) 470-6832 Public contact: (888) 248-6866 rachel.shockley@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, JUNE 16, 2014 LEFTOVER DEER, JAVELINA LICENSES GO ON SALE ONLINE AT 10 A.M. JUNE 25 SANTA FE –Thousands of leftover deer and javelina draw licenses will go on sale online at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 25. To purchase a license, customers will need to log in to their Online License System account at https://onlinesales.wildlife.state.nm.us/. Licenses will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis to New Mexico residents only for the first 24 hours. The sale will be opened to everyone, regardless of residency, at 10 a.m. June 26. Hunters are strongly encouraged to purchase either a Game Hunting or a Game Hunting and Fishing license in advance because popular licenses often sell out quickly. A person without a Game Hunting or a Game Hunting and [...]

Free children’s fishing derby June 14 in Santa Fe

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Media contact: Rachel Shockley, (505) 476-8071; cell: (505) 470-6832 Public contact: (888) 248-6866 rachel.shockley@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, JUNE 9, 2014 FREE CHILDREN’S FISHING DERBY JUNE 14 IN SANTA FE Free children’s fishing derby June 14 in Santa Fe SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish and the City of Santa Fe are sponsoring a free fishing derby Saturday, June 14 for children 11 years old and younger at the Santa Fe River Park from Don Gaspar Avenue upstream to Old Santa Fe Trail. Anglers ages 11 and younger may fish without a license. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish will stock 500 rainbow trout in the Santa Fe River for the event. Department staff will be on hand to answer questions and provide fishing information. Children 11 years old and younger who catch the first [...]

Anglers out in force over Memorial Day

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Media contact: Rachel Shockley, (505) 476-8071; cell: (505) 470-6832 Public contact: (888) 248-6866 rachel.shockley@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, JUNE 4, 2014 ANGLERS OUT IN FORCE OVER MEMORIAL WEEKEND SANTA FE –Anglers across New Mexico took to the waters over the recent Memorial Day weekend. The warm weather and recent fish stockings drew people to lakes and streams throughout the state. Department of Game and Fish officers checked more than 3,000 anglers for licenses over the holiday weekend. “We want all anglers to purchase a fishing license, if required.” said Department Col. Robert Griego. “Fishing is affordable family fun.” The department uses revenue from fishing licenses to manage and improve fisheries, including stocking fish, rehabilitating riparian areas and improving boat and angler access. Children age 11 and under are not required to purchase a license. Resident annual fishing licenses are $25 and nonresident annual fishing [...]

Unprecedented Effort Protects Prairie Chicken Habitat in Five States

Media Contact: Bill Van Pelt, WAFWA Grassland Coordinator bill.vanpelt@wafwa.org (602) 717-5066 Date: June 4, 2014 Unprecedented Effort Protects Prairie Chicken Habitat in Five States Nearly 14 million acres now enrolled under various Lesser Prairie Chicken conservation agreements The May 12 listing of the Lesser Prairie Chicken as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act helped fuel a surge in oil and gas company enrollments to conserve the species under special agreements spearheaded by the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA). To date, 160 oil, gas, wind, electric and pipeline companies have enrolled about 9 million acres across the five states that contain habitat for the bird’s survival, committing more than $43 million for habitat conservation over the next three years. WAFWA’s Lesser Prairie Chicken Range-wide Conservation Plan as well as the Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances (CCAA) provided landowners and industry with options to receive regulatory assurance [...]

Go to Top