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News2026-08-18T08:54:20-06:00

NMDOW News

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Human food sources a driver of bear encounters

Attractants such as trash, other food sources draw bears into populated areas   SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Wildlife is warning the public that unsecured food sources such as garbage and fallen or rotten fruit are drawing bears into populated areas during severe drought conditions, leading bears to become accustomed to these food sources and increasing the likelihood of encounters, unsuccessful relocation efforts and possibly the death of these animals. There has been an increase in the number of bears involved in human-bear conflict throughout New Mexico in 2026. While the increase may indicate a temporary response to a combination of environmental and habitat conditions, current observations indicate that bears are likely moving farther, and in closer proximity to humans, to find food as they prepare for hyperphagia (the period during which bears eat extensively to build up their fat reserves for winter) and to avoid [...]

Aug 12, 2026|

State Wildlife Action Plan Website Now Available

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Aug. 10, 2026 State Wildlife Action Plan website now available SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Wildlife has released the website for the 2025 State Wildlife Action Plan after the plan received approval from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, ensuring New Mexico remains eligible for millions of dollars in funding to conserve the state’s most vulnerable wildlife and habitats. The State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) is a federally required conservation strategy that identifies New Mexico’s Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN), the habitats they depend on, the threats they face and the conservation actions needed to help sustain those species. The plan serves as the Department’s blueprint for wildlife conservation planning and implementation over the next decade. “The State Wildlife Action Plan gives us a science-based roadmap for protecting New Mexico’s incredible wildlife diversity while ensuring that conservation dollars are invested where they [...]

Aug 10, 2026|

Don’t miss your chance! Aug. 12 is the deadline to apply for Sandhill crane and pheasant draw permits

The New Mexico Department of Wildlife is still accepting applications until 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, for special Sandhill crane and pheasant permits. Applications can be made through your online account. Successful applicants must have a Game Hunting or Game Hunting and Fishing License, applicable stamp(s) and a Harvest Information Program (HIP) number if successful for Sandhill crane. Bernardo, Jackson Lake and W.S. Huey WMA Youth-only Pheasant Hunts Hunt Area Hunt Code Season Dates Bag Limit/# of Permits Bernardo PHE-0-001 Oct. 17 3 males/20 W.S. Huey PHE-0-002 Dec. 5 3 males/40 Jackson Lake PHE-0-004 Dec. 5 3 males/10 W.S. Huey WMA Pheasant Hunt Hunt Area Hunt Code Season Dates Bag Limit/# of Permits W.S. Huey PHE-0-003 Dec. 12 3 males/40 Sandhill Crane Hunts* Hunt Area Hunt Code Season Dates Bag Limit/# of Permits Eastern Hunt N/A; free permit required Oct. 24- Jan. 21, ’27 3 per day and [...]

Aug 10, 2026|

Wildlife law violation checkpoints begin for hunting, fishing seasons

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Wildlife is conducting checkpoints throughout the state this hunting and fishing season to collect biological data and detect wildlife law violations. As a result, the public may encounter minor delays. 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 or county sheriff’s offices. Please report any wildlife crime or suspected crime that you may observe while enjoying New Mexico’s great outdoors. To report a wildlife crime, please call Operation Game Thief toll-free at 1-800-432-GAME (4263). Callers can remain anonymous and earn cash rewards for information leading to charges being files. Violations can also be reported online at Operation Game Thief.

Aug 7, 2026|

State Wildlife Commission to meet Aug. 21 in Las Vegas

SANTA FE — The New Mexico State Wildlife Commission will hold a meeting starting at 9 a.m. Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, at the New Mexico Highlands University Student Union Building, 800 National Ave., Las Vegas, NM 87701. The full agenda and other information will be available on the New Mexico Department of Wildlife 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 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 [...]

Aug 7, 2026|

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