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Fire restrictions, closures increasing statewide; Game and Fish patrolling Commission properties

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 5, 2018: Fire restrictions, closures increasing statewide; Game and Fish patrolling Commission properties SANTA FE – As drought continues to increase fire danger statewide, the Kid's Pond at the Seven Springs Fish Hatchery in the Jemez Mountains will be closed at dusk on Wednesday, June 6. By mutual agreement with the Benedictine Monastery, the Department will also concurrently close Monastery Lake in Pecos, NM. Both locations will remain closed until conditions improve in and around the Santa Fe National Forest. In addition to enforcing closures and fire restrictions, Department of Game and Fish conservation officers will increase patrols on State Game Commission-owned properties. Commission properties also will follow the same restrictions or closures in place on properties adjacent to U.S. Forest Service or BLM lands. Additional [...]

Free Fishing Day is Saturday, June 2

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 31, 2018: Free Fishing Day is Saturday, June 2 SANTA FE - Anglers can fish for free in New Mexico on Saturday, June 2, as the state celebrates National Boating and Fishing Week. Anyone can fish for free in public fishing waters throughout the state Saturday, June 2, but everyone must observe bag limits and all other rules and regulations. For more information, please visit www.wildlife.state.nm.us. “This is a great time to take your family fishing and teach them a skill that will provide a lifetime of enjoyment,” said Kevin Holladay, conservation education coordinator for the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. Holladay notes several opportunities across the state: Monastery Lake in Pecos Canyon – The 2nd Annual Fishing Expo at Monastery Lake in will [...]

Game Commission properties that adjoin Santa Fe National Forest, including Pecos Canyon, closed to access

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 31, 2018: Game Commission properties that adjoin the Santa Fe National Forest, including Pecos Canyon, closed to access SANTA FE – Due to drought and extreme fire danger, State Game Commission properties adjacent to the Santa Fe National Forest, including campgrounds and fishing areas in Pecos Canyon, the Bluebird Wildlife Management Area, and portions of Fenton Lake Wildlife Management Area will be closed to all public access beginning at 8 a.m. Friday, June 1. The closure will coincide with a full public-access closure on the Santa Fe National Forest announced this week by the U.S. Forest Service. The closure order prohibits all public access and recreational activities on those properties. Campgrounds, parking areas, trails and trailheads will be closed to the general public. Department of Game [...]

Special oryx hunts available for injured servicemen

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 31, 2018: Special oryx hunts available for injured servicemen SANTA FE -- Injured military service members can apply online starting June 13 for an upcoming special drawing by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) to award three special oryx authorizations for hunts on White Sands Missile Range. To be eligible, one must be active-duty military or a veteran of the U.S. military who has a disability rating of 50 percent or greater in accordance with U.S. Veteran’s Administration guidelines for receiving disabled veteran benefits. Applicants (except NMDGF Disabled Veteran card holders) are required to provide proof of eligibility prior to the July 18 application deadline. Significantly injured, active-duty military members who don’t have a VA disability rating also may apply and will need [...]

Department cautions campers be aware increased bear activity Jemez Mountains

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 25, 2018: Department cautions campers to be aware of increased bear activity in the Jemez Mountains JEMEZ – Due to multiple sightings of bear cubs by campers in the area of Forest Road 376 in the Jemez Mountains, recreationists are reminded to keep a clean camp and be bear aware during the long weekend. According to Tristanna Bickford, communications director, “some may view this as a unique opportunity to view young wildlife; however, it is very important for people to not attempt to approach these bears for any reason and to maintain a safe distance.” The department strongly urges you to avoid getting between the mother and her cubs. Bickford continues, “Always be aware that the mother is likely in the area. Approaching wildlife is [...]

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