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

NMDOW News

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Free Fishing Weekend set for Sept. 27-28

SANTA FE – Anglers can fish for free in New Mexico on Sept. 27-28, as part of the state's Free Fishing Weekend. Anyone can fish for free in public fishing waters throughout the state on Saturday, Sept. 27 and Sunday, Sept. 28, which is also National Hunting and Fishing Day across the United States of America. All anglers 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. Check out the video below to find out more on the importance of keeping youth, especially girls, involved in the sport. Take advantage of Free Fishing Weekend to get your family and our youth back on the water! [...]

Sep 22, 2025|

Portions of Southern New Mexico border listed as National Defense Area

Attention Hunters: Along New Mexico's southern border, the US Army has designated areas as National Defense Area (NDA). The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has been working with the US Army to allow recreational and licensed hunters access to these areas. Below is a screenshot of the affected area; note the Department of Defense areas, shown in pink, in Hidalgo, Luna and Dona Ana Counties. The Bureau of Land Management has provided an interactive map of the NDA. As a result of the Department's efforts, the US Army has developed a protocol for hunters wishing to access the NDA. If you plan on hunting on any of the land designated in the NDA, please read the US Army's memorandum here. Hunters will need to submit information for a visitor access badge and pass a background check. Upon receipt of a visitor access badge, individuals will need to follow the guidelines in the US Army's [...]

Sep 5, 2025|

Department resumes debit, credit card sales; resolves payment processing system and online license sales issues

SANTA FE – Issues affecting the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish's payment processing system have been resolved, allowing the Department to process credit and debit cards for license and permit purchases. Licenses and permits can now be purchased in-person using debit or credit cards at Department offices and vendors statewide, as well as through the Department's online licensing system. "We appreciate our customers' patience," Department director Mike Sloane said. "We know this situation was inconvenient and frustrating for our customers, and we sincerely apologize. We also want to reassure our customers that none of their data was exposed as a result of these issues." On Aug. 29, the Department's payment processing system suffered a bot attack that caused the shutdown of the online licensing system. As a result, customers were unable to use debit or credit cards to purchase licenses or permits. The Department's security team was able to quickly identify the bot [...]

Sep 4, 2025|

Game Warden Recruit Hiring Fall 2025

Job Announcement Information September 3rd: Job Announcement Opens October 18th: Job Announcement Closes The Selection Process November 1st-2nd: Physical Pre-Assessment Testing (see physical standards below 6,000 feet) and Wildlife Written Exam (see sample test for study tips): Albuquerque November 3rd-4th: Formal interviews: Albuquerque December 1st-2nd: Pre-employment Background Investigation (if applicant passed physical pre-assessment testing): Albuquerque December 3rd: Psychological Examination (if selected to continue the process): Albuquerque December 4th: Body Armor fitting (if given a conditional job offer): Albuquerque December 5th: Medical Examination (if selected to continue the process): Albuquerque Game and Fish Warden Recruit (DGF #40869+) Pay Band C4Scan or click for job post on SPO.Salary Employees hired in this role will be placed at $25.205 per hour ($52,426 annually) for their first year of training. Upon completion of Recruit Training, officers will be placed in their district at a starting rate of $27.87310 per hour ($57,976 annually).Why does [...]

Sep 4, 2025|

Payment Processing Issue Affects Online License Sales

The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has experienced a BOT attack, which has caused the Department to shut down its online payment processing system. This affects all credit and debit card transactions for license and permit purchases.  During this time, customers will be unable to purchase licenses or permits with a credit card through the Department's online system. We are working diligently to resolve this technical issue and will provide an update as soon as possible. In the interim, we have a solution to ensure our customers can still get out into the field and enjoy New Mexico’s outdoors. All NMDGF licenses and permits can be purchased with cash at any of our approved vendor locations across the state. Many vendors are also able to take credit cards. Approved Hunting License Vendors can be found here.  We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding and [...]

Aug 29, 2025|

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