Hunting News
The latest hunting news and press releases, including important reminders for the current hunting season, from the New Mexico Department of Wildlife. See additional wildlife news in Conservation News. Department-wide news can be found under Home → NMDOW News.
Department reduces number of Persian ibex licenses
SANTA FE — For the upcoming 2026–2027 license year, the Department is reducing the number of Persian ibex licenses based on the most recent population data. These adjustments are necessary to support long‑term population stability and maintain future hunting opportunities. The Department will discontinue female/immature (F/IM) ibex licenses, reduce the number of either‑sex (ES) licenses, and eliminate the over‑the‑counter ibex hunt. For updated information please refer to the IBEX Hunt Table. For customers that have questions please contact the Department’s Information Center at 888-248-6866 or ispa@dgf.nm.gov.
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, [...]
Hunters encouraged to stay informed and be on the lookout for New World Screwworm
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact only, Information Center: 888-248-6866, ispa@dgf.nm.gov Media contact only, Darren Vaughan: 505-476-8027, darren.vaughan@dgf.nm.gov New Mexico Department of Agriculture Media contact, Jenny Green: 575-202-4249; jgreen@nmda.nmsu.edu New Mexico Livestock BoardContact, Samantha Holeck, DVM, State Veterinarian: 505-841-6161; samantha.holeck@nmlb.nm.gov SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, New Mexico Department of Agriculture and New Mexico Livestock Board are encouraging hunters to help prevent the spread of New World screwworm among wildlife, livestock, pets and people. New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) is a foreign animal disease and poses a serious threat. The fly’s larvae infest open wounds, where they feed on living tissue. The New World screwworm (NWS) was eradicated from the United States decades ago, but recent detections in Mexico pose a risk of northward spread. At this time, it has not been detected [...]
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 [...]
Wildlife law violation checkpoints start for hunting, fishing seasons
SANTA FE – The Department of Game and Fish is conducting checkpoints throughout the state this hunting season to collect biological data and to 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 filed. Violations can also be reported online at Operation Game Thief.