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.
Expect roadblocks statewide during hunting seasons
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, SEPT 10, 2018: Expect roadblocks statewide during hunting seasons SANTA FE – Hunting seasons are underway and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish will be conducting roadblocks throughout the state during fall hunting seasons to collect harvest data and to detect wildlife law violations. Conservation officers may be assisted by other agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, New Mexico State Police or county sheriff’s offices. As a result, the public may encounter minor delays. At roadblocks, conservation officers also will check for compliance with the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Act. Drivers of vehicles hauling wood products will be asked to produce documentation as required by the Forest Conservation Act. Everyone is encouraged to report any violations they may observe, such as [...]
Hunts open for many small game species
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, SEPT. 5, 2018: Hunts open for many small game species SANTA FE – White-winged dove, mourning dove, dusky (blue) grouse and squirrel seasons are open statewide. These hunts offer great opportunities to get a new hunter out in the field. The weather tends to be warmer and good opportunities exist with minimal hiking. Here are a few tips for hunting these species: White-winged and mourning doves can typically be found throughout the state in warmer, open habitats, around water and near farm or agriculture fields. New Mexico has two hunting zones, North and South. The dividing line starts at the Arizona/New Mexico border and runs along I-40 to US Highway 54, in Tucumcari, and then north along US Highway 54 to the New Mexico/Texas border. The seasons [...]
Manner and method and revocation rule changes topic for public meetings
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, AUG 24, 2018: Manner and method and revocation rule changes topic for public meetings SANTA FE – The Department of Game and Fish is seeking public comments on proposed revisions to the Manner and Method rule and the Hunting and Fishing License Revocation rule. Proposed changes to the Manner and Method rule include possession or sale of protected species, importation or possession of un-permitted wildlife, shooting from the road, use of aircraft, driving off established road, mobility impaired cards, proof of sex or bag limit, tagging, use of bait, use of dogs for tracking wounded game, weapon types for hunting and use of cellular, cell or satellite cameras. Proposed amendments to the Hunting and Fishing License Revocation rule include increasing point values for hunting on private land [...]
Special hunter education camp offered at Philmont Scout Ranch near Cimarron
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact, Jennifer Morgan: (505) 222-4722 jennifer.morgan@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, AUG. 10, 2018: Special hunter education camp offered at Philmont Scout Ranch near Cimarron CIMARRON – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish is offering a special hunter education camp where youth can receive hands-on training and earn their hunter education certification for free. To hunt legally in New Mexico, youths under 18 years of age must first successfully complete a hunter education course or be registered in the department’s Mentored-Youth Hunting Program. The camp is open to youth ages 10 to 17 who are accompanied by a responsible adult, also registerd for the camp. It will be conducted the weekend of Sept. 7-8, at the renowed Philmont Boy Scout Ranch near Cimarron. Meals and lodging in canvas tents are free. Registration for this camp opportunity [...]
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, Tristanna Bickford: (505) 476-8027 tristanna.bickford@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, July 23, 2018: Apply now for special Sandhill crane and pheasant hunts SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish began accepting applications for special Sandhill crane and pheasant permits 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 18. Applications can be made online at the department’s website 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. 22. Information about Sandhill crane draw hunts is available in the department’s 2018-19 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. Successful applicants must have a game hunting license and applicable stamp(s) in addition to their [...]