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.
Anglers, hunters can purchase 2018-19 licenses early this year
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact: (888) 248-6866 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, MARCH 22, 2018: Anglers, hunters can purchase 2018-19 licenses early this year SANTA FE – Sales of "over-the-counter" fishing and hunting licenses for the 2018-19 license year opened today, giving anglers and hunters an opportunity to have licenses in-hand when the new license year begins April 1. The Department of Game and Fish previously began issuing "over-the-counter" licenses March 31. Licenses are available for purchase by telephone, (888) 248-6866, and at department offices and license vendors. Anglers will need a 2018-19 fishing license beginning April 1. The first hunting seasons of 2018 will be for spring turkeys. Those seasons are April 6-8 for youth-only hunts, and April 15-May 10 for everyone. More information about license fees, required stamps, season dates and other rules is available at www.wildlife.state.nm.us or toll-free, (888) 248-6866. ###
Deadline is Wednesday to apply for big-game hunting licenses
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact: (888) 248-6866 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, MARCH 19, 2018: Deadline is Wednesday to apply for big-game hunting licenses SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish is reminding hunters that Wednesday, March 21, is the deadline to apply for deer, elk, pronghorn antelope, oryx, ibex, bighorn sheep, javelina and Barbary sheep licenses. The department expects more than 160,000 applicants for about 60,000 licenses. Hunters must complete their applications before 5 p.m. MDT March 21. All applicants must create an online account at onlinesales.wildlife.state.nm.us prior to applying. Here’s how to apply: Online: Applicants can access or create accounts via the “Customer Login” link on the department website, www.wildlife.state.nm.us. From their account, applicants will select “Draw Hunt Applications” in the main menu and then will be prompted through license and application choices. By phone: Hunters without computer access or who need [...]
Migratory game bird, turkey hunting rules topics of public meetings
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact: Dan Williams: (505) 476-8004 dan.williams@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, MARCH 12, 2018: Migratory game bird, turkey hunting rules topics of public meetings Correcting Link: SANTA FE – The Department of Game and Fish is seeking public comment on proposed revisions to the migratory game bird and turkey hunting rules. The department is proposing small changes in turkey hunting across the state, including: adjusting seasons for calendar dates; modifying fall open units; and adding the Bluebird Wildlife Management Area to the open wildlife management areas. For migratory game birds, the department is proposing incorporating the federal recommendations on migratory bird seasons, and adjusting season dates for calendar dates. To gather public comments, three public meetings will be conducted: Farmington: 6 to 9 p.m. March 12 at the Farmington Civic Center, 200 W Arrington St. Las Cruces: 6 [...]
Information center open extra hours beginning Saturday to help hunters apply for 2018-19 big-game licenses
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, MARCH 6, 2018: Information center open extra hours beginning Saturday to help hunters apply for 2018-19 big-game licenses SANTA FE – New Mexico Department of Game and Fish employees will be working extended hours and Saturdays this month to help hunters apply for big-game hunting licenses. Information center hours will be from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays from March 10 through March 20. The Santa Fe office will assist walk-ins from noon to 5 p.m March 10 and March 17. The information center will close at 4:30 p.m. March 21. Online applications must be completed by 5 p.m. that day. Rules and information about applying for 2018-2019 hunting licenses is available online at www.wildlife.state.nm.us. Printed editions of Hunting Rules & Information booklets are available at [...]
Special-season bear and turkey draw results available Wednesday, 1 week early
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact: (888) 248-6866 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, FEB. 13, 2018: Special-season bear and turkey draw results available Wednesday, 1 week early SANTA FE – Hunters who applied for New Mexico special-season bear and turkey permits can check their draw results beginning at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14, on the Department of Game and Fish website, www.wildlife.state.nm.us, or by calling toll-free, (888) 248-6866. Efforts to develop a more efficient draw process have enabled the department to release the results one week early this year. The department will send emails to successful applicants and permits will be available for printing in customer accounts by Wednesday afternoon. Successful applicants must purchase a 2018 bear or turkey license with tag(s) separately. Licenses will be available online, by phone and at license vendors and NMDGF offices beginning March 22. Hunters can check their draw results by logging onto [...]