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.
Bighorn, javelina hunting rule changes 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, JAN. 22, 2018: Bighorn, javelina hunting rule changes topics of public meetings SANTA FE – The Department of Game and Fish is seeking public comments on proposed revisions to the bighorn sheep and javelina rules. The department is proposing small changes in bighorn sheep hunting across the state, including: adjusting seasons for calendar dates; increasing ram hunting licenses; modifying hunt dates to accommodate more hunters; and adding Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep ewe hunts in certain herds as a population management tool. For javelina, the department is proposing adjusting season dates for a new calendar year. To gather public comments, two public meetings will be conducted: Las Cruces: 6 to 7 p.m. Jan. 30 at the Department of Game and Fish office, 2715 Northrise Drive. Albuquerque: 6 to [...]
2018-19 draw hunt application opens Wednesday
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, JAN. 10, 2018: 2018-19 draw hunt application opens Wednesday SANTA FE – The Department of Game and Fish will begin accepting applications for 2018-19 big-game and turkey licenses and permits at 10 a.m. Wednesday, online and over the telephone. Information about rules, seasons, fees and more is available in the 2018-19 Hunting Rules & Information booklet online now at www.wildlife.state.nm.us and available in print soon at license vendors and department offices. Hunters are encouraged to review season dates, application deadlines and other information before applying for licenses or going afield. Hunters this year are especially encouraged to review new rules regarding tagging their harvested game. A separate tag will be required in addition to the printed license, and all big game and turkeys must be tagged [...]
Late-season archery elk licenses available Oct. 25
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, OCT. 19, 2017: Late-season archery elk licenses available Oct. 25 SANTA FE – There will be 275 first-come, first-served late-season bull elk archery hunting licenses on sale beginning Oct. 25 on the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish website. The sale will begin at 10 a.m. and will be open only to New Mexico residents for the first 24 hours, after which any remaining licenses will be available to everyone. Only hunters who did not hold a 2017-2018 elk license are eligible. The bag limit for the late-season hunts is one bull elk with antlers having at least six points on one side. Hunters are advised to obtain an online customer account or review their existing account, including user name and password, before the sale begins. [...]
Public meetings will address trespassing on private land
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, OCT. 11, 2017: Public meetings will address trespassing on private land ALAMOGORDO – Representatives of the Department of Game and Fish and the 12th Judicial District Attorney’s Office serving Otero and Lincoln counties will conduct public meetings Oct. 16-17 to address trespassing on private lands and the obligations of landowners, hunters and anglers. District Attorney John Sugg and department conservation officers will discuss various issues regarding trespass laws, including sign posting requirements, written permission to use private lands for hunting and fishing, and possible penalties for violations. Meeting times and sites: Oct. 16 Corona: 9 to 11 a.m., Corona Senior Center, 451 Main St. Capitan: 1 to 3 p.m., Capitan Senior Center, 115 Tiger Drive. Hondo: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Hondo High School, 111 Don Pablo Lane. [...]
Public meetings will address proposed changes in pronghorn rule
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, OCT. 5, 2017: Public meetings will address proposed changes in pronghorn rule SANTA FE –The Department of Game and Fish is seeking public comment on proposed revisions to the pronghorn rule. The Department is proposing changes to how pronghorn are hunted in New Mexico, structuring pronghorn hunts similarly to how deer are hunted in the state. This will provide increased opportunity for public and private-land hunters. Improved pronghorn survey methods have resulted in better biological data from which to base harvest recommendations. Additionally, the department has heard various concerns regarding the current Antelope Private Land Use System (A-PLUS). The department is developing recommendations to be implemented for the start of the 2019-2020 hunting season. To gather public comments, four public meetings will be conducted: Albuquerque: 6 to [...]