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.
Chronic wasting disease found in McGregor Range deer
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact: Lance Cherry: (505) 476-8003 lance.cherry@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, SEPT. 19, 2016: Chronic wasting disease found in McGregor Range deer SANTA FE – Five deer harvested in the McGregor Range area of southern New Mexico during the 2015-16 hunting season have tested positive for chronic wasting disease, the Department of Game and Fish announced. Hunters who harvested those deer have been notified of the test results. Forty hunters who drew licenses for 2016-17 hunts on the range will be notified and advised of procedures to present their harvested deer for testing. First discovered in New Mexico in 2002, chronic wasting disease has only been found in the state’s southern hunting units. To date, 42 deer and 8 elk have tested positive for the disease. Tissue samples were obtained from hunters who presented their harvest for testing, [...]
Hunters Helping the Hungry program kicks off this season
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact: Karl Moffatt: (505) 476-8007 karl.moffatt@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, SEPT. 1, 2016: Hunters Helping the Hungry program kicks off this season SANTA FE – Hunters can donate deer and elk meat this year to help feed the hungry under a new program run by Roadrunner Food Bank of New Mexico. Hunters can drop off fresh, clean, properly stored elk or deer meat at any of 11 approved meat processors statewide. The program pays processing costs and distributes the ground meat to soup kitchens and others for use in prepared meals. “This is a great way for hunters to share their bounty with those in need,” said Bob Osborn, assistant chief of private land programs for the department. “We hope hunters will support this program by giving generously.” The Department of Game and Fish provided seed money and [...]
Free family fun at Outdoor Expo Aug. 20-21
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact: Karl Moffatt: (505) 476-8007 karl.moffatt@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, AUG. 16, 2016: Free family fun at Outdoor Expo Aug. 20-21 ALBUQUERQUE – If you’ve wanted to learn to shoot a firearm, catch a fish, try archery or paddle a kayak, visit the Department of Game and Fish’s annual New Mexico Outdoor Expo, a free family event at the City of Albuquerque Shooting Range Park, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 20 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 21. “This is a fantastic opportunity for families to learn and enjoy outdoor activities together,” says Alexa Sandoval, director of the Department of Game and Fish. “We’ll teach folks some basic skills that can lead to a lifetime of outdoor enjoyment.” All equipment for use during the event is provided free. Shooting ranges staffed by certified instructors await [...]
Deadline is Aug. 24 to apply for special sandhill crane and pheasant hunts
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact: Karl Moffatt: (505) 476-8007 karl.moffatt@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, AUG. 16, 2016: Deadline is Aug. 24 to apply for special sandhill crane and pheasant hunts SANTA FE – The deadline to apply for sandhill crane and pheasant draw hunts is 5 p.m. Aug. 24. Applications can be made online at the Department of Game and Fish website, www.wildlife.state.nm.us, or over the telephone with the department’s information center, 1-888-248-6866. Information about sandhill crane draw hunts is available in the department’s 2016-2017 migratory game bird supplement, page 11. Information about pheasant draw hunts is available in the department’s 2016-2017 Hunting Rules and Information booklet, page 131. Both can be viewed on the department’s website, www.wildlife.state.nm.us. Printed versions are available at the department’s area offices and most license vendors. Successful applicants must have a game hunting license and applicable [...]
Special hunter education camp offered at Gorham Scout Ranch near Chimayo
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. 16, 2016: Special hunter education camp offered at Gorham Scout Ranch near Chimayo CHIMAYO – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish is offering a special hunter education camp where youths can receive hands-on training and earn their hunter education certification. The camp is open to youths ages 11 to 17 who are accompanied by a registered, responsible adult. It will be conducted the weekend of Sept. 16-18 at the Gorham Scout Ranch near Chimayo. Lodging and meals are free and all equipment is provided. Registration opens Aug. 24. Participants must complete and return the registration form available at www.wildlife.state.nm.us/education/hunter-education/ by 5 p.m. Sept. 2 to be eligible. Slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. The department is hosting the camp in partnership [...]