Recreation News

NMDGF Recreation News

The latest recreation news and press releases from New Mexico Game and Fish. Department-wide news can be found under Home → NMDGF News.

The Department reminds recreationists it is their responsibility to be aware of closures and contact land managers for properties of interest when restrictions are lifted.

Outdoor recreationists should consult their local government’s website for information regarding specific city and town lake and recreation area access.

Bureau of Land Management (BLM): www.blm.gov/new-mexico
U.S. Forest Service (USFS): www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency/covid19-updates
New Mexico State Lands: www.nmstatelands.org/resources/recreational-access/
New Mexico State Parks: www.emnrd.state.nm.us/SPD/
New Mexico Open Gate Properties: www.wildlife.state.nm.us/hunting/maps/open-gate-program/
New Mexico Wildlife Mgmt Areas: www.wildlife.state.nm.us/conservation/state-game-commission-lands/

Tres Piedras Primitive Shooting Range to close for maintenance Oct. 13

Range will also close on first Wednesday of January, April, July and October TRES PIEDRAS, N.M. – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish will close its Tres Piedras Primitive Shooting Range at sunrise Oct. 13 for maintenance, with the range reopening at sunrise Oct. 14. Public access will be completely restricted during the closure. The closure will allow contractors to safely perform maintenance and clean up trash and debris on the shooting range. The Department will also close the range, located three miles east of Tres Piedras off of U.S. Highway 64, on the first Wednesday of January, April, July and October for maintenance. Other closures may occur as needed for repairs. The range is otherwise open every day from sunrise to sunset. The public is asked to refer to signage when entering the property to determine whether it is open or closed, or to contact Shooting Program [...]

Free Fishing Weekend set for Sept. 27-28

SANTA FE – Anglers can fish for free in New Mexico on Sept. 27-28, as part of the state's Free Fishing Weekend. Anyone can fish for free in public fishing waters throughout the state on Saturday, Sept. 27 and Sunday, Sept. 28, which is also National Hunting and Fishing Day across the United States of America. All anglers must observe bag limits and all other rules and regulations. For more information, please visit the Department's website. "This is a great time to take your family fishing and teach them a skill that will provide a lifetime of enjoyment," said Mike Sloane, director for the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. Check out the video below to find out more on the importance of keeping youth, especially girls, involved in the sport. Take advantage of Free Fishing Weekend to get your family and our youth back on the water! [...]

Free Fishing Weekend is June 7-8

SANTA FE – Anglers can fish for free in New Mexico on Saturday, June 7, and Sunday, June 8, as the state observes National Boating and Fishing Week. Anyone can fish for free in public fishing waters throughout the state on both days, but everyone must observe bag limits and all other rules and regulations. For more information, please visit the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish's website. "Free Fishing Weekend is a great opportunity for families to come together and take part in an activity that they can enjoy for a lifetime," Department director Mike Sloane said. The Department is excited to take part in several events across the state as part of Free Fishing Weekend, with staff and Department volunteers helping to introduce New Mexico youth to fishing. The Fifth Annual Outdoor Adventure Day, co-hosted by the Department and Corrales Parks and Recreation, will take place [...]

Upland game bird rule topic of public meeting

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has scheduled two public meetings regarding proposed revisions to the Upland Game Bird Rule. Members of the public are invited to attend either public meeting in order to provide comments. May 21, 2025, Albuquerque, 6 p.m. Attend in person at 7816 Alamo Rd. NW, Albuquerque, NM Register in advance to attend virtually May 28, 2025, Las Cruces, 6 p.m. Attend in person at 2715 Northrise Drive, Las Cruces, NM Register in advance to attend virtually The proposed changes to the rule, along with information about how to attend and participate virtually, will be available on the Department web page. Comments on the proposed changes can be provided by mail: New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, Attn: Upland Game Rule Development, 1 Wildlife Way, Santa Fe, NM 87507; by email at DGF-Gamebird@dgf.nm.gov; or in person at the meetings listed above. [...]

Upland game bird rule topic of public meeting

ALBUQUERQUE – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has scheduled a public meeting regarding proposed revisions to the Upland Game Rule. Members of the public are invited to attend this hybrid public meeting in order to provide comments. May 21, 2025, Albuquerque, 6:00 p.m. Attend in person at 7816 Alamo Rd. NW, Albuquerque, NM Register in advance to attend virtually The proposed changes to the rule, along with information about how to attend and participate in the virtual component of this meeting, will be available on the Department web page. Comments on the proposed changes can be provided by mail: New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, Attn: Upland Game Rule Development, 1 Wildlife Way, Santa Fe, NM 87507; by email at DGF-Gamebird@dgf.nm.gov; or in person at the meeting listed above.

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