Recreation News

Recreation News2026-07-14T10:17:20-06:00

NMDOW Recreation News

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

Department reminds OHV riders to stay safe this holiday weekend

SANTA FE — Whether you’re heading into the field for the beginning of the big-game hunting season or enjoying New Mexico’s outdoors this Labor Day weekend, the New Mexico Department of Wildlife reminds off-highway vehicle riders to know the rules, ride safely and respect wildlife and other recreationists. With more people heading into the field this weekend, off-highway vehicle (OHV) users are encouraged to plan ahead and ensure they know and follow the rules and regulations. These requirements protect the environment, riders, wildlife, livestock and other people enjoying New Mexico’s public lands. It is illegal to operate an off-highway vehicle (OHV) on public lands: Under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Recklessly, carelessly or negligently endangering people or property. To chase or harass wildlife or domestic animals. To harm livestock or interfere with agriculture. After dark without a headlight and taillight. That makes noise exceeding 96 db [...]

Calling all birders: Join the 2026 New Mexico Birding Big Year Contest!

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish invites birders statewide to participate in the 2026 Birding Big Year Contest, a friendly competition to identify as many bird species as possible in New Mexico between January 1 and December 31. "New Mexico has the fourth-highest bird diversity, in terms of overall species, in the nation," Curt Coffman, Assistant Chief of Education, said of the contest. "Bird watching has become very popular and is a great way to introduce people to the incredible natural areas found throughout New Mexico. We hope to see a wide variety of individuals participate in the Birding Big Year, including teens, beginners and the most seasoned bird watchers." Participants ages 13 and up, from beginners to advanced, are encouraged to join, submit sightings through eBird and connect with a growing community of wildlife enthusiasts. Participants will be separated into three age groups: [...]

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 [...]

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