Recreation News

Recreation News2022-06-14T09:02:02-06:00

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.

Governor’s Special Hunt Auction returns online for 2022

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: 888-248-6866 Media contact, Ryan Darr: 505-476-8027; ryan.darr@dgf.nm.gov FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, JULY 19, 2022: Governor's Special Hunt Auction returns online for 2022 Proceeds to benefit Game Protection Fund and NMDGF mission-related projects and programs New Mexico – Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, pursuant to 2007 legislation, has authorized the auctioning of eight big-game hunts to benefit the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF). NMDGF has partnered with New Mexico Ducks Unlimited (DU) to offer the New Mexico Governor’s Special Hunt Auction 2022 online at www.nmdgfhunts.com. Funds from the public auction support the Game Protection Fund and are used solely for NMDGF mission-related projects and programs. The eight packages offered this year will be up for auction starting on July 20 at 8 a.m. and will close on Aug. 3 at 8 p.m. The hunts this year include: Exotics [...]

Agencies and volunteers gather over 750 pounds of trash near Mesilla Dam

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact, Tristanna Bickford: (505) 476-8027 tristanna.bickford@dgf.nm.gov FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, JUNE 22, 2022: Agencies and volunteers gather over 750 pounds of trash near Mesilla Dam Mesilla – Multiple public land user groups gathered June 18 to clean up areas with a high amount of illegal dumping and Off-highway Vehicle (OHV) use. Staff and volunteers from the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, Friends of the Organ Mountain Desert Peaks, Bureau of Land Management and Throat Punch Performance SXS cleaned areas west of Mesilla Dam in southern New Mexico. Over 750 pounds of trash were gathered, including mattresses, box springs, aluminum cans, glass and yard debris. "Friends of Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks were excited to help clean up our public lands with our valued agency partners and community members. We look forward to more events like this and [...]

Drought conditions increase chance of encountering bears

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact, Tristanna Bickford: (505) 476-8027 tristanna.bickford@dgf.nm.gov FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, JUNE 13, 2022: Drought conditions increase chance of encountering bears SANTA FE – Due to drought conditions throughout the state, the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish is urging residents to be aware of the increased chances of encountering bears and other wildlife. “The state has experienced less than average precipitation for this time of the year, which means that bears may be in search of other food sources”, said Rick Winslow, bear and cougar biologist with the Department. “Droughts historically have led to a lot of bear conflict, not only at camping and picnic sites, but also in more populated areas.” “For bears, almost all of their food resources, such as green grasses and forbs — flowering and grass-like plants — are sustained by moisture,” [...]

Fire restrictions implemented statewide; Game and Fish patrolling Commission properties

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact, Tristanna Bickford: (505) 476-8027 tristanna.bickford@dgf.nm.gov FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, APRIL 22, 2022: Fire restrictions implemented statewide; Game and Fish patrolling Commission properties SANTA FE – With incidences of wildfires increasing daily, the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) Forestry Division announced restrictions on fireworks, smoking, campfires and open fires in New Mexico. The restrictions are in effect as of 12:00 p.m. today, Friday, April 22, 2022. The Forestry Division will continue to coordinate with other jurisdictions including federal, counties and municipalities to ensure that appropriate protections are in place to protect New Mexico as fire danger and wildfires increase. The Department of Game and Fish will follow guidelines initiated by the State Forestry Division for Game Commission-owned properties across the state. Commission-owned properties will also follow the same restrictions or closures in place [...]

Expect checkpoints statewide during hunting and fishing seasons

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact, Tristanna Bickford: (505) 476-8027 tristanna.bickford@dgf.nm.gov FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, APRIL 15, 2022: Expect checkpoints statewide during hunting and fishing seasons The Department of Game and Fish will conduct checkpoints throughout the state during hunting and fishing seasons, in hunting and angling areas, to collect harvest data and to detect wildlife law violations. The 2022-2023 hunting and fishing season began April 1. All hunters and anglers are required to purchase a new license before hunting and fishing. Guides and outfitters are also reminded that new registration is required. The general turkey season begins April 15. For more information, please consult the Department’s Hunting Rules and Information Booklet. Hunters and anglers can expect checkpoints throughout the spring and summer. At checkpoints, conservation officers will check for compliance with the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Act. Drivers of vehicles hauling wood [...]

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