The Department and our partners have completed the final stages of an over 40-year project restoring Rio Grande cutthroat trout, our state fish, to approximately 120 miles of stream, 10 lakes, and one reservoir near Costilla, New Mexico. This project ensures the long-term persistence of New Mexico’s state fish on the landscape in the face of our changing climate and will provide exceptional outdoor recreation for New Mexico anglers and tourism opportunities now and into the future.
On Saturday, July 1, 2023, we will be teaming up with our partners at the U.S. Forest Service, various non-profit organizations and area private landowners to host a “grand reveal” event to officially welcome the public to their improved recreation area. The event will begin at 10 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring speeches from project partners and elected officials to welcome attendees and media to the event and to share information about the project and its benefits.
Following this introduction, the Department will be stocking additional catchable-size Rio Grande cutthroat trout along the Rio Costilla and Comanche Creek to boost fishing opportunity for this event and the Fourth of July weekend. The partners will simultaneously host a youth and family angler-education expo at the adjacent Shuree Ponds. The expo will include youth angler education with live fishing, informational booths and exhibits running until 5 p.m.
The media is invited to attend this event. For media questions, please contact Darren Vaughan, communications director, at 505-476-8027 or by email at Darren.Vaughan@dgf.nm.gov. The general public is also encouraged to contact the NMDGF Information Center at 888-248-6866 with any questions.
The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Off-Highway Vehicle Program presents an ATV safety class open to the general public and 4-H participants. Students earn the safety permit required for off-highway vehicle operators under the age of 18.
ATVs and safety gear are available for use during the class. A parent or guardian must remain on site during the class.
Registration Details:
Space is limited – all students must have a free account with the Department of Game and Fish (https://onlinesales.wildlife.state.nm.us/). Students must be at least 6 years of age.
The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Off-Highway Vehicle Program presents an ATV safety class open to the general public and 4-H participants. Students earn the safety permit required for off-highway vehicle operators under the age of 18.
ATVs and safety gear are available for use during the class. A parent or guardian must remain on site during the class.
Registration Details:
Space is limited – all students must have a free account with the Department of Game and Fish (https://onlinesales.wildlife.state.nm.us/). Students must be at least 6 years of age.
The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Off-Highway Vehicle Program presents basic ATV & ROV safe operations to new Conservation Officer recruits.
The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Off-Highway Vehicle Program presents basic ATV & ROV safe operations to new Conservation Officer recruits.
Outdoor Day at Ute Lake State Park in Logan. Activities will include the Poach Coach, pellet gun trailer, casting demonstrations, wildlife identification presentation, archery (NASP) and water safety presentation by New Mexico State Parks. NMDGF Officers and State Park Rangers will be present and putting on the event. It will be a busy weekend at the lake, and, weathering permitting, should be a large turnout.
Youth archers will shoot a 10-target, walking, 3-D range utilizing a Genesis bow. Equipment will be provided if needed.
Registration Details:
80 Total – Registration is limited to students with prior NASP experience. Contact Bruce Atencio at Bruce.Atencio@dgf.nm.gov to register.