You’re invited to join Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and Lt. Governor Howie Morales for the Bear Canyon Dam Project Groundbreaking
Improving Infrastructure for Our Future
The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish invites you to join Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and Lt. Governor Howie Morales for the initiation of the Bear Canyon Dam Project Groundbreaking. Bear Canyon Dam was constructed from 1936-37 by the Works Progress Administration, WPA, under President Roosevelt’s New Deal initiative to boost the economy following the Great Depression. The associated reservoir has helped provide a consistent source of water for downstream irrigation from its inception. Since 1947, the Department has managed the reservoir to provide fishing and public recreation opportunities for local residents and tourists.
In a project reminiscent of the dam’s origin, the State of New Mexico will be investing approximately $10 million to modernize the dam’s infrastructure. Gov. Lujan Grisham will be initiating the project as part of the summer-long infrastructure tour on JULY 28, 2022, at 10 a.m. “This investment in improving infrastructure for our future will ensure continued dam safety as well as provide for ongoing irrigation operations and outdoor recreation opportunities,” said the Department’s director Michael Sloane. Implementing the Bear Canyon Dam Project is a high priority for the Department given its numerous benefits to local communities and all New Mexican’s who enjoy the outdoors.
Please RSVP to attend this event by emailing your name and any organization affiliation to events.nmdgf@state.nm.us.
Please visit this link for driving directions.
The media is invited to attend this event. For media questions, please contact Ryan Darr, assistant chief of information, at 505-476-8027 or by email at Ryan.Darr@state.nm.us. The general public is also encouraged to contact the NMDGF Information Center at 888-248-6866 with any questions.
Community Catfish Fishing Derby at Escondida Lake
7 a.m.: Registration for youth anglers
8 a.m.: Noon – Fishing Event
All are welcome to attend.
Prizes awarded to top youth in each age category.
NM Fishing License required for ages 12 and over.
Registration on site at 7 a.m. for youth.
Visit Commission Meetings & Agendas for more information.
Visit Commission Meetings & Agendas for more information.
Keep checking for updates to our hunter and bowhunter education course schedule. Courses are added to the class list as we hear from our volunteer instructors. See Courses & How-to-Register.
The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Off-Highway Vehicle Program presents an ATV safety class provided by the Village of Los Lunas Open Space Division. Students completing the class receive the safety permit required for off-highway vehicle operators under the age of 18 years.
ATVs and safety gear are available for use during the class.
Students must be at least 6 years of age. Space is limited – all students must already have or must create a free account with the Department of Game and Fish (https://onlinesales.wildlife.state.nm.us/), and register prior to the class. This ensures that each student will have an age- and size-appropriate training ATV available.
Introduction to archery for all ages. Come out and shoot our NASP bows and arrows. Personal recurve and long bows are allowed, but NO COMPOUND BOWS. We will have classic NASP targets set up as well as a short 3-D target course. 8 a.m. to Noon – Shoot as much as you want. All are welcome to attend. NM Fishing License required ages 12 and over.
Registration starts at 8 a.m.
NMDGF will be working an informational/educational booth at the Bear Fest in Los Alamos.
The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish was asked to provide Off-Highway Vehicle Act certification training to basic State Police Academy cadets at the New Mexico Dept of Public Safety Academy. This event is free but not open to the public. The certification training will be held in Santa Fe, New Mexico at a closed to the public indoor training facility.
Hunting season is upon us! You are invited to our September session where we will be discussing hunting New Mexico’s largest game animal, the wapiti (elk). Our conversation will focus on looking for habitats where elk like to hang out, identifying elk sign, elk hunting gear tips, and basic calling techniques. While this event is focused on ladies, we welcome everyone to join us.
Contacts:
Jennifer Morgan (505) 222-4722; jennifer.morgan@state.nm.us
Colleen Payne (575) 323-4068; colleen.payne@state.nm.us
Stephanie Walton-Filipczak (505) 222-4733; stephanie.walton@state.nm.us
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZckcO-srzkrHNBmgFrJR5pXOejF8OC4vUTp
The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish was asked to provide Off-Highway Vehicle Act certification training to basic Basic Police Academy cadets at the San Juan County Criminal Justice Training Authority. This event is free but not open to the public. The certification training will be held in Farmington, New Mexico at a closed to the public indoor training facility.
The NASP Basic Archery Instructor class utilizes a hybrid learning model. The hybrid class includes a 3-4 hour online class that includes instruction on determining dominant eye, range safety and set-up, coaching techniques, and learning the eleven steps to archery success. The online class is followed up with a 3-4 hour in-person “field day” experience to finalize their certification. Every candidate must pass both portions in order to obtain their NASP BAI certification. Only NASP certified instructors may teach the NASP curriculum. Classes are ongoing throughout the year. To register for a class go to www.naspbai.org. Classes are ongoing throughout the year. Once registered, you will receive a link to view the online NASP video series.
Department staff will conduct a range cleanup at the department’s Tres Piedras shooting range on Sept. 21, 2022. The range will be closed to the public on this day for staff safety.
The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish OHV program was asked to provide certified ROV training to employees of Los Alamos National Laboratories who use UTVs as part of their official duties. Students will be registered manually after reporting their CINs. This event is closed to the public.
The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish was asked to provide certified ROV training to first responders of the Pojoaque Police Department. This event is free but not open to the public. The training will be held in the Pueblo of Pojoaque, New Mexico at a closed to the public outdoor training facility.
The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Off-Highway Vehicle Program presents an ATV safety class provided by the Village of Los Lunas Open Space Division. Students completing the class receive the safety permit required for off-highway vehicle operators under the age of 18 years.
ATVs and safety gear are available for use during the class.
Students must be at least 6 years of age. Space is limited – all students must already have or must create a free account with the Department of Game and Fish (https://onlinesales.wildlife.state.nm.us/), and register prior to the class. This ensures that each student will have an age- and size-appropriate training ATV available.
NMDGF will be participating at the Conservation Science Center STEM Showdown at Storrie Lake. This event is not open to the public.
NMDGF will be participating at the Conservation Science Center STEM Showdown at Storrie Lake. This event is not open to the public.
NMDGF will have wildlife specimens to educate school children attending the event.
NMDGF I&E and OHV staff will be in attendance to help answer questions from the public, inform OHV users about local laws and education programs, and provide living with wildlife/conservation education information.
This workshop is required to become a certified hunter education instructor and will certify the individual to teach both the traditional and the field day hunter education student courses. This workshop also provides a New Mexico Hunter Education Certification to new instructors who need a required New Mexico hunter education number. All participants must register prior to attending. Please see registration details below.
Interested applicants need to first become a certified NMDGF volunteer. Below are the steps to become a certified volunteer:
1. Create a customer identification account (CIN) with the Department at https://onlinesales.wildlife.state.nm.us/
2. Fill out a volunteer application at https://new-mexico.volunteers.kalkomey.com/
3.Once the application is approved, certified volunteers can sign-up for the hunter education workshop through their CIN account
NMDGF will have wildlife specimens to educate school children attending the event.
NMDGF I&E and OHV staff will be in attendance to help answer questions from the public, inform OHV users about local laws and education programs, and provide living with wildlife/conservation education information.
NMDGF I&E and OHV staff will be in attendance to help answer questions from the public, inform OHV users about local laws and education programs, and provide living with wildlife/conservation education information.