NMDGF News
Here are most recent news releases from the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish or visit the News Archive 2007-2013. Focus on a subject (such as recent Enforcement or Education) news by visiting News in each section of the main navigation.
Wildlife law violation checkpoints start for hunting, fishing seasons
The Department of Game and Fish will conduct checkpoints throughout the state this summer to collect biological data and to detect wildlife law violations. As a result, the public may encounter minor delays. Department officers may be assisted by other law enforcement agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, New Mexico State Police or county sheriff’s offices. As a reminder, the 2023-2024 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. Please report any wildlife crime or suspected crime that you may observe while enjoying New Mexico’s great outdoors. To report a wildlife crime, please call Operation Game Thief toll free at 1-800-432-GAME (4263). Callers can remain anonymous and earn cash rewards for information leading to charges being filed. Violations also [...]
Special military and veteran oryx and pronghorn hunts opening June 14
SANTA FE – Three special military and veteran drawing opportunities for oryx and pronghorn will open today, June 14. Oryx hunts for injured military service members on White Sands Missile Range: Injured military service members can apply online starting June 14 for one of up to 10 special oryx authorizations for hunts on White Sands Missile Range. Applicants must be veterans of the U.S. military with a disability rating of 50 percent or greater in accordance with U.S. Veteran’s Administration guidelines for receiving disabled veteran benefits. Significantly injured, active-duty military members who do not have a VA disability rating also may apply. Pronghorn hunts for resident Purple Heart recipients on Melrose Air Force Base: Resident Purple Heart recipients are eligible to apply for one of up to five special pronghorn authorizations on Melrose Air Force Base. Pronghorn hunts for New Mexico active-duty military on Melrose Air Force Base: Active-duty military [...]
Governor’s Special Hunt Auction Online for 2023
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 2023 Online. 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 are up for auction now and will close on June 30 at 8 p.m. The hunts this year include: Exotics Hunt Package including an either-sex oryx license and either-sex barbary sheep license. Coues deer license in Game Management Units (GMUs) 23, 24, 26, or 27. Elk license in GMUs 34 or 36. Elk license in GMUs 16 A-E. Elk license in GMU 55A Valle Vidal. Mule deer license in GMU 2. Mule deer license in [...]
Free Fishing Day is Saturday, June 3
SANTA FE – Anglers can fish for free in New Mexico on Saturday, June 3, as the state celebrates National Boating and Fishing Week. Anyone can fish for free in public fishing waters throughout the state Saturday, June 3, but everyone 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. For information on additional places to fish and what to use, consult the Department’s weekly fishing and stocking report and the Fishing Conditions and Trip Planner. Maps of public fishing waters, lists of where to find family-friendly fishing and tips on how to fish also can be found on the Department's website. The Department reminds anglers and outdoor recreationists to “know before you go” [...]
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