New Mexico Department of Wildlife

06/12/2026

The New Mexico Department of Wildlife continues working across the state to make fences more wildlife-friendly.

Conservation officers in the Northeast Area completed 1.25 miles of modifications to 4-strand wildlife-friendly fencing on Wagon Mound WMA. This project included replacing the barbed wire fencing with smooth top and bottom wires. In addition, they moved the bottom wire up about 18 inches off the ground and kept the top wire at approximately 44 to 48 inches. These modifications help wildlife species such as pronghorn, which typically crawl under fences and elk or deer, which jump fences, while still providing a solid boundary for livestock like cattle.

Officers also installed elk jumps to help migrating elk cross the area safely and they have already begun using them!

Projects like this improve habitat connectivity and movement corridors for native wildlife across New Mexico’s landscapes and reduce the dangers fences pose to traveling wildlife.

06/11/2026

Bidding has opened for the 2026 Governor's Special Hunt Auction. The Department of Wildlife has partnered with Ducks Unlimited to offer the New Mexico Governor's Special Hunt Auction online in 2026. Funds from the public auction support the Game Protection Fund and are used solely for projects and programs directly related to the Department's mission.

The Department is auctioning nine premium hunting opportunities through June 23 at 8 p.m. MDT to raise funds for wildlife conservation programs.

For more information, visit our homepage at wildlife.dgf.nm.gov and look for the Governor’s Special Hunt Auction Banner.

06/10/2026

We have some new office neighbors! These goslings hatched just steps from our building. As spring settles over New Mexico and temperatures rise, young wildlife are making their appearance.

You may stumble upon babies without their mother. However, it is rare for these young animals to be abandoned, so the New Mexico Department of Wildlife reminds the public to leave them where they are found.

Members of the public can help protect baby birds and other wildlife by observing them from a distance, keeping pets under control and allowing young animals the space they need to develop naturally.

06/09/2026

Get ready for FREE events designed to help build your shooting skills. Explore archery or fi****ms handling in a safe, supportive environment with the New Mexico Department of Wildlife.

Each class is led by experienced professionals and covers the responsible handling of fi****ms and archery equipment, as well as ethical hunting behaviors.

Sign up for these FREE events. All equipment will be provided. For more information, visit our events calendar on our homepage.

06/04/2026

New Mexico celebrates Free Fishing Weekend!Fishing licenses are free this coming weekend in New Mexico on Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7, 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 Wildlife's website and view our calendar for fishing events around the state!

This is a wonderful opportunity for New Mexicans to learn how to fish and get outdoors. We're encouraging everyone to attend a nearby event or visit their local lake to enjoy the excitement of fishing in our state's great outdoors.

https://wildlife.dgf.nm.gov/calendar/

06/03/2026

If you’re planning a camping or hiking trip in bear country, the New Mexico Department of Wildlife urges you to “stay bear aware.” Here are some helpful tips to help you enjoy your time outdoors and stay safe!

🐻 Keep a clean camp.
🐻 Do not leave food or garbage out when not in use. Keep coolers in trailers, campers or vehicles with the windows rolled up to avoid attracting a bear.
🐻 Clean and store grills. Bears have a keen sense of smell, so put away anything with a strong fragrance.
🐻 Hike in Groups. Always make your presence known by making noise. A surprised bear can become a dangerous bear.
🐻 Keep your children close by and leash pets.
🐻 Always maintain a safe distance from all wildlife.

06/02/2026

🦌 It’s LIVE! The NM Deer Tag Raffle is officially on.
One ticket = one big-time shot at a tag you don’t want to watch someone else win 😏
👉 https://go.dufundraising.com/26nmdeertag

05/28/2026

Join us in welcoming four New Mexico Department of Wildlife conservation officer recruits who completed the Southern New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy!

After 17 weeks of intense training, these recruits are ready to begin the next steps in their career with the Department. Conservation officer training takes about a year from hire date to patrolling a district. It takes discipline and dedication to complete the journey. Congratulations to these individuals from left to right : Rhyen Vigil, Billy Mollenhauer, Sebastian Gonzales and Brian McCreary.

05/28/2026

Join us for the New Mexico Game Commission Meeting today at 9:00am in Socorro in person or via live webcast here:

https://wildlife.dgf.nm.gov/commission/webcast/

To view today's agenda and briefs,

visit: https://wildlife.dgf.nm.gov/commission/meeting-agendas/

Live Webcast The live webcast below is only active during NMDGF State Game Commission meetings. Please view the Commission Calendar for meeting and broadcast dates. Click here if you would like to view recorded video of past meetings. Note: If you experience webcast issues with Internet Explorer, pl...