New Mexico Department of Wildlife

09/04/2026

The Labor Day weekend seems to mark the unofficial end of summer, however, the New Mexico Department of Wildlife reminds New Mexicans that there are many opportunities in the fall to get out and create memories with friends and family.

A valid game hunting license allows hunters to pursue dove and other small-game species, including quail, grouse and pheasant. There are also may opportunities to hunt big-game species including javelina, Barbary sheep, cougar and fall turkey hunts, etc.

These tags can be purchased online or at licensed vendors and Department offices statewide or calling the Department’s Information Center at 888-248-6866 during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., closed for holidays). If you are unsure what licenses, tags and stamps you may need for your hunt, Department staff at area offices and in the Information Center can answer your questions.

09/03/2026

We've got some upcoming Department of Wildlife Hunter Education events and yes, they're 100% FREE!

Whether you're just getting started or looking to sharpen your skills, our experienced instructors offer a range of educational events for anyone interested in hunting or fishing.

Head to our website's EVENTS CALENDAR for registration details and more info. Check the link in bio!

09/02/2026

We hope you enjoy this new home, bear. This footage is from a relocation.

The New Mexico Department of Wildlife urges you to “stay bear aware.” It is the Department’s objective to prevent bears from becoming habituated to people. The easiest way to make this happen is for the public to remove food and attractants around your home. Once bears start looking to humans as an easy source of food, they become habituated.

The Department is requesting the public:

🐻Secure food, scented items and garbage to avoid attracting bears.
🐻Remove fallen fruit, pet food and bird feeders from areas accessible to bears.
🐻Never feed or intentionally approach a bear.
🐻 Clean and store grills. Bears have a keen sense of smell, so put away anything with a strong fragrance.
🐻 Always maintain a safe distance from all wildlife.

For more info, visit our homepage https://wildlife.dgf.nm.gov/.

08/27/2026

Are you looking for an exciting career in wildlife conservation? Become a New Mexico Department of Wildlife Conservation Officer. You'll enforce hunting, fishing and OHV laws while protecting the wild places we all cherish for future generations. If you're passionate about conservation, the outdoors and you're looking for a rewarding, one-of-a-kind career in an exciting environment, this is the job for you.

Applications close September 17. Follow the link in our bio to learn more about the role and how to apply!

08/25/2026

Welcome to the latest issue of the New Mexico Wildlife newsletter!

The Department is proud to share stories highlighting our conservation work, wildlife management efforts, and the many ways people can enjoy New Mexico's outdoors responsibly. This issue features stories on pollinators, responsible OHV use, Public Land User Stamp funds, an upcoming trout coin, and the mighty tiger muskie. Check the link in bio to read the newsletter today!

08/21/2026

Join us on August 21, 2026 for the New Mexico State Wildlife Game Commission Meeting starting at 9 a.m at New Mexico Highlands University. The meeting will take place in the Student Center. Use the link below to watch the webcast.

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...

08/20/2026

It is with great pride and excitement that we share exciting news for the New Mexico Department of Wildlife and the incredible work being done to protect our state's wildlife. The () has recognized the New Mexico Department of Wildlife for its work on the New Mexico Wildlife Corridors Action Plan, a statewide initiative finalized in 2022 to improve driver safety and restore vital habitat connections for large mammals, including mule deer, elk and pronghorn.

Mule deer populations across the West are facing mounting challenges, including habitat fragmentation, expanding development, drought, wildfire and increasing barriers to seasonal migration. Addressing these challenges requires collaboration across agencies and a commitment to bringing together wildlife professionals, elected leaders, transportation agencies, conservation partners, sportsmen and local communities around a shared purpose. Over the past decade, the state has built 10 wildlife crossings, including one in Tijeras Canyon east of Albuquerque and at Raton Pass near the Colorado border.

According to the Mule Deer Foundation, the development of the New Mexico Wildlife Corridors Action Plan, paired with the historic funding commitment secured through HB 2, represents one of the most significant investments in wildlife connectivity in the nation. As they state, "by dedicating funds toward wildlife crossings and corridor conservation, New Mexico has taken a bold and meaningful step forward for wildlife and people alike."

08/17/2026

A New Mexico plainclothes conservation officer was scanning the prairie through his binoculars during pronghorn season when a group of hunters caught his attention. He watched as the hunting party stalked and harvested a buck pronghorn on New Mexico State Trust Lands, then moved about a mile away. Although the animal was harvested on public land, the hunters then hauled it back onto private property before field‑dressing it.

The group’s activities were highly suspicious, so the plainclothes officer contacted Sergeant Stephen Apodaca. Sergeant Apodaca contacted the hunters and found they had tagged the pronghorn with a private-land-only license which is not valid on State Trust Land. The hunter and his guide lied about where they had killed it, claiming it had been killed where they field-dressed it.

Sgt. Apodaca, with help from the undercover officer, traced their trail and confirmed the actual kill site of the unlawfully taken pronghorn. The poacher and his guide were charged with multiple violations, including illegally killing a pronghorn on public land with a private-land-only license, driving off-road and the pronghorn was seized.

This case is a testament to the importance of notifying authorities of suspicious activity. While this time it was a plainclothes officer who notified their colleagues, the general public can help protect wildlife and prevent poaching. Wildlife belongs to everyone. You can help protect it.

If you see suspicious hunting activity, you may make an anonymous report to Operation Game Thief at 1-800-432-4263. Our system is designed to accept calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to ensure we are available whenever someone has information about a wildlife law violation. All calls are confidential, and the reporting individual has the option of remaining anonymous. Link in bio for more information on Operation Game thief.

08/14/2026

Be Bear Aware!

There has been an increase in the number of bears involved in human-bear encounters throughout New Mexico in 2026. The increase in such encounters indicate a temporary response to a combination of environmental and habitat conditions.

We talked with New Mexico Department of Wildlife carnivore and small mammal program manager and biologist, Nick Forman.

Link in bio or visit our website for more bear information on how to prevent bear encounters and to see the full video!