New Mexico Department of Wildlife

New Mexico Department of Wildlife To conserve, regulate, propagate and protect the wildlife and fish within the state of New Mexico. NMDGF - New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

Due to a power outage, the Department's Santa Fe office and the Information Center are closed for the remainder of the d...
06/18/2026

Due to a power outage, the Department's Santa Fe office and the Information Center are closed for the remainder of the day. They will reopen for business Monday, June 22, at 8 a.m.

Join us on this episode of the New Mexico Wildlife Podcast as we sit down with John Martsh, the R3 Program Manager and a...
06/18/2026

Join us on this episode of the New Mexico Wildlife Podcast as we sit down with John Martsh, the R3 Program Manager and a 25-year veteran of the Department. R3 stands for Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation, which is at the core of his work and John has been instrumental in growing hunting and fishing in New Mexico. He shares his insights on mentoring the next generation and keeping hunting and traditions alive. Tune in for a great conversation!

The New Mexico Wildlife Podcast is the official podcast of the New Mexico Department of Wildlife. It covers all things outdoors in the Land of Enchantment! From hunting and fishing to bird watching and wildlife photography, we have got you covered!

Listen to the podcast on all streaming platforms!

Are you looking for a new career that involves working with wildlife or advancing conservation? Join our team at the New...
06/17/2026

Are you looking for a new career that involves working with wildlife or advancing conservation? Join our team at the New Mexico Department of Wildlife! We are hiring for multiple positions and invite you to protect and preserve wildlife in New Mexico.

Search for our career opportunities using the job posting number through the State Personnel web page, or click the link in our bio.

Last month, the New Mexico Department of Wildlife and the Bureau of Land Management teamed up with New Mexico 4-Wheelers...
06/16/2026

Last month, the New Mexico Department of Wildlife and the Bureau of Land Management teamed up with New Mexico 4-Wheelers and the New Mexico Off-Highway Vehicle Alliance to celebrate the installation of new trail markers at the Johnson (Gordy's) Hill Off-Highway Vehicle Area near Socorro.

This collaboration serves as a prime example of what can be achieved when agencies and dedicated volunteer organizations work together toward a common goal. NM4W’s boots-on-the-ground commitment, combined with NMOHVA’s fiscal support and grant coordination, really sets a gold standard for sustainable trail management and stewardship in the state. In other words, “Together we do more!”

A large portion of the project’s funding came from the New Mexico Department of Wildlife OHV Grant program, which funds safe recreational improvements to programs and trail infrastructure with the goal of recreating in a responsible and safe manner. As a result, new signage equipped with trail information and navigation was installed along the trail network. The trail kiosk also promotes principles of responsible trail use, including minimizing ecological damage, protecting wildlife habitats, and preventing trail closures so that off-highway vehicle (OHV) areas remain accessible to future generations.

Every year, the Department gathers elk herd demographic information, which is key to understanding population performanc...
06/15/2026

Every year, the Department gathers elk herd demographic information, which is key to understanding population performance. To accurately estimate populations and determine sustainable harvest levels for big game species like elk, we rely on age and s*x ratio data collected through aerial surveys to monitor the health of each herd.

By getting an aerial perspective, we can not only cover more ground than driving roads but also assess where herds are using important habitat while minimizing disturbance.

In this instance, we were interested in gathering more information about how many elk calves were at their mother’s heel once they were old enough to be in nursery herds (5-6 weeks old). To do this, we first needed to fly over known and suspected calving areas to identify the location of nursery herds.

Just a few days after the flight survey, biologists on the ground traveled to the last known locations to get eyes on the herds themselves. Using binoculars and long-range spotting scopes, we were able to collect more detailed information pertaining to the number of calves in each nursery herd. This information is useful to compare with the number of calves observed later in the Fall as an indication of calf survival. When combined, this information gives us a comprehensive understanding of each herd's ecology and guides management decisions.

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

Bidding has opened for the 2026 Governor's Special Hunt Auction. The Department of Wildlife has partnered with Ducks Un...
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.

Get ready for FREE events designed to help build your shooting skills. Explore archery or fi****ms handling in a safe, s...
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.

New Mexico celebrates Free Fishing Weekend!Fishing licenses are free this coming weekend in New Mexico on Saturday, June...
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/

Address

1 Wildlife Way
Santa Fe, NM
87507

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+18882486866

Website

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