Enforcement News
Here is the latest in conservation enforcement news & press releases from the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. For Operation Game Thief there is a list of solved cases and cold cases. And see the Featured Officer page for Officer of the Month and Career Advancement news.
Department-wide news can be found under Home → NMDGF News.
New Mexicans encouraged to give space to wildlife affected by New Mexico fires
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact, Tristanna Bickford: (505) 476-8027 tristanna.bickford@dgf.nm.gov FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, MAY 12, 2022: New Mexicans encouraged to give space to wildlife affected by New Mexico fires SANTA FE – The Department of Game and Fish encourages the public to be mindful of wildlife displaced by fires. Like humans, wild animals are also fleeing wildfires burning around the state. Wildlife is incredibly resilient to fire, but need space to find new habitat while the fire is burning. It is normal during wildfires to see wildlife in areas where they do not typically occur. There is no need to report these sightings to the Department. However, if wildlife appears to be injured, please contact local conservation officers through the New Mexico State Police non-emergency number at (505) 841-9256. The Department recommends you do not feed, approach or handle wildlife. [...]
Fire restrictions implemented statewide; Game and Fish patrolling Commission properties
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact, Tristanna Bickford: (505) 476-8027 tristanna.bickford@dgf.nm.gov FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, APRIL 22, 2022: Fire restrictions implemented statewide; Game and Fish patrolling Commission properties SANTA FE – With incidences of wildfires increasing daily, the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) Forestry Division announced restrictions on fireworks, smoking, campfires and open fires in New Mexico. The restrictions are in effect as of 12:00 p.m. today, Friday, April 22, 2022. The Forestry Division will continue to coordinate with other jurisdictions including federal, counties and municipalities to ensure that appropriate protections are in place to protect New Mexico as fire danger and wildfires increase. The Department of Game and Fish will follow guidelines initiated by the State Forestry Division for Game Commission-owned properties across the state. Commission-owned properties will also follow the same restrictions or closures in place [...]
Expect checkpoints statewide during hunting and fishing seasons
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact, Tristanna Bickford: (505) 476-8027 tristanna.bickford@dgf.nm.gov FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, APRIL 15, 2022: Expect checkpoints statewide during hunting and fishing seasons The Department of Game and Fish will conduct checkpoints throughout the state during hunting and fishing seasons, in hunting and angling areas, to collect harvest data and to detect wildlife law violations. The 2022-2023 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. The general turkey season begins April 15. For more information, please consult the Department’s Hunting Rules and Information Booklet. Hunters and anglers can expect checkpoints throughout the spring and summer. At checkpoints, conservation officers will check for compliance with the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Act. Drivers of vehicles hauling wood [...]
Public meetings to discuss proposed changes to the Revocations Rule
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact, Tristanna Bickford: (505) 476-8027 tristanna.bickford@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, NOV. 19, 2021: Public meetings to discuss proposed changes to the Revocations Rule SANTA FE – The Department is hosting two hybrid public meetings to discuss the proposed changes to the Revocation Rule (19.31.2 NMAC). Proposed changes include modifications to the point values, simplifying revocation timelines, streamlining the suspension process and allowing for video conference appearances by violators. The complete proposal can be found on the Department’s website. The hybrid meetings are scheduled for: Dec. 3, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. at the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Northwest Area Office at 7816 Alamo Rd. NW, Albuquerque, NM. The meeting will also be available through Zoom. Dec. 13, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. at the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Southwest Area Office at 2715 [...]
Expect roadblocks statewide during hunting and fishing seasons
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact, Tristanna Bickford: (505) 476-8027 tristanna.bickford@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, APRIL 1, 2021: Expect roadblocks statewide during hunting and fishing seasons SANTA FE – The Department of Game and Fish will conduct roadblocks throughout the state during hunting and fishing seasons to collect harvest data and to detect wildlife law violations. The 2021-2022 hunting and fishing season begins April 1. All hunters and anglers are required to purchase a new license before hunting and fishing. Hunters and anglers can expect roadblocks throughout the spring and summer. Guides and outfitters are also reminded that new registration is required. Youth turkey season begins April 9 and the general season begins April 15. For more information, please consult the Department’s Hunting Rules and Information booklet. At roadblocks, conservation officers will check for compliance with the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Act. Drivers [...]