For 121 years, the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has been dedicated to conserving New Mexico’s wildlife for future generations. In 2028 we will celebrate our 125th anniversary. This recognizes our long history of stewardship in honor of this upcoming milestone. Thanks to anglers and hunters like you, the Department is able to ensure wildlife in this state will continue to thrive well into the future.
Hunting is a valuable management tool, helping to maintain population numbers at a sustainable level for our game species. However, your license purchase benefits New Mexico’s wildlife in many other ways. The funds from hunting and fishing license purchases enable the Department to conduct valuable research and take on projects that benefit more than just game species. These efforts benefit countless other wildlife species, including Species of Greatest Conservation Need, that play a key role in the health of New Mexico’s varied ecosystems.
Funds from license purchases, as well as from the purchase of related stamps, firearms, ammunition, and fishing equipment, also go toward big game surveys, maintenance and enhancement of Wildlife Management Areas throughout the state, hatchery operations, fish stocking, habitat projects, and education programs, as well as law-enforcement efforts. All of these contribute to the long-term future of New Mexico’s wildlife, ensuring opportunities for hunting and other forms of wildlife-associated outdoor recreation in the state for generations to come.
This year, the Department has merged hunting information for big game, turkeys, upland game, furbearers, and migratory game birds into a single Rules and Information Booklet. For those of you who aren’t successful in drawing that big-game hunt you’re dreaming of, you’ll see many other opportunities to get outside and enjoy the experience of hunting with family and friends throughout this booklet.
Our Department and New Mexico’s wildlife sincerely thank you for your contributions to helping the Department conserve New Mexico’s wildlife – both game and nongame species. We couldn’t do it without you!