New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
Public contact only, Information Center: 888-248-6866, ispa@dgf.nm.gov

Media contact only, Darren Vaughan: 505-476-8027, darren.vaughan@dgf.nm.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, FEBRUARY 25, 2026:

Department seeks public comment on proposed rule changes regarding game species

SANTA FE – Members of the public will have opportunities to provide input as the New Mexico Department of Wildlife shapes its proposals for potential changes to several game species rules.

Meetings will be held next month in:

Albuquerque: Wednesday, March 11, from 5:30-8 p.m. at the Department's Northwest Area office (7816 Alamo Rd. NW, Albuquerque)
Las Cruces: Thursday, March 12, from 5:30-8 p.m. at the Department's Southwest Area office (2713 E. Northrise Dr., Las Cruces).

The meetings will include information on proposed changes to the rules governing hunting for deer, elk, pronghorn, Barbary sheep, oryx, ibex, bighorn sheep, javelina, turkey and migratory birds. The public will have the opportunity to provide feedback regarding the proposals.

If you are unable to attend these meetings in person, the Department offers virtual attendance via Zoom. Click here to register for the March 11 meeting or here to register for the March 12 meeting.

The Department's most recent proposals for each rule, along with information about how to attend and participate in these meetings virtually, will be available on the Department's website. The public is also welcome to submit comments via mail at the New Mexico Department of Wildlife, Attn: Rule Development, 1 Wildlife Way, Santa Fe, NM 87507, or via e-mail as follows:

Barbary sheep, oryx and ibex: DGF-Exotics-Rule@dgf.nm.gov
Javelina: DGF-Javelina-Rule@dgf.nm.gov
Migratory Bird: DGF-Gamebird@dgf.nm.gov
Waterfowl: DGF-Waterfowl@dgf.nm.gov
Bighorn Sheep: DGF-Bighorn-Rule@dgf.nm.gov
Pronghorn: DGF-Pronghorn-Rule@dgf.nm.gov
Elk: DGF-Elk-Rule@dgf.nm.gov
Deer: DGF-Deer-Rule@dgf.nm.gov

The Department appreciates the public’s participation in this rule‑making process and looks forward to considering the feedback received during these meetings as it continues to refine its proposals.

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