Looking for a chance to get outdoors with friends and family? Are you wanting to try something new?
Free Fishing Weekend is the perfect opportunity for angling enthusiasts and newbies alike. On Sept. 27 and 28, anyone can fish for free in public fishing waters across New Mexico as part of the nationwide National Hunting and Fishing Day celebration.
Events will be taking place throughout the state, including a free fishing derby at Tiger Pond in Aztec on Sept. 27 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. The derby features prizes for participants age 12 and under.
Anglers are reminded that while they can fish free of charge on Free Fishing Weekend, all rules and regulations still apply, including bag limits. More information is available on the Department's website.
Do you enjoy wildlife photography? Ever consider that one of your images might just be a prize-winner? The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish and New Mexico Magazine have just the opportunity for you – now with an extended deadline!
The Department is proud to sponsor the Wildlife category of New Mexico Magazine's 25th Annual Photo Awards contest, which highlights the state's natural beauty, culture, people, diversity and unique charm.
The Wildlife category encourages photographers to submit images of all creatures within nature – not pets – with fins, feathers, scales or fur, with prizes for the top four photos selected by the judges. Even if you don't win a prize, you might still see your photo show up in one of the Department's publications – in fact, the cover image for the 2025-2026 Migratory Bird Rules and Information Supplement
was submitted by Monica Cardozo as part of the 2024 Photo Awards contest!
Are you a shotgun shooter? Do you want to be? If you answered "yes" to either of these questions, then come check out the brand-new 5-stand shotgun range at the Albuquerque Trap Club!
The Department is providing the opportunity to shoot a free round of shotgun from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Oct. 4 at the Albuquerque Trap Club, located just off Interstate 25 at 9617 Broadway Blvd. SE. All safety gear, shotguns and shells will be provided,
and certified shotgun coaches and range safety officers will be on hand to ensure your safety and enjoyment during the event. You do not need to be a member to shoot.
For more information on this event, contact Shooting Program Coordinator Cody Johnston at cody.johnston@dgf.nm.gov.
The Department has constructed the new 5-stand shotgun range in conjunction with the Albuquerque Trap Club to bring a new shotgun sport to the public.
Unfamiliar with 5-stand? No problem! The volunteers at the Albuquerque
Trap Club will provide you with guidance on how to shoot the course, as well as a little advice.
While you are there, you can also shoot a round of trap. 5-stand consists of shooting 25 clay targets presented from different target throwers on the course, depending on what station you're standing on at the time. Clays can come from the side, behind, straight up and even rolling on the ground.
The Albuquerque Trap Club is open to the public from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturdays for 5-stand; from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sundays for 5-stand and trap shooting; and from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesdays for 5-stand and trap shooting.
Listen to the Wildlife Podcast!
Want to learn more about the Department's work? Looking for some tips and tricks to help you have a more successful hunting or fishing trip? The New Mexico Wildlife Podcast can help!
The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish is teaming up with New Mexico Outdoor Adventures to host a beginner Small Game Hunting Camp Sept. 26-28 at Quemado Lake, giving families a chance to bond and create memories that will last a lifetime!
Participants will learn about how to identify different species, as well as
hunting techniques, field dressing, shotgun shooting and rules and
regulations. The free camp will take place at the El Caso Forest Service campground, so participants will need to bring their own tent or wheeled camper in addition to a sleeping bag and sleeping pad. All meals and gear will be provided.
Registration will remain open until the camp is full. Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Click here to register.
Learn to fish!
If you've always wanted to learn how to fish but haven't had the chance, the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish can help!
The Department will host two adult Coldwater Fishing Workshops next month – one on Oct. 19 in Albuquerque, and the other on Oct. 26 in Las Cruces. Participants will learn all about how to identify fish, fishing techniques, equipment and gear, knot-tying, casting and rules
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