Recreational Opportunities

February, 2023

  • 6 February

    2023-2024 Oryx Hunting Forecast

    Also known as gemsbok, South African oryx are a visually striking, large African antelope with distinct markings and long, straight horns grown by both sexes. Males typically have horns that are heavier and have larger bases, while the females typically have longer, thinner horns with smaller bases. Approximately 46 inches …

  • 6 February

    2023-2024 Ibex Hunting Forecast

    Sometimes called bezoar goat or Persian wild goat, the short-legged Persian ibex is regarded as the ancestor of the domestic goat. Ibex stand approximately 30 inches at the shoulder, and the hind quarters are noticeably higher than the front when on flat ground. Adult males weigh up to 110 pounds, …

  • 6 February

    2023-2024 Barbary Sheep Hunting Forecast

    Barbary sheep, also known as aoudad, is one of three exotic big-game species hunted in New Mexico. Originally native to North Africa, Barbary sheep were first introduced to New Mexico in the 1940s by a private ranch in the southeastern part of the state. They were officially released in the …

January, 2023

  • 15 January

    2023-2024 Turkey Hunting Forecast

    Turkey populations appear to be entering a period of decline in New Mexico after several years of breeding-season drought. Turkey populations are highly influenced by precipitation and such a decline is anticipated given the drought; numbers respond quickly when the rains return. Spring moisture is important to create food sources …

  • 15 January

    2023-2024 Pronghorn Hunting Forecast

    New Mexico offers world-class pronghorn hunting opportunities throughout the state and is considered a premier hunting destination with many trophy bucks harvested throughout the years. In 2021, the latest data available, the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish sold 6,857 licenses resulting in 4,655 bucks and 282 does harvested. …

  • 15 January

    2023-2024 Elk Hunting Forecast

    New Mexico offers world-class elk hunting opportunities throughout the state and is considered a premier hunting destination. It is known for productive elk herds across diverse landscapes, and hunting access through both public-draw and private- landowner tags. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish offers many hunting opportunities on …

  • 15 January

    2023-2024 Deer Hunting Forecast

    Deer population growth is driven by adult doe and fawn survival. While adult doe survival is largely consistent across mule deer range, fawn survival varies by region and across years. The timing and amount of precipitation, coupled with habitat conditions, heavily influences fawn survival. Because of the influence of precipitation …

  • 15 January

    2023-2024 Bighorn Sheep Hunting Forecast

    Bighorn sheep hunting opportunities are highly coveted throughout North America. Bighorn sheep are not as widespread or abundant as the other big-game species because populations are often restricted to the most rugged habitats. New Mexico offers the opportunity to hunt both desert bighorn sheep and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep subspecies …

November, 2022

  • 2 November

    Hybrid striped bass introduced into Caballo Lake

    After years of planning, the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has successfully released over 43,000 striped bass hybrids, also known as “wipers,” as a pilot project at Caballo Lake in southern New Mexico. The introduction of these special hybrids provides a new sport fishing opportunity for anglers. Wipers …

August, 2022

  • 3 August

    New Mexico youth archers compete at state and national tournaments

    The 2022 New Mexico National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) State Championship was held as a virtual event throughout March 2022. A total of 667 students in fourth through 12th grades competed at their home schools and reported their scores on the NASP Tournament website. Top teams and individuals …