New Mexico Wildlife magazine Conserving New Mexico's Wildlife for Future Generations
The leaves have changed and fallen to the ground. The elk and pronghorn ruts are in the distance and the deer rut is nearing its end. Miles have been put on boots. Shots have been taken. Wear and tear on bodies and equipment have happened. Wildlife has been seen. Memories have been made.
There are a few hunts still happening across New Mexico, but the majority of the 2021-2022 season is setting in the rearview mirror. Please share your memories and pictures with us. Send us a message on Facebook or Instagram and we will add to our hunting albums.
It seems like it comes faster and faster each year – the start of the 2022-2023 hunting season is roaring toward us. As of Jan. 19, 2022, the big game draw is open!
The Rules and Information Booklet is online now. New this year, you can view the RIB in English and Spanish.
Due to a nationwide paper shortage, we have had to cut back on the number of Rules and Information Booklets that we have ordered. There will be a LIMITED supply of the English version of the Rules and Information Booklets available at the Game and Fish Department offices in New Mexico. We are expecting a shipment to arrive in mid-January.
Keep in mind that the 2021-2022 Rules and Information Booklet is valid through March 31, 2022.
Dates!
Each year, the iconic line, “I’m late, I’m late! For a very important date! No time to say hello, goodbye, I’m late, I’m late, I’m late,” comes to mind. Well, you’re not late … at least not yet. But the 5 p.m. deadlines set by the Department need to be taken seriously. Late applications or applications that are in progress at 5 p.m. will be denied! NO EXCEPTIONS!
Now is the time to take note of these dates, add them to your calendar and be ready to go before the deadline:
– Feb. 9, 2022 at 5 p.m.
Deadline to apply for bear and turkey draw permits
– Feb. 15, 2022 at 5 p.m.
Deadline to submit 2021-2022 harvest reports for deer, elk, pronghorn and turkey license holders with no charge
– March 9, 2022 at 5 p.m.
Deadline to apply for the big game draw and be eligible for the incentive program
– March 16, 2022 at 5 p.m.
Deadline to apply for the big game draw
Deadline to submit harvest reports for deer, elk, pronghorn and turkey with an $8 late fee
– April 7, 2022 at 5 p.m.
Deadline to submit harvest reports for Barbary sheep, ibex, javelina, oryx and trapper license holders
Spanish Translation:
In order to better reach hunters and anglers who primarily speak Spanish, the Department will be producing Spanish translations of the Rules and Information Booklets for all of the 2022-2023 hunting and fishing seasons.
Additional, resources such as the customer interface system and draw-related information on our website will also be translated.
We will have Spanish-speaking customer service representatives available throughout the draw, but please be patient with us as we train staff to help with these phone calls.
Incentive Program:
Again in 2022, several partners have joined the Department of Game and Fish to provide incentives for those who apply before 5 p.m. on March 9, 2022. Partners include:
- Archery Shoppe
- Game On Outdoors
- Federal Ammunition
- Hunt New Mexico
- OnX hunts
- Sportsman’s Warehouse
- Surf ‘n Turf
- Team R and S Powersports
To qualify you must:
- Apply ONLINE before 5 p.m. on March 9
- Provide a valid email address
- Check the box that allows the Department to contact you via email
Everyone will win with this early incentive. Everyone who qualifies will get a discount to Federal merchandise (excludes Federal/Yeti products and specials) and a discount to their OnX subscription.
A drawing will take place with the Big Game Draw and winners will be contacted after draw results are announced.
More memories can be made, more miles can be hiked, more wear and tear can happen. But don’t miss the 5 p.m. deadline!
