Operation Game Thief is a New Mexico Department of Game and Fish program, which pays rewards to citizens who turn in poachers. Begun in 1977 here in New Mexico, Operation Game Thief or a similar program has now been adopted by nearly every other state. In short, Operation Game Thief is crime-stoppers for wildlife. Join us as we talk with Colonel Ti…

The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has a long history of protecting our state's game species. But did you know they're also working tirelessly to conserve countless other creatures? From rare fish to elusive amphibians, the Department's efforts are crucial to maintaining New Mexico's incredible biodiversity.Join us as we explore the "Saving…

The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has a long history of protecting our state's game species, but did you know they're also working tirelessly to conserve countless other creatures?From rare fish to elusive amphibians, the Department's efforts are crucial to maintaining the incredible biodiversity of our beautiful state. Join us as we explo…

Join us for an inside look at the life as New Mexico Game and Fish Warden. Discover what it takes to protect our state's diverse wildlife, enforce conservation laws, and educate the public about responsible outdoor recreation. From patrolling remote wilderness areas to handling wildlife encounters, we'll explore the challenges and rewards of this e…

Join us for an in-depth conversation with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Land Management Team. Learn about the incredible Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) our state has to offer and the diverse activities they support. From hunting and fishing to hiking and wildlife viewing, WMAs provide countless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. …

In this episode, we dive into the world of archery in New Mexico schools with Bruce Atencio, the state's NASP coordinator. Learn how the National Archery in the Schools Program is fostering a love for the outdoors and improving student focus while developing essential life skills. Discover the impact of NASP on New Mexico's youth and how it's shapi…

In this episode of the New Mexico Wildlife Podcast, we dive into the fascinating world of beaver dam analogs with Carrie Parris and Art Anaya. Learn about their work restoring riparian ecosystems and how these man-made structures are bringing back nature's engineers, the beaver. Discover the positive impacts on water conservation, wildlife habitat,…

Explore the wild side of New Mexico with the New Mexico Wildlife Podcast!This official podcast from the New Mexico Department of Game and Whether you're a hunting or fishing enthusiast, a birdwatcher, or simply a nature lover, this podcast has something for you. Get inspired to get outside and experience the wonders of New Mexico's wildlife firstha…

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Carnivore and Small Mammal Program Manager Nick Forman sits down with Communications Director Darren Vaughan to discuss the science and statistics behind the Department's proposal for the new bear and cougar hunting rule, set to be presented at the Aug. 25, 2023 State Game Commission Meeting in Raton.…

Episode 24 (March 2023) Drawing Your Path to Success with Nicole Tatman, Big Game Program Manager by New Mexico Department of Game and FishPar New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

Episode 23 (March 2023) Drawing Your Path to Success with Tony Opatz, Pronghorn Biologist by New Mexico Department of Game and FishPar New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

Episode 22 (March 2023) Drawing Your Path to Success with Orrin Duvuvuei, Deer Program Manager by New Mexico Department of Game and FishPar New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

Episode 21 (Feb. 2023) Drawing Your Path to Success with Travis Zaffarano, Elk Program Manager by New Mexico Department of Game and FishPar New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

Episode 20 (Feb. 2023) Drawing Your Path to Success with Caitlin Ruhl, Bighorn Sheep Biologist by New Mexico Department of Game and FishPar New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

Episode 19 (Feb. 2023) Drawing Your Path to Success w/Casey Cardinal, Turkey/Upland Game Biologist by New Mexico Department of Game and FishPar New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

Join New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Communications Director Darren Vaughan and Licensing Operations Manager Chad Nelson as they discuss the ins and outs of the 2023-2024 Big Game Draw in the first video of the department’s “Drawing Your Way to Success” series.Par New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

Happy New Year! Do you have a new year's resolution yet? Join us as we talk with the Department's Northwest Regional PIO, Ross Morgan, and discuss NMDGF challenges that you can participate in for 2022. We discuss the NM Bass Challenge, NM Trout Challenge, Master Angler Awards and Record Fish Awards. We discuss the prizes and incentives that you cou…

Join us as we learn all about native fish in the Colorado River Basin with NMDGF's Native Fish Program Supervisor Matt Zeigler. We talk about species distribution, management, and cutting-edge research techniques. Whether you are interested in native species found in New Mexico or an avid New Mexico angler, you will want to check this one out!…

This month we are talking all things wildlife health with Dr. Kerry Mower, the Department’s Wildlife Health Specialist. From common diseases and parasites to an in-depth discussion on Chronic Wasting Disease, join us as we cover all topics related to wildlife health in New Mexico!Par New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

Today we are joined by New Mexico’s state deer biologist, Orrin Duvuvuei. We dive into deer management here in the state, including how annual surveys are conducted, the importance of harvest reporting and ongoing deer management projects. We also discuss deer biology and a few deer hunting tips along the way. If you are passionate about deer popul…

With September archery seasons underway, we wanted to do an episode on bowhunting basics for folks interested in taking up the sport. Join us as we talk with NMDGF’s Public Information Specialist Larry Garcia to discuss archery 101 and cover topics like picking a bow and other equipment to hunting tactics and advice. If you are new to the sport of …

For our August edition, we meet with the Bear and Cougar Biologist for NMDGF, Rick Winslow. Join us as we discuss bears in New Mexico – from biology and management to safely camping and living in bear country to harvest data and hunting tactics. If you have any questions about bears in our state, then this is the episode for you!…

Join us as we talk with Southwest Regional Biologist Kevin Rodden and learn all about free-ranging oryx and ibex populations in New Mexico – why they were introduced, how they are managed, hunting opportunities as well as wildlife photography and viewing opportunities. In North America, these amazing species are only found in free-ranging populatio…

Join us as we talk with “the catfishin’ guy” Shawn Denny, the Warm Water Sportfish Supervisor with NMDGF. We talk all things catfish in New Mexico – from catfish management in the state to how we can be more successful as catfish anglers. Sit on the bank in the shade and tune in to this summertime catfishing podcast!…

It’s time to dust off that fishing gear that you threw in the garage at the end of last summer and start chasing walleye! Join NMDGF’s Assistant Chief of Fisheries over research and management, Mike Ruhl, as we cover all things walleye fishing in New Mexico. We discuss how anglers can use the new online Fishing Planner, NMDGF’s annual walleye spawn…

Spring is finally here and turkey season is underway! Join us for our very first repeat guest on the show, NMDGF Officer Storm Usrey, as we learn to talk turkey. We discuss the vocalizations turkeys make, how to use turkey calls and calling tactics for different times of the day. Whether you are a first-time turkey hunter or an old pro, you are sur…

Join us as we talk with Assistant Director Jim Comins during his last week on the job before retirement. We will talk about his career with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, the lessons learned and advice for folks interested in perusing a career in wildlife. If you have an interest in the wildlife profession, this is one episode you won’…

Starting back in 1921, New Mexico's hatchery program has helped restore fish populations and provide angling opportunities across the state. Join us as we discuss the hatchery program with Roddy Gallegos, the Assistant Chief of Fisheries over Hatcheries. Roddy grew up on New Mexico's hatcheries and, since then, has spent over 39 years working at ha…

Join the New Mexico Wildlife Podcast as we talk with Craig Sanchez, the Assistant Chief of Education, and discuss the ins and outs of the 2021 Big Game Draw. We discuss hunter education requirements, strategies for each species including trophy and opportunity areas, the basics of the draw itself, draw odds reports, how to apply, and new incentives…

Join New Mexico Wildlife Podcast as we talk with Eric Frey, the Sportfish Program Manager for NMDGF, and discuss the various management activities and projects currently underway in the Sportfish Program. Then we dive into all things ice fishing in New Mexico and discuss places to go, species to catch, tactics and gear. You won’t want to miss this …

Join NM Wildlife Podcast as we talk with Casey Cardinal, the Department's Resident Game Bird Biologist, and discuss upland game bird research and surveys throughout the state. We discuss everything from quail to grouse to pheasants and then talk in a little more detail on quail hunting in New Mexico and the outlook for the 2020 season!…

Join us as we talk with Gary Calkins, the Open Gate Coordinator with the NM Department of Game and Fish. We discuss the Open Gate program and its benefits to both public hunters and participating landowners. Then we discuss one of Gary's hobbies, cleaning and mounting wildlife skulls, and talk about different techniques and processes for DIY Europe…

Join us as we talk turkey with Storm Usrey, the Conservation Education Program Manager for the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. We learn a little about the Conservation Education Program and then dive into fall turkey hunting tactics. Storm even breaks out the turkey calls and teaches us to talk turkey - fall style!…