New Mexico Wildlife Podcast

This Week in Wildlife for Week 6 of 2026. The Big Game Draw is coming up quick get your applications in before March 18 at 5pm Mountain Time. Hunter Education Classes are coming across the state, and the Outdoor Adventure Show is happening February 13 -15. Don't miss our Calling Contest on Saturday and Sunday, for Elk Turkey, and Duck. Join us at the Outdoor Adventure Show at Expo New Mexico in Al...

This Week in Wildlife for Week 5 of 2026. Hunter Education Classes, National Archery in the School Bullseye Championship, and Calling Contest at the Outdoor Adventure Show! Check out our website for all the details on these events and more. wildlife.dgf.nm.gov/ Do you have a question or an idea for a future episode? Email the New Mexico Wildlife Podcast at: nmwildlife.podcast@dgf.nm.gov

This Week in Wildlife for Week 4 of 2026. Hunter Education, ATV safety class, and the Outdoor Adventure Show! Check out our website for all the details on these events and more. https://wildlife.dgf.nm.gov/ Do you have a question or an idea for a future episode? Email the New Mexico Wildlife Podcast at: nmwildlife.podcast@dgf.nm.gov

Bighorn sheep are one of New Mexico’s most iconic wildlife specie and managing them takes careful, science-based work. In this episode of the New Mexico Wildlife Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Tom Batter and Dr. Nicole Tatman to talk about the ongoing bighorn sheep research and management happening across the state. We discuss current population monitoring, disease research, habitat challenges, and...

We know there’s a lot happening across the New Mexico Department of Wildlife — events, deadlines, classes, and seasonal changes — and it can be hard to keep up. That’s why we’re introducing This Week in New Mexico Wildlife: a short, weekly episode where we quickly highlight what’s happening right now and what’s coming up next. Just the essentials, all in one place.

In this episode, we introduce the New Mexico Birding Big Year Challenge, a statewide opportunity for birders of all experience levels to explore New Mexico’s incredible landscapes while learning more about the birds that call our state home. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just getting started, the Big Year Challenge encourages participants to get outside, visit public lands, sharpen their ide...

Become a New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Conservation Officer today! We’re hiring now, and this is your chance to step into one of the most rewarding and challenging careers in wildlife conservation. As an officer, you’ll protect New Mexico’s wildlife and wild places, serve the public, and make a difference every day. Don’t miss this opportunity, apply now!

The Narrow-headed gartersnake, one of New Mexico’s rarest reptiles, has made a remarkable return to Whitewater Creek. Once thought to be disappearing from its native habitat, this snake is now slithering back thanks to years of dedicated conservation work by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. In this episode, we explore the story of its comeback and why this species is so important to riv...

In this episode we’re casting a line into one of our state’s favorite outdoor traditions, fishing. Whether you’re knee-deep in a mountain stream or casting from the shore of a warm desert lake, New Mexico offers year-round fishing opportunities for everyone. We’ve got a fantastic lineup of guests to help you gear up for your next fishing adventure. First, we’ll talk to Melissa Garnett, Public Info...

In this special Father’s Day episode, I sit down with the two people who sparked my love for the outdoors, my mom and dad. Together, we share stories from my childhood, their approach to raising kids outside, and their advice for families who want to connect through nature. From early morning fishing trips to big life lessons in the wild, this conversation is all about family, memories, and the ma...

In this episode of the New Mexico Wildlife Podcast, we sit down with Caitlyn Ruhl, Habitat Restoration Coordinator for the New Mexico Wildlife Department, to explore the critical role of habitat conservation and restoration in sustaining our state’s diverse wildlife. Caitlyn brings a wealth of experience and a deep love for the outdoors, describing herself as someone who was "born to be outdoors."...

In this episode of the New Mexico Wildlife Podcast, we dive into the essentials of responsible boating and how you can help protect our waters from Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS). Join AIS Coordinator James Dominguez from the New Mexico Department of Wildlife and Scott Chambers from New Mexico State Parks as they share expert tips, safety reminders, and real-life examples of what every boater shou...

In this episode, we dive into the impactful world of hunter education with Stephanie Walton. The Hunter Education Program plays a vital role in teaching safety, ethics, and conservation to future generations. Discover how you can volunteer and contribute to shaping the next generation of responsible hunters. Join us as we discuss the program’s mission, the rewards of mentorship, and how to get inv...

If you’re planning to apply for a big game tag in New Mexico this year, this episode is for you. The draw process can be confusing, and we want to make sure you have all the information you need to apply successfully. Joining me are two experts who work directly with hunters—Christina Salazar, executive secretary to the director at New Mexico Game and Fish, and Robin Quintana, the department’s Inf...

New Mexico is an amazing place to enjoy your off-highway vehicle (OHV). The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish OHV program provides off-highway motor vehicle recreation that recognizes the importance of New Mexico’s cultural, historic and resource values while also ensuring public safety. New Mexico has requirements for off-highway motor vehicles designed to protect the safety of all OHV users...

The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation have a long-standing partnership dedicated to preserving and enhancing elk populations in the Land of Enchantment. Together, they’ve spearheaded habitat restoration projects that ensure sustainable, high-quality elk herds across the state. Join us as we discuss the importance of elk conservation, habitat management, a...

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 Tim Cimbal and Captain Jeremy Smith on all things OG...

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 Our Species" campaign and learn about the incred...

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 explore the 'Saving Our Species' campaign and learn ab...

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 exciting career. We will be hearing from the Field...

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. Get the inside scoop on everything you need to kno...

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 shaping the future of archery in the state.

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, and overall ecosystem health https://lowtechpbr.r...

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 firsthand.

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.