New Mexico Wildlife Podcast

This Week in Wildlife - 10 by New Mexico Department of Wildlife

In this episode, I’m joined by Chad Nelson, Assistant Chief of Administrative Services and Chief of Licensing, to talk about all things big game draw. We break down how New Mexico’s draw system works, why certain rules and legislative requirements exist, and what you should be thinking about when submitting your application. Chad also shares tips, tricks, and common mistakes to avoid when applying. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or applying for the first time, this episode is for you and will help you feel more confident heading into this year’s big game draw. Click this link to Apply! : https://onlinesales.wildlife.state.nm.us/ Or Take a look at our 2026 - 2027 Big Game Proclamation : https://wildlife.dgf.nm.gov/home/publications/

This Week in Wildlife for Week 9. The Big Game Draw deadline is approaching soon, get your applications in today. The Share with Wildlife program Call for Project Information proposals are due soon, check out the New Mexico Department of Wildlife Website for more information. https://wildlife.dgf.nm.gov/conservation/share-with-wildlife/

This week in Wildlife we are at the Outdoor Adventure Show! Come out and visit us at Expo New Mexico.

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 Albuquerque. See you there!

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 how data collected in the field guides management decisions. Dr. Batter and Dr. Tatman also share why bighorn sheep conservation is complex, what success looks like, and how long-term research helps ensure healthy herds for the future. Whether you’re a hunter, wildlife enthusiast, or just curious about how wildlife management works in New Mexico, this episode offers an inside look at the science behind bighorn sheep conservation. If you're interested in the Bighorn Sheep Management plan visit: https://wildlife.dgf.nm.gov/hunting/information-by-animal/big-game/bighorn-sheep/

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 identification skills, and connect with New Mexico’s diverse birdlife. We’ll break down how the challenge works, how to participate, and why birding is such an important tool for conservation, education, and outdoor enjoyment across the state. Contest website: https://wildlife.dgf.nm.gov/nm-birding-big-year-contest/ Birding Challenge email: dgf-wildlifeed@dgf.nm.gov Have Questions you want to ask the New Mexico Wildlife Podcast email us at nmwildlife.podcast@dgf.nm.gov

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 river ecosystems, what challenges it has faced, and the collaborative efforts that made its recovery possible. Join us as we talk with the chief of fisheries Kirk Patten and the department herpetologist Leland Pierce to highlight how science-driven management and habitat restoration are helping protect not just the Narrow-headed gartersnake, but the biodiversity of New Mexico’s rivers for generations to come.

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 Information Officer and mastermind behind our state’s popular fishing challenges. She’ll share how to get involved, what you can win, and a few fun facts about who’s participating. Then, we’ll hear from Taylor Booth, one of our Coldwater Fisheries Biologists, who’ll break down some of the best waters in Western New Mexico and offer pro tips for what bait works where. And finally, we’ll chat with Valente Mesa, the department’s web designer, about a new tool every angler should have the iFish App. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just thinking about picking up a rod for the first time, this episode will help you plan your next trip, connect with the outdoors, and maybe even win a prize or two along the way.

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 magic of growing up outdoors.

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." Her passion shines through as she shares how science-based strategies and collaboration are key to restoring landscapes impacted by wildfire, drought, and human activity. We talk about current habitat projects across New Mexico, how the department identifies areas of concern, and why thriving ecosystems are the foundation of successful wildlife management. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, conservationist, or curious learner, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who cares about the future of New Mexico’s wild places.

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 should know before hitting the water. We talk about the importance of boat inspections, Clean-Drain-Dry practices, boater education, life jacket laws, and how AIS can impact the ecosystems, recreation, and the future of our lakes and rivers. Whether you're a seasoned boater or just getting started, this episode is packed with vital info to keep your summer safe, legal, and environmentally friendly.

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 involved. https://wildlife.dgf.nm.gov/education/hunter-education/

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 Information Coordinator. They’ll help us break down key deadlines, common mistakes to avoid, how to research and select the right hunts, and answer some of the most frequently asked questions from both residents and non-residents. Whether you’re new to the draw or have been applying for years, this episode will give you the tools to navigate the system with confidence.

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 and ensure responsible and culturally sensitive OHV use. The law requires each OHV user to register or obtain a permit for their OHV if it is used on public land. Join us as we talk with the team behind the OHV Program, and learn what riding off road in New Mexico is all about! https://ridenm.dgf.nm.gov/

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, and the power of collaboration with Josh McDonald of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and NMDGF’s elk biologist, Travis Zaffarano.