Habitat Projects, Hunting Opportunities and Hard Work � NM Wildlife Update
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ISSUE NUMBER FORTY-THREE • APRIL 2026
Welcome to our latest edition!
The New Mexico Department of Wildlife is proud to share stories that highlight our conservation work, wildlife management efforts, and the many ways people can enjoy New Mexico’s outdoors responsibly.
Clayton Lake: A desert lake like no other
Department fisheries crews recently completed a two-year habitat improvement project at Clayton Lake, using concrete reef balls, submerged logs and other structures to give catfish and largemouth bass safe areas to lay eggs and raise their young. Click here to learn more about these important efforts.
Department, experts study threatened turtle species
Experts from the Department, as well as from across the country, are working to better understand the current status of the Rio Grande cooter, one of New Mexico's 10 native turtle species. Click here to learn more about this important work to help maintain populations of this threatened species.
Hunter Education grads hunt with DOW officers
Four New Mexico youth hunters who recently graduated from the Department's Hunter Education program had the opportunity to team with Department conservation officers to hunt pronghorn, pheasant and Barbary sheep. Click here for more about what these young hunters learned through their hands-on experience.
Decades of work keeps Rio Grande cutthroat trout off Endangered Species List
The United States Fish and Wildlife Service recently declared that New Mexico's state fish, the Rio Grande cutthroat trout, no longer requires protection under the Endangered Species Act after decades of work by the Department and its partners. Click here to learn more about how work continues to ensure the species continues to thrive.
Department officers stay busy in 2025
Conservation officers patrol New Mexico's lands and waters, educating and assisting the public, ensuring public safety and enforcing rules and regulations, all with the goal of conserving the state's wildlife resources for future generations Click here for more information about our dedicated officers' work during 2025.
Check out our New Mexico Wildlife Podcast!
The New Mexico Wildlife Podcast is your one-stop shop for all things wild in the Land of Enchantment! Visit the Department's Soundcloud page to listen to past episodes, and stay tuned for more, including This Week in Wildlife with a list of upcoming events! Here are a few of our top recent episodes to get you started:
Boots on the Ground Biology
Urban Wildlife Conservation
New Mexico Bighorn Sheep
New Mexico Department of Wildlife, 1 Wildlife Way, Santa Fe, NM 87507
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