New Mexico Wildlife Podcast

Coming up this next week at the Department of Wildlife; a bow hunter workshop, a Habitat Committee meeting, and the new License Year Rules and Regulations Fishing and Hunting Booklets available! Visit the New Mexico Department of Wildlife website at https://wildlife.dgf.nm.gov/

In this episode of the New Mexico Wildlife Podcast, we sit down with Elise Goldstein, Assistant Chief of the Wildlife Division, for a behind-the-scenes look at the people and work that keep New Mexico’s wildlife thriving. As the supervisor of the Department’s wildlife biologists across the state, Elise shares what it really means to be a wildlife biologist and the wide range of work these dedicated professionals do every day. From long days in the field and tracking wildlife populations to habitat restoration, conservation planning, and balancing the needs of both wildlife and people, Elise gives listeners a true “boots on the ground” perspective of wildlife management in New Mexico. She also discusses the challenges, rewards, and passion that drive the biologists working to protect the state’s incredible wildlife resources. Whether you have ever wondered what a wildlife biologist actually does, are interested in conservation, or simply want a greater appreciation for the people working behind the scenes, this episode offers an inside look at the science, dedication, and heart behind wildlife management in New Mexico.

Another week in Wildlife! Spring has sprung and Turkey Season is coming soon. Join the New Mexico Department of Wildlife at a Adult Turkey Hunting Weekend. Registration is open now. Visit our website at https://wildlife.dgf.nm.gov/

This Week in Wildlife week 14 - 4/3/2026 by New Mexico Department of Wildlife

Attention all young ATV riders, sign up for the OHV safety course happening in April. Calling all Hunter Education Instructors, classes are happening now if you would like to become a Hunter Education Instructor. Register for classes on the New Mexico Department of Wildlife website and check out our Events Calendar for more! https://wildlife.dgf.nm.gov/

This Week in Wildlife for week 12. The Big Game Draw is over and now we await our results on April 22, 2026. Over the Counter License Sales start on March 25, so don't forget to buy your fishing license for the 2026-2027 License year. Calling all young OHV rider, there will be a ATV Safety Course happening. Sign up today!

Wildlife doesn’t stop at the city limits. In this episode of the New Mexico Wildlife Podcast, two Conservation Officers from the Albuquerque metro area and Sandia Mountains share what it’s like working as a Conservation officer in urban wildlife areas. From bears and mountain lions to everyday neighborhood encounters, they break down the realities of their job and how residents can safely coexist with wildlife. Get an inside look at the front lines of conservation, where the wild meets the city. Visit the New Mexico Department of Wildlife website at: https://wildlife.dgf.nm.gov/

This week in wildlife for week 11, March 13,2026. Attention Big Game Hunters, time is running out. The deadline to get your applications in is March 18th at 5pm Mountain Standard Time. Hunter Education classes are available this weekend and online. We also offer classes online in Spanish for those that are the age of 9 or older. Join the department at the adult Turkey Hunting workshop at our Albuquerque office or at our Adult Women's Shotgun class. The State Game Commission will be meeting on March 20th, at 9 am in the Albuquerque office. All of this information and more can be found on our website! Check it out! https://wildlife.dgf.nm.gov/

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.