New Mexico Department of Wildlife

Want to browse everything in one place? Visit the Department’s full

events calendar
.

Birding Big Year Contest

Birders of all skill levels still have a little time to jump into the Department’s Birding Big Year Contest. Registration closes on April 1, and participants will spend the rest of the year trying to identify as many New Mexico bird species as possible. Divisions are offered for youth, adults, and seniors, with multiple experience levels for adult participants.

Learn more about the Birding Big Year Contest

Adult Women’s Beginner Shotgun Class

Women who are brand new to shotguns—or just want more instruction—can sign up for a free beginner class in Clovis. Certified instructors will cover shotgun basics and guide participants through live clay shooting in the afternoon. Equipment and ammunition are provided at no cost.

Date note: the newsletter body mentions March 24, but the linked event page lists this class as March 21, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Register for the women’s shotgun class

 | 

View event details

Adult Turkey Hunting Workshop

Curious about turkey hunting? This free workshop in Albuquerque is built for adults who want a practical introduction. Topics include turkey biology, subspecies identification, calling, shot placement, safety, survival, decoys, regulations, and field dressing.

Register for the turkey hunting workshop

 | 

View workshop details

Beginner Warmwater Fishing Workshops

Adults with little or no warmwater fishing experience can take part in free beginner workshops this April. The sessions cover gear, fish identification, regulations, terminal tackle, knot tying, casting, and basic fishing techniques. Registration opens March 30 at 8:00 a.m.

• April 19 in Albuquerque
• April 26 in Las Cruces

Register for warmwater fishing workshops

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Albuquerque event details

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Las Cruces event details

Youth Hunter Education Challenge

The 2026 Youth Hunter Education Challenge returns June 5–7 at the NRA Whittington Center near Raton. Eligible youth hunter education graduates can compete individually or on teams while building practical skills, marksmanship, safety knowledge, and outdoor experience.

Visit the New Mexico YHEC website

If someone under 18 plans to apply for this year’s Big Game Draw, hunter education is required before applying or hunting in New Mexico. The Department also offers online options, including a course in Spanish, for anyone age 9 and older.

Hunter education information

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Online course details

Youth ages 10–17 who cannot complete hunter education before the draw deadline may be able to participate through the mentor-youth option.

Learn about the Mentored-Youth Hunting Program

 or review the

2026–2027 Hunting Rules and Information Booklet
.

March 14–15	Hunter Education in Peñasco — more information
March 15	Adult Turkey Hunting Workshop in Albuquerque — more information
March 18	Big game draw application deadline — more information
March 18	Late harvest report deadline — more information
March 20	State Game Commission meeting in Albuquerque — more information
March 21	Adult Women’s Beginner Shotgun Class in Clovis — more information
March 25	Over-the-counter license sales begin — more information
March 28	OHV Safety Class in Los Lunas — more information
April 1	2026–2027 license year begins
April 7	Harvest report deadline for select license holders — more information
April 11	ATV Safety Class in Los Lunas — more information
April 19	Beginner Warmwater Fishing Workshop in Albuquerque — more information
April 26	Beginner Warmwater Fishing Workshop in Las Cruces — more information

For more information, announcements, and official updates, check the Department’s site and social channels:

Main website

 

Social media page

 

Facebook

 

Instagram

 

YouTube