
WE NEED GAME & FISH REFORM TO:
HUNTING & FISHING TRADITIONS
SUSTAIN OUR
This session, a proposed bill in the state legislature would increase hunting and fishing license fees for the first time in 20 years. The sportsmen community has worked closely with the Department of Game & Fish to ensure increases are minimal for New Mexico residents.
PROBLEM & OPPORTUNITY
1
There’s a funding crisis at the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish. Because it’s an “enterprise agency,” it doesn’t receive money from the legislature- it’s funded mainly by hunting and fishing license fees.
2
License fees haven’t changed in almost 20 years, making the current system unsustainable to meet our modern-day challenges.
3
Hunters and anglers support a license fee increase because they know it’s necessary to ensure healthy populations of game, fish, and other wildlife.
4
Hunting and fishing provides New Mexicans with an important food supply. A license fee increase would sustain our traditions for future generations.
5
The Department also needs a new source of revenue to ensure wildlife conservation does not rest solely on the backs of hunters and anglers.
A SNAPSHOT OF THE PROPOSED FEES:
License Type | 2021-2022 Fee | $ Increase | Proposed Fee |
---|---|---|---|
RESIDENT, GAME HUNTING | $15 | $10 | $25 |
RESIDENT, FISHING & HUNTING GAME COMBO | $30 | $12 | $42 |
RESIDENT, FISHING | $25 | $10 | $35 |
NONRESIDENT, GAME HUNTING | $65 | $20 | $85 |
NONRESIDENT, FISHING | $56 | $34 | $90 |


No license fees would be increased before April 1, 2026


Average increase is $15 a year for residents


Maintains discounts for youth, seniors, residents with disability, and veterans


Includes a 25% discount for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) beneficiaries


Gives the State Game Commission greater flexibility to adjust fees in the future

HUNTING & FISHING IN NEW MEXICO:


Funds important conservation work to ensure healthy populations of game, fish and other wildlife


Contributes $600 million to the state's economy


Brings in federal dollars to New Mexico for fish and wildlife conservation


​Pays for critical habitat restoration, migration corridors, and spawning grounds

