New Mexico Wild Celebrates Historic Wildlife Management Reform

SANTA FE, N.M. (March 21, 2025) — New Mexico Wild celebrates the signing of Senate Bill 5, the most significant reform to the state’s wildlife management since 1923. Although we are disappointed that the Governor used a line-item veto to take out the process for removing State Game Commissioners, this bill is a major victory for wildlife conservation in New Mexico. New Mexico Wild remains dedicated to addressing the Governor’s line-item veto in future legislative sessions to ensure that the Commissioners’ work is appropriately insulated from politics.

The new law transforms the Department of Game and Fish into the Department of Wildlife with the authority to steward all fish and wildlife species (not just game and fish species), establishes a qualified Wildlife Commission with a nominating committee, and secures needed funding through modest license fee adjustments. These changes will strengthen protection for New Mexico’s incredible biodiversity, support the state’s $3.2 billion outdoor recreation economy, and ensure wildlife management decisions are guided by data and peer-reviewed science.

“This landmark legislation represents years of coalition work and bipartisan cooperation,” said Garrett VeneKlasen, Northern Conservation Director at New Mexico Wild. “More than 20 organizations representing tens of thousands of New Mexicans came together to support these reforms. This diverse coalition demonstrates that wildlife conservation transcends political divides.”

The reformed commission structure will include wildlife biology expertise and broader representation (including a long-overdue dedicated tribal seat), addressing our state’s evolving conservation challenges. For many New Mexican families who rely on hunting and fishing for sustenance, these reforms help safeguard wildlife resources for future generations.

New Mexico Wild thanks the bill’s bipartisan sponsors and all advocates who made this historic achievement possible.