In this episode of the New Mexico Wildlife Podcast, we sit down with Caitlyn Ruhl, Habitat Restoration Coordinator for the New Mexico Wildlife Department, to explore the critical role of habitat conservation and restoration in sustaining our state’s diverse wildlife.

Caitlyn brings a wealth of experience and a deep love for the outdoors, describing herself as someone who was "born to be outdoors." Her passion shines through as she shares how science-based strategies and collaboration are key to restoring landscapes impacted by wildfire, drought, and human activity.

We talk about current habitat projects across New Mexico, how the department identifies areas of concern, and why thriving ecosystems are the foundation of successful wildlife management. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, conservationist, or curious learner, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who cares about the future of New Mexico’s wild places.

In this episode of the New Mexico Wildlife Podcast, we dive into the essentials of responsible boating and how you can help protect our waters from Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS). Join AIS Coordinator James Dominguez from the New Mexico Department of Wildlife and Scott Chambers from New Mexico State Parks as they share expert tips, safety reminders, and real-life examples of what every boater should know before hitting the water.

We talk about the importance of boat inspections, Clean-Drain-Dry practices, boater education, life jacket laws, and how AIS can impact the ecosystems, recreation, and the future of our lakes and rivers.

Whether you're a seasoned boater or just getting started, this episode is packed with vital info to keep your summer safe, legal, and environmentally friendly.

In this episode, we dive into the impactful world of hunter education with Stephanie Walton. The Hunter Education Program plays a vital role in teaching safety, ethics, and conservation to future generations. Discover how you can volunteer and contribute to shaping the next generation of responsible hunters. Join us as we discuss the program’s mission, the rewards of mentorship, and how to get involved.

https://wildlife.dgf.nm.gov/education/hunter-education/

If you’re planning to apply for a big game tag in New Mexico this year, this episode is for you. The draw process can be confusing, and we want to make sure you have all the information you need to apply successfully.

Joining me are two experts who work directly with hunters—Christina Salazar, executive secretary to the director at New Mexico Game and Fish, and Robin Quintana, the department’s Information Coordinator. They’ll help us break down key deadlines, common mistakes to avoid, how to research and select the right hunts, and answer some of the most frequently asked questions from both residents and non-residents.

Whether you’re new to the draw or have been applying for years, this episode will give you the tools to navigate the system with confidence.

New Mexico is an amazing place to enjoy your off-highway vehicle (OHV). The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish OHV program provides off-highway motor vehicle recreation that recognizes the importance of New Mexico’s cultural, historic and resource values while also ensuring public safety.

New Mexico has requirements for off-highway motor vehicles designed to protect the safety of all OHV users and ensure responsible and culturally sensitive OHV use. The law requires each OHV user to register or obtain a permit for their OHV if it is used on public land. Join us as we talk with the team behind the OHV Program, and learn what riding off road in New Mexico is all about!

https://ridenm.dgf.nm.gov/

The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation have a long-standing partnership dedicated to preserving and enhancing elk populations in the Land of Enchantment. Together, they’ve spearheaded habitat restoration projects that ensure sustainable, high-quality elk herds across the state. Join us as we discuss the importance of elk conservation, habitat management, and the power of collaboration with Josh McDonald of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and NMDGF’s elk biologist, Travis Zaffarano.

Operation Game Thief is a New Mexico Department of Game and Fish program, which pays rewards to citizens who turn in poachers. Begun in 1977 here in New Mexico, Operation Game Thief or a similar program has now been adopted by nearly every other state. In short, Operation Game Thief is crime-stoppers for wildlife. Join us as we talk with Colonel Tim Cimbal and Captain Jeremy Smith on all things OGT.

https://wildlife.dgf.nm.gov/enforcement/operation-game-thief-overview/

The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has a long history of protecting our state's game species. But did you know they're also working tirelessly to conserve countless other creatures? From rare fish to elusive amphibians, the Department's efforts are crucial to maintaining New Mexico's incredible biodiversity.

Join us as we explore the "Saving Our Species" campaign and learn about the incredible work being done to ensure future generations can enjoy the same natural wonders we do. We'll hear from experts like Ginny Seamster, who will discuss Species of Greatest Conservation Need and the revision of the State Wildlife Action Plan. We'll also hear from Leland Peirce on Gila Monsters in New Mexico, Grant Beauprez on the Lesser Prairie Chicken in southeastern New Mexico, and John Bulger on the elusive Ptarmigan.

https://nmswap.org/

The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has a long history of protecting our state's game species, but did you know they're also working tirelessly to conserve countless other creatures?

From rare fish to elusive amphibians, the Department's efforts are crucial to maintaining the incredible biodiversity of our beautiful state. Join us as we explore the 'Saving Our Species' campaign and learn about the incredible work being done to ensure that future generations can enjoy the same natural wonders we do Today, we're diving into the fascinating world of New Mexico’s Fisheries, talking with a few of our Native Fish biologists on two of the states non-game fish species, the Rio Grande Chub and Rio Grande Sucker.

Join us for an inside look at the life as New Mexico Game and Fish Warden. Discover what it takes to protect our state's diverse wildlife, enforce conservation laws, and educate the public about responsible outdoor recreation. From patrolling remote wilderness areas to handling wildlife encounters, we'll explore the challenges and rewards of this exciting career. We will be hearing from the Field Operation Recruitment Lieutenant, Andrew Armendariz, as he gives us insight on the, the day-to-day responsibilities of a Fish and Game Warden, the skills and qualifications needed for the job, application process, and the importance of wildlife conservation in New Mexico. Current application deadline is October 18, 2024. Apply Today!

https://wildlife.dgf.nm.gov/enforcement/career-advancement/

https://careers.share.nm.gov/psc/hprdcg/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_SCHJOB_FL&FOCUS=Applicant