The Department of Game and Fish has announced via press release that they are starting to conduct checkpoints throughout the state. The goal is to collect biological data of hunters through the hunting season while also working to identify and detect wildlife law violations.

The checkpoints may cause minor delays for hunters who encounter DGF officers. The release goes on to say that department officers may be assisted by other law enforcement agencies, such as the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, New Mexico State Police, or county sheriff’s offices.

As always, the public is encouraged to report to officials any wildlife crime or suspected crime, such as poaching wildlife without a license. Operation Game Thief is a New Mexico DGF program, which pays rewards to citizens who turn in poachers.

Rewards for reporting cases vary based on the animal in question, as follows:

• $750 for cases involving elk and bighorn sheep
• $500 for deer and oryx
• $350 for antelope
• •250 for turkey, bear, cougar, javelina, ibex, Barbary sheep, endangered species, small game, fish, raptors, and fur-bearers

To report a wildlife crime, you can call Operation Game Thief toll-free at 1-800-432-GAME (4263). Callers can remain anonymous. Violations can also be reported online at by googling “Operation Game Thief New Mexico.”