Due to the regular amending of regulations in New Mexico, it is recommended that before hunting you check these CWD regulations, as well as those of any other states or provinces in which you will be hunting or traveling through while transporting cervid carcasses. The contact information for New Mexico can be seen below:
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, Contact for special permits: Monique White, Law Enforcement Division, 505-476-8064; Contact for Wildlife health issues: Kerry Mower, 505-476-8080, kerry.mower@state.nm.us
Standard Regulations
Under statutory authority, the Director of New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has declared a moritorium on importation of cervids into New Mexico. This moratorium was declared because of the rapid spread of CWD across the nation. The duration of this moritorium is indefinite. Under normal circumstances, New Mexico allows importation of cervids from facilities certified through USDA approved herd certification program. Source herds must be located in an area free of CWD. Permit to import cervids requires $500 application fee, 2 forms of approved identification, health certificate, Tuberculosis, Johne's, and Brucellosis testing. Movements of cervids within New Mexico requires advance written notice, 2 forms of animal ID, and a health certificate.
CWD Regulations for Captive Cervids and Wildlife
Enrollment in Herd Certification Program is voluntary. Any CWD event in a game park will result in mandatory quarantine and surveillance for that facility. CWD management actions and herd plan will be determined collaboratively among owners, Department of Game and Fish, New Mexico Livestock Board, and USDA APHIS
New CWD Regulations in Development
Regulations for game park operation and for importation into game parks were revised to reflect requirements of the Herd Certification Program. Revision of both game park regulations and importation regulations are under review and slated for revision and modification.
CWD Testing Program For Captive Cervids
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish administers the Herd Certification Program. Testing for herds not enrolled in the Herd Certification Program is voluntary. Testing is required for herds enrolled in the Herd
Certification Program. Testing costs are borne by owners.
CWD Testing Program For Wildlife
Surveillance includes statewide random tissue collection from hunter-killed elk and deer combined with targeted collection from high-risk areas and from suspect animals. Hunters in Game Management Units 19 and 28 are required to submit tissues for testing. All hunters who submit valid tissue samples are eligible for premier hunt opportunities awarded through lottery. All reports of sick and abnormal animals are investigated by New Mexico Department of Game and Fish; all abnormal deer and elk are collected and tested.
Baiting Banned?
Subsection I of 19.31.10 NMAC Hunting and Fishing - Manner and Method of Taking, Use of Baits or Scents: It shall be unlawful for anyone to take or attempt to take any protected species by use of baits or scents as defined in Subsection P of 19.31.7 NMAC. Scent masking agents on one's person are allowed. (This regulation is in reference to animals in the wild and not in Class "A" Game Parks). Per Subsection D. of 19.03.2 NMAC Depredation Assistance Causing a Nuisance Game Animal Problem: It shall be unlawful for any person, by intention or through negligence, to cause a nuisance game animal problem by baiting, or otherwise enticing game animals to an area, and such persons, if convicted, may be punished under 17-2-10 NMSA 1978.
Feeding Banned?
Per Subsection D. of 19.03.2 NMAC Depredation Assistance Causing a Nuisance Game Animal Problem: It shall be unlawful for any person, by intention or through negligence, to cause a nuisance game animal problem by baiting, or otherwise enticing game animals to an area, and such persons, if convicted, may be punished under 17-2-10 NMSA 1978.
Ban On Movement of Animal Parts?
Only boned meat, cleaned and decontaminated skull caps, hides, and ivories can be removed from any designated area where CWD has been confirmed. Carcasses must be discarded in the field or incinerated.
CWD Found in Captive Cervids?
None
CWD Found In Free Ranging Cervids?
Yes, deer in Organ Mtns, Sacramento Mtns, McGregor Range, and a single case from San Andres Mtns. Elk from Sacramento Mtns.