Department of Wildlife proposal hopes to reel in governor's signature

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish will become the Department of Wildlife in 2026, should Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham approve it.

But it’s more than a nominal change. Senate Bill 5 would also raise fees on dozens of hunting and fishing licenses starting April 2026 and create the State Wildlife Commission, formerly the State Game Commission, to provide a list of commissioner nominees that the governor must choose an appointment from. Currently, the governor appoints all seven members with confirmation from the Senate.

The Senate on Thursday evening agreed on a 21-16 vote to changes the House of Representatives made to the bill, moving it along to the governor’s desk. All Republicans voted against the agreement to the amendments, or concurrence, including bill sponsor Sen. Crystal Brantley, R-Elephant Butte.

Upon reaching her office, Lujan Grisham has three days to veto the measure, or it becomes law.

Advocates and legislators have worked for years to overhaul the Department of Game and Fish. Bipartisan bill sponsors have described SB5 as a compromise, though the New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association still opposes it with concerns of overly broad wildlife protections and regulations.

The House amendments made Wednesday were largely cleanup measures, plus changing a few license fees — such as reducing the nonresident bighorn sheep license from the proposed $9,000 to $3,500 — and clarifying the removal process for game commissioners.

Jesse Deubel, executive director of New Mexico Wildlife Federation, said in a statement following the House passage earlier this week that this is the most significant bill affecting the Game and Fish Department since its inception in the early 1900s.

“We hope the governor will listen to the voices of hunters and anglers who need this bill to become law to maintain a healthy food supply and protect our hunting and fishing traditions,” she said.