Are you looking for boots on the ground stewardship this winter? Then join us in the Bootheel region of NM this February 20-22 to help modify fencing for pronghorn connectivity. Your help will have a direct and lasting impact on pronghorn’s ability to freely move across the landscape.
Bootheel Fence Modification
February 20-22, 2026
12 miles north of Lordsburg, NM
The Las Cruces BLM office is analyzing pronghorn collar data, from Lucas Begeman, to find sections of fencing that pose the greatest barrier to pronghorn movements. The data indicates areas that pronghorn show altered movement behavior, a result of the fencing being impermeable. The data will allow us to pinpoint short sections of fence that we can modify to a smooth bottom wire at 16” off the ground. By working on multiple different short sections of fence, we will improve connectivity on larger areas of habitat.
The work will entail removing the bottom barbed strand and replacing it with a smooth wire set at 16” off the ground. Volunteers will break into groups on separate sections and work as a team to modify the fence. It is simple work that creates positive impacts immediately.
If you have not attended a NM BHA Stewardship event this is your first chance of 2026. The events are a great place to meet like minded hunters and anglers and bond over a fire, potluck, and stewardship.
Weekend Schedule:
Friday, February 20: Arrive at the camping location any time after 12. You will be on your own for dinner.
Saturday, February 21: BHA will provide breakfast and coffee. We will meet at Ryan Olgilvie ranch at 8:30 am. Link below. We will have a safety briefing and go over the work.
Saturday Evening: At each of our stewardship events we have a Wild Game Potluck on Saturday night. Please bring a dish to share, it’s not mandatory for it to be wild game, any dish will do.
Sunday, February 22: ½ day of fencing work for those that want to join.
What BHA Provides: Gas cards for fuel reimbursement, Saturday breakfast, gloves and tools.
What you need: Wire cutters or fencing tools (if you have them), sunglasses, clothes you don’t mind getting holes in from the barbed wire.
Location: The worksite will be ~12 miles north of Lordsburg off of highway 90.
Camping Location:
We have been given access to camp on a private section of land that is on the Gila River. It will be dispersed camping and there is no room for large camper trailers. If you are planning on bringing a camper trailer please contact Bard Edrington and we can make arrangements.
From Lordsburg: total of 27.6 miles north. Take highway 70 North ~3.6 miles, turn right on highway 464 towards Red Rock, go ~21 miles. Follow this until it drops down and follows the Gila river. When the road turns to dirt, go ~2.8 miles to a driveway on your left. Look for a white "BHA Event sign". Turn down this driveway and you will find our camp.
Google Maps of Camping Location
OnX Folder Waypoints and routes to camp and worksite
Saturday morning 8:30 am Meeting Location/Work Location
For those that are meeting us Saturday morning, we will meet at Ryan Olgilvie ranch off of Tyrone Thompson rd at 8:30 am.
From Lordsburg: Go north on highway 70, turn righ on highway 90. Go ~3.7 miles on highway 90 then turn left onto the dirt road Tyrone Thompson rd. Go ~7.2 miles on this road until you see the only ranch on your left. We will meet at the ranch house gate.
Saturday morning 8:30 am Meeting Location.
If anyone has questions, please contact Bard Edrington edrington@backcountryhunters.org 505-231-7413