Join Backcountry Hunters & Anglers for the 14th Annual North American Rendezvous. Between June 13-15, we’re headed back to our roots in Missoula, Montana! Secure your spot and experience iconic events like the Wild Game Cookoff, Public Lands and Waters Celebration, Brewfest, and more. Whether you're flying solo or bringing the whole crew to this family-friendly event, you won’t want to miss this gathering filled with all-new educational seminars, hands-on demos, and some of your favorite outdoor icons. See you ‘round the fire at Rendezvous!

Policy

Stream Access

NMBHA continues to monitor stream access issues in our state and applauds State Attorney General Raul Torrez as he continues to ensure New Mexicans can access their public waterways. Read the latest update to this important public access issue here.

BHA Supports SB 291

New Mexico BHA supports Senate Bill 291 sponsored by Senator Crystal Brantley (R) because strong enforcement protects our wildlife, public lands, and the integrity of fair chase. This bill expands conservation officers’ authority beyond game laws, allowing them to enforce criminal, motor vehicle, and boating laws while on duty. This means they’ll be better equipped to crack down on poaching, illegal access, and other violations in the remote places we hunt and fish.
Enforcement matters—without it, our wildlife and public lands are at risk. With stronger tools, game wardens can better protect our outdoor heritage, ensuring ethical hunting and fishing opportunities for future generations.

BHA Working with Conservation Stakeholders on SB 5

New Mexico BHA continues to support Senate Bill 5, as it guarantees dedicated representation for hunters and anglers on the State Wildlife Commission and strengthens science-based wildlife management, and increases funding for the department’s long term sustainability. The bill has made it Governor Mitchell Lujan Grisham’s desk and is awaiting her signature

Read more about SB 5 here.

Chapter members joined other sportsmen’s groups at the Roundhouse on March 7, standing strong for public lands and showing lawmakers that New Mexico’s hunters and anglers won’t back down when it comes to safeguard public lands.

Stewardship

Pena Blanca - March 22, 2025

Join us for a riverside cleanup of public land along the Rio Grande. Check in for attendees will begin at 9am. We will then split into groups to cover as much ground as possible. Volunteers should be prepared for weather and bring your own work gloves. The litter pickup should be fairly light work, so it is open to all ages. Kid and dog friendly. This event is co-hosted with Adobe Whitewater Club and Santa Fe Chapter of Ducks Unlimited.

Click here for more information and to RSVP.

Kiowa Grasslands - April 4-6, 2025

Join us for the Kiowa National Grassland Stewardship Project. This will be the fifth, and final, year of this fencing removal/modification project with the US Forest Service so we .certainly hope you can make it! In the previous four years of this event, volunteers have modified/verified approximately 80 miles of fencing, and completed 1.3 miles of exclosure fencing improvements, in an effort to enhance pronghorn habitat connectivity.

Volunteers will work alongside USFS staff to verify the height or raise the bottom wire of allotment fencing and remove tumbleweeds from the fence line to allow pronghorn to more easily traverse the grasslands. There are approximately 10 miles of interior fencing remaining to verify / modify this year. A group will also revisit the Sauz Creek wetland exclosure to make further improvements to the fencing, and if there is enough time and volunteers, a playa exclosure fence that was started last year could be finished. All this work enables pronghorn to access the food, water, space and cover they need to survive. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to learn about the importance of the shortgrass prairie ecosystem from USFS staff.

We will gather at the Mills Rim Campground on Friday evening to socialize and hang out around the campfire (conditions permitting). On Saturday morning, breakfast burritos and coffee will be provided by BHA as our Forest Service partners brief the group on the days work and provide instruction. We will then split into groups to travel to different areas that require attention, including the removal of barbed wire fencing, running new strands of fence, and adjusting spacing of strands on existing fence.

After a good days work, we will gather around camp for a wild game potluck, so please bring one of your favorite dishes to share! For those able to stick around on Sunday morning, there may be additional fencing to address, or folks can take the opportunity to explore the area on their own.

Volunteers should be ready for moderate hiking and labor, and should wear appropriate work clothing including sun protection, leather boots, leather work gloves, and eye protection. Please also be sure to bring food, snacks, water, first aid, required medications and communication devices. BHA will have some extra work gloves available, and some extra tools, but basic pliers or fencing pliers would be very helpful to bring.

Be prepared for weather including possible rain, wind, or sunny skies. This event is kid and dog friendly!

Click here for more information and to RSVP.

Finally, check out all of NMBHA’s upcoming stewardship events here.

To learn more about current legislation, check out our blog—or better yet, if you are not a current member, join us! As a member of BHA you will help to elevate the voice of hunters and anglers in New Mexico.

To share feedback or questions on these bills or other policies, email the chapter at [email protected].

Thank you for your continued support and we'll see you in the field!

Sincerely,

The New Mexico Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers

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