SB 5, signed into law in 2025, brings major updates to wildlife governance in New Mexico. It renames the State Game Commission as the State Wildlife Commission and changes the Department of Game and Fish to the Department of Wildlife—reflecting a broader mission beyond traditional game species to include broader wildlife conservation.

For the first time in over two decades, hunting and fishing license fees will increase, with new rates taking effect in 2026 and annual inflation-based adjustments beginning in 2027. The goal is to make the department more financially sustainable in the future. A new $200 shed hunting license will now be required for nonresidents, though residents are exempt.

A key reform in SB 5 is the creation of the State Wildlife Commission Nominating Committee, designed to ensure a more transparent and merit-based appointment process for commissioners. The Commission will consist of seven members with designated roles, including a conservationist, a rancher, and a licensed hunter-angler, and all are required to be New Mexico residents and have knowledge of hunting and fishing issues.

The bill also expands the Department’s authority to manage and protect species of greatest conservation need, including non-game species, and requires annual publication of data and funding use related to those efforts.

While earlier versions of the bill proposed independent oversight of commissioner removals, the Governor vetoed that provision. The final bill version stipulates “a commissioner shall not be removed except for incompetence, neglect of duty or malfeasance in office.”

While New Mexico BHA did not participate in drafting the original bill language or license increases, the chapter has been closely involved in reviewing and providing feedback on behalf of New Mexico’s hunters and anglers. And while this bill is far from perfect, the changes to the commission makeup, funding, and guaranteed seat for a hunter/angler are critically important. New Mexico BHA plans on staying involved during the nominating process to ensure our hunting and angling concerns are well represented on the new commission.

SB 5 – Summary of Key Provisions and Changes (2025)

Game Commission Reform

• The State Game Commission is renamed the State Wildlife Commission to reflect a broader conservation mission.
• The Department of Game and Fish is renamed the Department of Wildlife.
• A new State Wildlife Commission Nominating Committee is created to vet and recommend candidates for commission appointments.
• The Commission will have seven members, each with designated qualifications (e.g., a conservationist, a scientist, a rancher, and a licensed hunter/angler).
• Terms are extended to six years, and members are limited to two terms.

Commissioner Removal Process

• Commissioners can only be removed for cause: incompetence, neglect of duty, malfeasance in office, but the Governor retains ultimate authority, subject to judicial review.
• A commissioner is also automatically removed if they miss three consecutive meetings or no longer meet their original qualifications.
• The State Ethics Commission may initiate removal proceedings in district court.
• While earlier versions of the bill proposed stronger restrictions on the Governor’s removal power, a provision requiring independent review of removals was stripped at the Governor’s insistence.

Licensing and Fees

• Hunting and fishing license fees are updated for the first time in over two decades to provide more sustainable funding for the Department.
• A shed hunting license is created—required only for nonresidents, with a $200 fee.
• Inflation-based adjustments are authorized beginning in 2027.
• Discounts are available for veterans, seniors, youth hunters and SNAP recipients.

Wildlife Management and Conservation

• The Commission is granted authority to manage “species of greatest conservation need,” including non-game species.
• The Department must publish annual data on these species and how state and federal funds are used for recovery efforts.
• The Commission may extend protection to additional species based on science-based criteria.

Implementation Timeline

• The new commission appointments will take effect January 1, 2027.
• The restructuring and rebranding of the Department becomes official on July 1, 2026.
• Fee adjustments begin April 1, 2026, with inflation indexing starting in 2027.