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Explore and Learn with “Wildlife” in April… and Beyond

April is here, spring is in full swing, and the Department of Wildlife’s staff is thrilled to provide several exciting educational activities!

Source: New Mexico Department of Wildlife
Photos: Courtesy

You can see all of the Department’s upcoming events on their website.

Join the New Mexico Department of Wildlife for a family-friendly day of outdoor fun, wildlife experiences and community celebration as we mark two major milestones: The completion of a decade-long renovation of the Glenwood State Fish Hatchery and the opening of the new Glenwood Allred Wildlife Management Area, a beautiful destination for birding, hiking and river access. Click here for more information.

May 9, 2026

Event Schedule:

  • 8 a.m. — Birding Hike at Glenwood Allred Wildlife Management Area: Explore the rich birdlife with experienced guides.
  • 9:15 a.m. — Gila Trout Stocking at Whitewater Creek: Come help us transport and release Gila trout at the Catwalk Recreation Area.
  • 10 a.m.-2 p.m. — Activities at Glenwood Community Park: Enjoy hands‑on wildlife and outdoor activities for all ages, including archery, a bowfishing simulation, remote‑control OHV safety course, wildlife identification and demonstrations from partner agencies and organizations.
  • 1, 2 and 3 p.m. — Tours of the Glenwood State Fish Hatchery: Learn about the newly renovated facility and its role in Gila trout conservation.
  • 2 p.m. — “Breaking Bad Habits” Community Clean-Up at Glenwood Community Park: Help us keep the Glenwood area clean and litter-free.

Events will take place at multiple locations throughout the Glenwood area:

  • Glenwood-Allred Wildlife Management Area
  • Glenwood Community Park
  • Whitewater Creek at the Catwalk Recreation Area
  • Glenwood State Fish Hatchery

If you are interested in partnering with us by providing a demonstration, activity booth or sharing educational materials, or would like more details, we would be happy to connect. For more information, contact Assistant Chief of Education Curt Coffman at:

DGF-WildlifeEd@dgf.nm.gov.

Department of Wildlife looks forward to celebrating New Mexico’s wildlife and heritage with you at GilaFest!

Learn the basics of shotgun shooting
(Chaparral Skeet Club in Roswell)

he Department is excited for its upcoming Beginner Shotgun Class, set to take place April 18 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Chaparral Skeet Club in Roswell.

This free class is open to participants age 12 and older. Learn the basics of shotguns and their operations, along with live shooting at clays in the afternoon. If you are new to shooting a shotgun or would like a little more instruction from certified shotgun instructors, this is your opportunity.

Click here to register. Please note the class is limited in size; once you register, you will be contacted if there are spaces available.

New to turkey hunting and eager to learn
(Navajo Lake State Park)

Are you new to turkey hunting and eager to learn? Join New Mexico Department of Wildlife for a weekend-long camp experience, meet new friends and have a great time! This free turkey hunt camp, which takes place at Navajo Lake State Park from April 24-26, is open to adults age 18 and over who have never hunted turkey or who have never hunted at all. The camp is hosted by the New Mexico Department of Wildlife, along with Safari Club International Foundation.

Participants will learn rules and regulations, turkey calling, hunter safety, how to pattern a shotgun, identification, turkey hunting techniques and how to field dress a turkey. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own shotguns in either 12 or 20 gauge. A hunting license, carcass tags and applicable stamps are required. All meals will be included, and participants will camp for two nights at Navajo Lake State Park.

There will be a mandatory Zoom orientation on Monday, April 20, at 6 p.m.

Click here to register. Registration closes when all spots have been filled.

Make sure your aim is on target
(Manzano Mountains State Park)

Want to learn more about archery and bowhunting? The Department is hosting a free Bowhunter Skills Camp on May 2 at Manzano Mountains State Park.

From 9 a.m.-3 p.m., participants will learn about archery basics and safety, how to choose equipment, proper shot placement while hunting, outdoor preparedness and more.

All archery equipment will be provided; however, participants are encouraged to bring their own equipment if they have it. Camping is available at the State Park by reservation. Please indicate your interest in a campsite on the registration form. Participants are responsible for bringing their own food and drinks. All participants under the age of 18 must have a parent or adult present during the camp.

Click here to register. Slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. All participants must have a Department Customer Identification Number (CIN) account and enter this number onto the registration form.

Test Your Skills
(Caballo Lake State Park)

The Department welcomes youth ages 10-17 to take part in an Advanced Hunter Education Skills Camp May 15-17 at Caballo Lake State Park! The camp is free, meals will be provided and participants will tent-camp on the property.

Participants will learn safe and responsible firearms handling, ethical hunting behaviors, conservation, wildlife identification and basic survival skills. Additionally, participants will learn from Department conservation officers about their jobs, including wildlife investigations, decoy operations and working with wildlife. They will also test their marksmanship skills with shotguns. All equipment will be provided.

Click here to register. Slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. To qualify for the camp, participants must have a Customer Identification Number account with the Department and complete the required homework before attending.

Youth Hunter Education Challenge coming soon
(NRA Whittington Center near Raton)

The 2026 Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC) is returning to the world-class NRA Whittington Center near Raton from June 5-7, and all youth hunter education graduates are eligible.

The annual competition between individuals and teams allows youth to demonstrate their shooting skills, marksmanship and hunting safety and knowledge in a fun, competitive environment.

“It is a great way for young hunters to get practical hunting experience in an outdoor environment. Hunting is more than just going out and harvesting an animal. YHEC expands the experience into meeting others with the same interests and to work with the New Mexico Department of Wildlife,” said Rick Richardson, assistant director of YHEC.

To join and for more information, visit the New Mexico YHEC website. 

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