New Mexico Wildlife Feeding and Baiting Restrictions

New Mexico Game Commission rules under authority of NMSA 17-2-10 prohibit causing nuisance game animal or depredation problems by baiting, feeding, or enticing game animals to an area. Bait is broadly defined to include salt, minerals, grain, feed, commercial attractants, or any organic material attractive to wildlife. Hunting over bait is also prohibited for protected game mammals and birds. Game and Fish officers enforce these rules statewide on public and private lands. While municipalities may pass complementary urban wildlife feeding bans, they cannot authorize conduct prohibited by state game law. Feeding stations attracting bears, deer, or other big game create criminal exposure even on private property.

Baiting or feeding big game causing nuisance or depredation is a misdemeanor under NMSA 17-2-10, punishable by fines, license revocation, and potential civil restitution for wildlife damage.