New Mexico Open Gate Program

Open Gate leases private land so licensed hunters, anglers and trappers can use it, or pays for right-of-way corridors to public land that is otherwise hard to reach. Landowners get direct per-acre (or per-mile of stream) payments based on location, acreage, habitat type and the activities allowed. Enrolled landowners also get limited liability protection and can get technical guidance and cost-share help for habitat projects. The program is funded by the state's Habitat Management and Access Validation stamp.

• Private landowners in New Mexico; no minimum or maximum acreage

• Property must be capable of supporting a hunting or fishing lease, or provide right-of-way to public land with limited access

• Properties evaluated individually; enrollment contingent on annual availability of funds

Annual agreements are paid in April at the end of the agreement period. Long-term agreements can be paid annually, in a lump sum or a combination. Payment depends on actually granting access to licensed sportspersons during the designated season. Limited liability protection under Statute 17-4-7 NMSA 1978. Property rules are agreed with the Department and posted on signs.

Published amounts: Rate sheet (Open-Gate-Access-Rates, dated 1/14/22, 'Updated 04-20-22'): small game $1.25/acre basic habitat, $2.50/acre cropland, $10.00/acre wetland/riparian; big game $2.20/acre basic, $3.00/acre cropland, $6.00/acre riparian; turkey $3.00/acre; fishing $500.00/acre pond surface or $3,200.00/mile stream; improved access to public land up to $0.50/acre of public land opened. Up to 50% more in premium GMUs and up to 2x for exceptional habitat or high game density. All rates are subject to change without notice.

Contact the Open Gate Program Coordinator at open.gate@dgf.nm.gov or (505) 469-8880, or the NMDOW Information Center at (888) 248-6866. Landowners enter flexible agreements with the Department covering some or all of their property.

Deadline text on the page: No enrollment deadline published. Payments are issued at the end of the agreement period in April of each year if the property is under an annual agreement.