Mescalero Conservation Law Enforcement Department

278 Pine St. / P.O. Box 277

Mescalero, NM 88340

Office: (575) 464-9323

Fax: (575) 464-9527

The Mescalero Conservation Law Enforcement Department is responsible for the protection of the natural resources and wildlife species within the exterior boundaries of the Mescalero Apache Indian reservation. The Mescalero Conservation Department is also responsible for enforcing tribal laws set forth under ordinances and proclamations that the tribal council sets in place. In order to pursue these efforts, the Department conducts a wide range of tasks throughout the fiscal year. The following are just a few things of what we do:

1. Feral & domestic horse trapping
2. Feral hog eradication
3. Wood permit checks
4. Fishing permit checks
5. Assisting BIA law enforcement when needed.
6. Game counts
7. Harvesting rain for wildlife to drink
8. Reservation wide patrols

Some of the events that Mescalero Conservation Department provides are Hunter’s Education Classes, Basic Wilderness Survival and Navigation and an Annual Rabies Clinic. Our Hunter’s Education classes take place usually around the fall season for our youth of Mescalero and the surrounding area. Out “Basic Wilderness Survival and Navigation” class prepares children what to do in the event that they get lost in the woods. The children are taught the basics of how to build a fire, read a compass, and build shelter. It’s a food class not only for kids but for adults as well. The Annual Rabies Clinic takes place in July and we have three different locations within the reservation where we administer rabies vaccinations to canines/felines/ and household pets. We vaccinate anywhere from 200 to 300 pets. So, it’s a good clinic that we put on for awareness and how to keep your pets safe.

The Mescalero Conservation Department is also responsible for all tribal hunts that occur on the reservation for tribal members. Something new this year that we offer is a mountain lion hunt for non-tribal members at a cost of $2500.00. Only ten permits will be issued available on a first come first serve basis. The following is a list of all hunts that we sell over the counter:

1. Mountain Lion
2. Feral Pig
3. Barbary Sheep – NEW
4. Spring Turkey
5. Game Birds (Dove, Quail, & Pigeon)
6. Fall Turkey
7. Cow Elk
8. Trapping (Coyote, Fox Bobcat, Raccoon, Badger, Weasel & Skunk)

Mescalero tribal elders (60 and over) are eligible to enter their name in a drawing for a chance to win a deer permit at no cost. We also have bull elk and mule/whitetail deer permits for sale also issued by a drawing. A three year ineligibility is in effect for all deer (both elder and non) and bull elk hunts. Any tribal member that is active duty military is entitled to (1) one cow elk and (2) two turkey permits to hunt during designated hunting dates at no cost. Non-tribal member employees who are employed with the tribe for (6) six month period can also purchase a game bird permit as long as they abide by all rules and regulations. A ten dollar application fee applies for all hunts. This fee is contributed towards wildlife and habitat enhancement, salt, and water development.

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