New Mexico § 17-2-3 - Protected wildlife species and game fish defined

Full text of New Mexico New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 17-2-3 — Protected wildlife species and game fish defined, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 17-2-3. Protected wildlife species and game fish defined

A. The following mammals are game mammals: (1) all of the family Tayassuidae (javelina); (2) within the family Bovidae: (a) all of the genus Bison (American bison) except where raised in captivity for domestic

or commercial meat production; (b) all of the genus Capra (ibex) except for the domestic species of goats; (c) all of the genus Ovis (bighorn sheep) except for the domestic species of sheep; (d) all of the genus Ammotragus (aoudad); (e) all of the genus Tragelaphus (kudu); and (f) all of the genus Oryx (oryx); (3) all of the family Antilocapridae (American pronghorn); (4) all of the family Cervidae (elk and deer); (5) all of the family Ochotonidae (pikas); (6) all of the genus Sciurus (squirrels); (7) all of the genus Tamiasciurus (red squirrels); (8) all of the genus Marmota (marmots) of the family Sciuridae; (9) all of the family Ursidae (bear); and (10) all of the species concolor (cougar) of the genus Felis and family Felidae. B. The following birds are game birds: (1) all of the family Anatidae (waterfowl); (2) all of the family Tetraonidae (grouse and ptarmigans); (3) all of the family Phasianidae (quail, partridges and pheasants); (4) all of the family Meleagridae (wild turkeys) except for the domestic strains of

turkeys; (5) all of the family Perdicidae (francolins); (6) all of the family Gruidae (cranes); (7) all of the family Rallidae (rails, coots and gallinules); (8) all of the family Charadriidae (plovers, turnstones and surfbirds); (9) all of the family Scolopacidae (shorebirds, snipe, sandpipers and curlews); (10) all of the family Recurvirostridae (avocets and stilts); (11) all of the family Phalaropodidae (phalaropes); and (12) all of the family Columbidae (wild pigeons and doves) except for the domestic

strains of pigeons. C. The following fish are game fish: (1) all of the family Salmonidae (trout); (2) all of the family Esocidae (pike); (3) all of the family Ictaluridae (catfish); (4) all introduced species of the family Serranidae (sea bass and white bass); (5) all of the family Centrarchidae (sunfish, crappie and bass); (6) all of the family Percidae (walleye pike and perch); (7) all introduced species of the family Pomadasyidae (sargo); (8) all introduced species of the family Sciaenidae (corvina, bairdiella and redfish); (9) all of the genus Oreochromis (tilapia); and (10) all of the family Moronidae (striped bass, hybrid striped bass, white bass and

others).

Source: official New Mexico text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About New Mexico § 17-2-3

What does New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 17-2-3 cover?

Section 17-2-3 ("Protected wildlife species and game fish defined") is part of the New Mexico Statutes Annotated, the codified statutory law of New Mexico. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite New Mexico § 17-2-3?

A common citation format is "New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 17-2-3" (New Mexico). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of New Mexico law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New Mexico official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New Mexico attorney.

How does New Mexico § 17-2-3 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New Mexico can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in New Mexico.