MISSION STATEMENT

The Department encourages responsible use of our public lands: use that leaves the land healthy and unspoiled; that protects our traditional uses, custom and culture, wildlife and wildlife habitat; and allows for the continued enjoyment of these lands for our families and future generations. Please be considerate of the other users of our lands, including ranchers and their livestock, wildlife, equestrians, hikers, and mountain bikers. Use the proper equipment that will keep you and your children as safe as possible while riding. Please respect and obey the laws and rules that are put in place to protect New Mexico’s precious land and people, and that help preserve the customs and culture that are deeply woven into our state.

The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish encourages responsible recreational use of our public lands to:

• Leave land healthy and unspoiled.
• Protect our traditions, customs and culture.
• Preserve wildlife and habitat.
• Allow the continued enjoyment of these lands by our families and for future generations.

Know the Laws, Operate Safely and Enjoy!

New Mexico’s off-highway vehicle (OHV) laws are to ensure safe and responsible use of OHVs to protect all citizens. OHVs include all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs), off-highway motorcycles and snowmobiles. All OHVs must be registered or properly permitted and equipped with a Forest Service-approved spark arrestor.

All operators and passengers younger than 18 years of age must wear a Department of Transportation (DOT) approved helmet and goggles or safety glasses. Operators younger than 18 years of age must carry proof of successful completion of an OHV safety training. Every rider is responsible for knowing and obeying the laws.

New Mexico OHV Code of Ethics

• Learn about the area where you are planning to ride. Before you ride, contact public land managers or private property owners to understand area restrictions and ask for permission. Obtain maps of the area(s) and remain on roads, trails and/or areas designated for OHV use.
• Be courteous on the trail. Allow right-of-way to hikers and horseback riders. If you encounter horses pull off the trail on the low side, stop your engine, remove your helmet and speak to the rider. Wait until all horses have passed 50 feet beyond your location before restarting your engine.
• Minimize the OHV’s impact on other hunters and anglers using the trail. Respect seasonal closures. Avoid operation during peak hunting hours. If retrieving game with an OHV, operate at midday to minimize disturbance to others. Cross streams where designated and at a 90-degree angle wherever possible.
• Leave gates and fences as you found them, and remember it’s unlawful to travel or hunt on private property without the owner’s permission.
• Leave areas cleaner than you found them. A plastic trash bag and bungee cords can be helpful to remove trash.
• Obey trail markers and closure signs. If it’s posted closed, stay out!
• Keep your OHV quiet. Excessive sound stresses wildlife and annoys property owners and other recreational users. It also contributes to your own riding fatigue. Less sound allows you to ride more comfortably and others to enjoy their outdoor experience.
• Approach livestock or wildlife on the trail slowly. Sometimes range cattle will pass the afternoon under shade trees along the trail. If you startle them, they may run directly into your path. Give them time to react; allow as wide a berth as possible. Remember, it is unlawful to pursue or harass livestock.
• Never mix riding with alcohol or drugs. It’s illegal, and it’s dangerous.
• Familiarize yourself with New Mexico’s laws and requirements for OHV!