There are approximately 9 million state trust surface acres in New Mexico. In addition to U.S. Forest Service and BLM, the State Game Commission has purchased an easement on state trust land for fishermen, hunters and trappers to use. Most are open to public hunting and other recreation. There are some lands withdrawn for hunting access. It is the individual’s responsibility to get all pertinent information from each agency and to know the regulations that each agency has on its managed lands. Much of New Mexico’s public land is mixed with privately owned property. The private landowner has the right to control the use of private land. Sportsmen must get written landowner permission to cross private land where no public access exists to get to the public land. It is unlawful to post or otherwise restrict lawful uses of public land.

 

State Trust Lands cont. Unitization To assure access and create larger, definable hunting areas, hunting and trapping privileges on some state trust lands have been exchanged for the same privileges on private land. These ranches are posted with signs advising that the private land has been unitized. Watch for these signs and contact the landowner if you have any question about the location of the land open to public use. See www.wildlife.state.nm.us

 

If You Are Denied Access The right of entry to state trust land is assured if access is available by public road (defined in Section 67-2-1, NMSA 1978) or across other public lands or trails. If you are denied access, call the nearest State Land Office District Resource Manager, giving complete details, including location, date, time and the name(s) of the person(s) denying access. The State Land Office number in Santa Fe is (505) 827-5760.