These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
1Find out what they want to do
You can ask"Do you want to fish, hunt, or gather things like piñon or wild greens?"
You can ask"Are you a New Mexico resident? Are you 65 or older, a veteran, or living with a disability?"
You can say"Food from the land is a great skill. Doing it legally keeps you safe from big fines."
2Fishing licenses
Kids 11 and under fish free. Everyone 12 and up needs a license. Licenses run April 1 to March 31.
Free: NM residents 70 and older. Free: 100% disabled NM veterans (apply to the Department's Santa Fe office).
Lower cost: Junior (ages 12-17), Senior (ages 65-69), and Disabled licenses for residents with a permanent disability.
On Forest Service or BLM land you also need a Habitat Stamp ($10). Adults 18+ also need a yearly Habitat Management and Access Validation. Free licenses don't need either one.
New Mexico Department of Wildlife
Hunting and fishing licenses
888-248-6866
2715 E. Northrise Dr., Las Cruces · Customer service line staffed regular business hours. Southwest Area Office (Las Cruces): 575-532-2100. Buy licenses online anytime or at local license vendors.
Buy online, by phone, or at stores that sell licenses ($1 vendor fee).
Bring
- ID
- their Social Security number (at least the last 4 digits are required)
- proof of age, veteran status or disability if asking for a discount
3Where to fish near Silver City
Bill Evans Lake (near Cliff and Gila), Lake Roberts (on NM 35 north of town), Bear Canyon Lake (near Mimbres; fishing was poor after the 2024 Trout Fire, so check first) and the Gila River.
4Hunting
Hunting needs a license. Deer and elk use a draw, with spring deadlines and higher costs.
A Game-Hunting and Fishing license covers squirrels, game birds (not turkey) and fishing. Disabled veterans can get it at low cost.
Anyone under 18 must pass hunter education first (it can be done online), or join the Mentored-Youth program.
5Gathering on the Gila National Forest
Gila National Forest - Supervisor's Office
Permits for piñon nuts and other forest products
575-388-8201
3005 E. Camino del Bosque, Silver City · Call for hours
Piñon nuts ripen in the fall (September and October), but only in good years.
Gila National Forest - Supervisor's Office
Firewood cutting permits ($2 per cord)
575-388-8201
3005 E Camino del Bosque, Silver City · Mon-Fri 8:00-4:30 (closed federal holidays); permits sold year-round
Wild greens like verdolagas (purslane), quelites (lamb's quarters) and nopales grow around town in summer.
Never eat a wild mushroom or plant you are not sure of. Some can kill. If someone gets sick, call 911.
More help like this
Hungry today and needs food for the monthUse when someone is hungry now and also needs enough food for the rest of the month.Has special diet needs (diabetes, allergies, no teeth)Use when someone needs food that fits a health need: diabetes, food allergies, kidney or heart problems, soft food for missing teeth, or special baby formula.Someone is asking for money at your doorUse when a stranger knocks at your home or business asking for money, gas, food or a ride, and you want to stay safe, spot scams, and point them to real help.All food pantries in Grant County: places, days, times and what to bringUse when someone wants a list of every food pantry and free food distribution in Grant County, with where and when they are, who qualifies and what to bring.Wants to stock up on beans, rice, masa, flour, sugar, salt and oilUse when someone wants to buy basic staples (beans, rice, masa, flour, sugar, salt, oil) in bulk to save money and have food that lasts for months.Wants more fresh fruit and vegetables with SNAP (Double Up Food Bucks)Use when someone gets SNAP and wants more fresh fruit and vegetables. Double Up Food Bucks gives free extra money for New Mexico-grown produce at farmers markets.
See all guides in Food and basics →
This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer
Know a better way? Is something out of date?
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Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City,
575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.