SNAP Recipients Eligible for 25% Discount on Hunting and Fishing Licenses
The New Mexico Department of Wildlife announced on Jan. 6 that Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program recipients are now eligible for a 25 percent discount on hunting and fishing licenses. The change, enacted under Senate Bill 5 from the 2025 legislative session, aims to expand outdoor access while supporting food security, but requires annual verification and in-person steps for late enrollees.
On Jan. 6 the New Mexico Department of Wildlife implemented a new benefit allowing residents who receive Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program benefits to purchase hunting and fishing licenses at a 25 percent discount. The policy was enabled by Senate Bill 5, passed by the state legislature in 2025, and is intended to lower cost barriers for families seeking outdoor recreation and supplemental food sources.
Under the program, the New Mexico Health Care Authority will provide the Department with a list of current SNAP recipients between Jan. 1 and Jan. 10 each year. That automatic verification will allow those listed to purchase discounted licenses without additional paperwork. Department director Mike Sloane said, “This discount will help make hunting and fishing more accessible to thousands of New Mexicans. With this discount, eligible participants will have increased accessibility to healthy, natural food sources.”
Residents who become eligible for SNAP after Jan. 10 will need to verify their eligibility in person before purchasing discounted licenses. Verification must take place at one of the Department’s offices in Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Roswell, Las Cruces or Raton. The Department has warned that refunds will not be provided for full-price purchases made prior to eligibility verification, underscoring the importance of completing verification before buying a license.
For Los Alamos County residents, the change could increase access to locally available game and freshwater fishing opportunities while trimming household recreation costs. The discount may particularly affect households that rely on subsistence hunting and fishing to stretch food budgets. At the same time, the in-person verification requirement presents a practical hurdle for those who enroll in SNAP later in the year and who must travel to one of the listed offices to secure discounted rates.
The policy also carries implications for wildlife management and license revenue. Expanded access could increase participation in hunting and fishing, with potential effects on harvest levels and on how the Department allocates licensing revenue for conservation and enforcement. Local anglers and hunters should plan purchases around the January verification window or complete in-person verification promptly to avoid paying full price.
Residents seeking more information or assistance can contact the New Mexico Department of Wildlife Information Center at 888.248.6866.
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