ATTENTION New Mexico Concealed Handgun Licensees: Rule Change Allowing Concealed Carry in State Parks Takes Effect Today

The State Parks Division of the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department formally adopted rule changes to Section 19.5.2.21 of the New Mexico Administrative Code, which include a removal of the ban on concealed handgun licensees from New Mexico and reciprocal states carrying loaded handguns in state parks.  This new rule also allows for the possession of firearms in private motor vehicles or other conveyances that are parked in, or traveling through, state parks.

These new rules take effect today, January 1, 2013.

Please click here to read this adopted rule under "Firearms and Bows."

Thank you to NRA members who contacted the Department in favor of this adopted rule change since public comment submitted overwhelmingly supported this policy change.  We also express our appreciation to state Representative Zach Cook (R-Ruidoso), who sponsored legislation in past sessions of the New Mexico Legislature to repeal this restriction, and to Governor Susana Martinez (R) for her administration's support and leadership on this issue.