Section 17-3-17 - Fishing without license; exceptions. - New Mexico Statutes

17-3-17. Fishing without license; exceptions.

A.     It is a misdemeanor for any person, except children who have not reached their twelfth birthday, to take or attempt to take any game fish from any public stream or water in this state without having on his person a proper fishing license as provided by law.  The presence of any person, except children who have not reached their twelfth birthday, along any public stream or water in this state with fishing rod, hook or line, without having on his person a proper fishing license, is prima facie evidence of the violation of this section.  The director of the department of game and fish or any conservation officer may require any person along any public stream or water in this state with fishing rod, hook or line to exhibit his license.   

B.     The director, with the approval of the state game commission, may designate no more than two nonconsecutive Saturdays in each year as free fishing days.  During the free fishing days, residents and nonresidents may exercise the privileges of holders of proper fishing licenses without having proper fishing licenses and without payment of any license fees, subject to all limitations, restrictions, conditions, laws, rules and regulations applicable to holders of proper fishing licenses.