Lesser Prairie-Chicken 

Before the southern population of the species was listed in 2023 as endangered, the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) had designated 30 Prairie Chicken Areas (PCAs), ranging in size from 28 to 7,189 acres, and totaling more than 27,262 acres. More recently, NMDGF purchased an additional 7,417-acre property that connects two of the previously owned PCAs to create a 9,817-acre contiguous property. PCAs are closed to the public annually during the breeding and nesting season (March 1 to July 30), and restrictions are in place to minimize noise and other activities associated with oil and gas drilling. 

Hiking is the best way to see wildlife at the Prairie Chicken Wildlife Areas.

Wildlife viewers, hikers, photographers, bicyclists, and horseback riders must have a valid license or permit.