BHA Volunteers Modify Bootheel Fences Near Lordsburg to Aid Pronghorn

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) will lead a fence-modification weekend in the Bootheel region 12 miles north of Lordsburg, NM, on February 20-22, 2026, aimed at improving pronghorn connectivity across the landscape. Organizers say the work is straightforward but consequential for wildlife: volunteers will “remove the bottom barbed strand and replace it with a smooth wire set at 16” off the ground,” a change intended to reduce barrier effects for migrating pronghorn.

The weekend is presented as an opportunity for local hunters, anglers and other volunteers to apply hands-on conservation in a short, intensive push. “Are you looking for boots on the ground stewardship this winter? Then join us in the Bootheel region of NM this February 20-22 to help modify fencing for pronghorn connectivity,” the event listing states, adding that “Your help will have a direct and lasting impact on pronghorn’s ability to freely move across the landscape.” Organizers also highlight the social side: “The events are a great place to meet like minded hunters and anglers and bond over a fire, potluck, and stewardship.”

BHA’s published schedule spells out logistics. Participants may “Arrive at the camping location (TBD) any time after 12. You will be on your own for dinner.” On Saturday, “BHA will provide breakfast and coffee. We will have a safety briefing and go over the work at 8:00 am. From there we will go to the worksite and begin. BHA will also provide lunch for everyone.” Saturday night includes a Wild Game Potluck: “Please bring a dish to share, it’s not mandatory for it to be wild game, any dish will do.” Sunday is optional: “½ day of fencing work for those that want to join.”

What BHA supplies on site is clear: “What BHA Provides: Gas cards for fuel reimbursement, Saturday breakfast and lunch, gloves and tools.” Volunteers are asked to bring basic personal gear: “What you need: Wire cutters or fencing tools (if you have them), sunglasses, clothes you don’t mind getting holes in from the barbed wire.” The group describes the effort as “simple work that creates positive impacts immediately.”

The event listing also flags a cooperating agency role: the listing notes that “The Las Cruces BLM office is using pronghorn collar data to identify short ” — a fragmentary note in the published material that indicates BLM data informed the worksite selection. Organizers promote sign-up through social media: “If you have not attended a NM BHA Fence Pull, your opportunity is coming up. Follow the link to RSVP. February 20-22 Bootheel Fence Modification.” No fee is listed for participation in the event materials.

For Hidalgo County residents, the weekend offers a chance to help open wildlife corridors that affect local ecosystems and outdoor traditions, while receiving basic field support from BHA. If turnout is strong, the change to fence spacing could produce immediate local benefits for pronghorn movement and be a model for future collaboration between volunteers and land managers.