Below is a news release from the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish. 

When the leaves of the aspens start to turn into gold, a familiar sound can be heard through the Valles Caldera. This sound is the bugling of a bull elk. The landscape was once home to a volcano and it is one of New Mexico’s most iconic locations. This seasonal display has drawn wildlife enthusiasts, outdoorsmen and women to the National Preserve from across the nation for years. 

This year, the park had a group of special guests, marking the first “Wildlife for Everyone.” This event is a partnership between the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, the National Park Service and Be the Blessing:The Richard Montoya Organization. The department hosted a unique wildlife viewing event designed for children with disabilities. The goal was simple: give these young participants a chance to experience the wonder of the elk rut in a setting that few ever get to see and make it accessible to everyone. 

During the event, participants learned about elk biology and the rutting season through hands-on educational presentations from department staff, including educators, biologists and conservation officers. They also focused on respecting wildlife and outdoor safety, as well as adaptive opportunities available through the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, including exclusive hunts for those with mobility impairments or other disabilities.  

One parent and organizer with Be the Blessing:The Richard Montoya Organization described the day as unforgettable and shared, “My family has had the best time ever. Savannah was so engaged, and Jared took so many pictures!” 

The event was the first of its kind for the department and it was a step toward building more inclusive outdoor experiences for all New Mexicans. The department hopes to expand this opportunity and more like it in the future with the goal being to include more children and adults with both cognitive and physical disabilities in outdoor experiences – opening the door for everyone to connect with nature and the state’s incredible wildlife and wild spaces. 

(Photo credit: New Mexico Department of Game & Fish)