Southwest Highways March 2013 | Page 8

7 Southwest Highways & Fields

The Campfire Outdoors Guide

New Mexico

Ice Fishing is possible at Eagle Nest Lake State Park. Perch,

Trout, and Northern Pike can be caught there. Trout and Bass can

be hooked in the Rio Grande, and some excellent Trout fishing can

be found in Ruidoso.

Take a trip down to Southwest New Mexico and visit City of

Rocks State Park and Rockhound State Park. Both parks are

near Deming. With daytime highs in the 60's, hiking is a great

activity this month. Both parks have a variety of trails, and

exploring the strange rock formations at City of Rocks is fun for

everybody.

Ibex can be hunted in the Florida Mountains, and there is no closed

season for them in the rest of the state. The Javelina season is

open in most parts of the state, and Barbary Sheep and Oryx can

be bagged in some areas. Always check seasons (888) 248-6866.

This is your last chance to see the Rosy Finches at Sandia Crest, as

they leave in early April and dont come back until November. At

10,000' elevation, the weather can be harsh, and the roads can be

difficult, but it's well worth it to see the three species of Rosy-

Finches and the many other birds that hang out up there.

Hit the powder this month at any of New Mexico's ski areas.

S Ski Apache near Ruidoso would make a good day trip or a

weekend getaway. If groomed runs are not your thing, how about

a snowshoe or cross-country ski excursion at Valles Caldera

National Preserve?