It is unlawful for any person to carry, transport or have in his possession, bows, arrows, crossbows or firearms of any kind or description within or upon any game refuge or to discharge any firearm or arrow into or within any state game refuge in New Mexico; provided this section shall not apply to any county, state or federal officer in the discharge of his official duties, nor to persons crossing refuges over public roads and trails with firearms unloaded or taken down; provided further that permits may be issued by the director to stockmen, trappers, ranchers and property owners, or their employees, to carry firearms while engaged in the discharge of their legitimate affairs on or within game refuges.
NMS § 17-2-12