A large variety of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians make their home on the Lincoln. Deer, elk, bear and turkey draw a large percentage of New Mexico s game hunters to the forest. There are unlimited opportunities to observe and enjoy the songbirds and other small animals.
Fishing is limited to a few streams although some private fishing lakes are nearby.
Also, Bonito Lake recreation area managed by Agamogordo City is adjacent to Smokey Bear Ranger District. Sikes Act projects, funded through the sale of game and fish stamps, along with support from a broad spectrum of other sources, finance production and improvement of animal habitat. Lincoln National Forest in southern New Mexico varies from craggy limestone cliffs and desert canyons to rolling pinyon hills, high mountain streams, and subalpine forests and meadows. This tremendous diversity of habitats is home to a rich assortment of native animals and plants. Coupled with local climate patterns, the area's unique geological history has allowed many species to evolve here that are found nowhere else in the world.