N.M. Stat. § 17-2-24
[Officer's right to use animal or vehicle transporting seized
game or fish; public conveyances excepted.]
Where game or fish while being transported is seized under this chapter, the officer
making such seizure shall have authority upon payment of reasonable compensation
therefor, to also take possession of and use any animals and vehicles used in such
transportation for the purpose of conveying the game or fish seized to a convenient
railroad station or place of safekeeping or sale, and also for conveying any person
arrested for the unlawful possession of such game or fish to a place of hearing or trial,
and no liability shall attach to such officer by reason thereof, but this section shall not
apply to any animal or vehicle while being used as a public conveyance for passengers
or mails, or any railroad car.