New Mexico’s geography and ecology support a wide variety of game species, so hunters may go after everything from grouse and squirrels to quail and ducks or the coveted bull elk, mule deer, or pronghorn.
To help you plan your next hunting trip to New Mexico, we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to the state’s hunting seasons. We’ll discuss about the legal hunting seasons, the kind of animals you may pursue, and any restrictions on your part. This guide will help you make the most of your next hunting season in New Mexico. To find out more, keep reading!
When to Go Hunting in New Mexico?
Hunters from all over go to New Mexico for the abundance of different types of game. Many common game animals and birds may be found in great numbers throughout the state.
Download NM Printable Guide 2023-2024
Detailed plans for this year’s hunting seasons in New Mexico are provided below.
Deer Season
Seasons for hunting deer in New Mexico might vary greatly depending on where you live in the state. Any hunter in New Mexico must either join a public drawing or hunt on privately owned territory. The dates vary greatly from one region to the next. New Mexico is unique among the states in that there is no single hunting season dedicated to deer.
There are a lot of hunting groups in New Mexico, and many of them have separate seasons for various kinds of firearms. Some units may classify the season as bow, muzzle, archery, or “any,” for instance. This isn’t always the case, however. In certain places, deer season is shorter and shorter each year.
As a result, where you hunt greatly influences when deer season begins in New Mexico. Find below the latest deer calendar below.
| New Mexico Deer Season | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season End Date | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Bow Draw Limited | 1-Sep | 24-Sep | Unit 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 45, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 56, 57, 58, 59. |
| Premium Statewide | 1-Sep | 31-Jan | Statewide. |
| Bow (Private Land) | 1-Sep | 24-Sep | Unit 8, 46, 54, 55. Only on private property. In most places, tags are limitless. |
| Early Restricted Muzzleloader | 27-Sep | 3-Oct | Unit 9, 52. specific guidelines for muzzleloader types. Observe the rules |
| 1st Muzzleloader Limited | 27-Sep | 3-Oct | Unit 2, 7, 10, 14, 41, 42, 45, 47, 48, 56, 57, 58, 59. |
| Muzzleloader (Private Land) | 27-Sep | 3-Oct | Private lands only in Units 8, 46, 54, 55, and 55B. In most places, tags are limitless. |
| 2nd Muzzleloader Limited | 1-Oct | 5-Oct | Unit 6 |
| Any Legal Weapon (Private Land) | 15-Oct | 27-Nov | Unit 8, 46, 54, 55, 55B. By unit, season dates vary. For dates relevant to your unit, see the rules. Only on private grounds. In most places, tags are limitless. |
| Any Weapon Draw Limited | 22-Oct | 18-Dec | Unit 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 45, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59. Seasons vary by unit. Please check regulations. |
| Late Restricted Muzzleloader | 22-Oct | 26-Oct | Unit 33. Particular limitations on the muzzleloader design Observe the rules |
| Deer- 3rd Muzzleloader Limited | 22-Oct | 26-Oct | Unit 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 43. |
| 4th Muzzleloader Limited | 29-Oct | 2-Nov | Unit 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27. |
| 5th Muzzleloader Limited | 5-Nov | 9-Nov | Unit 34 |
| 6th Muzzleloader Limited | 12-Nov | 16-Nov | Unit 12 |
| 7th Muzzleloader Limited | 3-Dec | 7-Dec | Unit 19 |
| Late Bow Draw Limited | 1-Jan | 15-Jan | Unit 2, 8, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
Antelope Seasons
| New Mexico Antelope Season | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bow (Private Land) | 4-Aug | 12-Aug | Unit 14, 46, 48, 54, 55 |
| Bow Limited | 4-Aug | 12-Aug | |
| Muzzleloader (Private Land) 1 | 6-Aug | 8-Aug | Unit 4. Youth only. |
| Bow Private Land | 9-Aug | 17-Aug | Unit 4 |
| Any Weapon Limited – Youth 1 | 13-Aug | 15-Aug | Youth Only. Units 2, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 31, 32, 33, 36, 37, 38, 39, 41, 42, 47, 56, 58, 59 |
| Any Weapon (Private Land) 1 | 13-Aug | 15-Aug | Unit 14, 46, 48, 54, 55 |
| Any Weapon Limited 1 | 13-Aug | 15-Aug | Units 2, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 31, 32, 33, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 43, 47, 56, 58, 59. |
| Any Weapon – Mobility Impaired | 20-Aug | 22-Aug | Mobility Impaired Only. Units 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 31, 32, 33, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 47, 56, 58, 59. |
| Any Weapon Limited 2 | 20-Aug | 22-Aug | Units 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 31, 32, 33, 36, 37, 38, 39, 41, 42, 47, 50, 52, 56, 57, 58, 59. |
| Any Weapon (Private Land) 2 | 20-Aug | 22-Aug | Unit 14, 46, 48, 54, 55 |
| 2nd Muzzleloader Limited | 20-Aug | 22-Aug | Units 29 (Youth only), 50, and 52 |
| 1st Muzzleloader Limited | 20-Aug | 22-Aug | Unit 50, 52 |
| Any Weapon (Private Land) 3 | 23-Aug | 25-Aug | Unit 14, 46, 48, 54, 55 |
| Any Weapon Limited 3 | 23-Aug | 25-Aug | Units 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 21, 24, 31, 32, 33, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 47, 56, 58, 59. |
| 3rd Muzzleloader Limited | 27-Aug | 29-Aug | Unit 29 |
| 4th Muzzleloader Limited | 3-Sep | 4-Sep | Unit 28 (McGregor Range) |
| Any Weapon Limited – Youth 2 | 15-Oct | 17-Oct | Youth Only. Units 41, 47, 56, 57, 58, 59 |
Elk Seasons
| New Mexico Elk Season | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bow Limited | 1-Sep | 21-Dec | By unit, seasons differ. View the rules. |
| Bow – Late (Private Land) | 15-Sep | 24-Sep | Unit 2, 4, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6C, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 16A, 22, 16C, 16B/22, 16C16D, 16E, 17, 21A, 21B, 23, 24, 34, 36, 45, 48, 49, 50-53. |
| Premium Statewide | 1-Sep | 31-Jan | Statewide. For further information, see the rules. |
| Bow – Early (Private Land) | 1-Sep | 14-Sep | Unit 2, 4, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6C, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 16A, 22, 16C, 16B/22, 16C16D, 16E, 17, 21A, 21B, 23, 24, 34, 36, 45, 48, 49, 50-53. |
| Any Weapon 1 (Private Land) | 1-Oct | 31-Dec | Unit 4. The license is only valid for five days in a row throughout a season. |
| Any Weapon Limited | 8-Oct | 22-Jan | By unit, seasons differ. View the rules. |
| Muzzleloader 1 (Private Land) | 8-Oct | 31-Dec | Unit 2, Units 6A, 6C, 7, 10, 36, 45, 48, 52, and 53 (Includes using a crossbow and an arrow) (License is only valid for five consecutive days within the specified season.) |
| Youth Bow & Muzzleloader (Private land) | 8-Oct | 12-Oct | Unit 13, 15, 17. restricted to 5 straight days during the hunt. |
| Muzzleloader Limited | 8-Oct | 14-Dec | By unit, seasons differ. View the rules. |
| Youth Any Weapon (Private Land) | 8-Oct | 12-Oct | Unit 16C, 16E, 23, 24, 34. |
| Any Weapon 2 (Private land) | 8-Oct | 31-Dec | Unit 5A, 5B, 12, 16B/22, 21A, 21B, 49, 50, 51 |
| Muzzleloader 2 (Private Land) | 15-Oct | 31-Dec | Units 9, 13, 15, 16E, 17, 23, 24, and 34 (which also include archery and the crossbow) (License is only valid for 5 consecutive days within the designated season. ). |
| Any Weapon 3 (Private land) | 15-Oct | 31-Dec | Unit 2, 10, 6A, 6C, 7, 16A, 16C, 16D, 36, 45, 48, 52, 53. |
| Any Weapon 4 (Private Land) | 22-Oct | 31-Dec | Unit 16E, 23, 24, 34. |
| Muzzleloader 3 (Private Land) | 1-Jan | 31-Jan | Unit 13, which exclusively covers antlerless elk and also covers crossbow and archery (License is only valid for 5 consecutive days within the designated season.) |
Big Games
Bear Season
| New Mexico Bear Season | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bear (Early Any Weapon) | 16-Aug | 31-Aug | Zone 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11. See regulations for units. Dogs allowed. |
| Bear (Bow) | 1-Sep | 24-Sep | Zone 1-14. Dogs not allowed. |
| Bear (Late Any Weapon) | 25-Sep | 15-Dec | Zone 1-14. Seasons vary depending on unit. See regulations. Dogs allowed. |
Other Games
| Other Games | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Pronghorn* | 4-Aug | 17-Oct |
| Desert Bighorn Ram* | 5-Aug | 31-Jan |
| Barbary Sheep* | 8-Oct | 31-Mar |
| Oryx* | 1-Jun | 31-Mar |
| Cougar | 1-Apr | 31-Mar |
Bobcat, Coyote, Javelina, Mountain Lion & Fox Season
| New Mexico Bobcat, Coyote, Javelina, Mountain Lion & Fox Season | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season End Date | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bobcat | 1-Nov | 15-Mar | Statewide |
| Coyote | 1-Jan | 31-Dec | There is no limit and no closed season. |
| Javelina – Statewide OTC | 1-Jan | 31-Mar | Entire State except Unit 19, 23-28. |
| Mountain lion – Statewide | 1-Apr | 31-Mar | |
| Fox | 1-Nov | 15-Mar | Statewide |
Bighorn Sheep Season
| New Mexico Bighorn Sheep Season | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rocky Mountain Ram | 5-Aug | 31-Jan | Unit 16B, 22, 23, 24, 45, 53, 55, 49, 50, 58. By unit, seasons differ. View the rules. |
| Desert Ram | 12-Aug | 3-Jan | Unit 13, 17, 19, 20, 26, 27. By unit, seasons differ. View the rules. |
| Rocky Mountain Ewe | 2-Sep | 30-Sep | Unit 45, 49, 50, 53. Bow By unit, seasons differ. View the rules. |
| Rocky Mountain Ewe | 17-Sep | 19-Dec | Unit 45, 49, 50, and 53. By unit, seasons differ. View the rules. |
Squirrel Season
| New Mexico Squirrel Season | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season End Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Squirrel (Abert’s, Red, Gray and Fox) | 1-Sep | Saturday-December 31, 2022 |
Dove Season
| New Mexico Dove Season | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season End Date | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Zone-Early season | 1-Sep | 28-Oct | 15 mourning doves every day per bag. |
| North Zone | 1-Sep | 29-Nov | 15 mourning doves every day per bag. |
| South Zone-Late season | 1-Dec | 1-Jan | 15 mourning doves every day per bag. |
Goose Season
| New Mexico Goose | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goose (Pacific Flyway North-1) | 24-Sep | 9-Oct | White-fronted geese daily bag limit is 10, light goose daily bag limit is 20, and Canada goose daily bag limit is 4. |
| Goose (Pacific Flyway South) | 17-Oct | 31-Jan | White-fronted geese daily bag limit is 10, light goose daily bag limit is 20, and Canada goose daily bag limit is 4. |
| Goose (Central Flyway Light) | 17-Oct | 31-Jan | 50 light goose may be taken each day. |
| Goose (Central Flyway Dark) | 17-Oct | 31-Jan | 5 dark gooses every day in the bag. |
| Goose (Pacific Flyway North-2) | 2-Nov | 31-Jan | White-fronted geese daily bag limit is 10, light goose daily bag limit is 20, and Canada goose daily bag limit is 4. |
| Goose (Central Flyway MRGV Dark) | 19-Dec | 31-Jan | The daily bag limit for Canada and White-fronted geese is two. |
| Goose (Central Flyway Conservation Order) | 1-Feb | 10-Mar | Goose light without limit |
| Grouse – Dusky (Blue) | 1-Sep | 31-Dec | Per day bag limit of 3. |
Duck Seasons
| New Mexico Duck Season | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Flyway (North and South Zone) | 10-Sep | 18-Sep | September Teal ( Check the rules for bag limits) |
| Central Flyway (North Zone) | 8-Oct | 11-Jan | Check the rules for bag limits. |
| Pacific Flyway (North and South Zone) | 19-Oct | 31-Jan | Check the rules for bag limits. |
| Central Flyway (South Zone) | 28-Oct | 31-Jan | Check the rules for bag limits. |
Pheasant & Quail Season
| New Mexico Pheasant & Quail Season | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pheasant (Statewide OTC) | 8-Dec | 11-Dec | County of Valencia is excluded. 3 males maximum per bag per day. |
| Quail (Statewide) | 15-Nov | 15-Feb | Per day bag limit of 15. |
Sandhill Crane Season
| New Mexico Sandhill Crane Season | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Estancia Valley-1 | 29-Oct | 1-Nov | daily bag limit of 3 for Sandhill crane |
| Eastern | 29-Oct | 29-Jan | daily bag limit of 3 for Sandhill crane |
| South Western-1 | 29-Oct | 6-Nov | daily bag limit of 3 for Sandhill crane |
| Estancia Valley-2 | 3-Nov | 6-Nov | daily bag limit of 3 for Sandhill crane |
| Middle Rio Grande Valley-1 | 12-Nov | 13-Nov | daily bag limit of 3 for Sandhill crane |
| Middle Rio Grande Valley-2 | 26-Nov | 27-Nov | daily bag limit of 3 for Sandhill crane |
| Middle Rio Grande Valley-3 | 10-Dec | 11-Dec | daily bag limit of 3 for Sandhill crane |
| Middle Rio Grande Valley-4 | 7-Jan | 8-Jan | daily bag limit of 3 for Sandhill crane |
| South Western-2 | 7-Jan | 8-Jan | daily bag limit of 3 for Sandhill crane |
| Middle Rio Grande Valley-5 | 14-Jan | 15-Jan | daily bag limit of 3 for Sandhill crane |
Turkey Seasons
| New Mexico Turkey Season | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Youth-only Spring OTC | 7-Apr | 9-Apr |
| Spring OTC License Hunts | 15-Apr | 15-May |
| Fall (bow only) | 1-Sep | 30-Sep |
| Fall (shotgun, bow or crossbow) | 1-Nov | 30-Nov |
Note: Please note that the dates mentioned here may not be up-to-date for the current season, so it is recommended to verify them before making any plans.
Hunting license
Before hunting, New Mexico needs a license. Deer hunters need a Habitat Management and Access Validation.
Tags and licenses may be bought online, via phone, and in-person. You must apply to win the drawing and hunt big game. Some hunters don’t get licenses. So, prepare backup hunting plans.
Online licenses and permits must be printed. Regular paper works great. Deer hunting requires a tag. You may also use an E-tag.
If you decline the electronic tag, you’ll get a combination license/tag. This document may replace another you may still bring. Pre-ordering licenses allows for mailing. License delivery may take 14 days.
Everyone who goes hunting in New Mexico has to have a valid license. Some types of game may need more expensive licenses and fees.
Place to Go Hunting in New Mexico
New Mexico has several public hunting sites. In certain places, public property may have restrictions. Before searching, know them well.
- BLM-managed regions: BLM-managed lands allow hunting. Each BLM preserve has regulations. Before hunting on BLM territory, know the rules.
- Forest Land areas: New Mexico’s national forests cover 9,000,000 acres. This area is used for hunting and trapping. Some National Forest areas may have vehicle restrictions. Certain places are periodically prohibited for controlled burning.
- Reserved for public use by the state: New Mexico Game Commission and Commissioner of Public Lands control hunting on State Trust Lands. Site-specific regulations apply.
- Personal Property: New Mexico’s Department of Game and Fish, State Property Office, and/or BLM coordinate hunting access on private land. These agreements allow residents and tourists to hunt on many private New Mexico estates. These distinct contracts may be changed annually.
- Reserves for the Military: Military reserves in New Mexico allow hunting. Military reservations monitor and cancel hunts. Read the guidelines before hunting on a military reserve.
Hunting Regulations
Youth
Underage hunters aren’t permitted in New York. Deer and bear hunting seasons are restricted to 13- to 15-year-olds unless accompanied by a licensed adult, and take techniques are limited.
13- to 15-year-olds may engage in a Columbus Day weekend hunt. Young hunters may shoot one deer and one bear. Adults supervising young hunters aren’t allowed to join them or carry firearms.
General Regulations
New Mexico hunters must follow regulations and limits while hunting deer. Avoid the following.
- Dumping & Polluting
- Gun misuse
- Neglecting & Carelessly ignoring a fire
- Unlicensed hunting.
- You shouldn’t shoot more than one deer a day unless necessary.
- Using bright lights around cattle or wildlife.
- Making prank calls using electronics.
- Camping within 300 yards of a well, tank, or watering hole.
- Vehicle-based attacks.
- Driving in restricted streets.
- Hunting by aircraft.
- Shooting within 150 feet of an occupied building (including vacated and abandoned buildings).
- Cameras used for remote animal spotting.
- Interfering with legal hunters.
Other Regulations
- The state of New Mexico has its own set of rules regarding the disposal of wasted game. Any food you plan on eating while out in the field will need transport. However, you are under no obligation to remove the internal organs or ribcage.
- Any injured animal must be located and treated as quickly as possible by the hunter.
- To waste an animal is to take little more than its head and antlers and leave the rest of the corpse for waste.
Contacts
NEW MEXICO DEPARTMENT OF GAME & FISH.
Address
1 Wildlife Way, Santa Fe, New Mexico-87507.
Phone Number
(505) 476-8000
(888) 248-6866
FAQ on New Mexico Hunting Season
How soon does New Mexico's deer hunting season begin?
Depending on what you’re after, the best time to go deer hunting in New Mexico is from September 1st, to January 31st. However it depends on the area you are hunting.
How is late season elk hunting in New Mexico?
It’s common for New Mexico’s elk-hunting lottery to go up in the first week of January and run all the way through the second or third week of March.