Join the excitement of New Mexico Oryx Season adventure. In cooperation with the US Department of Defense and White Sands Missile Range (WSMR), the state provides numerous game species options. Enjoy an exciting experience in New Mexico, the only North American location for free-range Oryx.
New Mexico Oryx Hunting Season
The 🦌 hunt spans half the year, with an off-range segment opening for an equal duration and an on-range segment extending an extra month for tag completion. While August and September are prime months for pursuits in New Mexico, the season remains open until the conclusion of February.
| Hunt Type | Dates |
|---|---|
| Youth-Only | Oct 4-6 |
| Once-in-a-Lifetime | Oct 18-20 |
| McGregor Range/Unit 28: | |
| Dec 21-22 | |
| Dec 21-22 | |
| Jan 4-5, '25 | |
| Jan 4-5, '25 | |
| Broken-Horn: | |
| Sep 6-8 | |
| Sep 20-22 | |
| Nov 1-3 | |
| Nov 29-Dec 1 | |
| Jan 10-12, '25 | |
| Jan 24-26, '25 | |
| Feb 7-9, '25 | |
| Feb 21-23, '25 | |
| Mar 7-9, '25 | |
| Statewide – Off-range: | |
| Jun 1-30 | |
| Jun 1-30 | |
| Jul 1-31 | |
| Jul 1-31 | |
| Aug 1-31 | |
| Aug 1-31 | |
| Sep 1-30 | |
| Sep 1-30 | |
| Oct 1-31 | |
| Oct 1-31 | |
| Nov 1-30 | |
| Nov 1-30 | |
| Dec 1-31 | |
| Dec 1-31 | |
| Jan 1-31, '25 | |
| Jan 1-31, '25 | |
| Feb 1-28, '25 | |
| Feb 1-28, '25 | |
| Feb 1-28, '25 (70+) | |
| Mar 1-31, '25 | |
| Mar 1-31, '25 | |
Draw Licenses
Applicants for Oryx draw licenses have until March 15, 2024 to apply. A maximum of two people can apply per application and successful applicants will receive a license/tag by mail unless they choose the E-Tag option. The hunts will occur on the White Sands Missile Range and are three-day hunts with check-in on Friday. A $150 per hunter access fee will be charged, with a 50% military discount available. Hunters must attend a mandatory safety briefing, provide proof of liability insurance and hunter education certification, and follow WSMR regulations. The access fee must be paid by the specified deadline, and the hunting is subject to military activity and may be delayed or canceled.
Regulations
- Security screens all successful WSMR hunt licensees and their visitors to ensure safety. License holders will get screening paperwork in advance. Any vehicle entering WSMR may be inspected by security. Noncompliance may result in license suspension or revocation and licensing payment loss. Hunters must follow safety guidelines on the White Sands Missile Range to hunt safely.
- Pursuits for either sex on the WSMR are considered “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunities and cannot be pursued again retrospectively. Hunters with a prior non-lifetime Oryx license have the option to apply for a lifetime license.
- Call 1-888-248-6866 if you’re a hunter and have questions regarding membership.
- Any WSMR with a bag limit of either sexes must be applied for and accepted on a strictly once-in-a-lifetime basis. Even if an applicant has previously had a different kind of license, they are still eligible to apply for lifetime permits.
- A maximum of three guests is allowed to accompany each licensed hunter for cleaning and loading a downed Oryx. The guests must be U.S. citizens or accompanying a foreign national with an official escort and cannot assist in killing.
- Foreign nationals are eligible to apply for once-in-a-lifetime, but if they are selected, they must be accompanied by an authorized WSMR official at all times while on the White Sands Missile Range (WSMR).
- Hunters and accompanying guests must wear at least 244 square inches of blaze-orange clothing while hunting.
- Outfitted hunts are only allowed for once-in-a-lifetime, broken-horn, youth-only, and mobility-impaired Oryx hunts on White Sands Missile Range (WSMR), and only registered outfitters and guides are allowed to operate. It is the responsibility of the hunter to ensure that the outfitter or guide is following WSMR policies. Contact WSMR for further information on registration requirements.
- New Mexico resident veterans are eligible for a once-in-a-lifetime hunt with a limit of two people per application, which must be submitted by March 22, 2023.
- Applicants for the Resident Veteran Hunts (Once-in-a-Lifetime Hunts) must provide proof of military service in the form of a DD-214 prior to applying. The DD-214 can be submitted via email, fax, or mail.
- Hunters can apply for McGregor Range Oryx hunts (ORX-1-225 and ORX-1-227), but proof of passing a hunter education course and a blaze-orange vest are required. Active-duty military personnel must provide proof of status, but veterans, reservists, and military contractors are not eligible for military-only hunts. Access to the range may require visiting El Paso, Texas for a security pass. Contact Fort Bliss for more information.
- Off-Range Hunts are accessible and not once-in-a-lifetime. These hunts are allowed on Forest Service, BLM, State Trust Land, and private properties with written approval. GMU 28, White Sands Missile, Jornada Experimental, San Andres National Wildlife Refuge, Holloman Air Force Base, Fort Bliss/McGregor in GMU 19, and other restricted locations ban hunting.
- Population management hunts may take place either off or on White Sands Missile Range, with possible restrictions.
- If applying for an off WSMR Oryx hunt (excluding WSMR and McGregor), the applicant should select the 5th-choice option and leave all other options blank.
- Draw candidates for population management hunts on (WSMR) must pick the 5th-choice hunt option and have a valid permission number from an authorized 2023 WSMR security sponsor. Access is restricted to US citizens with sponsors. Contact NMDGF for eligibility information.
- Hunters must have written permission from a private land owner to hunt on deeded private land using a private-land Oryx license, which must correspond to the dates, eligibility requirements, restrictions, sporting-arm type and bag limits listed for statewide off-range hunts. Statewide private-land off-range licenses are available for April and May and can be purchased online, over the phone or in person, 14 days prior to the hunt start date. Draw applicants are not allowed to purchase a private-land license before the draw results are released.
About the Hunt
These majestic animals live in herds of 10 to 40 animals, commanded by a dominant male, a harem of females, and a few submissive males. Some men prefer seclusion to guard their domains. New Mexico hunting offers a rare chance to hunt these beautiful animals for their spectacular trophies and delicious flesh. The White Sands Missile offers Once-in-a-Lifetime trophy and broken-horn hunts depending on population estimates.
FAQ
What is New Mexico Oryx hunting and what are the options available for hunters?
Oryx hunting in New Mexico targets the antelope species, giving hunters many tag alternatives. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish offers a once-in-a-lifetime White Sands Missile Hunt. For those who have this on-range chance, the hunt may be virtually 100% successful despite the draw odds.
Is there a difference between on-range and off-range Oryx hunting in New Mexico?
Off-season and on-season activities differ in New Mexico. Six months a year, the White Sands Federal Missile Range offers once-in-a-lifetime adventures. Off hunting lasts a month, but with fewer animals spread over a broader region.
When does hunting season start in New Mexico?
The hunting season in New Mexico depends on the species being hunted. The premium statewide deer hunt is from September to February.
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