The New Mexico hunting seasons below are for the 2022-2023 season. Purchase a New Mexico hunting license and proper permits here.
If you are a predator hunter check out these specific guides:
Hunting bobcats in New Mexico.
New Mexico Deer hunting season.
Private Land.
Private–land Only Deer Licenses
To hunt on private land only (except in Units 2A, 2B, 2C, 4 and 5A listed below), hunters must obtain a private–land only deer license and carcass tag—available online, by telephone, from license vendors or at NMDGF offices.
Online and telephone purchases must be made at least 14 days prior to the hunt start date to allow mailing of tags (see page 9), unless the E–Tag option is chosen. When obtaining a private–land only deer license, the hunter must select a hunt code which corresponds with a deer–draw hunt code for the unit, bag limit, sporting arm type and season date. If the hunter is a nonresident and selects a corresponding deer–draw hunt code designated as quality (Q) or high demand (HD), she/he must purchase a quality deer license.
Private–land Deer Hunting in Units 2A, 2B, 2C, 4 and 5A
Hunters wishing to hunt on private land in these units must obtain an authorization code and a hunt code from the landowner, and must apply through the regular public draw. When applying for private–land hunts in Unit 5A, only one person per application may apply. The application must be completed by March 16, 2022. Private–land only licenses are not issued by license vendors for hunts in Units 2A, 2B, 2C, 4 and 5A. Hunt codes must be obtained from a landowner.
Landowners must obtain an authorization code and hunt codes from the NMDGF Northwest Area office located in Albuquerque or call: (505) 222–4710.
New Mexico deer hunting season.
Premium statewide Deer Hunt
New Mexico Elk hunting seasons.
Elk Draw Licenses
Deadline to apply for elk draw licenses is March 16, 2022. Up to four hunters may apply per application for a public-land elk draw license. Nonresidents are ineligible for any hunts held exclusively on WMAs or any antlerless (A) elk draw licenses.
Successful applicants will be mailed an elk draw license/tag, unless the E-Tag option is chosen. The license includes a hunt code and description of the unit, sporting-arm type, season dates and bag limit. Tags include instructions for proper tagging.
To purchase a private-land elk license for the primary management zone a hunter must have an authorization number and hunt code from a landowner participating in the EPLUS program.
Secondary Management Zone: Areas not part of the primary or special management zones where no specific elk management goals are set. Private-land elk licenses in the secondary management zone are unlimited and available over the counter with a ranch code provided by a registered landowner (Written permission from the landowner while hunting is required for the license to be valid).
Special Management Zone: Areas not part of the primary or secondary management zones where private-land elk authorizations are issued to private landowners on a ranch-by-ranch basis through EPLUS. Authorizations can be bartered, sold or traded. To purchase a private-land elk license for the special management zone a hunter must have an authorization number and hunt code from a landowner participating in the EPLUS program.
Obtaining Authorizations
Hunters seeking private-land authorizations are encouraged to communicate clearly with landowners regarding conditions associated with the license purchased and any other special considerations. Hunters are further encouraged to obtain these communications in writing. Obtaining private-land elk authorizations is considered a private matter. NMDGF is not a party to these transactions or communications and is not responsible for resolving disputes.
Landowners participate voluntarily in private-land programs, and the courtesy each hunter exercises can affect future access for all hunters.
Hunters may not hold both a private-land elk license and a draw elk license in the same license year and may not exchange a draw license for a private-land license.
Ranch-only or Unit-wide Authorizations
Unit-wide: A unit-wide authorization number allows a hunter to purchase an elk license
valid on any legally accessible public lands, other unit-wide ranches, and other private land with written permission within the GMU. Unit-wide authorizations are only available in the primary management zone.
Ranch-only: A ranch-only authorization number allows a hunter to purchase an elk license valid only on the private deeded acres of the designated ranch, except as otherwise allowed by rule. In GMUs 4, 5A, and in secondary and special management zones, ranch-only elk licenses may also be valid on other private lands within the same GMU and management zone, with written permission. Ranch-only licenses are not valid on any public land.
It is not considered trespassing if a hunter is in possession of a landowner elk license that has been obtained from the owner or person in control of the land and which grants access to that particular private land for the purpose of lawfully taking elk. However, in the secondary management zone written permission from the landowner is required for the elk hunter.
Maps of the elk management zones and unit-wide ranches are available online:
www wildlife state nm us/hunting/maps/eplus/
New Mexico Pronghorn hunting seasons.
Private-land Only Pronghorn Licenses
Over-the-counter private-land pronghorn licenses are not valid on any public land. To hunt on private land only, hunters must obtain a private-land only pronghorn license and tag, available at NMDGF offices, license vendors, or online and by telephone. Online and telephone purchases must be made at least 14 days prior to the hunt start date to allow mailing of tags.
When obtaining a private-land only pronghorn license, the hunter must select a hunt code corresponding with a pronghorn-draw hunt code for the unit(s), bag limit, sporting arm type and season date. Public-land draw hunt codes are listed on pages 85–90. Written permission from the landowner is required while hunting.
Pronghorn Conservation Recognition Program (PCRP)
Private landowners may enter the PCRP and be granted alternative season hunt dates as approved by NMDGF. Landowners must conduct and maintain substantial habitat improvements and/or land management practices that directly and significantly benefit pronghorn. A PCRP application and conservation management plan are required. To participate or for more information, contact NMDGF at 505-476-8042.
Ranch-wide Agreements
Ranch-wide agreements allow private landowners to enroll their ranch’s private deeded and public leased acres as one contiguous ranch for access by public draw hunters. Landowners are issued authorizations for pronghorn licenses valid on that property’s deeded and public leased acres.
To participate or for more information, contact NMDGF at 505-476-8042.
Pronghorn Draw Licenses
The public-land pronghorn draw license authorizes the hunter to hunt on any open public land within the specified unit(s) or hunt area, on participating ranches with signed NMDGF ranch-wide hunting agreements, or on any other private land in the unit(s), with written permission from the landowner of the property.
New Mexico Bighorn hunting season.
Draw Licenses for Rocky Mountain and Desert Bighorn Sheep
The deadline to apply for bighorn sheep draw licenses is March 16, 2022. Only one person may apply per application. Successful applicants will be mailed a bighorn sheep draw license/tag unless the E-Tag option is chosen. The license includes a hunt code and description of the unit, sporting- arm type, season dates and bag limit. Tags include instructions for proper tagging.
Hunters are eligible to draw one Rocky mountain bighorn sheep ram license and one desert bighorn sheep ram license in a lifetime. A person who has held a license to hunt a desert bighorn sheep ram may apply for a draw license to hunt a Rocky mountain bighorn sheep ram and vice versa.
Youth hunters (17 years or younger on the first day of the hunt) are eligible to draw one youth-only Rocky mountain bighorn sheep ram license and one youth-only desert bighorn sheep ram license.
Hunters may apply for up to three bighorn sheep (BHS) hunt codes in the same license year. Hunters applying for both desert and Rocky mountain bighorn must do so on the same application.
Individuals who have previously held a bighorn sheep enhancement license (page 35) may still apply for draw licenses.
Bighorn Sheep Ram Heads Must Have a Seal
All bighorn sheep rams taken in New Mexico must have a seal inserted in one horn by NMDGF. Sealing must occur within 10 days of harvest, or prior to leaving New Mexico (whichever occurs first).
Bighorn sheep heads found in the field must remain where found. Bighorn sheep heads may not be possessed without a receipt from NMDGF. Bighorn sheep heads brought into New Mexico must be sealed by NMDGF within 10 days of entry into the state (NMDGF will seal unsealed out- of-state heads only if origin can be verified).
Bighorn sheep legally harvested and sealed by another jurisdiction (state, tribal entity or country) do not have to be resealed by NMDGF.
New Mexico Ibex hunting season.
Ibex Draw Licenses
The deadline to apply for ibex draw licenses is March 16, 2022. Up to two persons may apply per application.
Successful applicants will be mailed an ibex draw license/tag unless the E-Tag option is chosen. The license includes a hunt code and description of the unit, sporting-arm type, season dates and bag limit. Tags include instructions for proper tagging.
Any valid ibex license can be used for the year-round IBX–1–528 hunt. Licenses for the IBX–1–525 any legal sporting arm hunt are once-in-a-lifetime. Hunters must apply by March 16, 2022 to be considered for this hunt on the Florida Mountains hunt area. A hunter may apply for this once-in- a-lifetime ibex draw license, if she/he has not previously held an IBX–1–525 license.
Cougar Hunting in Unit 25, Florida Mountains Hunt Area
Cougar hunting is closed in the Florida Mountains hunt area during any ibex season, except by licensed ibex hunters who also possess a cougar license. Cougar hunters must adhere to the allowed sporting arm type and season dates specified on their ibex license.
Bag Limit
Any female or any immature ibex with horns less than 15 inches in length See page 121 Either sex (any one ibex)
Over-the-Counter License
The over-the-counter ibex license for outside the Florida Mountains hunt area is hunt code IBX–1–528. Licenses are valid year-round and can be purchased online, by telephone and at license vendors and NMDGF offices. An IBX–1–528 license holder may take an unlimited number of animals. Each ibex must be tagged. Additional tags are available at the NMDGF Las Cruces office.
Do not hunt without a valid tag.
If planning to hunt within 14 days of online or telephone purchase, hunters may be required to obtain a tag at a license vendor or NMDGF office. Please note: Ibex draw applicants may not purchase the OTC license before the draw results are released.
New Mexico Barbary sheep hunting season.
Barbary Sheep Draw Licenses
The deadline to apply for Barbary sheep draw licenses is March 16, 2022. Up to four persons may apply per application.
Successful applicants will be mailed a Barbary sheep draw license/tag unless the E-Tag option is chosen. The license includes a hunt code and description of the unit, sporting-arm type, season dates and bag limit. Tags include instructions for proper tagging.
Bag Limit: Either sex (any one Barbary sheep).
All public draw Barbary sheep licenses (with the exception of McGregor range license holders who are stationed at Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas and have paid the resident fees) shall also be valid for over-the-counter hunt areas with any big-game sporting arm.
New Mexico Oryx hunting seasons.
Oryx Draw Licenses
The deadline to apply for oryx draw licenses is March 16, 2022. Up to two persons may apply per application. The majority of these hunts occur on the White Sands Missile Range (WSMR). Successful applicants will be mailed an oryx draw license/tag unless the E-Tag option is chosen.
All once-in-a-lifetime, broken-horn and youth-only oryx hunts are three-day hunts. Friday will be primarily for checking into WSMR. If no military missions are scheduled, hunting may be allowed on Friday afternoons after check-in. Additional information concerning Friday opportunities will be emailed to each license holder.
WSMR will charge a $150 per hunter access fee. Successful WSMR applicants will receive an email from WSMR with instructions for fee payment. Hunters are responsible for timely payment and will not be allowed to hunt if the access fee has not been paid by the specified deadline. Military authorities may delay or cancel hunts.
Bag Limit
Either sex (any one oryx)
Any broken-horn oryx (missing a minimum of 25% of one horn)
White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) Security
Hunters who successfully draw a WSMR hunt, and their guests, must first complete a security- background check to be allowed on WSMR. Security-background registration forms will be sent in advance to all successful license holders prior to the hunt. All hunters and guests must have completed forms approved prior to being allowed access to WSMR. Vehicles entering WSMR are subject to search by WSMR security officers.
WSMR bans all alcoholic beverages, camcorders, radar detectors and concealed weapons. Discovery of banned items and/or failure to comply with WSMR requirements or other laws and regulation can result in revocation of hunting privileges on WSMR. If escorted off WSMR, license fees are nonrefundable.
White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) Security—continued.
Special Restrictions
• All WSMR draw oryx hunts with an either-sex bag limit are once-in-a-lifetime hunts and may not be applied for if previously held. If another oryx license type that is not once-in-a- lifetime has been previously held, applicants remain eligible and may still apply for once-in-a- lifetime hunts.
• For eligibility questions contact any NMDGF area office or call: 1-888-248-6866.
• Successful applicants will receive an email from WSMR with instructions for check-in and check-out at WSMR. A hunt-area map will be provided at check-in to identify closed areas where no hunting will be allowed.
• No more than three guests may accompany each licensed hunter to assist in cleaning and load- ing a downed oryx. Only U.S. citizens may be guests of permitted hunters, unless the guest(s) of an approved foreign-national hunter with an official escort. No additional help for cleaning and loading will be available. Guests may not help the licensed hunter kill the oryx.
• Foreign nationals may apply for once-in-a-lifetime hunts; if drawn they must be escorted at all times by an authorized WSMR official while on WSMR.
• Blaze-orange clothing: Hunters and their guests must wear at least 244 square inches of blaze- orange clothing while hunting on WSMR.
Outfitted Hunts: WSMR allows use of outfitters and guides only for oryx once-in-a-lifetime, broken-horn, youth-only and mobility-impaired hunts. Only those outfitters and guides registered with WSMR in advance of the hunt will be allowed to operate on the range. Outfitters and guides are not authorized for population-management hunts. It is the hunter’s responsibility to verify that an outfitter or guide is in compliance with WMSR policies. For further information about registration requirements contact WSMR at: (575) 678-7909 or (575) 678-2993
Oryx Draw Licenses
Once-in-a-Lifetime Hunts
Once-in-a-Lifetime Hunts—continued.
Returning Iraq/Afghanistan Resident Veterans Only Hunts
The hunts listed below have been established for New Mexico resident veterans who have served on active military duty in Iraq or Afghanistan (see Oryx Hunts for Iraq-Afghanistan Returnees,
page 17). All hunts are held on White Sands Missile Range (WSMR). No more than two persons may apply on each application. Application must be made by March 16, 2022.
Proof of Military Service Required: Each year, applicants must provide proof of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan prior to application. A copy of orders or DD-214 can be emailed: specialhunts@state nm us, faxed: (505) 476-8180, or mailed to: NMDGF,
Special Hunts Office, P.O. Box 25112, Santa Fe, N.M. 87504.
White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) – Iraq / Afghanistan Resident Veterans Only
McGregor Range Hunts (These are not Once-in-a-Lifetime Hunts ) Hunts are on lands administered by Fort Bliss. All hunters may apply for the ORX–1–224 and the ORX–1–226 hunt. Applicants for military-only hunts must submit proof of current
active-duty status prior to application. Veterans and reservists are not eligible for military-only hunts. Hunters are required to possess proof of passing a certified hunter education course, are required to wear a blaze-orange vest, and will be subject to security searches. Hunters may be required to visit El Paso, Texas to obtain an access pass. For further information, contact Fort Bliss: christopher a taylor154 civ@mail mil
New Mexico Turkey hunting season.
New Mexico Javelina hunting season.
New Mexico Bear hunting season.
Restrictions and Requirements
Bag Limit: The bag limit is one bear. No cub younger than one-year old or any female accompanied by a cub(s) may be taken.
Closed Areas: Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River Area, including Taos Valley Overlook; all wildlife management areas (WMAs are open only to hunters with a valid bear draw permit and bear hunting license during draw seasons for that area.); and unit 6B (Valles Caldera National Preserve).
Electronic Calls: Electronic calls are allowed for bear hunting.
Bear Management Zones and Harvest Limits (map, page 112): New Mexico is divided into 14 bear management zones, enabling NMDGF to better manage regional bear populations. Each zone has two harvest limits: 1) the total number of bears that may be harvested (total limit); and 2) the number of female bears that may be harvested (female limit). Harvest limits for each bear management zone are listed in the table on page 112. Bear management zones close when harvests reach 90% of the total limit, 90% of the female limit, or when the season has ended—whichever occurs first.
Bow Only: Sandia Ranger District in Zones 8 and 14, and Sugarite Canyon State Park. Zone Closure: Before hunting, hunters must verify their preferred zone is still open. Check online: www wildlife state nm us/hunting/information-by-animal/big-game/bear/ or call: 1-877-950-5466
Pelt Tags Required: Harvested bears must be both carcass tagged and pelt tagged. The carcass tag must be properly notched and attached immediately after the animal is harvested. The hunter must present the carcass tag, skull, and hide for pelt tagging to any conservation officer or any NMDGF office within five days of killing the bear before the pelt can be frozen, processed, tanned or salted by a taxidermist or before transporting the hide outside New Mexico, whichever occurs first. Hunters who appoint a designee to transport the harvested bear for pelt tagging are required to contact a conservation officer prior to pelt tagging to receive a designee code.
Hunters or their designee are required to present the unfrozen skull of any bear killed with the mouth fixed open for removal of a premolar tooth. Hunters or their designee must provide all required information at the time of pelt tagging including, but not limited to, sex of the animal, and date and location of harvest. The pelt tag must remain attached to the hide until the hide is
processed. Improperly tagged hides will be seized by NMDGF.
Bears presented to NMDGF for tagging without proof of sex attached will
be seized.
Use of Dogs: Dog use is not allowed on wildlife management areas (WMAs) or during September bow seasons. Dog use is allowed to hunt bears elsewhere during hunts for any legal sporting arm (see table, page 110). When dogs are used to hunt bears, the licensed hunter who harvests the bear must be present continuously from the time any dog is released. Dogs may be released only during legal hunting hours. There is no pursuit or training season outside the regular open season.
Baiting and Trapping: Baiting and trapping are not legal methods for taking bear. If accidentally trapped, the bear must be released. For assistance releasing a bear, contact NMDGF.
Valle Vidal: It is unlawful to hunt bears on the Valle Vidal, except for hunters who successfully draw a bear draw permit and purchase a game-hunting license and an over-the-counter bear license. Dogs are allowed during the April 15–May 20 and the Aug. 1–31 hunts.
Properly licensed Valle Vidal elk hunters may also hunt bears on the Valle Vidal provided they:
1) Possess a Valle Vidal rifle, muzzleloader or bow elk license; 2) Possess an OTC bear license and tag; 3) Use the sporting arm type specified for their elk hunt; 4) Hunt only during the dates of their elk hunt; and 5) The harvest limit in Bear Management Zone 5 has not been met and the season is still open.
Livestock Damage: Landowners, lessees or their regular employees do not need a license to kill a bear that has killed domestic livestock or presents an immediate threat to human life or property. Any person taking such action must report the incident to NMDGF within 24 hours. Pelts, claws and other parts of depredating animals taken under this provision are the property of the State of New Mexico and must be delivered to NMDGF.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) License Hunts
An OTC bear license may be purchased at license vendors, NMDGF offices, online:
www wildlife state nm us or by telephone: 1-888-248-6866. If planning to hunt within 14 days of online or telephone purchase, hunters may be required to obtain tags at a license vendor or NMDGF office, unless the E-Tag option is chosen.
Bear Licenses must be purchased at least two calendar days before hunting.
New Mexico Cougar hunting season.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Licenses
An OTC cougar license may be purchased at license vendors, NMDGF offices, online:
www wildlife state nm us or by telephone: 1-888-248-6866. Before purchasing an over-the-counter (OTC) cougar license, hunters must purchase or possess a game-hunting license or game-hunting & fishing license. If planning to hunt within 14 days of online or telephone purchase, hunters may be required to obtain tags at a license vendor or NMDGF office. Tags include instructions for
proper tagging.
Cougar licenses must be purchased at least two calendar days before hunting.
Bag Limit: The bag limit is two cougars. No spotted kitten(s) or any female accompanied by a spotted kitten(s) may be taken.
Mandatory Cougar Identification Course
NMDGF requires all cougar hunters to successfully complete a cougar identification course.
The cougar ID number is issued upon successful completion of the course through your NMDGF online account.
Cougar Seasons
Statewide Cougar Season: April 1, 2022–March 31, 2023. Cougar Management Zones and Harvest Limits
New Mexico is divided into 18 cougar management zones, enabling NMDGF to better manage
regional cougar populations. Each zone has two harvest limits: 1) the total number of cougars that may be harvested (total limit); and 2) the number of female cougars that may be harvested (female limit). Harvest limits for each cougar management zone are listed on page 115.
Cougar management zones will close and hunting will cease when harvests reach 90% of the total limit, 90% of the female limit or when the season has ended, whichever occurs first.
Zone Closures
Before hunting, hunters must verify their preferred zone is still open. Check online: www wildlife state nm us/hunting/information-by-animal/big-game/cougar or call: 1-877-950-5466.
Baiting and Trapping: Baiting and trapping are not legal methods of taking cougar. If accidentally trapped, the cougar must be released. Should assistance be needed to release a cougar, contact NMDGF.
Pelt Tags Required
Harvested cougars must be both carcass tagged and pelt tagged. The carcass tag must be properly notched and attached immediately after the animal is harvested. The hunter must present the carcass tag, skull, and hide for pelt tagging to any conservation officer or NMDGF office within five days
of killing the cougar before the pelt can be frozen, processed, tanned or salted by a taxidermist, or before transporting the hide outside New Mexico, whichever occurs first. Hunters who appoint a designee to transport the harvested cougar for pelt tagging are required to contact a
conservation officer to receive a designee code prior to pelt tagging. Hunters or their designee are required to present to any NMDGF office the unfrozen skull of any cougar killed with the mouth fixed open for removal of a premolar tooth. Hunters or their designee must provide all required information at the time of pelt tagging including, but not limited to, sex of the animal, and date and location of harvest. The pelt tag must remain attached to the hide until the hide is processed. Improperly tagged hides will be seized by NMDGF.
Proof of Sex
The testicles, penis and/or baculum of a male, or the vulva of a female, must remain naturally attached to the hide and be visible to the NMDGF’s tagging official. NMDGF will pelt tag a cougar only if proof of sex is attached to the hide and readily visible to the tagging official. Cougar hides presented to the NMDGF for tagging without proof of sex attached will be seized.
Livestock Damage
Landowners, lessees and/or their regular employees are not required to have a license to kill any cougar that has killed domestic livestock or presents an immediate threat to human life or property. Any person taking such action must report the incident to NMDGF within 24 hours. Pelts, claws and other parts of depredating animals taken under this provision are the property of the State of New Mexico and must be delivered to NMDGF.
Use of Dogs
Dog use is not allowed on wildlife management areas (WMAs) or to pursue cougars during September 1-24 bow seasons. Dogs use is allowed to hunt cougars elsewhere during hunts for any legal sporting arm. When dogs are used to hunt cougars, the licensed hunter who harvests the cougar must be present continuously from the time any dog is released.
Dogs may be released only during legal hunting hours. There is no pursuit or training season outside the regular open season.
Florida Mountains Hunt Area–Unit 25: Cougar hunting is not allowed in the Florida Mountains hunt area during any ibex season, except by licensed ibex hunters (only for sporting arm type and season dates as specified on the ibex license).
Electronic calls: Electronic calls may be used for cougar.
