Nestled in the heart of the American Southwest, New Mexico offers an extraordinary hunting experience for outdoor enthusiasts. With its diverse landscapes, rich biodiversity, and ample public lands, the Land of Enchantment beckons hunters from across the nation. In this blog, we’ll dive into the captivating world of hunting seasons in New Mexico, providing valuable insights into the state’s game species, regulations, and the best times to embark on thrilling hunting adventures.
1. Big Game Hunting
New Mexico Deer Hunting Season
- Season: There are three seasons that take place. These seasons are for archery, rifle and muzzleloader. The earliest season starts in September which will then carry on though December depending on the firearm choice and unit.
- Best Calibers: .270 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC
- Permit Requirements: Any hunter in New Mexico must either join a public drawing or hunt on privately owned territory. All hunters must possess a valid license, and permit if applicable, for the species and hunt type in which they will participate, and must be able to produce the license upon request by a conservation officer.
New Mexico Pronghorn Antelope Hunting Season
- Season: There are three seasons that take place. These seasons are for archery, rifle and muzzleloader. Seasons range from August through October depending on the firearm choice and unit.
- Best Calibers: .243 Winchester, .270 Winchester, .308 Winchester
- Permit Requirements: Private land pronghorn licenses are available over the counter, but they cannot be used on public land. For public land, hunters must enter a draw system for the chances at scoring a tag. All hunters must possess a valid license, and permit if applicable, for the species and hunt type in which they will participate, and must be able to produce the license upon request by a conservation officer.
New Mexico Javelina Hunting Season
- Season: There are two general seasons that will take place. The first season will be from January through March and the second season takes place from December through January depending on the unit.
- Best Calibers: 300 Blackout, 223 Remington, 6mm, 22-250.
- Permit Requirements: For public land, hunters must enter a draw system for the chances at scoring a tag. All hunters must possess a valid license, and permit if applicable, for the species and hunt type in which they will participate, and must be able to produce the license upon request by a conservation officer.
New Mexico Elk Hunting Season
- Season: There are three seasons that take place. These seasons are for archery, rifle and muzzleloader. The earliest season starts in September which will then carry on though February depending on the firearm choice and unit.
- Best Calibers: .270 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, 7mm Remington Magnum, .300 Winchester Magnum.
- Permit Requirements: For public land, hunters must enter a draw public-land elk draw license. Nonresidents are ineligible for any hunts held exclusively on WMAs or any antlerless (A) elk draw licenses. Private-land elk licenses may be purchased online, by telephone, and at NMDGF offices or license vendors. All hunters must possess a valid license, and permit if applicable, for the species and hunt type in which they will participate, and must be able to produce the license upon request by a conservation officer.
New Mexico Barbary Sheep Hunting Season
- Season: There are two seasons that take place with the first being any legal firearm taking place from December through February, then for the second season for bow only takes place from October through February.
- Best Calibers: .270 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC
- Permit Requirements: Barbary sheep tags can be gained in three ways. For public land, hunters must enter a draw public-land draw license or receive an over the counter license (OTC). To hunt on private land only, hunters must obtain a private-land only Barbary sheep license and tag. All hunters must possess a valid license, and permit if applicable, for the species and hunt type in which they will participate, and must be able to produce the license upon request by a conservation officer.
New Mexico Bighorn Sheep Hunting Season
- Season: Seasons will take place from January through December depending on the unit.
- Best Calibers: .270 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, .300 Winchester Magnum.
- Permit Requirements: Bighorn sheep tags can be gained in only one way. Hunters must enter a draw public-land draw license, hunters are eligible to draw one Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep ram license and one desert bighorn sheep ram license in a lifetime. All hunters must possess a valid license, and permit if applicable, for the species and hunt type in which they will participate, and must be able to produce the license upon request by a conservation officer.
New Mexico Black Bear Hunting Season
- Season: Depending on the unit chosen seasons will range from August through November
- Best Calibers: .270 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, .300 Winchester Magnum.
- Permit Requirements: An OTC bear license is required to hunt bears in New Mexico, including to validate draw permits. All hunters must possess a valid license, and permit if applicable, for the species and hunt type in which they will participate, and must be able to produce the license upon request by a conservation officer.
New Mexico Cougar Hunting Season
- Season: Cougar hunting season runs from April 1 to March 31 or until a unit’s mortality limit or female sub-limit is met.
- Best Calibers: 30-30, 45 long colt, .243, .308
- Permit Requirements: An OTC cougar license may be purchased at license vendors and NMDGF offices. All hunters must possess a valid license, and permit if applicable, for the species and hunt type in which they will participate, and must be able to produce the license upon request by a conservation officer.
New Mexico Ibex Hunting Season
- Season: Seasons will take place from January through February and December through February depending on the unit.
- Best Calibers: .270 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC
- Permit Requirements: For public land, hunters must enter a draw public-land draw license or receive an over the counter license (OTC). All hunters must possess a valid license, and permit if applicable, for the species and hunt type in which they will participate, and must be able to produce the license upon request by a conservation officer.
New Mexico Oryx Hunting Season
- Season: Depending on the unit chosen, seasons will range from March through February.
- Best Calibers: .270 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, .308 Winchester, 6.5 PRC
- Permit Requirements: Tags can be gained in only one way. Hunters must enter a draw public-land draw license, hunters are eligible to draw one oryx license in a lifetime. All hunters must possess a valid license, and permit if applicable, for the species and hunt type in which they will participate, and must be able to produce the license upon request by a conservation officer.
2. Upland Game Birds
New Mexico Turkey Hunting Season
- Season: Depending on the unit chosen, seasons will range from April through May.
- Recommended Shotgun Gauges: 12-gauge, 20-gauge. 3″ – 3-1/2″ Shells. Recommend using #3 Shot, #4 Shot or #5 Shot using a full choke.
- Permit Requirements: For public land, hunters must enter a draw public-land draw license or receive an over the counter license (OTC). All hunters must possess a valid license, and permit if applicable, for the species and hunt type in which they will participate, and must be able to produce the license upon request by a conservation officer.
New Mexico Quail Hunting Season
- Season: September 1st – February 28th
- Recommended Shotgun Gauges: 20-gauge, 12-gauge. Recommend #6 or #7.5 Shot.
- Permit Requirements: All hunters must possess a valid license, and permit if applicable, for the species and hunt type in which they will participate, and must be able to produce the license upon request by a conservation officer.
New Mexico Dove Hunting Season
- Season: April 1st – March 31st & September 1st – November 29th
- Recommended Shotgun Gauges: 20-gauge, 12-gauge. Recommend #6 or #7.5 Shot.
- Permit Requirements: All hunters must possess a valid license, and permit if applicable, for the species and hunt type in which they will participate, and must be able to produce the license upon request by a conservation officer.
New Mexico Grouse Hunting Season
- Season: September 1st – February 28th
- Recommended Shotgun Gauges: 20-gauge, 12-gauge. Recommend #6 or #7.5 Shot.
- Permit Requirements: All hunters must possess a valid license, and permit if applicable, for the species and hunt type in which they will participate, and must be able to produce the license upon request by a conservation officer.
New Mexico Pheasant Hunting Season
- Season: September 1st – February 28th
- Recommended Shotgun Gauges: 20-gauge, 12-gauge. Recommend #5 or #6 Shot.
- Permit Requirements: All hunters must possess a valid license, and permit if applicable, for the species and hunt type in which they will participate, and must be able to produce the license upon request by a conservation officer.
3. Waterfowl Hunting
New Mexico Duck and Geese Hunting Season
- Season: Depending on the species chosen, seasons will range from September through January.
- Recommended Shotgun Gauges: 12-gauge, 20-gauge. Recommend 3″, 3-1/4″, 3-1/2″ Shells,
- Small Ducks, 15-40 yards – #4 Shot, #5 Shot or #6 Shot
- Large Ducks, 15-40 yards – #BB Shot, #1 Shot, #2 Shot, #3 Shot.
- Geese 10-45 yards – T Shot, BBB Shot, BB Shot, #1 Shot, #2 Shot.
- Permit Requirements: All hunters must possess a valid license, and permit if applicable, for the species and hunt type in which they will participate, and must be able to produce the license upon request by a conservation officer.
Permit Requirements
To hunt in New Mexico, you’ll need a valid hunting license. Resident and non-resident hunting licenses can be purchased online from the New Mexico Game and Fish Website. For big game species, bighorn sheep, and limited-entry hunts, you must apply for a specific tag through the draw system. The draw application period typically opens in the spring. Non-residents are eligible to apply for tags and permits, but some hunts may have limited availability.
Private and Public Land Access
With vast expanses of public land, including national forests and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas, New Mexico provides ample opportunities for hunting on public land. Additionally, some hunters opt for private land access through landowner permits or guided hunting experiences, which can offer exclusive access to prime hunting grounds.
Conclusion
New Mexico stands as a true haven for hunters seeking memorable and rewarding experiences. With its rich wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and well-regulated hunting seasons, the state offers something special for every hunting enthusiast. As you plan your next hunting adventure in New Mexico, remember to thoroughly research hunting regulations, draw system requirements, and the best times for specific species. Embrace the thrill of the hunt and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Land of Enchantment while creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
(Note: Regulations and permit availability may change each year, so make sure to check the New Mexico Game and Fish Department website for the most up-to-date information before planning your hunting trips. Happy hunting!)
