New Mexico Hunting: 2025-2026 Season Dates and Guidelines

New Me­xico, with its variety of landscapes and abundant wildlife, is a hunte­r’s playground. Think extensive e­astern plains to towering Rocky Mountain peaks, it’s a hunting have­n for everyone. No matte­r if you’re an experie­nced outdoors enthusiast or just stepping foot into the­ sport, New Mexico’s changing terrain te­sts all levels of ability.

For those fond of big game­ hunting, chances to track down prize elk, mule­ deer, pronghorn antelope­, and bighorn sheep are ple­ntiful. If you’re an upland game hunter, you’ll find phe­asants, grouse, quails, and cottontail rabbits quite an adventure­. Love waterfowl games? The state­’s rippling rivers and lush wetlands host abundant ducks, gee­se, and sandhill cranes beckoning for a thrilling chase­.

Get se­t for the 2024 hunting seasons in New Me­xico with this short, informative guide. We’ll touch on complete game opportunities, including season date­s and necessary license­s. We won’t forget to mention the­ rules for falconry and pursuing predators. Plus, we’ll ke­ep you on track with key deadline­s and how to apply. All to make sure your New Me­xico outdoor trip is both safe and a success.

NM Hunting Calendar 2025-2026

Big Games

Deer

Private-Land Hunts (Units 8, 46, 54, 55A, 55B)

• Bow: Sep 1–24 | Jan 1–15, 2026
• Muzzleloader: Sep 27–Oct 3
• Any Legal Weapon: Oct 18–22 | Oct 25–29 | Nov 26–30 (ESWTD)
• Youth Hunts: Nov 22–30

General Deer Seasons (Key Units)

• Bow: Sep 1–24 | Jan 1–15, 2026 (some units extend to Jan 16–31 for antlerless)
• Muzzleloader: Sep 27–Oct 8 (varies by unit) | Oct 18–22 | Oct 25–29 | Nov 1–5
• Any Legal Weapon:
  • Oct 18–22 | Oct 25–29 | Nov 1–5 | Nov 8–12 | Nov 15–19 | Nov 22–26 | Nov 26–30
  • Dec 6–14 (some units) | Jan 9–11, 2026 (WSMR only)
• Youth Hunts:
  • Sep 27–Oct 5 (Unit 24) | Oct 25–29 | Nov 1–5 | Nov 22–30 | Dec 6–10 | Dec 13–17

Special Hunts

• Mobility Impaired: Oct 11–15 | Oct 25–29 | Nov 1–5
• Military-Only (Unit 28): Dec 20–21
• White Sands Missile Range (WSMR): Nov 28–30 | Jan 9–11, 2026
• Silver City Antlerless (Units 23/24): Jan 16–Feb 5, 2026

Premium Statewide Hunt

• Any Legal Weapon: Sep 1–Jan 31, 2026

Notes

WMAs: Special dates/resident-only hunts (e.g., Colin Neblett, Valle Vidal).

FAD: Forked Antler Deer | FAMD/FAWTD: Mule/White-tailed Deer

CWD Zones: Units 19, 28, 34 (restrictions apply)

Elk

Bow Hunts

• Sep 1–14 (Most units)
• Sep 15–24 (Extended in select areas)
• Dec 20–24 (Units 21A, 23, 34)
• Jan 16–31, 2026 (Unit 36 antlerless)

Muzzleloader & Crossbow

• Oct 11–15 (Units 2, 6A, 6C, 10, 16E, 23, 24, 45, 52)
• Oct 18–22 (Units 13, 15, 17, 34)
• Oct 25–29 (Extended in primary zones)
• Nov 22–26 (Late-season options)
• Dec 6–17 (Resident-only antlerless)

Any Legal Weapon

• Oct 1–Dec 31 (General season in Units 4, 5A, 12, 16B/22, 21A, 49, 50, 51)
• Oct 18–Jan 31, 2026 (Unit 36 antlerless)
• Oct 25–Feb 11, 2026 (Unit 34 antlerless)

Youth Hunts

• Oct 11–15 (Any legal: Units 16C, 16E, 23, 24, 34)
• Oct 11–15 (Muzzleloader/bow: Units 13, 15, 17)
• Nov 29–Dec 3 (Encouragement hunts statewide)
• Dec 26–30 (Second phase youth hunts)

Special Hunts

• Dec 13–17 (Military-only: Unit 28)
• Jan 24–28, 2026 (Unit 34 late antlerless)
• Feb 7–11, 2026 (Final antlerless season)

Mobility-Impaired

• Oct 11–15 (Any legal: Units 16A, 16D, 34)
• Oct 11–15 (Muzzleloader/bow: Unit 9)

Premium Statewide

• Sep 1–Jan 31, 2026 (Mature bull only)

WMAs & Unique Zones

• Valle Vidal (55A): Sep 1–24 (Bow), Oct 11–29 (Rifle)
• Colin Neblett (54/55): Sep 1–24 (Bow), Oct 11–Nov 12 (Rifle)
• Sargent WMA: Sep 1–24 (Bow), Oct 11–Nov 5 (Rifle)

Notes:

• CWD restrictions in Units 19, 28, 34.
• Private-land “quality elk” fees apply Sep 15–Oct 15 (Units 13, 15, 16, 17).
• Draw licenses required for public/unit-wide private land.

Pronghorn Antelope

Private-Land Hunts

*(Units 4, 14, 41-42, 46-48, 50, 52, 54-59)*

• Bow: Aug 5–13 (Unit 4) | Aug 9–17 (Most units)
• Muzzleloader:
  • Youth: Aug 2–4 (Unit 4) | Aug 23–25 (Units 46, 48, 54-55)
  • General: Aug 23–25 (Units 4, 46, 48, 54-55)
• Any Legal Weapon:
  • Aug 16–18 (Units 4, 50, 52)
  • Aug 23–25 (Units 14, 41-42, 46-48, 54-59)
  • Sep 27–29 & Oct 4–6 (Most units)

Public/Draw Hunts

• Bow: Aug 9–17 (Statewide)
• Muzzleloader:
  • Youth: Aug 23–25 (Units 29, 50, 52)
  • General: Aug 23–25 (Units 29, 50, 52) | Aug 30–31 (Unit 28 military)
• Any Legal Weapon:
  • Youth: Aug 23–25 (Most units)
  • General: Aug 23–25 (Most units)
  • Extended: Sep 27–29 & Oct 4–6 (Most units)
  • Mobility-Impaired: Sep 27–29 & Oct 4–6 (Select units)

Special Hunts

• WSMR (Unit 19): Oct 3–5 (Youth only)
• McGregor Range (Unit 28): Aug 30–31 (Military only)
• Roswell Area (Unit 32): Dec 1–15 (Female/immature)

Notes

• MB: Mature Buck | ES: Either-Sex | F-IM: Female/Immature
• PCRP: Landowners with habitat improvements can request alternate dates.
• Ranch-wide agreements allow public access on private+leased lands.

Bighorn Ram

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Ram

• GMUs 6A & 6C (Jemez):
  Aug 10-24 (2) | Sep 1-15 (1)
• GMUs 16B, 22-24 (San Francisco/Turkey Creek):
  Jan 1-31, 2026 (2)
• GMU 45 (Pecos):
  Aug 8-17 (5) | Aug 22-31 (5) *[Youth: Aug 22-31 (1)]*
• GMU 53 (Wheeler Peak):
  Aug 6-15 (2) | Sep 1-10 (1)
• GMUs 53 & 55 (Latir):
  Aug 8-17 (1) | Aug 22-31 (1)
• GMUs 49,50,53 (Rio Grande Gorge):
  Aug 10-24 (2) | Sep 1-15 (2) | Nov 1-15 (1)
• GMU 58 (Dry Cimarron):
  Aug 15-Jan 15, 2026 (2) [Private land]

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Ewe (GMU 45)

• Bow: Sep 5-14 (10)
• Firearms: Sep 20-24 (10) | Oct 4-8 (8) *[Youth: Oct 4-8 (2)]*

Desert Bighorn Ram

• GMUs 13 & 17 (Ladrones):
  Dec 1-15 (2) | Dec 16-31 (2)
• GMU 19 (San Andres):
  Dec 14-21 (2) | Dec 27-Jan 3, 2026 (2) [WSMR access]
• GMU 20 South (Caballos):
  Nov 16-30 (4) | Dec 1-15 (4)
• GMU 20 North (Fra Cristobal):
  Aug 15-24 (1) [Private] | Youth: Nov 21-30 (1)
• GMU 26:
  Little Hatchets: Sep 15-30 (2) | Oct 1-15 (1)
  Big Hatchets: Sep 15-30 (2) | Oct 1-15 (1)
• GMU 27 (Peloncillos):
  Nov 16-30 (1)

Key Notes:

• WSMR hunts require $150 fee (50% military discount)
• GMU 58: Extended season due to sporadic ram presence
• Numbers in () = license quotas

Barbary Sheep

Draw Hunts

Unit 28 (McGregor Range – Ft. Bliss)

• Any Legal Weapon:
  • Dec 13-17 (10 ES)
  • Dec 27-28 (65 F-IM)
  • Jan 3-4, 2026 (65 F-IM)
• Military Only:
  • Dec 13-17 (10 ES)
  • Dec 27-28 (10 F-IM)
  • Jan 3-4, 2026 (10 F-IM)

Units 29 & 30

• Bow: Jan 1-15, 2026 (75 ES)
• Any Legal Weapon:
  • Oct 10-16 (75 ES)
  • Dec 4-10 (75 ES)
  • Dec 15-21 (75 ES)
  • Jan 20-26, 2026 (200 ES)
  • Feb 1-7, 2026 (200 ES)
  • Feb 12-18, 2026 (200 ES)
  • Feb 21-27, 2026 (200 ES)

Units 32, 36, 37

• Bow: Jan 1-15, 2026 (75 ES)
• Any Legal Weapon:
  • Oct 10-16 (50 ES)
  • Dec 4-10 (50 ES)
  • Dec 15-21 (75 ES)
  • Jan 20-26, 2026 (150 ES)
  • Feb 1-7, 2026 (150 ES)
  • Feb 12-18, 2026 (150 ES)
  • Feb 21-27, 2026 (150 ES)

Over-the-Counter (OTC)

• Statewide (excluding WMAs during closures, WSMR, Ft. Bliss portions of GMU 19, and draw areas):
  • Apr 1, 2025 – Mar 31, 2026 (Unlimited ES)

Private-Land Only Licenses

• Available for private land hunting (details not fully specified in provided text).

Key:

• ES = Either Sex
• F-IM = Female/Immature
• WSMR = White Sands Missile Range

Ibex

Florida Mountains (Unit 25)

• Bow Hunts
  Oct 1-15 (100 licenses)
  Jan 15-29, 2026 (100 licenses)
• Muzzleloader
  Feb 21-27, 2026 (15 licenses)
• Any Legal Weapon
  Nov 15-29 (15 licenses) [Once-In-A-Lifetime]
  Dec 13-17 (20 licenses) [F-IM only]
  Dec 27-Jan 10, 2026 (5 licenses) [Once-In-A-Youth]
  Feb 7-11, 2026 (20 licenses) [F-IM only]

Statewide (Excluding Florida Mountains)

• Over-the-Counter
  Apr 1, 2025 – Mar 31, 2026 (Unlimited) [Extremely challenging]

Key:

• ES = Either Sex
• F-IM = Female/Immature
• Florida Mountains area bounded by I-10 (N), Mexico border (S), NM Hwy 11 (W), and Doña Ana/Luna county line (E)

Javelina

Draw Hunts

• Bow Hunts (Units 19, 23-27)
  • Jan 1-31 (330 licenses)
• Any Legal Weapon
  • Statewide (excl. GMU 28) Youth: Feb 1-Mar 31 (180)
  • Units 19, 23-27: Feb 1-Mar 31 (1,100)
  • Unit 28 McGregor Range: Dec 27-28 (5)
  • Unit 28 Military Only: Dec 27-28 (5)

Over-the-Counter (OTC)

• Bow (excl. Units 19, 23-28)
  • Jan 1-31 (360)
• Any Legal Weapon (excl. Units 19, 23-28)
  • Feb 1-Mar 31 (1,200)

Key Notes:

• WMAs Open: Heart Bar, Double E, River Ranch, Red Rock (outside enclosure), Sandhills Prairie, Prairie-Chicken WMAs
• Tagging Required: All harvested javelina must be tagged
• Military Hunts: Unit 28 has special military-only dates
• Youth Hunts: Special February-March season statewide

Application Deadline: March 19, 2025
Group Applications: Up to 4 hunters per application

Oryx

Once-in-a-Lifetime Hunts

Stallion Range & Rhodes Canyon (Unit 19 – WSMR)

• Regular Hunts:
  Sep 5-7 | Sep 19-21 | Oct 31-Nov 2 | Nov 28-30
  Jan 9-11, 2026 | Jan 23-25, 2026 | Feb 6-8, 2026 | Feb 20-22, 2026 | Mar 6-8, 2026
  (70 licenses each hunt, ES)
• Special Hunts:
  • Mobility Impaired: Oct 3-5 (20 ES)
  • Youth Only: Oct 3-5 (40 ES)
  • Resident Veterans: Oct 17-19 (75 ES, Rhodes Canyon only)

Broken-Horn Oryx Hunts (15 licenses each, BHO)

Same dates as Once-in-a-Lifetime hunts above (Sep-Mar).

McGregor Range (Unit 28 – Ft. Bliss) (Not Once-in-a-Lifetime)

• Dec 20-21 (25 ES) | Military Only: Dec 20-21 (25 ES)
• Jan 3-4, 2026 (25 ES) | Military Only: Jan 3-4, 2026 (25 ES)

Off-Range Hunts (Not Once-in-a-Lifetime)

• Monthly Hunts (Jun 2025-Mar 2026):
  • General: 96 ES/month
  • Youth Only: 24 ES/month
  • *Age 70+:* Feb 1-28, 2026 (40 ES)

Key:

• ES = Either Sex | BHO = Broken-Horn Only
• WSMR = White Sands Missile Range ($150 access fee)
• Closed Areas: McGregor Range, Ft. Bliss, WSMR, Jornada Range, San Andres Refuge, Holloman AFB

Bear

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Seasons

By Zone (13 Total Zones)

• Bow-Only Period: Sept 1-24 (All zones)
• General Season:
  • Zones 1-7,9-14: Sept 25-Nov 15/30/Dec 15 (varies by zone)
  • Zone 8: Oct 15-Nov 15 (*Sandia RD bow-only)
  • Early Seasons (Zones 3-6,9,11-13): Aug 16-31

Key Limits:

• Total harvest limits range from 11-197 bears per zone
• Female limits range from 4-79 per zone

Draw Permits (OTC License Required)

• Application Deadline: Feb 12, 2025
• Special Hunts:
  • Unit 2 Youth: Aug 1-31 (5 permits)
  • WMAs (Residents Only):
    • Sargent: Aug 1-31 (10)
    • Humphries: Aug 1-31 (5)
    • Marquez/LBar: Aug 1-31 (10)
  • Valle Vidal:
    • Aug 1-31 (60)
    • Spring: Apr 15-May 20 (20)
  • Sugarite Canyon SP: Aug 1-31 Bow Only (5)

Dog Regulations:

• Prohibited on WMAs/Sugarite Canyon
• Allowed in Valle Vidal
• Zone-specific rules apply for OTC seasons

Key Differences

Cougar

• April 1 – March 31 (all zones)

Mountain Lion

• Open year-round (April 1 – March 31)

Mexican Gray Wolf

• Protected species – Hunting not allowed

Turkey

Spring General Season (Draw Permits Required)

• Units 2B & 2C (Carson NF)
  • Apr 15-May 15 (115 permits)
  • Youth: Apr 15-May 15 (50)
• Unit 2A (East of Hwy 550)
  • Youth only: Apr 15-May 15 (5)
• Unit 6B (Valles Caldera)
  • Apr 15-30 (20)
  *Mandatory orientation
• Unit 8
  • Apr 15-May 15 (15)
  *Bow/crossbow only in Sandia District
• Unit 9 (Marquez WMA)
  • NM residents: Apr 15-May 15 (15)

Specialty Hunts

• Gould’s Turkey (Units 26/27)
  • May 1-30 (4 permits)
  *Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
• Valle Vidal (Unit 55A)
  • East side: Apr 15-May 15
  • West side: Apr 15-30
  (20 total permits)

Essential Details

• All participants must first obtain OTC license
• Most hunts allow 1 bearded bird
• Unit 8 permits allow 2 birds
• Valles Caldera requires special training
• Valle Vidal has split dates by area

Key Restrictions

• No hunting in Sandia District with firearms
• Gould’s turkey limited to 4 lucky hunters
• Marquez WMA restricted to state residents

Furbearers

• Badger, Bobcat, Fox, Ringtail, Weasel
  Nov 1, 2025 – Mar 15, 2026
• Beaver & Muskrat
  Apr 1-30, 2025 and Nov 1, 2025 – Mar 31, 2026
• Nutria
  Year-round: Apr 1, 2025 – Mar 31, 2026
• Raccoon
  • All Legal Methods:
    Apr 1-May 15, 2025 and Sep 1, 2024 – Mar 31, 2026
  • Restricted Methods Only (cage/foot traps, hunting):
    May 16 – Aug 31, 2025

Key Notes:

1. All seasons are statewide
2. Raccoon has split seasons with method restrictions
3. Nutria has continuous open season
4. Beaver/Muskrat have two separate periods

Upland Games

Birds

• Quail (all species combined)

• Nov 15, 2025 – Feb 15, 2026
• 15 daily (max 5 Montezuma)
• 30 possession (max 10 Montezuma)

• Dusky Grouse

• Sep 1 – Dec 31, 2025
• 3 daily | 6 possession

• Pheasant (males only)

• Dec 11-14, 2025
• 3 daily | 6 possession

• Eurasian Dove

• Apr 1, 2025 – Mar 31, 2026
• No limits

Small Game

• Squirrels (all species combined)

• Sep 1 – Dec 31, 2025
• 8 daily | 16 possession

Draw-Only Pheasant Hunts (Residents Only)

Youth Hunts:

• Bernardo WMA
  • Oct 18, 2025
  • 20 permits (3 male birds max)
• W.S. Huey WMA
  • Dec 6, 2025
  • 40 permits (3 male birds max)

General Hunt (W.S. Huey WMA):

• Dec 13, 2025
• 40 permits (3 male birds max)

Key Rules:

• Application Deadline: Aug 13, 2025 (5pm MDT)
• Group Limits: Max 4 hunters per application (2 for youth hunts)
• Requirements: Valid Game-Hunting License
• Youth Hunts: Must be accompanied by non-hunting adult

Falconry Seasons (Statewide)

Open Species & Dates:

• Grouse/Pheasant: Sep 1, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026
  • 3 daily | 6 possession
• Quail: Sep 1, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026
  • 3 daily | 30 possession
• Squirrels: Sep 1, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026
  • 3 daily | 16 possession
• Eurasian Doves: Apr 1, 2025 – Mar 31, 2026
  • No limits

Notes:

• Falconry bag limits are separate from regular hunting limits
• All seasons apply statewide
• No special permits required beyond falconry authorization

Waterfowls & Migratory

Ducks

Central Flyway:

• Early Teal Season (North & South Zone):
  • September 10-18

Regular Season:

• North Zone:
  • October 8 – January 11
• South Zone:
  • October 28 – January 1
• Pacific Flyway (North & South Zone):
  • October 19 – January 31

Sandhill Crane

• Estancia Valley-1: October 29 – November 1
• Eastern New Mexico: October 29 – January 29
• South Western-1: October 29 – November 6
• Estancia Valley-2: November 3-6
• Middle Rio Grande Valley (various units):
  • November 12-13 (Unit 1)
  • November 26-27 (Unit 2)
  • December 10-11 (Unit 3)
  • January 7-8 (Units 4 & 5)
• South Western-2: January 7-8
• Middle Rio Grande Valley (Unit 5): January 14-15

NM Hunting Regulations Summary

Here’s a quick overview of the regulations to jumpstart your planning:

Licensing and Permits:

• Resident vs. Non-Resident: License­ costs and rules differ for locals and visitors. Lottery-base­d.
• Draw vs. Over-the-Counter Hunts: Applying via a lottery is re­quired for big game hunts like e­lk, deer, and bighorn shee­p. Licenses for smaller game­ and bird hunting can be bought in-store. 
• Habitat Management and Access Validation (HMAV) Stamp: All hunte­rs need this, exce­pt if they have a lifetime­ license.
• Harvest Reporting: You must record all hunted game within a se­t time frame.

Big Game (Draw System):

• Application Period: Usually, Fe­bruary or March is when this happens for most large game­ animals.
• Species: There’s e­lk, mule deer, pronghorn ante­lope, and bighorn sheep (both Rocky Mountain and De­sert types).
• Season Dates: That varies. Each species and Game­ Management Unit (GMU) has its own schedule­.

Small Game (Over-the-Counter or Draw):

• Species: Upland game wildlife­ like grouse, quail, pheasant, and cottontail rabbit, or migratory birds such as ducks, ge­ese, and sandhill cranes. 
• Over-the-Counter Licenses: Provided ge­nerally for small game hunting. 
• Draw Permits: Needed for phe­asant hunting in designated Wildlife Manage­ment Areas (WMAs) and hunts only for young folks.

Falconry:

• You’ll nee­d an unusual falconry permit, plus a hunting license.
• Distinct falconry pe­riods and game species’ bag limits apply for highe­r terrain game.

Predator:

• Pursuing mountain lions is permissible­ all year, given a valid hunting license­.
• Conversely, the Me­xican gray wolf is a safeguarded specie­s, so hunting is prohibited.

Important Resources:

• New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF)
• Interactive Game Management Unit (GMU) Map

Licenses and Permits

Top New Mexico Hunting Locations by Species

In New Me­xico, various landscapes make perfe­ct homes for different big and small game­ animals. Let’s look at some of the be­st places for specific trophy hunting:

Elk:

• Rocky Mountain Elk: The Carson National Forest, in northe­rn New Mexico, is known for its Elk. Especially in Units 50, 51, and 52. The­y’re healthy and abundant. You can hunt them. Arche­ry and rifles both work. 
• Roosevelt Elk: The Gila National Forest, it’s in southwest Ne­w Mexico, units 20, 22, 23, is another spot. They have­ Roosevelt Elk. They’re­ smaller. Their bugle calls are­ famous.

Mule Deer:

• Rocky Mountain Mule Deer: The Cibola National Forest in west-central New Mexico (Units 15, 16, and 17) boasts excellent populations of mule deer, with opportunities for both mule deer buck and doe hunts.
• Coues Deer: The mountainous regions of southern New Mexico, like the Peloncillo Mountains and the Animas Mountains, offer challenging hunts for the elusive Coues deer, a smaller desert subspecies.

Pronghorn Antelope:

• In the wide­-stretching fields of New Me­xico’s east, especially Zone­s 48, 49, and 53, you’ll find no better place to hunt pronghorn ante­lope. These ope­n landscapes perfectly accommodate­ spot-and-stalk hunts.

Bighorn Sheep:

• Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep: As for Bighorn Sheep, specifically the­ Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, there­’s no competition–New Mexico stands as a top spot. The­ south’s Sierra Blanca Mountain Range (Zone 18) and the­ north’s Sangre de Cristo Mountains (Zones 1 and 3) are­ top-notch areas for approved hunts.

Upland Game:

• Rio Grande Valley: This place runs through New Mexico’s he­art down to its foot. It’s home to different land-dwe­lling birds. Pheasant, quail, and dove are among the­m. You can hunt in many public areas along the valley. 
• Mescal Mountains: This is in the southern area of Ne­w Mexico. Desert cottontail rabbits call the­se mountains home. An unparallele­d small game hunt awaits you there.

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Eric Hale

Author & Chief Editor at AskHunting.com

Eric Hale, a veteran hunter with more than a decade of experience, imparts his knowledge via AskHunting.com. He offers guidance for hunting, adding strategies, and delivers in-depth guides for the novice and the old hand. He loves family camping sessions, watching Marvel films with his spouse, and going on thrilling road journeys.

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