For a passionate hunter like you this place with all essential information about New Mexico Hunting Seasons. Learn about all available games such as elk, deer, bear and many other species.
Hunting experience the state of New Mexico is something every hunter either experienced or inexperienced enjoys and remembers for a lifetime.
Hunting opportunities in this state are amazing.
One can hunt for numerous big game species such as deer, pronghorn sheep, elk, bighorn, Barbary sheep, cougar, lion and many more.
There’s also plenty of small game species for those interested.
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New Mexico Hunting Seasons and All Available Games
#1. New Mexico Deer Seasons
Games | Seasons |
|---|---|
General Season | *October – November |
*NOTE: Season dates may vary by the zone.
#2. New Mexico Elk Seasons
Games | Seasons |
|---|---|
General Season | *October – December |
*NOTE: Season dates may vary by the zone.
#3. New Mexico Pronghorn Seasons
Games | Seasons |
|---|---|
General Season | *August 25 – December 31 |
*NOTE: Season dates may vary by the zone.
#4. New Mexico Ibex Seasons
Games | Seasons |
|---|---|
General Season | *November 15 – March 1 |
*NOTE: Season dates may vary by the zone.
#5. New Mexico Bighorn Sheep
Games | Seasons |
|---|---|
General Season | *August 15 – January 15 |
*NOTE: Season dates may vary by the zone.
#6. New Mexico Barbary Sheep Seasons
Games | Seasons |
|---|---|
General Season | *December 29 – 30 *February 1 – 28 *April 1 – March 31 |
*NOTE: Season dates may vary by the zone.
#7. New Mexico Oryx Seasons
Games | Seasons |
|---|---|
General Season | *October 12 – February 17 |
*NOTE: Season dates may vary by the zone.
#8. New Mexico Javelina Seasons
Games | Seasons |
|---|---|
Spring General Season | *March 30 – May 5 |
Fall General Season | *October 6 – 28 |
*NOTE: Season dates may vary by the zone.
#9. New Mexico Turkey Seasons
Games | Seasons |
|---|---|
Spring General Season | *April 15 – May 10 |
Fall General Season | *September 1 – 30 November 1 – 30 |
*NOTE: Season dates may vary by the zone.
#10. New Mexico Cougar Seasons
Games | Seasons |
|---|---|
General Season | April 1 – March 31 |
#11. New Mexico Bear Season
Games | Seasons |
|---|---|
General Season | *August – November |
*NOTE: Season dates may vary by the zone.
#12. New Mexico Small Game Seasons
Games | Seasons |
|---|---|
Dusky Blue Grouse | September 1 – November 30 |
Quail | November 15 – February 15 |
Eurasian Collared-Dove | April 1 – March 31 |
Squirrel | September 1 – November 30 |
License Requirements
What do you need to get a license in New Mexico?
Depending on your age, you may need to pass a Hunter Education Course before obtaining your license. After that, you can choose the right type of license for you.
Resident License – you are considered a resident in New Mexico if you have lived in the state for at least 90 days. Students and active military personnel are considered residents as well and can purchase a resident license. For hunting specific game, additional permits may be needed, but for non-game species, a license is not required.
Non-resident License - can be bought by a non-resident and has the same requirements as a license for residents, the difference is only in price.
Youth License – all residents and non-residents under 18 years old can buy a youth license for reduced prices.
Senior, Disability and Military License – residents of New Mexico who are 65 or older can buy a reduced fee license. New Mexico residents with a physical disability can buy a reduced fee license that allows them to shoot from a stationary vehicle, have assistance while tracking and killing the game. Military veterans and active duty military can buy their license, stamps or permits with a 50% discounts.
For detailed information about license fees and requirements visit the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish website. All licenses can be bought online.
Night Hunting in New Mexico
Night hunting is not allowed in New Mexico.
Legal hours when you can hunt are one half an hour before sunrise and one half an hour after sunset for all game and wildlife.
Night vision is not allowed as well, because shooting hours are restricted.
Where to Hunt in New Mexico?
New Mexico offers many different lands from desert to mountain which is allowed for hunting recreation.
There are four types of lands in New Mexico: Federal Lands, Native American Lands, State Lands, and Private Lands. Each type of land has different regulations, so it is important to check it before every hunting trip.
You should also see Land Access Rules before planning your trip if you want to have a successful and safe hunt.