New Mexico 2026-27 Hunting Season Dates
Quick answer
New Mexico's listed 2026-27 firearm deer season runs Oct 17-21, 2026.
Archery Mule Deer / White-tailed Deer opens Sep 1, 2026 and closes Sep 24, 2026.
Big game season opens Apr 1, 2026 and closes Mar 31, 2027.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to New Mexico NMDGF.
- firearm deer
- Oct 17-21, 2026
- archery deer
- Sep 1-24, 2026
- big game
- Apr 1, 2026-Mar 31, 2027
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Key seasons by species
We summarize official agency information and link to the source for verification. Regulations can change, and zone details matter. Always confirm final dates, bag limits, permits, and legal requirements with New Mexico NMDGF before hunting.
Proposed 2026-27
federal openings
in New Mexico
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing hunting and fishing access changes at 1 station in New Mexico. Public comment closes June 26, 2026.
Deer
28 listed rowsDeer - McGregor Range
Regular Firearm
Dec 19-20, 2026
$100 access fee; military-only and general hunt
Zone: Unit 28 McGregor Range
Deer - WSMR
Regular Firearm
Jan 8-10, 2027
White Sands Missile Range only; $60 access fee; mandatory check-in/out
Zone: Unit 19 WSMR
Deer - WSMR
Regular Firearm
Jan 22-24, 2027
White Sands Missile Range only; $60 access fee; mandatory check-in/out
Zone: Unit 19 WSMR
Mule Deer / White-tailed Deer
Archery
Sep 1-24, 2026
Multiple units with varying license numbers; bow season generally Sept. 1-24 across most units
Zone: Various GMUs (statewide draw)
Mule Deer / White-tailed Deer
Firearm - Premium Statewide
Sep 1, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
Premium statewide deer hunt DER-1-700; 1 license available
Zone: Statewide
Mule Deer / White-tailed Deer
Muzzleloader
Sep 27-Oct 3, 2026
Muzzleloader season in most units Sept. 27-Oct. 3; some units differ
Zone: Various GMUs
Mule Deer / White-tailed Deer
Regular Firearm
Oct 24-28, 2026
Multiple firearm season dates vary by unit; Oct. 24-28 is one common window
Zone: Various GMUs
Mule Deer / White-tailed Deer
Regular Firearm
Oct 31-Nov 4, 2026
Oct. 31-Nov. 4 firearm season in many units
Zone: Various GMUs
Mule Deer / White-tailed Deer
Regular Firearm
Nov 7-11, 2026
Nov. 7-11 firearm season in many units
Zone: Various GMUs
Mule Deer / White-tailed Deer
Regular Firearm
Nov 14-18, 2026
Nov. 14-18 firearm season in many units
Zone: Various GMUs
Mule Deer / White-tailed Deer
Youth Only - Firearm
Nov 21-29, 2026
Youth only firearm season Nov. 21-29 in multiple units
Zone: Various GMUs
Mule Deer / White-tailed Deer
Archery - Late
Jan 1-15, 2027
Late bow season available in multiple units
Zone: Various GMUs
Show 16 more deer rows
Mule Deer/White-tailed Deer
Premium Statewide
Sep 1, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
Hunt code DER-1-700; premium statewide draw hunt; 1 license
Zone: Statewide
Mule Deer/White-tailed Deer
Archery
Sep 1-24, 2026
Draw hunt; specific units vary; see hunt codes DER-2-XXX in regulations
Zone: Various units statewide
Mule Deer/White-tailed Deer
Muzzleloader
Sep 27-Oct 3, 2026
Draw hunt; specific units vary
Zone: Various units statewide
Mule Deer/White-tailed Deer
Muzzleloader - Restricted
Sep 27-Oct 3, 2026
Restricted muzzleloader only; see hunt codes DER-3-169, DER-3-397
Zone: Units 9, 52
Mule Deer/White-tailed Deer
Regular Firearm
Oct 17-21, 2026
Draw hunt; any legal sporting arm; specific units vary
Zone: Various units statewide
Mule Deer/White-tailed Deer
Regular Firearm
Oct 24-28, 2026
Draw hunt; any legal sporting arm; specific units vary
Zone: Various units statewide
Mule Deer/White-tailed Deer
Regular Firearm
Oct 31-Nov 4, 2026
Draw hunt; any legal sporting arm; specific units vary
Zone: Various units statewide
Mule Deer/White-tailed Deer
Regular Firearm
Nov 7-11, 2026
Draw hunt; any legal sporting arm; specific units vary
Zone: Various units statewide
Mule Deer/White-tailed Deer
Regular Firearm
Nov 14-18, 2026
Draw hunt; any legal sporting arm; specific units vary
Zone: Various units statewide
Mule Deer/White-tailed Deer
Youth Firearm
Nov 21-29, 2026
Youth-only draw hunt; specific units vary
Zone: Various units statewide
Mule Deer/White-tailed Deer
Regular Firearm
Nov 25-29, 2026
White-tailed deer either-sex hunts in select units
Zone: Various units
Mule Deer/White-tailed Deer
Regular Firearm
Dec 12-16, 2026
Either-sex white-tailed deer hunts in select units
Zone: Various units
Mule Deer/White-tailed Deer
Archery
Jan 1-15, 2027
Draw hunt; late archery season; specific units vary
Zone: Various units statewide
White-tailed Deer
Firearm - Either Sex
Nov 21-25, 2026
Either-sex white-tailed deer hunts in select southern units
Zone: Units 21, 23, 24, 26
White-tailed Deer
Regular Firearm
Dec 5-13, 2026
High-demand hunt for fork-antlered white-tailed deer
Zone: Units 21, 23, 26
White-tailed Deer
Firearm - Either Sex
Dec 5-13, 2026
Late either-sex white-tailed deer season in select units
Zone: Units 21, 23, 26, 27
Turkey
Gould's Turkey
Spring Draw Once-in-Lifetime
May 1-30, 2026
Hunt code TUR-1-106; once-in-a-lifetime; 4 licenses
Zone: Units 26 & 27
Gould's Turkey
Draw - Spring Once-in-a-Lifetime
May 1-30, 2026
Once-in-a-lifetime Gould's turkey hunt; TUR-1-106; 4 permits
Zone: Units 26 & 27
Turkey
Spring Youth Only OTC
Apr 10-12, 2026
Early youth-only turkey hunt; draw-permit areas not open for youth-only spring OTC holders
Zone: Statewide open units
Turkey
Draw - Spring
Apr 15-May 15, 2026
Draw permits required; various hunt codes per area; Unit 6B Apr. 15-30; Units 26 & 27 Gould's Turkey May 1-30
Zone: Units 2B, 2C (Carson NF), 2A east area, Unit 8, Unit 9 Marquez/LBar WMA, Units 55A Valle Vidal
Turkey
Spring OTC
Apr 15-May 15, 2026
Statewide except specified closed areas including Units 6B, 8, 19, 25-28, 30, 31 and certain WMAs
Zone: Statewide (with closed areas)
Turkey
Fall Archery OTC
Sep 1-30, 2026
Bow only fall turkey season; closed areas include Units 6B, 8, 14, 18, 19, 25-28, 30, 31, 33, 38, 49, 50, 53 and certain WMAs
Zone: Statewide (with closed areas)
Turkey
Fall Firearm OTC
Nov 1-30, 2026
Shotgun, bow or crossbow fall turkey season; same closed areas as bow season
Zone: Statewide (with closed areas)
Wild Turkey
Youth Spring OTC
Apr 10-12, 2026
Early youth-only spring hunt; draw-permit areas not open
Zone: Statewide open units
Wild Turkey
Spring OTC
Apr 15-May 15, 2026
Closed areas include Units 6B, 8, 19, 25-28, 30, 31 and certain WMAs; shotgun, bow or crossbow
Zone: Statewide open areas
Wild Turkey
Spring Draw
Apr 15-May 15, 2026
Draw permits required; must purchase OTC turkey license; various units and bag limits; 165 total permits across units
Zone: Units 2B & 2C Carson NF; Unit 2A; Unit 6B; Unit 8; Unit 9; Valle Vidal
Wild Turkey
Fall Bow
Sep 1-30, 2026
Bow only; closed areas include Units 6B, 8, 14, 18, 19, 25-28, 30, 31, 33, 38, 49, 50, 53 and certain WMAs
Zone: Statewide (excluding closed areas)
Wild Turkey
Fall Firearm
Nov 1-30, 2026
Shotgun, bow or crossbow; same closed areas as fall bow season
Zone: Statewide (excluding closed areas)
Bear
13 listed rowsBlack Bear
Draw - Spring Valle Vidal
Apr 15-May 20, 2026
Bear draw permit BER-1-105; 20 permits; dogs allowed on Valle Vidal during this season
Zone: Unit 55A Valle Vidal
Black Bear
Draw Permit
Apr 15-May 20, 2026
Hunt code BER-1-105; 20 permits; draw permit hunt; dogs allowed on Valle Vidal
Zone: Unit 55A Valle Vidal
Black Bear
Draw - WMA
Aug 1-31, 2026
Draw permits for WMA bear hunts; NM residents only for WMA hunts
Zone: Various WMAs (Units 2, 4, 9, 54, 55A)
Black Bear
Draw Permit
Aug 1-31, 2026
Draw permits for WMAs and Valle Vidal; NM residents only for WMAs; 110 total permits
Zone: Various WMAs and Valle Vidal
Black Bear
Archery Draw
Aug 1-31, 2026
Hunt code BER-2-106; bow only; 5 permits
Zone: Unit 57 Sugarite Canyon State Park
Black Bear
Draw - Sugarite Canyon
Aug 1-31, 2026
Bow only; BER-2-106; 5 permits
Zone: Unit 57 Sugarite Canyon State Park
Black Bear
Youth Draw
Aug 1-31, 2026
Hunt code BER-1-100; youth only; 5 permits
Zone: Unit 2
Black Bear
Firearm Early
Aug 16-31, 2026
Early any legal season in select zones; dogs allowed
Zone: Zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13
Black Bear
Firearm - Early
Aug 16-31, 2026
Early bear season Aug. 16-31 in select zones
Zone: Zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13
Black Bear
Archery
Sep 1-24, 2026
Bow only; no dogs allowed; licenses must be purchased at least 2 days before hunting; no cubs or females with cubs
Zone: All zones statewide
Black Bear
Archery
Sep 1-24, 2026
Bow-only season in all zones Sept. 1-24; dogs not allowed during bow season
Zone: All open bear management zones
Black Bear
Firearm
Sep 25-Dec 15, 2026
Any legal sporting arm; dogs allowed except on WMAs; season close date varies by zone (Nov 15 to Dec 15)
Zone: All zones statewide
Show 1 more bear rows
Black Bear
Firearm
Sep 25-Nov 15, 2026
Any legal sporting arm season; dates vary by zone (Sept. 25-Nov. 15 in most zones; through Dec. 15 in zones 10 and 12; through Nov. 30 in zones 11 and 13)
Zone: Most zones
Elk
40 listed rowsElk
Archery
Sep 1-14, 2026
Early bow season Sept. 1-14 in most units
Zone: Various GMUs
Elk
Archery
Sep 1-14, 2026
Draw hunt; earliest open bow season; specific units vary
Zone: Various units statewide
Elk
Firearm - Premium Statewide
Sep 1, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
Premium statewide elk hunt ELK-1-700; 1 license available
Zone: Statewide
Elk
Premium Statewide
Sep 1, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
Hunt code ELK-1-700; premium statewide draw hunt; 1 license
Zone: Statewide
Elk
Archery
Sep 15-24, 2026
Second bow season Sept. 15-24 in most units
Zone: Various GMUs
Elk
Archery
Sep 15-24, 2026
Draw hunt; second archery period; specific units vary
Zone: Various units statewide
Elk
Firearm
Oct 1-5, 2026
Draw hunt; select units only
Zone: Various units
Elk
Muzzleloader
Oct 10-14, 2026
Muzzleloader season Oct. 10-14 in many units
Zone: Various GMUs
Elk
Muzzleloader
Oct 10-14, 2026
Draw hunt; muzzleloader period; specific units vary
Zone: Various units statewide
Elk
Firearm
Oct 17-21, 2026
Draw hunt; any legal sporting arm; specific units vary
Zone: Various units statewide
Elk
Firearm
Oct 17-21, 2026
Firearm season Oct. 17-21 in many units
Zone: Various GMUs
Elk
Firearm
Oct 24-28, 2026
Draw hunt; any legal sporting arm; specific units vary
Zone: Various units statewide
Show 28 more elk rows
Elk
Firearm
Oct 24-28, 2026
Firearm season Oct. 24-28 in select units
Zone: Various GMUs
Elk
Firearm
Oct 31-Nov 4, 2026
Firearm season Oct. 31-Nov. 4 in select units
Zone: Various GMUs
Elk
Firearm
Oct 31-Nov 4, 2026
Draw hunt; any legal sporting arm; specific units vary
Zone: Various units statewide
Elk
Firearm - Antlerless
Nov 7-11, 2026
Antlerless elk firearm season Nov. 7-11 in select units; NM residents only
Zone: Various GMUs
Elk
Firearm
Nov 7-11, 2026
Draw hunt; any legal sporting arm; specific units vary
Zone: Various units statewide
Elk
Firearm - Antlerless
Nov 14-18, 2026
Antlerless elk firearm season Nov. 14-18 in select units; NM residents only
Zone: Various GMUs
Elk
Firearm
Nov 14-18, 2026
Draw hunt; antlerless or mature bull; specific units vary
Zone: Various units statewide
Elk
Antlerless Firearm
Nov 21-25, 2026
NM resident only antlerless hunts
Zone: Various units
Elk
Firearm - Antlerless
Nov 21-25, 2026
Antlerless elk firearm season Nov. 21-25 in select units; NM residents only
Zone: Various GMUs
Elk
Youth Encouragement Antlerless
Nov 28-Dec 2, 2026
Youth encouragement elk hunts; online purchase only; $67 resident/$563 non-resident
Zone: Various units
Elk
Youth Encouragement - Antlerless
Nov 28-Dec 2, 2026
Youth encouragement elk hunt Nov. 28-Dec. 2; online purchase only
Zone: Various GMUs
Elk
Antlerless Firearm
Nov 28-Dec 2, 2026
NM resident only antlerless hunts
Zone: Various units
Elk
Antlerless Firearm
Dec 5-9, 2026
NM resident only antlerless hunts
Zone: Various units
Elk
Firearm - Antlerless
Dec 5-9, 2026
Antlerless elk firearm season Dec. 5-9 in select units; NM residents only
Zone: Various GMUs
Elk
Firearm - Antlerless
Dec 12-16, 2026
Antlerless elk firearm season Dec. 12-16 in select units; NM residents only
Zone: Various GMUs
Elk
Antlerless Firearm
Dec 12-16, 2026
NM resident only antlerless hunts
Zone: Various units
Elk
Firearm
Dec 19-23, 2026
Mature bull late season; select units
Zone: Various units
Elk
Youth Encouragement Antlerless
Dec 26-30, 2026
Youth encouragement elk hunts; online purchase only
Zone: Various units
Elk
Youth Encouragement - Antlerless
Dec 26-30, 2026
Youth encouragement elk hunt Dec. 26-30; online purchase only
Zone: Various GMUs
Elk
Antlerless Firearm
Jan 23-27, 2027
Late antlerless hunts; NM resident only
Zone: Units 34, 36
Elk
Firearm - Late Antlerless
Jan 23-27, 2027
Late antlerless elk season; NM residents only
Zone: Units 34, 36
Elk
Antlerless Firearm
Feb 6-10, 2027
Late antlerless hunt; NM resident only
Zone: Unit 34
Elk
Firearm - Late Antlerless
Feb 6-10, 2027
Late antlerless elk season Unit 34; NM residents only
Zone: Unit 34
Elk - APRE Archery
Archery
Dec 5-9, 2026
Antler-point-restricted elk; bow only
Zone: Units 12, 37
Elk - APRE Archery
Archery
Dec 19-23, 2026
Antler-point-restricted elk or antlerless; bow only
Zone: Unit 34
Elk - McGregor Range
Firearm
Dec 12-16, 2026
$100 access fee; military-only and general hunt
Zone: Unit 28 McGregor Range
Elk - Valle Vidal
Archery Once-in-Lifetime
Sep 1-14, 2026
Once-in-a-lifetime hunt; Q/HD fee type
Zone: Unit 55A Valle Vidal
Elk - Valles Caldera
Archery
Sep 1-14, 2026
Hunter orientation required; Q/HD fee; $35 special use permit + $25 entrance fee
Zone: Unit 6B Valles Caldera
Waterfowl
Ducks, Geese
Firearm
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Waterfowl season dates in Migratory Game Bird Supplement; Federal Duck Stamp required age 16+; nontoxic shot required
Zone: Statewide
Dove
Mourning Dove / White-winged Dove
Firearm
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Dove season dates not published in this booklet; check Migratory Game Bird Supplement available in summer at wildlife.dgf.nm.gov
Zone: Statewide
Pheasant
Pheasant
Falconry
Sep 1, 2026-Feb 28, 2027
Falconry pheasant season
Zone: Statewide
Pheasant
Youth Only - Draw - Bernardo WMA
Oct 17-17, 2026
Youth-only pheasant draw hunt PHE-0-001; resident only
Zone: Bernardo WMA
Pheasant
Youth Only - Draw - Jackson Lake WMA
Dec 5-5, 2026
Youth-only pheasant draw hunt PHE-0-004; resident only
Zone: Jackson Lake WMA
Pheasant
Youth Only - Draw - W.S. Huey WMA
Dec 5-5, 2026
Youth-only pheasant draw hunt PHE-0-002; resident only
Zone: W.S. Huey WMA
Pheasant
Firearm - OTC
Dec 10-13, 2026
General OTC pheasant season
Zone: Statewide
Pheasant
Draw - W.S. Huey WMA
Dec 12-12, 2026
Adult and youth pheasant draw hunt PHE-0-003; resident only
Zone: W.S. Huey WMA
Ring-necked Pheasant
Falconry
Sep 1, 2026-Feb 28, 2027
Falconry season; in aggregate with grouse
Zone: Statewide
Ring-necked Pheasant
Youth Draw
Oct 17-17, 2026
Youth-only draw permit; hunt code PHE-0-001; must be accompanied by non-hunting adult
Zone: Bernardo WMA
Ring-necked Pheasant
Youth Draw
Dec 5-5, 2026
Youth-only draw permit; hunt code PHE-0-004
Zone: Jackson Lake WMA
Ring-necked Pheasant
Youth Draw
Dec 5-5, 2026
Youth-only draw permit; hunt code PHE-0-002
Zone: W.S. Huey WMA
Ring-necked Pheasant
Firearm OTC
Dec 10-13, 2026
OTC season; Game-Hunting License required
Zone: Statewide
Ring-necked Pheasant
Draw
Dec 12-12, 2026
General draw permit; hunt code PHE-0-003; adult and youth hunters
Zone: W.S. Huey WMA
Quail
Quail
Falconry
Sep 1, 2026-Feb 28, 2027
Falconry quail season
Zone: Statewide
Quail (Scaled, Gambel's, Bobwhite, Montezuma)
Firearm OTC
Nov 15, 2026-Feb 15, 2027
Singly or in aggregate for all quail species
Zone: Statewide
Scaled/Gambel's/Bobwhite/Montezuma Quail
Firearm
Nov 15, 2026-Feb 15, 2027
General quail season statewide
Zone: Statewide
Grouse
Dusky (Blue) Grouse
Firearm - South Zone
Sep 1-Dec 31, 2026
Dusky grouse season south of I-40
Zone: South Zone (south of I-40)
Dusky (Blue) Grouse
Firearm - North Zone
Sep 1-Dec 31, 2026
Dusky grouse season north of I-40
Zone: North Zone (north of I-40)
Dusky (Blue) Grouse
Firearm OTC
Sep 1-Dec 31, 2026
North Zone: north of I-40 (3/day); South Zone: south of I-40 (1/day)
Zone: Statewide
Dusky Grouse
Falconry
Sep 1, 2026-Feb 28, 2027
Falconry season; in aggregate with pheasant
Zone: Statewide
Grouse
Falconry
Sep 1, 2026-Feb 28, 2027
Falconry grouse season
Zone: Statewide
Squirrel
Abert's/Red/Gray/Fox Squirrel
Firearm
Sep 1-Dec 31, 2026
General squirrel season statewide
Zone: Statewide
Squirrel
Falconry
Sep 1, 2026-Feb 28, 2027
Falconry squirrel season
Zone: Statewide
Squirrel (Abert's, Red, Gray, Fox)
Firearm OTC
Sep 1-Dec 31, 2026
All squirrel species in aggregate
Zone: Statewide
Furbearer
Badger, Bobcat, Fox, Ringtail, Weasel
Trapping/Hunting
Nov 1, 2026-Mar 15, 2027
Trapping prohibited on public lands; bobcat pelt tag required
Zone: Statewide
Beaver, Muskrat
Trapping/Hunting
Apr 1-30, 2026
Spring beaver/muskrat season; also open Nov. 1, 2026-Mar. 31, 2027
Zone: Statewide
Beaver, Muskrat
Trapping/Hunting - Fall
Nov 1, 2026-Mar 31, 2027
Fall/winter beaver and muskrat season; trapping prohibited on public lands
Zone: Statewide
Beaver, Muskrat
Trapping/Hunting
Nov 1, 2026-Mar 31, 2027
Fall/winter season; trapping prohibited on public lands
Zone: Statewide
Nutria
Trapping/Hunting
Apr 1, 2026-Mar 31, 2027
Year-round nutria trapping season; invasive species
Zone: Rio Hondo in Chaves and Lincoln counties
Nutria
Trapping/Hunting
Apr 1, 2026-Mar 31, 2027
Year-round to prevent population increase; invasive species
Zone: Rio Hondo (Chaves and Lincoln counties)
Raccoon
All Legal Methods
Apr 1-May 15, 2026
Spring raccoon season with all legal methods; also open Sept. 1, 2026-Mar. 31, 2027
Zone: Statewide
Raccoon
Restricted Methods
May 16, 2026-Aug 31, 2027
Restricted to cage traps, foot-encapsulating traps and hunting only
Zone: Statewide
Raccoon
Restricted Methods
May 16-Aug 31, 2026
Restricted methods only (cage traps, foot-encapsulating traps and hunting) during extended season
Zone: Statewide
Raccoon
All Legal Methods - Fall
Sep 1, 2026-Mar 31, 2027
Fall/winter raccoon season with all legal methods
Zone: Statewide
Raccoon
All Legal Methods
Sep 1, 2026-Mar 31, 2027
Fall/winter season; night hunting with headlamp or hand-held flashlight allowed
Zone: Statewide
Small Game
Eurasian Collared-Dove
Firearm
Apr 1, 2026-Mar 31, 2027
Year-round Eurasian collared-dove season; no bag or possession limits; falconry season also year-round
Zone: Statewide
Big Game
34 listed rowsBarbary Sheep
Firearm - OTC
Apr 1, 2026-Mar 31, 2027
OTC Barbary sheep license BBY-1-300; unlimited licenses; statewide except specified closed areas
Zone: Statewide (except WMAs, WSMR, Ft. Bliss GMU 19, draw areas of GMUs 28-30, 32, 36-37)
Barbary Sheep
OTC Any Legal
Apr 1, 2026-Mar 31, 2027
Over-the-counter license; hunt code BBY-1-300; unlimited licenses
Zone: Statewide (excluding WMAs, WSMR, Fort Bliss, and draw areas of GMUs 28, 29, 30, 32, 36, 37)
Barbary Sheep
Firearm - Draw
Oct 10, 2026-Feb 27, 2027
Multiple Barbary sheep draw seasons with various dates; Units 29/30 Oct. 10-16, Dec. 4-10, Dec. 15-21, Jan. 20-26, Feb. 1-7, Feb. 12-18, Feb. 21-27; similar dates for Units 32/36/37; Unit 28 Dec. 12-16
Zone: Units 28 (McGregor Range), 29, 30, 32, 36, 37
Barbary Sheep
Firearm
Oct 10-16, 2026
Draw firearm hunt
Zone: Units 29, 30 and 32, 36, 37
Barbary Sheep
Firearm
Dec 4-10, 2026
Draw firearm hunt
Zone: Units 29, 30 and 32, 36, 37
Barbary Sheep
Firearm
Dec 15-21, 2026
Draw firearm hunt
Zone: Units 29, 30 and 32, 36, 37
Barbary Sheep
Archery
Jan 1-15, 2027
Draw bow hunt; hunt codes BBY-2-108, BBY-2-100
Zone: Units 29, 30 and 32, 36, 37
Barbary Sheep
Archery - Draw
Jan 1-15, 2027
Bow-only Barbary sheep draw season
Zone: Units 29, 30, 32, 36, 37
Barbary Sheep
Firearm
Jan 20-Feb 27, 2027
Multiple late season periods; Jan 20-26, Feb 1-7, Feb 12-18, Feb 21-27
Zone: Units 29, 30 and 32, 36, 37
Barbary Sheep - McGregor
Firearm
Dec 12-16, 2026
$100 access fee; military-only and general hunt; multiple periods Dec 26-27, Jan 2-3
Zone: Unit 28 McGregor Range
Barbary Sheep - McGregor
Firearm
Dec 26, 2026-Jan 3, 2027
$100 access fee; two periods Dec 26-27 and Jan 2-3
Zone: Unit 28 McGregor Range
Ibex
Archery
Oct 1-15, 2026
Bow ibex season IBX-2-100; 20 licenses
Zone: Unit 25 (Florida Mountains)
Show 22 more big game rows
Ibex
Archery
Oct 1-15, 2026
Hunt code IBX-2-100; 20 licenses
Zone: Unit 25 Florida Mountains
Ibex
Firearm Once-in-Lifetime
Nov 15-29, 2026
Hunt code IBX-1-101; once-in-a-lifetime; 5 licenses
Zone: Unit 25 Florida Mountains
Ibex
Firearm - Once-in-a-Lifetime
Nov 15-29, 2026
Once-in-a-lifetime ibex hunt IBX-1-101; 5 licenses; cougar hunting closed in Florida Mtns during ibex season
Zone: Unit 25 (Florida Mountains)
Ibex
Youth Firearm Once-in-Youth
Dec 27, 2026-Jan 10, 2027
Hunt code IBX-1-103; once-in-a-youth; 1 license
Zone: Unit 25 Florida Mountains
Ibex
Firearm - Youth Once-in-a-Youth
Dec 27, 2026-Jan 10, 2027
Once-in-a-youth ibex hunt IBX-1-103; 1 license
Zone: Unit 25 (Florida Mountains)
Ibex
Archery
Jan 15-29, 2027
Hunt code IBX-2-104; 20 licenses
Zone: Unit 25 Florida Mountains
Ibex
Archery - Late
Jan 15-29, 2027
Late bow ibex season IBX-2-104; 20 licenses
Zone: Unit 25 (Florida Mountains)
Oryx
Off-Range Firearm
Jun 1, 2026-Mar 31, 2027
Monthly periods June through March; 96 licenses per period; not once-in-a-lifetime; youth hunts also available with 24 licenses per period
Zone: Statewide off-range
Oryx
Firearm - Off-Range
Jun 1, 2026-Mar 31, 2027
Multiple monthly off-range oryx hunts available; excludes WSMR, Ft. Bliss portions of GMUs 19/28, Jornada, San Andres NWR; 96 licenses per month general, 24 youth
Zone: Statewide off-range
Oryx
Firearm - WSMR Once-in-a-Lifetime
Sep 4, 2026-Mar 7, 2027
Multiple 3-day hunt periods at WSMR; WSMR access fee $185; dates vary by hunt code
Zone: Unit 19 WSMR (Stallion Range and Rhodes Canyon)
Oryx
Once-in-Lifetime Firearm
Sep 4, 2026-Mar 7, 2027
Multiple 3-day hunt periods throughout season; $185 WSMR access fee; once-in-a-lifetime
Zone: Unit 19 WSMR
Oryx
Firearm - Broken Horn
Sep 4, 2026-Mar 7, 2027
Multiple 3-day broken-horn oryx hunt periods; 15 licenses per period
Zone: WSMR (Stallion Range and Rhodes Canyon)
Oryx
Broken-Horn Firearm
Sep 4, 2026-Mar 7, 2027
Multiple periods; hunt codes ORX-1-112 through ORX-1-120; 15 licenses each period
Zone: Unit 19 WSMR
Oryx
Firearm - Youth Once-in-a-Youth
Oct 2-4, 2026
Youth-only once-in-a-youth oryx hunt ORX-1-111; 40 licenses
Zone: WSMR Stallion Range
Oryx
Youth Once-in-Youth
Oct 2-4, 2026
Hunt code ORX-1-111; youth only once-in-a-youth; $185 WSMR access fee
Zone: Unit 19 WSMR Stallion Range
Oryx
Firearm - Resident Veteran Once-in-a-Lifetime
Oct 16-18, 2026
Resident veterans only once-in-a-lifetime oryx hunt ORX-1-102; 75 licenses
Zone: WSMR Rhodes Canyon
Oryx
Resident Veteran Once-in-Lifetime
Oct 16-18, 2026
Hunt code ORX-1-102; resident veterans only; $185 WSMR access fee
Zone: Unit 19 WSMR Rhodes Canyon
Oryx
McGregor Range Firearm
Dec 19, 2026-Jan 3, 2027
$100 access fee; two periods Dec 19-20 and Jan 2-3; military and general hunts
Zone: Unit 28 McGregor Range
Oryx
Firearm - Fort Bliss
Dec 19-20, 2026
Fort Bliss oryx hunt ORX-1-225/ORX-1-226; $100 access fee; military-only and general hunts
Zone: Unit 28 McGregor Range/Fort Bliss
Oryx
Firearm - Fort Bliss
Jan 2-3, 2027
Fort Bliss oryx hunt ORX-1-227/ORX-1-228; $100 access fee
Zone: Unit 28 McGregor Range/Fort Bliss
Oryx
Firearm - Senior (70+)
Feb 1-28, 2027
Senior oryx hunt for ages 70 and older; ORX-1-222; 40 licenses
Zone: Statewide off-range
Oryx
Senior Off-Range Firearm
Feb 1-28, 2027
Hunt code ORX-1-222; age 70 and older; 40 licenses
Zone: Statewide off-range
Migratory Birds
Band-tailed Pigeon
Firearm
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Free Band-tailed Pigeon Permit required; dates in Migratory Game Bird Supplement
Zone: Statewide
Eurasian Collared-Dove
Firearm OTC
Apr 1, 2026-Mar 31, 2027
Year-round season; no bag or possession limit; shotguns, muzzleloading shotguns, rimfire, muzzleloading firearms, bows, crossbows, and compressed air guns allowed
Zone: Statewide
Light Goose
Conservation Order
Feb 1-Mar 10, 2027
Light Goose Conservation Order permit required; free permit; electronic calls allowed
Zone: Statewide
Light Goose Conservation Order
Firearm
Feb 1-Mar 10, 2027
Free Light Goose Conservation Order Permit required; electronic calls allowed
Zone: Statewide
Sandhill Crane - Draw
Draw - Southwest/Estancia Valley/Middle Rio Grande
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Draw permits required; applications due Aug. 12, 2026; specific dates in Migratory Game Bird Supplement
Zone: Southwest NM, Estancia Valley, Middle Rio Grande Valley
Sandhill Crane - Draw
Firearm
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Draw permits required; application deadline Aug. 12, 2026; nontoxic shot required for draw hunts
Zone: SW, EV, and MRGV hunt areas
Sandhill Crane - Eastern
Firearm
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Free Eastern Sandhill Crane Permit required; no federal duck stamp required; dates in Migratory Game Bird Supplement
Zone: Chaves, Curry, De Baca, Eddy, Lea, Quay, Roosevelt counties
Sandhill Crane - Eastern
Firearm - Eastern Hunt Area
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Free Eastern Sandhill Crane permit required; specific dates in Migratory Game Bird Supplement; applications due Aug. 12, 2026
Zone: Chaves, Curry, De Baca, Eddy, Lea, Quay, Roosevelt counties
Waterfowl (Ducks and Geese)
Firearm
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Dates published in summer Migratory Game Bird Supplement; nontoxic shot required; federal duck stamp required age 16+
Zone: Statewide
Pronghorn
17 listed rowsPronghorn
Youth Only - Muzzleloader
Aug 1-3, 2026
Youth only muzzleloader season Unit 4
Zone: Unit 4
Pronghorn
Youth Muzzleloader
Aug 1-3, 2026
Youth-only muzzleloader private-land hunt
Zone: Units 4, 50, 52
Pronghorn
Archery
Aug 15-23, 2026
Bow-only pronghorn season in most units
Zone: Various GMUs
Pronghorn
Archery
Aug 15-23, 2026
Draw and private-land OTC hunts; earliest bow season
Zone: Various units statewide
Pronghorn
Muzzleloader
Aug 22-24, 2026
Muzzleloader season in select units
Zone: Units 4, 50, 52
Pronghorn
Youth Only - Firearm
Aug 29-31, 2026
Youth only firearm season Aug. 29-31 in multiple units
Zone: Various GMUs
Pronghorn
Firearm
Aug 29-31, 2026
Draw hunt; any legal sporting arm; specific units vary
Zone: Various units statewide
Pronghorn
Firearm
Aug 29-31, 2026
Main firearms season Aug. 29-31 in most units
Zone: Various GMUs
Pronghorn
Muzzleloader - WSMR
Sep 5-6, 2026
WSMR muzzleloader pronghorn season
Zone: Unit 28 McGregor Range
Pronghorn
Firearm
Sep 26-28, 2026
Second firearm season Sept. 26-28 in many units
Zone: Various GMUs
Pronghorn
Firearm
Sep 26-28, 2026
Draw hunt; any legal sporting arm; specific units vary
Zone: Various units statewide
Pronghorn
Firearm
Oct 3-5, 2026
Third firearm season Oct. 3-5 in many units
Zone: Various GMUs
Show 5 more pronghorn rows
Pronghorn
Firearm
Oct 3-5, 2026
Draw hunt; any legal sporting arm; specific units vary
Zone: Various units statewide
Pronghorn
Firearm - Female/Immature
Dec 1-15, 2026
Female/immature pronghorn season in Roswell Hunt Area only
Zone: Unit 32 (Roswell Hunt Area)
Pronghorn - McGregor
Muzzleloader
Sep 5-6, 2026
$100 access fee; military-only and general muzzleloader hunt
Zone: Unit 28 McGregor Range
Pronghorn - Roswell
Firearm
Dec 1-15, 2026
Female/immature late season hunt
Zone: Unit 32 Roswell Hunt Area
Pronghorn - WSMR
Youth Firearm
Oct 2-4, 2026
WSMR only; $100 access fee; youth only
Zone: Unit 19 WSMR
Mountain Lion
Mountain Lion (Cougar)
Firearm OTC
Apr 1, 2026-Mar 31, 2027
OTC license; must be purchased at least 2 days before hunting; zones close when harvest limits reached; mandatory cougar ID course required; no spotted kittens or females with spotted kittens
Zone: Statewide (all zones)
Mountain Lion / Cougar
Firearm - OTC
Apr 1, 2026-Mar 31, 2027
Statewide cougar season; zones close when harvest limits met; mandatory cougar ID course required; license must be purchased at least 2 days before hunting
Zone: Statewide (all open cougar management zones)
Bighorn Sheep
Desert Bighorn Sheep
Firearm - Ram
Sep 11, 2026-Jan 15, 2027
Hunt code BHS-1-204; dates vary by area from Sept 11 to Jan 15; see specific area dates
Zone: Various GMUs
Desert Bighorn Sheep
Firearm - Ram
Sep 11, 2026-Jan 3, 2027
Multiple hunt areas: GMUs 13/17 Dec. 1-15 and Dec. 16-31; GMU 19 Dec. 14-21 and Dec. 27-Jan. 3; GMU 20 South Nov. 16-30 and Dec. 1-15; GMU 20 North Sept. 11-20; GMU 26 Little Hatchets Sept. 15-30 and Oct. 1-15; GMU 26 Big Hatchets Sept. 15-30 and Oct. 1-15; GMU 27 Nov. 16-30
Zone: Various GMUs
Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep
Firearm - Ram
Aug 6, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
Multiple hunt areas with varying dates: GMU 45 Aug. 7-16 and Aug. 21-30; GMU 53 Aug. 6-15 and Sept. 1-10; GMUs 53/55 Aug. 7-16 and Aug. 21-30; GMUs 49/50/53 Aug. 10-24, Sept. 1-15, Nov. 1-15; GMUs 6A/6C Aug. 10-24 and Sept. 1-15; GMUs 16B/22/23/24 Jan. 1-31 '27; GMU 58 Aug. 15-Jan. 15 '27
Zone: Various GMUs
Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep
Archery - Ewe
Sep 4-13, 2026
Rocky Mountain bighorn ewe bow hunt BHS-2-203
Zone: GMU 45 (Pecos)
Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep
Archery - Ewe
Sep 4-13, 2026
Hunt code BHS-2-203; bow only
Zone: GMU 45 Pecos
Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep
Firearm - Ewe
Sep 19-Oct 7, 2026
Hunt code BHS-1-202; two periods: Sept. 19-23 and Oct. 3-7
Zone: GMU 45 Pecos
Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep
Firearm - Ewe
Sep 19-Oct 7, 2026
Rocky Mountain bighorn ewe hunt BHS-1-202; two seasons: Sept. 19-23 and Oct. 3-7
Zone: GMU 45 (Pecos)
Javelina
Javelina
Firearm - Military Only
Dec 26-27, 2026
Military only javelina season; Fort Bliss $100 access fee
Zone: Unit 28 McGregor Range
Javelina
Archery Draw
Jan 1-31, 2027
Hunt code JAV-2-101; 330 licenses
Zone: Units 19, 23-27
Javelina
Archery
Jan 1-31, 2027
Bow-only javelina season JAV-2-101 (draw) and JAV-2-103 (OTC statewide except GMUs 19, 23-28)
Zone: Units 19, 23-27
Javelina
Archery OTC
Jan 1-31, 2027
Hunt code JAV-2-103; 360 licenses OTC
Zone: Statewide excluding Units 19, 23-28
Javelina
Firearm
Feb 1-Mar 31, 2027
Draw and OTC javelina firearm season; statewide and units 19, 23-27 with separate license codes
Zone: Statewide
Javelina
Firearm Draw
Feb 1-Mar 31, 2027
Multiple hunt codes; JAV-1-100 youth statewide 180 licenses; JAV-1-102 Units 19, 23-27 1100 licenses
Zone: Units 19, 23-27 and statewide
Javelina
Firearm OTC
Feb 1-Mar 31, 2027
Hunt code JAV-1-104; 1200 licenses OTC
Zone: Statewide excluding Units 19, 23-28
Javelina - McGregor
Firearm
Dec 26-27, 2026
$100 access fee; military-only and general hunt; hunt codes JAV-1-105, JAV-1-106
Zone: Unit 28 McGregor Range
Coyote
Coyote
Hunting
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
No closed season; must abide by NMDOW trapping and hunting rules; no trapping on public lands
Zone: Statewide
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New Mexico Hunting Season FAQ
When does deer season start in New Mexico?
September 1, 2026 is the first listed deer opener for New Mexico; it is archery mule deer / white-tailed deer Sep 1-24, 2026.
When is New Mexico's firearm deer season?
Oct 17-21, 2026 is the listed firearm deer window for New Mexico. Check zone and permit details with New Mexico NMDGF before hunting.
When does spring turkey open in New Mexico?
A current spring turkey opener is not listed for New Mexico yet. Check New Mexico NMDGF for the latest turkey dates.
Do I need a license to hunt in New Mexico?
Yes. Hunters generally need the appropriate New Mexico hunting license, and some seasons may require tags, permits, stamps, or zone-specific authorizations. Confirm final requirements with New Mexico NMDGF.