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HuntingSeason

New Mexico 2026-27 Hunting Season Dates

New Mexico NMDGFOfficial Agency Site ↗

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
Last verified: June 15, 2026Source: New Mexico NMDGFHow we update dates

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New Mexico 2026-27

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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.

NEW · Federal Lands
● PROPOSED — NOT YET LAW · COMMENT OPEN UNTIL JUNE 26, 11:59 PM ET

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 rows

Deer - McGregor Range

Regular Firearm

Upcoming
135d

Dec 19-20, 2026

$100 access fee; military-only and general hunt

Zone: Unit 28 McGregor Range

Deer - WSMR

Regular Firearm

Upcoming
155d

Jan 8-10, 2027

White Sands Missile Range only; $60 access fee; mandatory check-in/out

Zone: Unit 19 WSMR

Deer - WSMR

Regular Firearm

Upcoming
169d

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

Upcoming
26d

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

Upcoming
26d

Sep 1, 2026-Jan 31, 2027

Premium statewide deer hunt DER-1-700; 1 license available

Zone: Statewide

Mule Deer / White-tailed Deer

Muzzleloader

Upcoming
52d

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

Upcoming
79d

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

Upcoming
86d

Oct 31-Nov 4, 2026

Oct. 31-Nov. 4 firearm season in many units

Zone: Various GMUs

Mule Deer / White-tailed Deer

Regular Firearm

Upcoming
93d

Nov 7-11, 2026

Nov. 7-11 firearm season in many units

Zone: Various GMUs

Mule Deer / White-tailed Deer

Regular Firearm

Upcoming
100d

Nov 14-18, 2026

Nov. 14-18 firearm season in many units

Zone: Various GMUs

Mule Deer / White-tailed Deer

Youth Only - Firearm

Upcoming
107d

Nov 21-29, 2026

Youth only firearm season Nov. 21-29 in multiple units

Zone: Various GMUs

Mule Deer / White-tailed Deer

Archery - Late

Upcoming
148d

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

Upcoming
26d

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

Upcoming
26d

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

Upcoming
52d

Sep 27-Oct 3, 2026

Draw hunt; specific units vary

Zone: Various units statewide

Mule Deer/White-tailed Deer

Muzzleloader - Restricted

Upcoming
52d

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

Upcoming
72d

Oct 17-21, 2026

Draw hunt; any legal sporting arm; specific units vary

Zone: Various units statewide

Mule Deer/White-tailed Deer

Regular Firearm

Upcoming
79d

Oct 24-28, 2026

Draw hunt; any legal sporting arm; specific units vary

Zone: Various units statewide

Mule Deer/White-tailed Deer

Regular Firearm

Upcoming
86d

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

Upcoming
93d

Nov 7-11, 2026

Draw hunt; any legal sporting arm; specific units vary

Zone: Various units statewide

Mule Deer/White-tailed Deer

Regular Firearm

Upcoming
100d

Nov 14-18, 2026

Draw hunt; any legal sporting arm; specific units vary

Zone: Various units statewide

Mule Deer/White-tailed Deer

Youth Firearm

Upcoming
107d

Nov 21-29, 2026

Youth-only draw hunt; specific units vary

Zone: Various units statewide

Mule Deer/White-tailed Deer

Regular Firearm

Upcoming
111d

Nov 25-29, 2026

White-tailed deer either-sex hunts in select units

Zone: Various units

Mule Deer/White-tailed Deer

Regular Firearm

Upcoming
128d

Dec 12-16, 2026

Either-sex white-tailed deer hunts in select units

Zone: Various units

Mule Deer/White-tailed Deer

Archery

Upcoming
148d

Jan 1-15, 2027

Draw hunt; late archery season; specific units vary

Zone: Various units statewide

White-tailed Deer

Firearm - Either Sex

Upcoming
107d

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

Upcoming
121d

Dec 5-13, 2026

High-demand hunt for fork-antlered white-tailed deer

Zone: Units 21, 23, 26

White-tailed Deer

Firearm - Either Sex

Upcoming
121d

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

Closed

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

Closed

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

Closed

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

Closed

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

Closed

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

Upcoming
26d

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

Upcoming
87d

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

Closed

Apr 10-12, 2026

Early youth-only spring hunt; draw-permit areas not open

Zone: Statewide open units

Wild Turkey

Spring OTC

Closed

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

Closed

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

Upcoming
26d

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

Upcoming
87d

Nov 1-30, 2026

Shotgun, bow or crossbow; same closed areas as fall bow season

Zone: Statewide (excluding closed areas)

Bear

13 listed rows

Black Bear

Draw - Spring Valle Vidal

Closed

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

Closed

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

Open
OPEN

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

Open
OPEN

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

Open
OPEN

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

Open
OPEN

Aug 1-31, 2026

Bow only; BER-2-106; 5 permits

Zone: Unit 57 Sugarite Canyon State Park

Black Bear

Youth Draw

Open
OPEN

Aug 1-31, 2026

Hunt code BER-1-100; youth only; 5 permits

Zone: Unit 2

Black Bear

Firearm Early

Upcoming
10d

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

Upcoming
10d

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

Upcoming
26d

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

Upcoming
26d

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

Upcoming
50d

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

Upcoming
50d

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 rows

Elk

Archery

Upcoming
26d

Sep 1-14, 2026

Early bow season Sept. 1-14 in most units

Zone: Various GMUs

Elk

Archery

Upcoming
26d

Sep 1-14, 2026

Draw hunt; earliest open bow season; specific units vary

Zone: Various units statewide

Elk

Firearm - Premium Statewide

Upcoming
26d

Sep 1, 2026-Jan 31, 2027

Premium statewide elk hunt ELK-1-700; 1 license available

Zone: Statewide

Elk

Premium Statewide

Upcoming
26d

Sep 1, 2026-Jan 31, 2027

Hunt code ELK-1-700; premium statewide draw hunt; 1 license

Zone: Statewide

Elk

Archery

Upcoming
40d

Sep 15-24, 2026

Second bow season Sept. 15-24 in most units

Zone: Various GMUs

Elk

Archery

Upcoming
40d

Sep 15-24, 2026

Draw hunt; second archery period; specific units vary

Zone: Various units statewide

Elk

Firearm

Upcoming
56d

Oct 1-5, 2026

Draw hunt; select units only

Zone: Various units

Elk

Muzzleloader

Upcoming
65d

Oct 10-14, 2026

Muzzleloader season Oct. 10-14 in many units

Zone: Various GMUs

Elk

Muzzleloader

Upcoming
65d

Oct 10-14, 2026

Draw hunt; muzzleloader period; specific units vary

Zone: Various units statewide

Elk

Firearm

Upcoming
72d

Oct 17-21, 2026

Draw hunt; any legal sporting arm; specific units vary

Zone: Various units statewide

Elk

Firearm

Upcoming
72d

Oct 17-21, 2026

Firearm season Oct. 17-21 in many units

Zone: Various GMUs

Elk

Firearm

Upcoming
79d

Oct 24-28, 2026

Draw hunt; any legal sporting arm; specific units vary

Zone: Various units statewide

Show 28 more elk rows

Elk

Firearm

Upcoming
79d

Oct 24-28, 2026

Firearm season Oct. 24-28 in select units

Zone: Various GMUs

Elk

Firearm

Upcoming
86d

Oct 31-Nov 4, 2026

Firearm season Oct. 31-Nov. 4 in select units

Zone: Various GMUs

Elk

Firearm

Upcoming
86d

Oct 31-Nov 4, 2026

Draw hunt; any legal sporting arm; specific units vary

Zone: Various units statewide

Elk

Firearm - Antlerless

Upcoming
93d

Nov 7-11, 2026

Antlerless elk firearm season Nov. 7-11 in select units; NM residents only

Zone: Various GMUs

Elk

Firearm

Upcoming
93d

Nov 7-11, 2026

Draw hunt; any legal sporting arm; specific units vary

Zone: Various units statewide

Elk

Firearm - Antlerless

Upcoming
100d

Nov 14-18, 2026

Antlerless elk firearm season Nov. 14-18 in select units; NM residents only

Zone: Various GMUs

Elk

Firearm

Upcoming
100d

Nov 14-18, 2026

Draw hunt; antlerless or mature bull; specific units vary

Zone: Various units statewide

Elk

Antlerless Firearm

Upcoming
107d

Nov 21-25, 2026

NM resident only antlerless hunts

Zone: Various units

Elk

Firearm - Antlerless

Upcoming
107d

Nov 21-25, 2026

Antlerless elk firearm season Nov. 21-25 in select units; NM residents only

Zone: Various GMUs

Elk

Youth Encouragement Antlerless

Upcoming
114d

Nov 28-Dec 2, 2026

Youth encouragement elk hunts; online purchase only; $67 resident/$563 non-resident

Zone: Various units

Elk

Youth Encouragement - Antlerless

Upcoming
114d

Nov 28-Dec 2, 2026

Youth encouragement elk hunt Nov. 28-Dec. 2; online purchase only

Zone: Various GMUs

Elk

Antlerless Firearm

Upcoming
114d

Nov 28-Dec 2, 2026

NM resident only antlerless hunts

Zone: Various units

Elk

Antlerless Firearm

Upcoming
121d

Dec 5-9, 2026

NM resident only antlerless hunts

Zone: Various units

Elk

Firearm - Antlerless

Upcoming
121d

Dec 5-9, 2026

Antlerless elk firearm season Dec. 5-9 in select units; NM residents only

Zone: Various GMUs

Elk

Firearm - Antlerless

Upcoming
128d

Dec 12-16, 2026

Antlerless elk firearm season Dec. 12-16 in select units; NM residents only

Zone: Various GMUs

Elk

Antlerless Firearm

Upcoming
128d

Dec 12-16, 2026

NM resident only antlerless hunts

Zone: Various units

Elk

Firearm

Upcoming
135d

Dec 19-23, 2026

Mature bull late season; select units

Zone: Various units

Elk

Youth Encouragement Antlerless

Upcoming
142d

Dec 26-30, 2026

Youth encouragement elk hunts; online purchase only

Zone: Various units

Elk

Youth Encouragement - Antlerless

Upcoming
142d

Dec 26-30, 2026

Youth encouragement elk hunt Dec. 26-30; online purchase only

Zone: Various GMUs

Elk

Antlerless Firearm

Upcoming
170d

Jan 23-27, 2027

Late antlerless hunts; NM resident only

Zone: Units 34, 36

Elk

Firearm - Late Antlerless

Upcoming
170d

Jan 23-27, 2027

Late antlerless elk season; NM residents only

Zone: Units 34, 36

Elk

Antlerless Firearm

Upcoming
184d

Feb 6-10, 2027

Late antlerless hunt; NM resident only

Zone: Unit 34

Elk

Firearm - Late Antlerless

Upcoming
184d

Feb 6-10, 2027

Late antlerless elk season Unit 34; NM residents only

Zone: Unit 34

Elk - APRE Archery

Archery

Upcoming
121d

Dec 5-9, 2026

Antler-point-restricted elk; bow only

Zone: Units 12, 37

Elk - APRE Archery

Archery

Upcoming
135d

Dec 19-23, 2026

Antler-point-restricted elk or antlerless; bow only

Zone: Unit 34

Elk - McGregor Range

Firearm

Upcoming
128d

Dec 12-16, 2026

$100 access fee; military-only and general hunt

Zone: Unit 28 McGregor Range

Elk - Valle Vidal

Archery Once-in-Lifetime

Upcoming
26d

Sep 1-14, 2026

Once-in-a-lifetime hunt; Q/HD fee type

Zone: Unit 55A Valle Vidal

Elk - Valles Caldera

Archery

Upcoming
26d

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

Closed

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

Closed

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

Upcoming
26d

Sep 1, 2026-Feb 28, 2027

Falconry pheasant season

Zone: Statewide

Pheasant

Youth Only - Draw - Bernardo WMA

Upcoming
72d

Oct 17-17, 2026

Youth-only pheasant draw hunt PHE-0-001; resident only

Zone: Bernardo WMA

Pheasant

Youth Only - Draw - Jackson Lake WMA

Upcoming
121d

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

Upcoming
121d

Dec 5-5, 2026

Youth-only pheasant draw hunt PHE-0-002; resident only

Zone: W.S. Huey WMA

Pheasant

Firearm - OTC

Upcoming
126d

Dec 10-13, 2026

General OTC pheasant season

Zone: Statewide

Pheasant

Draw - W.S. Huey WMA

Upcoming
128d

Dec 12-12, 2026

Adult and youth pheasant draw hunt PHE-0-003; resident only

Zone: W.S. Huey WMA

Ring-necked Pheasant

Falconry

Upcoming
26d

Sep 1, 2026-Feb 28, 2027

Falconry season; in aggregate with grouse

Zone: Statewide

Ring-necked Pheasant

Youth Draw

Upcoming
72d

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

Upcoming
121d

Dec 5-5, 2026

Youth-only draw permit; hunt code PHE-0-004

Zone: Jackson Lake WMA

Ring-necked Pheasant

Youth Draw

Upcoming
121d

Dec 5-5, 2026

Youth-only draw permit; hunt code PHE-0-002

Zone: W.S. Huey WMA

Ring-necked Pheasant

Firearm OTC

Upcoming
126d

Dec 10-13, 2026

OTC season; Game-Hunting License required

Zone: Statewide

Ring-necked Pheasant

Draw

Upcoming
128d

Dec 12-12, 2026

General draw permit; hunt code PHE-0-003; adult and youth hunters

Zone: W.S. Huey WMA

Quail

Quail

Falconry

Upcoming
26d

Sep 1, 2026-Feb 28, 2027

Falconry quail season

Zone: Statewide

Quail (Scaled, Gambel's, Bobwhite, Montezuma)

Firearm OTC

Upcoming
101d

Nov 15, 2026-Feb 15, 2027

Singly or in aggregate for all quail species

Zone: Statewide

Scaled/Gambel's/Bobwhite/Montezuma Quail

Firearm

Upcoming
101d

Nov 15, 2026-Feb 15, 2027

General quail season statewide

Zone: Statewide

Grouse

Dusky (Blue) Grouse

Firearm - South Zone

Upcoming
26d

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

Upcoming
26d

Sep 1-Dec 31, 2026

Dusky grouse season north of I-40

Zone: North Zone (north of I-40)

Dusky (Blue) Grouse

Firearm OTC

Upcoming
26d

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

Upcoming
26d

Sep 1, 2026-Feb 28, 2027

Falconry season; in aggregate with pheasant

Zone: Statewide

Grouse

Falconry

Upcoming
26d

Sep 1, 2026-Feb 28, 2027

Falconry grouse season

Zone: Statewide

Squirrel

Abert's/Red/Gray/Fox Squirrel

Firearm

Upcoming
26d

Sep 1-Dec 31, 2026

General squirrel season statewide

Zone: Statewide

Squirrel

Falconry

Upcoming
26d

Sep 1, 2026-Feb 28, 2027

Falconry squirrel season

Zone: Statewide

Squirrel (Abert's, Red, Gray, Fox)

Firearm OTC

Upcoming
26d

Sep 1-Dec 31, 2026

All squirrel species in aggregate

Zone: Statewide

Furbearer

Badger, Bobcat, Fox, Ringtail, Weasel

Trapping/Hunting

Upcoming
87d

Nov 1, 2026-Mar 15, 2027

Trapping prohibited on public lands; bobcat pelt tag required

Zone: Statewide

Beaver, Muskrat

Trapping/Hunting

Closed

Apr 1-30, 2026

Spring beaver/muskrat season; also open Nov. 1, 2026-Mar. 31, 2027

Zone: Statewide

Beaver, Muskrat

Trapping/Hunting - Fall

Upcoming
87d

Nov 1, 2026-Mar 31, 2027

Fall/winter beaver and muskrat season; trapping prohibited on public lands

Zone: Statewide

Beaver, Muskrat

Trapping/Hunting

Upcoming
87d

Nov 1, 2026-Mar 31, 2027

Fall/winter season; trapping prohibited on public lands

Zone: Statewide

Nutria

Trapping/Hunting

Open
OPEN

Apr 1, 2026-Mar 31, 2027

Year-round nutria trapping season; invasive species

Zone: Rio Hondo in Chaves and Lincoln counties

Nutria

Trapping/Hunting

Open
OPEN

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

Closed

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

Open
OPEN

May 16, 2026-Aug 31, 2027

Restricted to cage traps, foot-encapsulating traps and hunting only

Zone: Statewide

Raccoon

Restricted Methods

Open
OPEN

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

Upcoming
26d

Sep 1, 2026-Mar 31, 2027

Fall/winter raccoon season with all legal methods

Zone: Statewide

Raccoon

All Legal Methods

Upcoming
26d

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

Open
OPEN

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 rows

Barbary Sheep

Firearm - OTC

Open
OPEN

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

Open
OPEN

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

Upcoming
65d

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

Upcoming
65d

Oct 10-16, 2026

Draw firearm hunt

Zone: Units 29, 30 and 32, 36, 37

Barbary Sheep

Firearm

Upcoming
120d

Dec 4-10, 2026

Draw firearm hunt

Zone: Units 29, 30 and 32, 36, 37

Barbary Sheep

Firearm

Upcoming
131d

Dec 15-21, 2026

Draw firearm hunt

Zone: Units 29, 30 and 32, 36, 37

Barbary Sheep

Archery

Upcoming
148d

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

Upcoming
148d

Jan 1-15, 2027

Bow-only Barbary sheep draw season

Zone: Units 29, 30, 32, 36, 37

Barbary Sheep

Firearm

Upcoming
167d

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

Upcoming
128d

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

Upcoming
142d

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

Upcoming
56d

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

Upcoming
56d

Oct 1-15, 2026

Hunt code IBX-2-100; 20 licenses

Zone: Unit 25 Florida Mountains

Ibex

Firearm Once-in-Lifetime

Upcoming
101d

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

Upcoming
101d

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

Upcoming
143d

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

Upcoming
143d

Dec 27, 2026-Jan 10, 2027

Once-in-a-youth ibex hunt IBX-1-103; 1 license

Zone: Unit 25 (Florida Mountains)

Ibex

Archery

Upcoming
162d

Jan 15-29, 2027

Hunt code IBX-2-104; 20 licenses

Zone: Unit 25 Florida Mountains

Ibex

Archery - Late

Upcoming
162d

Jan 15-29, 2027

Late bow ibex season IBX-2-104; 20 licenses

Zone: Unit 25 (Florida Mountains)

Oryx

Off-Range Firearm

Open
OPEN

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

Open
OPEN

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

Upcoming
29d

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

Upcoming
29d

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

Upcoming
29d

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

Upcoming
29d

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

Upcoming
57d

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

Upcoming
57d

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

Upcoming
71d

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

Upcoming
71d

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

Upcoming
135d

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

Upcoming
135d

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

Upcoming
149d

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+)

Upcoming
179d

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

Upcoming
179d

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

Closed

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

Open
OPEN

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

Upcoming
179d

Feb 1-Mar 10, 2027

Light Goose Conservation Order permit required; free permit; electronic calls allowed

Zone: Statewide

Light Goose Conservation Order

Firearm

Upcoming
179d

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

Closed

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

Closed

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

Closed

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

Closed

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

Closed

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 rows

Pronghorn

Youth Only - Muzzleloader

Closed

Aug 1-3, 2026

Youth only muzzleloader season Unit 4

Zone: Unit 4

Pronghorn

Youth Muzzleloader

Closed

Aug 1-3, 2026

Youth-only muzzleloader private-land hunt

Zone: Units 4, 50, 52

Pronghorn

Archery

Upcoming
9d

Aug 15-23, 2026

Bow-only pronghorn season in most units

Zone: Various GMUs

Pronghorn

Archery

Upcoming
9d

Aug 15-23, 2026

Draw and private-land OTC hunts; earliest bow season

Zone: Various units statewide

Pronghorn

Muzzleloader

Upcoming
16d

Aug 22-24, 2026

Muzzleloader season in select units

Zone: Units 4, 50, 52

Pronghorn

Youth Only - Firearm

Upcoming
23d

Aug 29-31, 2026

Youth only firearm season Aug. 29-31 in multiple units

Zone: Various GMUs

Pronghorn

Firearm

Upcoming
23d

Aug 29-31, 2026

Draw hunt; any legal sporting arm; specific units vary

Zone: Various units statewide

Pronghorn

Firearm

Upcoming
23d

Aug 29-31, 2026

Main firearms season Aug. 29-31 in most units

Zone: Various GMUs

Pronghorn

Muzzleloader - WSMR

Upcoming
30d

Sep 5-6, 2026

WSMR muzzleloader pronghorn season

Zone: Unit 28 McGregor Range

Pronghorn

Firearm

Upcoming
51d

Sep 26-28, 2026

Second firearm season Sept. 26-28 in many units

Zone: Various GMUs

Pronghorn

Firearm

Upcoming
51d

Sep 26-28, 2026

Draw hunt; any legal sporting arm; specific units vary

Zone: Various units statewide

Pronghorn

Firearm

Upcoming
58d

Oct 3-5, 2026

Third firearm season Oct. 3-5 in many units

Zone: Various GMUs

Show 5 more pronghorn rows

Pronghorn

Firearm

Upcoming
58d

Oct 3-5, 2026

Draw hunt; any legal sporting arm; specific units vary

Zone: Various units statewide

Pronghorn

Firearm - Female/Immature

Upcoming
117d

Dec 1-15, 2026

Female/immature pronghorn season in Roswell Hunt Area only

Zone: Unit 32 (Roswell Hunt Area)

Pronghorn - McGregor

Muzzleloader

Upcoming
30d

Sep 5-6, 2026

$100 access fee; military-only and general muzzleloader hunt

Zone: Unit 28 McGregor Range

Pronghorn - Roswell

Firearm

Upcoming
117d

Dec 1-15, 2026

Female/immature late season hunt

Zone: Unit 32 Roswell Hunt Area

Pronghorn - WSMR

Youth Firearm

Upcoming
57d

Oct 2-4, 2026

WSMR only; $100 access fee; youth only

Zone: Unit 19 WSMR

Mountain Lion

Mountain Lion (Cougar)

Firearm OTC

Open
OPEN

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

Open
OPEN

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

Upcoming
36d

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

Upcoming
36d

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

Open
OPEN

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

Upcoming
29d

Sep 4-13, 2026

Rocky Mountain bighorn ewe bow hunt BHS-2-203

Zone: GMU 45 (Pecos)

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep

Archery - Ewe

Upcoming
29d

Sep 4-13, 2026

Hunt code BHS-2-203; bow only

Zone: GMU 45 Pecos

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep

Firearm - Ewe

Upcoming
44d

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

Upcoming
44d

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

Upcoming
142d

Dec 26-27, 2026

Military only javelina season; Fort Bliss $100 access fee

Zone: Unit 28 McGregor Range

Javelina

Archery Draw

Upcoming
148d

Jan 1-31, 2027

Hunt code JAV-2-101; 330 licenses

Zone: Units 19, 23-27

Javelina

Archery

Upcoming
148d

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

Upcoming
148d

Jan 1-31, 2027

Hunt code JAV-2-103; 360 licenses OTC

Zone: Statewide excluding Units 19, 23-28

Javelina

Firearm

Upcoming
179d

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

Upcoming
179d

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

Upcoming
179d

Feb 1-Mar 31, 2027

Hunt code JAV-1-104; 1200 licenses OTC

Zone: Statewide excluding Units 19, 23-28

Javelina - McGregor

Firearm

Upcoming
142d

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

Closed

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.