The Guide to the New Mexico Hunting Seasons 2025
By Teri Williams on February 17, 2025
When she's not writing or editing content for hunters, she loves spending time outdoors, or with her husband, dog, and family, reading, live music, and dabbling in various hobbies that may or may not become permanent activities (crochet, for example, did not last). She was born in Texas, grew up in Louisiana (where being outside was part of life) and Colorado (where mountain adventures were routine), and now makes her home in Texas.
New Mexico has a little (or big) something for every hunter. If hunting in the Land of Enchantment is on your agenda this year, you'll need to plan carefully to bring home everything you plan to hunt.
We're here to help! In this guide, we've pulled together everything you need to know about season dates, bag limits, and hunting licenses. We'll also help you find the best private and public lands to hunt game — big or small.
Why Do Hunters Hunt in New Mexico?
Abundant opportunities and diverse terrain are two of the primary reasons hunters love to hunt in New Mexico. You can go after mule deer, pronghorn, grouse, deer, and even the ibex when hunting in this state.
Even with the allure of rare and big game, there's no shortage of opportunities to go after more traditional game like wild turkey and waterfowl.
So, whether you live in New Mexico or have an out-of-state hunt planned with travel to this spectacular state this year, it's an excellent place for a hunt.
Where Should I Hunt?
Depending on what and when you plan to hunt, you'll experience New Mexico's plains or the heights of the Rocky Mountains. So, make sure you're prepared for the terrain or the potential for dry plains when planning for your hunt.
Hunters can also hunt federal, state, Native American, and private lands, depending on the season. The state's Open Gate program allows more access to private lands through partnerships with landowners.
With the HuntWise hunting app, you can scout the land and understand boundaries to find the best places (and permissions) for your hunt. Our map layers help you visualize New Mexico's varying terrain, from the mountains to the plateaus in the north-central part of the state.
When Can I Hunt?
Let's start planning your hunting year!
Note that the information we provide in this guide is the latest available from the New Mexico Game & Fish department (NMGF). We'll update this guide with the latest season information as new details become available.
While our guide is an excellent resource for planning your season, we also recommend checking official resources for the latest hunting season dates.
Deer Hunting Season in New Mexico
Private Land Hunts (Units 8, 46, 55A, and 55B)
Bow:
Unit 8: September 1 – 24, 2025 and January 1 – 15, 2026
Unit 46, 54, 55A & B: September 1 – 24, 2025
Muzzle: September 27 – October 3, 2025
Any Legal:
Unit 8: October 18 – 22, 2025
Unit 46: October 18 – 22 and 25 – 29, 2025
Units 54, 55A & B:
October 18 – 22 and 25 – 29, 2025, and November 26 – 30, 2025
Youth Only: November 22 – 30, 2025
Draw Hunts
Premium Statewide Hunt (Any Legal): September 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026
Bow:
Units 2A, 2B, 7, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41: September 1 – 24, 2025 and January 1 – 15, 2026
Units 2C, 8, 19: January 1 – 15, 2026
Units 4, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6C, 10, 12, 42, 43, 45, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 51B, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 58, 59: September 1 – 24, 2025
Units 23, 24, 27: September 1 – 24, 2025, January 1 – 15, 2026, and January 16 – 31, 2026
Unit 57: September 1 – 24 and November 1 – 30, 2025
Muzzle:
Units 2A, 2B, 2C, 5A, 5B, 7, 9, 10, 14, 41, 42, 45,47, 48, 56, 57, 58, 59: September 27 – October 3, 2025
Units 6A & 6C: October 4 – 8, 2025
Units 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, & 27: November 1 – 5, 2025
Units 19: December 6 – 10, 2025
Units 29, 30, 31, & 32: October 18 – 22, 2025
Unit 33: October 25 – 29, 2025, November 22 – 30, 2025 and December 26, 2025 – January 1, 2026
Unit 34: November 8 – 12, 2025
Units 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, & 43: October 25 – 29, 2025
Any Legal:
Units 2A, 5B, 6A, 6C, 7, 15, & 51A: November 1 – 5, 2025
Units 2B, 4, & 10: October 25 – 29, November 1 – 5 and 8 – 12, 2025
Units 2C, 9, 12 & 43: November 8 – 12, 2025
Unit 5A: November 11 – 17, 2025
Units 13, 16, 17, 18, 20, & 22: November 8 – 12 and 15 – 19, 2025
Units 14 & 55 E.S. Barker WMA: October 25 – 29
Unit 19: November 28 – 30, 2025 and January 9 – 11, 2026
Unit 21: November 8 – 12 and 15 – 19, and December 6 – 24, 2025
Units 23, 24, & 27: November 8 – 12, 15 – 19, and 22 – 26, and December 6 – 14, 2025
Unit 23 (Burrow Mountain Only): November 8 – 16 and December 6 – 14, 2025
Units 25, 36, 37, 38, & 39: November 8 – 12 and 15 – 19, 2025
Unit 26: November 8 – 12 and 15 – 19, and December 6 – 14, 2025
Unit 28: December 20 – 21, 2025
Units 29 & 30: October 25 – 29 and November 8 – 12, 2025
Units 31, 33, & 40: November 1 – 5 and 15 – 19, 2025
Unit 32: November 1 – 5 and 8 – 12, 2025, and January 16 – 31, 2026
Unit 34: November 1 – 5, 15 – 19, and 22 – 26, 2025
Unit 41: October 25 – 29, November 1 – 5 and 22 – 30, and December 13 – 17, 2025
Unit 42: October 25 – 29, November 1 – 5 and 26 – 30, 2025
Units 45, 48, 52, 53: November 1 – 5 and 8 – 12, 2025
Units 47, 49, 50, 51B, 54, & 55 Colin Neblett WMA: October 25 – 29 and November 1 – 5, 2025
Units 55 Urraca WMA, 56, & 57: October 25 – 29 and November 1 – 5, 2025
Units 58 & 59: October 25 – 29, November 1 – 5, and December 13 – 17, 2025
New Mexico also offers Youth Only Days for Draw Hunts. Check the official hunting guide for details.
New Mexico Elk Season
Primary Management Zone Seasons
Bow Only (Units 2, 4, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6C, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 16A, 16B/22, 16C, 16D, 16E, 17, 21A, 21B, 23, 24, 34, 36, 45, 48, 49, & 50–53): September 1 – 14 and 15 – 24, 2025
Muzzleloader, Crossbow, and Bow:
Units 6A, 6C, 7, 10, 16E, 36, 23, 24, 45, 48, 52, & 53: October 11 – 15, 2025
Unit 34: October 18 – 22, 2025
Units 13, 15, & 17 (muzzle-loading rifles only): October 18 – December 31, 2025
Any Legal:
Units 4 & 21B: October 1 – December 31, 2025
Units 5A, 5B, 12, 16B/22, 21A, 49, 50, & 51: October 11 – December 31, 2025
Units 10, 6A, 6C, 7, 16A, 16C, 16D, 36, 45, 48, 52, & 53: October 18 – December 31
Unit 6 (Antlerless only): October 18, 2025 – January 31, 2026
Units E, 23, 24, & 34: October 25 – December 31, 2025
Unit 34 (Antlerless only): October 25, 2025 – February 11, 2026
Youth Only:
Any Legal (Units 6C, 16E, 23, 24, & 34): October 11 – 15, 2025
Muzzleloader, Crossbow, and Bow (Units 3, 15, & 17): October 11 – 15, 2025
Mobility-Impaired:
Any Legal (Units 6A, 16D, & 34): October 11 – 15, 2025
Muzzleloader, Crossbow, and Bow (Unit 9): October 11 – 15, 2025
Draw Hunts
Premium Statewide Elk Hunt (Any Legal): September 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026
Bow:
Units 2, 4, 5A, 5B, 6A-C, 7, 9, 10, 13, 15, 16A-E, 17, 18, 24, 29, 30, 36, 42, 47, 59, 45, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 55A, 56, 57, 58: September 1 - 14 and 15 – 24, 2025
Units 12: September 1 - 14 and 15 – 24, and December 13 – 17, 2025
Units 21A-B, 23, & 34: September 1 - 14 and 15 – 24, and December 20 – 24, 2025
Unit 37: September 1 - 14 and 15 – 24, and December 6 – 10, 2025
Muzzle:
Units 2, 6A-C, 7, 9, 10, 36, 45, 48, 52, 53, 54, 55, & 55A: October 11 – 15, 2025
Unit 9 Marquez/LBar WMA: October 11 – 15, 18 – 22, and 25 – 29, 2025
Units 13 & 15: October 18 – 22 and 25 – 29, November 22 – 26, and December 6 – 10 and 13 – 17, 2025 (NM residents only)
Unit 16E, 23, 24, & 34: October 18 – 22
Unit 17: October 18 – 22 and 25 – 29, November 22 – 26, and December 6 – 10 and 13 – 17, 2025 (NM residents only)
Unit 51: December 6 – 10, 2025
Any Legal:
Units 2: October 18 – 22 and December 13 – 17, 2025
Units 4 & 5A: October 11 – 15, 18 – 22, 25 – 29, and November 1 – 5, 2025
Unit 4 Humphries and Rio Chama WMAs: October 11 – 15, 18 – 22, and November 1 – 5, 2025
Unit 5B: October 11 – 15, 18 – 22, 25 – 29, and November 1 – 5 and 8 – 12, and December 20 – 24, 2025
Units 6A, 54, & 55 Colin Neblett WMA: October 18 – 22, 25 – 29, and November 8 – 12, 2025
Unit 6B: October 18 – 22 and 25 – 29, November 1 – 5, 8 – 12, 22 – 26, 29 – December 3, and December 6 – 10, 2025
Unit 6C: October 18 – 22 and 25 – 29, and November 8 – 12 and 22 – 26, 2025
Units 7 & 24 Including Ft. Bayard Management Area: October 18 – 22 and 25 – 29, 2025
Unit 10: October 18 – 22, November 16 – 19, and December 6 – 10, 2025
Unit 12: October 11 – 15, 18 – 22, and 25 – 29, November 15 – 19, 22 – 26, and 29 – December 3, and December 6 – 10, 2025
Unit 14, 39, 43, 42, 47, & 59: October 1 – 5, 2025
Unit 16A, C, D, & E: October 11 – 15, 18 – 22, 25 – 29 and December 6 – 10 and 13 – 17, 2025
Units 16B & 22: October 11 – 15, 18 – 22, and 25 – 29, 2025
Unit 21A: October 11 – 15, 18 – 22, 25 – 29 and December 6 – 10, 2025
Unit 21B: October 1 – 5, 18 – 22, 25 – 29, November 22 – 2, 29 – December 3, December 6 – 10 and 13 – 17, 2025
Unit 23: October 11 – 15, 25 – 29 and December 6 – 10 and 20 – 28, 2025
Unit 24 Excluding Ft. Bayard Management Area: December 20 – 24, 2025
Unit 28 McGregor Range Only: December 13 – 17, 2025
Units 29 & 30: October 1 – 5 and 11 – 15, 2025
Unit 34: October 11 – 15, 25 – 29, November 19 – December 3, December 6 – 10 and 13 – 17, 2025, January 24 – 28 and February 7 – 11, 2026
Unit 36: October 18 – 22, November 1 – 5, December 6 – 10, 13 – 17, 2025, and January 24 – 28, 2026
Unit 37: October 1 – 5, 18 – 22, and November 22 – 26, 2025
Unit 38 & 56: October 1 – 5 and 18 – 22, 2025
Unit 45: October 18 – 22 and 25 – 29, 2025
Unit 48: October 18 – 22, 25 – 29, November 15 – 19, and December 6 – 10, 2025
Unit 49: October 11 – 15, 18 – 22, November 8 – 12 and 15 – 19, 2025
Unit 50: October 11 – 15, 18 – 22, November 8 – 12 and 22 – 26, 2025
Unit 51: October 11 – 15, 18 – 22, and 25 – 29, November 8 – 12, 15 – 19, and 22 – 26, 2025
Unit 52: October 18 – 22 and 25 – 29, November 15 – 19 and 22 – 26 and December 6 – 10, 2025
Unit 53: October 18 – 22, 25 – 29, November 15 – 19 and 22 – 26, 2025
Unit 55A ES Barker WMA: October 11 – 15, 2025
Unit 55A Urraca WMA: October 18 – 22, November 8 – 12, 15 – 19, and 22 – 26, 2025
Unit 55A Valle Vidal: October 18 – 22, 25 – 29, November 1 – 5, 8 – 12, and 15 – 19, 2025
Units 57 & 58: October 1 – 5, 18 – 22, and December 13 – 18, 2025
Check the official New Mexico hunting guide for Youth Only dates.
Pronghorn
Private Land Hunts
Bow:
Unit 4: August 5 – 13, 2025
Units 14, 41, 42, 46, 47, 48, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, & 59: August 9 – 17, 2025
Muzzle:
Unit 4: August 23 – 24, 2025
Any Legal:
Units 4, 50, & 52: August 16 – 18, 2025
Units 14, 41, 42, 46, 47, 48, 54, 55, 56, 58, & 59: August 23 – 25, September 27 – 29, and October 4 – 6, 2025
Unit 57: September 27 – 29, 2025
Draw Hunts
Bow:
Units 2, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 24, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 30, 31, 32, 33, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43/8, 47, 56, 57, 58, & 59: August 9 – 17, 2025
Units 50 & 52: August 5 – 13, 2025
Muzzle:
Unit 28 McGregor Range Portion of Ft. Bliss: August 30-31, 2025
Unit 29: August 23 – 25 and September 27 – 29, 2025
Units 50 & 52: August 16 – 18 and 23 – 25, 2025
Any Legal:
Units 2, 7, 9, 10, & 20: August 23 – 25, 2025
Units 12, 15, & 16: August 23 – 24 and October 4 – 6, 2025
Units 13, 17, 31, 32 East of Pecos River, 33, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43/8, 47, 56, 58, & 59: August 23 – 24, September 27 – 29, and October 4 – 6, 2025
Units 18, 21, 24, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, & 57: August 23 – 25 and September 27 – 29, 2025
Unit 19 White Sands Missile Range Only: October 3 – 5, 2025
Units 32 West of Pecos River: August 23 – 24, September 27 – 29, October 4 – 6, and December 1 – 15, 2025
Units 50 & 52: August 16 – 18, 2025
Bighorn Sheep
Dates vary based on GMU, the species (Rocky Mountain vs Desert Bighorn), and the allowed gender of sheep you hunt.
Season dates begin August 6 and run through January 31, 2026.
Ibex
2025 Dates: Draw Licenses
Bow: January 15 – 29, 2025
Muzzle: February 22 – 28, 2025
Any Legal: February 1 – 5, 2025
Over-the-Counter (Statewide, Any Legal): April 1 – >arch 31, 2025
2025-2026 Dates: Draw Licenses
Unit 25:
Bow: October 1 – 15, 2025 and January 15 – 29, 2026
Muzzle: February 21 – 27, 2026
Any Legal: November 15 – 29, December 13 – 17, December 27, 2025 – January 10, 2026, and February 7 – 11, 2026
Over-the-Counter (Statewide, Any Legal): April 1 – March 31, 2026
Turkey
Spring
Any Legal:
Units 2B, 2C Carson National Forest, 8, 9 Marguez/LBar WMA: April 15 – May 15, 2025 (including Youth Only)
Unit 2A (Youth Only): April 15 – May 15, 2025
Unit 6B Valles Caldera National Preserve: April 15 – 30, 2025
Units 26 & 27: May 1 – 30, 2025 (Gould's Turkey, Once-in-a-Lifetime)
Unit 55A Valle Vidal: April 15 – May 15, 2025 (East Side), April 15 – 30, 2025 (Wes Side)
Fall
Bow Only: September 1 – 30, 2025
Shotgun, Bow, Crossbow: November 1 – 30, 2025
Bear
Over-the-Counter Seasons
Bow (Zones 1-14): September 1 – 24, 2025
Any Legal:
Zones 1 & 2: September 25 – November 15, 2025
Zones 13: September 25 – November 30, 2025
Zones 8 & 14: October 15 – November 15, 2025
Zones 3, 5, 6, & 9: August 16 – 31 and September 25 – November 15, 2025
Zones 4, 11 & 13: August 16 – 31 and September 25 – November 30, 2025
Zone 10: September 25 – December 25, 2025
Zone 12: August 16 – 31 and September 25 – December 15, 2025
Draw Hunts
Any Legal (Units 2, 4, 9, 54, & 55A: August 1 – 31, 2025
Any Legal (Unit 55A Valla Vidal Only): April 15 – May 20, 2025
Bow (Unit 57 Sugarie Canyon State Park): August 1 – 31, 2025
Upland Game
Quail: November 15, 2025 – February 15, 2026
Grouse: September 1 – December 31, 2025
Squirrel: September 1 – December 31, 2025
Pheasant: December 11 – 14, 2025
Dove:
North Zone: September 1 – November 29
South Zone: September 1 – October 28 and December 1 – January 1, 2025
April 1 – March 31, 2026
Pigeon:
Regular Season: September 1 – 14
Southwest Season: October 1 – 14
Sandhill Crane:
Eastern Hunt: October 26 – January 23, 2025
Estancia Valley Hunt S: November 2 – 5 and 7 – 10
Southwestern: November 2 – 10 and January 4 – 5, 2025
MRGV Hunts: Dates vary from November 16 through January 12, 2025
Migratory Game Birds
We'll update the dates for 2025-2026 when they're released by the State of New Mexico this summer.
Central Flyway Seasons
Ducks & Coots:
North Zone: October 12 – January 15, 2025
South Zone: October 28 – January 31, 2025
North and South Zones:
September Teal: September 14 – 22
Gallinules: September 14 – November 22
Sora & Virginia Rail: September 14 – November 22
Snipe: October 12 – January 26, 2025
Dark Goose: October 17 – January 31, 2025
MRGV Dark Goose: December 19 – January 31, 2025
Light Goose:
October 17 – January 31, 2025
Conservation Order: February 1 – March 10, 2025 and February 1 – March 10, 2026
Pacific Flyway Seasons
Goose:
North Zone: September 21 – October 6 and November 2 – 31, 2025
South Zone: October 17 – January 31, 2025
North and South Zones:
Ducks, Coots, & Gallinules: October 19 – January 31, 2025
Scaup: October 19 – January 19, 2025
Sora & Virginia Rail: September 14 – November 22, 2025
Youth Waterfowl
Central Flyway (North): October 5 – 6
Central Flyway (South): October 26 – 27
Pacific Flyway (North & South): October 12 –13
Javelina
Draw Hunts
Statewide (Youth Only): February 1 – March 31, 2025
Units 19, 23-27: January 1 – 31, 2025 and February 1 – March 31, 2025
Unit 28 McGregor Range: December 28 – 29
Over-the-Counter Licenses (Statewide, Excluding Units 19, 23-28): January 1 – 31 and February 1 – March 31, 2025
Cougar
April 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025
April 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026
Coyote
No closed season.
Note that Gray Wolves are federally protected.
What Do I Need to Know About New Mexico Hunting Regulations?
All hunters under the age of 18 who plan to hunt with a firearm must pass a hunter education course, either online or an in-person course. Once completed, you can get your hunting license for the game you plan to hunt.
Hunters can purchase licenses online.
However, even with a license, you may need to also win a tag through the draw system for the game you plan to hunt. Pay close attention to the application dates and draw deadlines so you don't miss your chance to hunt one of the species you have your eye on. Check the NMGF website for details.
What are the Bag Limits?
How many ibex, mule deer, or javelina can you bring home this year? To comply with New Mexico hunting regulations, make sure you know the bag limits for every animal you plan to hunt.
Check out the overview below.
Deer
Varies based on when and where you hunt. Check the NMGF hunting guide for details.
Pidgeon
2 per day (6 in possession)
Elk
Varies based on when and where you hunt. Check the NMGF hunting guide for details.
Sandhill Crane
3 per day (6 in possession)
Pronghorn
Varies based on when and where you hunt. Check the NMGF hunting guide for details.
Ducks
Central Flyway 6 per day singly or in aggregate (3x daily limit in possession)
Pacific Flyway 7 per day in aggregate (3x daily bag limit)
Bighorn Sheep
Ram or ewe based on your hunting license
Coot
15 per day (45 in possession)
Ibex
Varies based on when and where you hunt. Check the NMGF hunting guide for details.
September Teal
6 per day singly or in aggregate (18 in possession)
Turkey
1 bearded (spring), any 1 turkey (fall)
Gallinules
1 per day (3 in possession)
Bear
1 bear
Rails
Central Flyway 10 singly or in aggregate (20 in possession)
Pacific Flyway (25 singly or in aggregate (75 in possession)
Cougar
Total limits or female limits based on hunting zones
Snipe
8 per day (24 in possession)
Quail
15 per day (30 in possession)
Dark Goose
5 per day (15 in possession)
MRGV 2 per day (2 per season Canada & white-fronted goose)
Grouse
3 per day (6 in possession)
Light Goose
Central Flyway 50 per day (no possession limit), No limit (Conservation Order)
Pacific Flyway 20 per day (60 in possession)
Squirrel (Albert's, Red, Gray, Fox)
8 per day singly or in aggregate (16 in possession)
Canada Goose & Brant
5 per day (15 in possession)
Pheasant
3 males per day (6 in possession)
White-fronted Goose
10 per day (30 in possession)
Dove (Eurasian Collared)
Unlimited
Scaup
8 per day (24 in possession)
Dove (Mourning and White-Winged)
15 singly or in aggregate per day (45 in possession)
Javelina
1 either-sex
What Else Do I Need Before I Can Hunt?
In addition to understanding the New Mexico hunting season dates, you need the right gear for successful hunts!
Successful hunts — including big game hunts — require gear like a good hunting knife, the right clothing (depending on the season), a solid pair of binoculars or a scope, and a good rifle or bow.
Remember: As you get geared up for your hunt, take advantage of the gear discounts you can use with our HuntWise partners. From odor control to optics and clothing, HuntWise hunting app users can save hundreds on gear.
Let HuntWise Guide You to Success During the New Mexico Hunting Seasons
We try to make it easier for you to hunt and tag out every year. So, we hope the information we compiled in this guide helps you plan your hunts in New Mexico this season! Remember also to consult official resources when finalizing your plans to catch any changes in dates or details.
Do you know what else do you need for success? The HuntWise hunting app! It's the best tool for hunters to scout and plan a hunt before heading out. With our 3-D mapping, layers, markers, and more, you gain an advantage over other hunters. You can also experience a more efficient (and successful) day in the field.
Plus, Elite subscribers get access to more tools in the app, including up to 15 days of animal activity and weather forecasting.
Download the app and start your free trial. You'll be ready for opening day!