Deer Seasons & Regulations
Deer Licenses
General Information
- You Must Have All of the Following While in the Field (page 8)
- All Deer Harvests Must Be Tagged (pages 29–30)
- License Requirements and Fees (see pages 8–13)
- • Legal Sporting Arms for Deer Hunting (specified by hunt code, see pages 28–29)
- Hunting on Military Reservations (see page 40)
- Mobility–impaired Hunts (see pages 14–15)
- Youth–only Hunts (see page 14)
- Chronic Wasting Disease Rules (see page 37)
- It is Legal to Harvest a Marked Animal (see page 5)
Deer Draw Licenses
The deadline to apply for deer draw licenses is March 22, 2023. Up to four hunters may apply per application for a deer draw license.
Successful applicants will be mailed a deer draw license/tag, unless the E–Tag option is chosen. The license includes a hunt code and description of the unit, sporting–arm type, season dates and bag limit. Tags include instructions for proper tagging
Fee Types for Deer Draw Licenses
S . . . . Standard hunts.
Q . . . . Quality hunt.
HD . . . High–demand hunt.
Q/HD. . Quality and high–demand hunt combination.
The highest fee for any hunt choice must be paid at the time of application. If a lower fee hunt is drawn, the difference will be refunded.
Fourth Choice Hunts
By selecting 4th–choice, applicants indicate they are willing to accept any deer hunt in a specific quadrant of the state. The 4th–choice assignmentwill always be for the same sporting arm type as the 1st choice on an application.
Hunters should understand that success rates for 4th–choice hunts may be low due to small and/or localized deer populations. Hunters who draw a 4th–choice hunt will not receive a refund and may not obtain a private–land only license if dissatisfied with the hunt drawn.
If applying for a 4th–choice hunt, applicants must select one of the four quadrants listed below.
NW: Northwest: Units 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12 or 14.
NE: Northeast: Units 41, 42, 43, 45, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58 or 59.
SW: Southwest: Units 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 or 27.
SE: Southeast: Units 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36, 37, 38, 39 or 40.
Bag Limit
FAD . . . Fork antlered deer (white-tailed or mule deer).
FAMD. . Fork antlered mule deer.
FAWTD. Fork antlered white-tailed deer.
ESWTD. Either sex white-tailed deer.
A . . . . Antlerless deer.
Private–land Only Deer Licenses
To hunt on private land only (except in Units 2A, 2B, 2C, 4 and 5A listed below), hunters must obtain a private–land only deer license and carcass tag—available online, by telephone, from license vendors or at NMDGF offices. Online and telephone purchases must be made at least 14 days prior to the hunt start date to allow mailing of tags (see page 9), unless the E–Tag option is chosen. When obtaining a private–land only deer license, the hunter must select a hunt code which corresponds with a deer– draw hunt code for the unit, bag limit, sporting arm type and season date. If the hunter is a nonresident and selects a corresponding deer–draw hunt code designated as quality (Q) or high demand (HD), she/he must purchase a quality deer license.
Private–land Deer Hunting in Units 2A, 2B, 2C, 4 and 5A
To hunt deer on private land in these units, hunters must obtain an authorization code and a hunt code from the landowner, and must apply through the regular public draw. When applying for private–land hunts in Unit 5A, only one person per application may apply. The application must be completed by 5:00 p.m. March 22, 2023. Private– land only licenses are not issued by license vendors for hunts in Units 2A, 2B, 2C, 4 and 5A.
Landowners must obtain an authorization code and hunt codes from the NMDGF Northwest Area office located in Albuquerque or call: 505-222–4710.
Private-land Deer Hunting in Units 8, 46, 54, 55 and 55B
Units 8, 46, 54 and 55 have limited public–land hunting opportunities. Private–land hunters in these units must select one of the hunt codes listed below.
Hunt Dates | Hunt Code | Fee Type | Licenses | Bag Limit | |
Unit 8 | |||||
Bow | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–501 | Q | Unlimited | FAD |
Bow | Jan 1–15, '24 | DER–2–502 | Q | Unlimited | FAD |
Bow – Youth Only | Nov 18–26 | DER–2–162 | Q | Unlimited | FAD |
Bow | Jan 1–15, '24 | DER–2–163 | Q | Unlimited | FAD |
Muzzle | Sep 27–Oct 3 | DER–3–503 | Q | Unlimited | FAD |
Any Legal | Oct 14–18 | DER–1–500 | Q | Unlimited | FAD |
Unit 46 | |||||
Bow | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–506 | S | Unlimited | FAD |
Muzzle | Sep 27–Oct 3 | DER–3–507 | S | Unlimited | FAD |
Any Legal | Oct 21–25 | DER–1–504 | S | Unlimited | FAD |
Any Legal | Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–1–505 | S | Unlimited | FAD |
Unit 54 | |||||
Bow | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–512 | S | Unlimited | FAD |
Muzzle | Sep 27–Oct 3 | DER–3–513 | S | Unlimited | FAD |
Any Legal | Oct 21–25 | DER–1–508 | S | Unlimited | FAD |
Any Legal | Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–1–509 | S | Unlimited | FAD |
Any Legal | Nov 22–26 | DER–1–510 | S | Unlimited | ESWTD |
Any Legal – Youth Only | Nov 18–26 | DER–1–511 | S | Unlimited | FAD |
Unit 55A, 55B | |||||
Bow | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–517 | S | Unlimited | FAD |
Muzzle | Sep 27–Oct 3 | DER–3–518 | S | Unlimited | FAD |
Any Legal | Oct 21–25 | DER–1–514 | S | Unlimited | FAD |
Any Legal | Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–1–515 | S | Unlimited | FAD |
Any Legal – Youth Only | Nov 18–26 | DER–1–516 | S | Unlimited | FAD |
Any Legal | Nov 22–26 | DER–1–519 | S | Unlimited | ESWTD |
Deer Draw Licenses
Draw licenses authorize the hunter to hunt on any open public land within the specified unit or hunt area and on any private land in that unit (except Units 2A, 2B, 2C, 4 and 5A), with written permission from the landowner of the property.
Closed Areas: Military reservations, national parks and monuments, state parks and monuments, recreation areas, national wildlife refuges, state wildlife management areas, and other locations may be closed or restrict hunting. All state wildlife management areas are closed unless officially designated open to hunting.
Premium Statewide | Hunt Dates | Hunt Code | Fee Type | Licenses | Bag Limit |
Deer Hunt (see p.36) | |||||
Any Legal | Sep 1–Jan 31, '24 | DER–1–700 | S | 1 | FAD |
Unit 2A | |||||
(including Pine RiverWMA) | |||||
Bow | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–104 | S | 40 | FAD |
Bow | Jan 1–15, '24 | DER–2–106 | HD | 80 | FAD |
Muzzle | Sep 27–Oct 3 | DER–3–108 | S | 50 | FAD |
Any Legal – Youth Only | Oct 21–25 | DER–1–100 | S | 25 | FAD |
Any Legal | Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–1–101 | S | 150 | FAD |
Any Legal – Youth Only | Nov 18–26 | DER–1–103 | S | 15 | FAD |
Unit 2B | |||||
(including Navajo WMA) | |||||
Bow | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–118 | S | 130 | FAD |
Bow – Youth Only | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–119 | S | 20 | FAD |
Bow | Jan 1–15, '24 | DER–2–121 | Q/HD | 180 | FAD |
Bow – Youth Only | Jan 1–15, '24 | DER–2–122 | Q | 50 | FAD |
Muzzle | Sep 27–Oct 3 | DER–3–124 | S | 175 | FAD |
Muzzle – Youth Only | Sep 27–Oct 3 | DER–3–125 | S | 20 | FAD |
Any Legal | Oct 21–25 | DER–1–110 | S | 275 | FAD |
Any Legal – Youth Only | Oct 21–25 | DER–1–111 | S | 125 | FAD |
Any Legal | Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–1–113 | S | 350 | FAD |
Any Legal | Nov 4–8 | DER–1–115 | Q | 400 | FAD |
Any Legal – Youth Only | Nov 18–26 | DER–1–117 | HD | 25 | FAD |
Unit 2C | |||||
Bow | Jan 1–15, '24 | DER–2–129 | Q/HD | 50 | FAD |
Muzzle | Sep 27–Oct 3 | DER–3–131 | Q/HD | 20 | FAD |
Any Legal | Nov 11–15 | DER–1–127 | Q/HD | 30 | FAD |
Unit 4 (Humphries/Rio Chama/ Sargent WMAs Only; NM Residents Only) | |||||
Bow | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–141 | Q | 10 | FAD |
Any Legal | Oct 21–25 | DER–1–133 | Q | 20 | FAD |
Any Legal – Youth Only | Oct 21–25 | DER–1–134 | Q | 10 | FAD |
Any Legal | Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–1–136 | Q | 20 | FAD |
Any Legal | Nov 11–15 | DER–1–138 | Q | 10 | FAD |
Any Legal– Youth Only | Nov 22–26 | DER–1–140 | Q | 5 | FAD |
Unit 5A (Public Land Only) | |||||
Bow | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–146 | S | 30 | FAD |
Muzzle | Sep 27–Oct 3 | DER–3–148 | S | 10 | FAD |
Any Legal | Nov 7–13 | DER–1–144 | S | 40 | FAD |
Unit 5B | |||||
Bow | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–152 | Q | 10 | FAD |
Muzzle | Sep 27–Oct 3 | DER–3–153 | Q | 10 | FAD |
Any Legal | Nov 4–8 | DER–1–150 | Q/HD | 30 | FAD |
Any Legal – Youth Only | Nov 18–26 | DER–1–151 | Q/HD | 10 | FAD |
Units 6A, 6C | |||||
Bow | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–156 | S | 100 | FAD |
Muzzle | Sep 30–Oct 4 | DER–3–157 | S | 115 | FAD |
Any Legal – Mobility Impaired Only | Oct 14–18 | DER–1–154 | S | 20 | FAD |
Any Legal | Nov 4–8 | DER–1–155 | S | 110 | FAD |
Unit 7 | |||||
Bow | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–159 | S | 10 | FAD |
Bow | Jan 1–15, '24 | DER–2–160 | S | 15 | FAD |
Muzzle | Sep 27–Oct 3 | DER–3–161 | S | 25 | FAD |
Any Legal | Nov 4–8 | DER–1–158 | S | 30 | FAD |
Unit 8 | |||||
Bow – Youth Only | Nov 18–26 | DER–2–162 | Q | 65 | FAD |
Bow | Jan 1–15, '24 | DER–2–163 | Q | 65 | FAD |
Unit 9 | ||||||||
Bow (1) | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–167 | S | 10 | FAD | |||
Bow (1) | Jan 1–15, '24 | DER–2–168 | S | 15 | FAD | |||
Muzzle (1) – Restricted Muzzleloader Only | Sep 27–Oct 3 | DER–3–169 | S | 10 | FAD | |||
Any Legal (1) | Nov 11–15 | DER–1–164 | S | 15 | FAD | |||
Any Legal – Marquez/LBar WMAs only / NM Res Only | Nov 11–15 | DER–1–165 | S | 10 | FAD | |||
Any Legal (1) – Youth Only | Nov 18–26 | DER–1–166 | S | 10 | FAD | |||
(1) Including Water CanyonWMA | ||||||||
Unit 10 | ||||||||
Bow | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–175 | S | 100 | FAD | |||
Muzzle | Sep 27–Oct 3 | DER–3–176 | S | 90 | FAD | |||
Any Legal – Mobility Impaired Only | Oct 21–25 | DER–1–170 | S | 20 | FAD | |||
Any Legal | Oct 21–25 | DER–1–171 | S | 70 | FAD | |||
Any Legal | Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–1–172 | S | 65 | FAD | |||
Any Legal | Nov 4–8 | DER–1–173 | S | 90 | FAD | |||
Any Legal – Youth Only | Nov 18–26 | DER–1–174 | S | 25 | FAD | |||
Unit 12 | ||||||||
Bow | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–178 | HD | 20 | FAD | |||
Muzzle | Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–3–179 | S | 40 | FAD | |||
Any Legal | Nov 4–8 | DER–1–177 | S | 85 | FAD | |||
Unit 13 | ||||||||
Bow | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–183 | S | 125 | FAD | |||
Bow | Jan 1–15, '24 | DER–2–184 | HD | 75 | FAD | |||
Muzzle | Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–3–185 | S | 200 | FAD | |||
Any Legal | Nov 4–8 | DER–1–180 | S | 150 | FAD | |||
Any Legal | Nov 11–15 | DER–1–181 | S | 150 | FAD | |||
Any Legal – Youth Only | Nov 18–26 | DER–1–182 | S | 50 | FAD | |||
Unit 14 | ||||||||
Bow | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–187 | S | 35 | FAD | |||
Bow | Jan 1–15, '24 | DER–2–188 | S | 25 | FAD | |||
Muzzle | Sep 27–Oct 3 | DER–3–189 | S | 55 | FAD | |||
Any Legal | Oct 21–25 | DER–1–186 | S | 55 | FAD | |||
Unit 15 | ||||
Bow Sep 1–24 | DER–2–190 | S | 75 | FAD |
Bow Jan 1–15, '24 | DER–2–191 | S | 25 | FAD |
Muzzle Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–3–192 | S | 165 | FAD |
Muzzle – Youth Only Nov 18–26 | DER–3–193 | S | 100 | FAD |
Unit 16 | ||||
(A, B, C, D, and E) | ||||
Bow Sep 1–24 | DER–2–198 | S | 230 | FAD |
Bow Jan 1–15, '24 | DER–2–199 | S | 175 | FAD |
Muzzle Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–3–200 | S | 300 | FAD |
Any Legal Nov 4–8 | DER–1–194 | S | 300 | FAD |
Any Legal – Mobility Impaired Nov 11–15 Only | DER–1–195 | S | 25 | FAD |
Any Legal Nov 11–15 | DER–1–196 | S | 300 | FAD |
Any Legal – Youth Only Nov 18–26 | DER–1–197 | S | 100 | FAD |
Unit 17 | ||||
Bow Sep 1–24 | DER–2–204 | Q | 75 | FAD |
Bow Jan 1–15, '24 | DER–2–205 | Q | 75 | FAD |
Muzzle Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–3–206 | Q | 80 | FAD |
Any Legal Nov 4–8 | DER–1–201 | Q | 80 | FAD |
Any Legal Nov 11–15 | DER–1–202 | Q | 80 | FAD |
Any Legal – Youth Only Nov 18–26 | DER–1–203 | Q | 80 | FAD |
Unit 18 | ||||
Bow Sep 1–24 | DER–2–209 | S | 50 | FAD |
Bow Jan 1–15, '24 | DER–2–210 | S | 40 | FAD |
Muzzle Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–3–211 | S | 75 | FAD |
Any Legal Nov 4–8 | DER–1–207 | S | 70 | FAD |
Any Legal Nov 11–15 | DER–1–208 | S | 70 | FAD |
Unit 19 (1) (excluding WSMR portion and Ft. Bliss) | ||||
Bow (1) Jan 1–15, '24 | DER–2–214 | S | 10 | FAD |
Muzzle (1) Dec 2–6 | DER–3–215 | S | 10 | FAD |
Unit 19 (1) (WSMR portion only) | |||||
Any Legal (1) | Dec 1–3 | DER–1–212 | S | 5 | FAD |
Any Legal (1) | Jan 12–14, '24 | DER–1–213 | S | 5 | FAD |
Unit 20 | |||||
Bow | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–218 | S | 45 | FAD |
Bow | Jan 1–15, '24 | DER–2–219 | S | 25 | FAD |
Muzzle | Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–3–220 | S | 85 | FAD |
Any Legal | Nov 4–8 | DER–1–216 | S | 90 | FAD |
Any Legal | Nov 11–15 | DER–1–217 | S | 90 | FAD |
Unit 21 | |||||
Bow | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–224 | S | 300 | FAD |
Bow | Jan 1–15, '24 | DER–2–225 | S | 200 | FAD |
Muzzle | Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–3–226 | S | 350 | FAD |
Any Legal | Nov 4–8 | DER–1–221 | S | 425 | FAD |
Any Legal | Nov 11–15 | DER–1–222 | S | 425 | FAD |
Any Legal – Youth Only | Nov 18–26 | DER–1–223 | S | 100 | FAD |
Any Legal | Dec 2–10 | DER–1–227 | S | 25 | FAWTD |
Unit 22 | |||||
Bow | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–231 | S | 30 | FAD |
Bow | Jan 1–15, '24 | DER–2–232 | S | 25 | FAD |
Muzzle | Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–3–233 | S | 65 | FAD |
Any Legal | Nov 4–8 | DER–1–228 | S | 70 | FAD |
Any Legal | Nov 11–15 | DER–1–229 | S | 70 | FAD |
Any Legal – Youth Only | Nov 18–26 | DER–1–230 | S | 20 | FAD |
Unit 23 (excluding Burro Mountain Area) | |||||
Bow (2) | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–239 | S | 205 | FAMD |
Bow (2) | Jan 1–15, '24 | DER–2–240 | S | 50 | FAMD |
Bow (2) | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–241 | S | 100 | FAWTD |
Bow (2) | Jan 16–31, '24 | DER–2–242 | S | 50 | FAWTD |
Muzzle | Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–3–243 | S | 225 | FAMD |
Muzzle | Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–3–244 | S | 75 | FAWTD |
Any Legal | Nov 4–8 | DER–1–234 | S | 450 | FAMD |
(1) White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) ONLY, mandatory check-in/check-out WSMR will charge a $50 per hunter access fee; 50% military discountapplies Successful WSMR applicants will receive an email from WSMR with instructions for fee payment Hunters are responsible for timely paymentand will not be allowed to hunt if the access fee has not been paid by the specified deadline. Chronic wasting disease (CWD) detected in this area
(2) Hunters holding a valid Bow Deer License for Unit 23 and who did not harvest a deer during an above hunt, will be allowed to hunt antlerless deer withinthe Silver City Deer Management Area (as determined by NMDGF) from Jan 16-Feb 5, 2024
Any Legal | Nov 11–15 | DER–1–235 | S | 450 | FAMD | ||||||||||||
Any Legal | Nov 18–22 | DER–1–236 | HD | 100 | FAWTD | ||||||||||||
Any Legal | Dec 2–10 | DER–1–237 | HD | 55 | FAWTD | ||||||||||||
AnyLegal | – | Youth | Only | Nov 18–26 | DER–1–238 | S | 75 | FAD | |||||||||
Unit 23 (Burro Mountain Area Only) | |||||||||||||||||
Bow 1 | Jan 1–15, '24 | DER–2–248 | Q | 40 | FAMD | ||||||||||||
Bow 1 | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–249 | Q | 20 | FAWTD | ||||||||||||
Bow 1 | Jan 16–31, '24 | DER–2–250 | Q | 50 | FAWTD | ||||||||||||
Muzzle | Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–3–251 | Q | 40 | FAMD | ||||||||||||
Muzzle | Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–3–252 | Q | 40 | FAWTD | ||||||||||||
Any Legal | Nov 4–12 | DER–1–245 | Q | 35 | FAMD | ||||||||||||
Any Legal | Dec 2–10 | DER–1–246 | Q/HD | 40 | FAWTD | ||||||||||||
Any Legal – Youth Only | Nov 18–26 | DER–1–247 | Q | 25 | FAD | ||||||||||||
Unit 24 (Excluding FortBayard ManagementArea, Including Double E and River Ranch WMAs) | |||||||||||||||||
Bow 1 | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–259 | S | 135 | FAMD | ||||||||||||
Bow 1 | Jan 1–15, '24 | DER–2–260 | S | 85 | FAMD | ||||||||||||
Bow 1 | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–261 | S | 60 | FAWTD | ||||||||||||
Bow 1 | Jan 16–31, '24 | DER–2–262 | S | 40 | FAWTD | ||||||||||||
Muzzle | Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–3–263 | S | 280 | FAMD | ||||||||||||
Muzzle | Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–3–264 | S | 75 | FAWTD | ||||||||||||
Any Legal | Nov 4–8 | DER–1–254 | S | 400 | FAMD | ||||||||||||
Any Legal | Nov 11–15 | DER–1–255 | S | 400 | FAMD | ||||||||||||
Any Legal | Nov 18–22 | DER–1–256 | S | 100 | FAWTD | ||||||||||||
Any Legal | Dec 2–10 | DER–1–258 | HD | 50 | FAWTD | ||||||||||||
Unit 24 (Including Fort Bayard Management Area) | |||||||||||||||||
Any Legal – Youth Only | Sep 30–Oct 8 | DER–1–253 | S | 50 | FAD | ||||||||||||
Any Legal – Youth Only | Nov 18–26 | DER–1–257 | S | 50 | FAD | ||||||||||||
Unit 25 | |||||||||||||||||
Bow | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–267 | S | 45 | FAD | ||||||||||||
Bow | Jan 1–15, '24 | DER–2–268 | S | 30 | FAD | ||||||||||||
Muzzle | Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–3–269 | S | 45 | FAD | ||||||||||||
Any Legal | Nov 4–8 | DER–1–265 | S | 100 | FAD | ||||||||||||
Any Legal | Nov 11–15 | DER–1–266 | S | 100 | FAD | ||||||||||||
Unit 26 | |||||
Bow | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–272 | S | 25 | FAD |
Bow | Jan 1–15, '24 | DER–2–273 | S | 15 | FAD |
Muzzle | Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–3–274 | S | 60 | FAD |
Any Legal | Nov 4–8 | DER–1–270 | S | 100 | FAD |
Any Legal | Nov 11–15 | DER–1–271 | S | 100 | FAD |
Any Legal | Dec 2–10 | DER–1–275 | S | 25 | FAWTD |
Unit 27 | |||||
Bow | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–281 | Q | 30 | FAMD |
Bow | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–282 | Q | 15 | FAWTD |
Bow | Jan 1–15, '24 | DER–2–283 | Q | 30 | FAMD |
Bow | Jan 16–31, '24 | DER–2–284 | Q | 40 | FAWTD |
Muzzle | Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–3–285 | Q | 40 | FAMD |
Muzzle | Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–3–286 | Q | 50 | FAWTD |
Any Legal | Nov 4–8 | DER–1–276 | Q | 50 | FAMD |
Any Legal | Nov 11–15 | DER–1–277 | Q | 50 | FAMD |
Any Legal | Nov 18–22 | DER–1–278 | Q/HD | 40 | FAWTD |
Any Legal – Youth Only | Nov 18–26 | DER–1–279 | Q | 25 | FAD |
Any Legal | Dec 2–10 | DER–1–280 | Q/HD | 25 | FAWTD |
Unit 28 McGregor Range Only (CWD detected in thisarea, see p. 37) | |||||
Any Legal | Dec 16–17 | DER–1–287 | HD | 25 | FAD |
Any Legal – Military Only | Dec 16–17 | DER–1–288 | HD | 25 | FAD |
Unit 29 | |||||
Bow | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–291 | S | 100 | FAD |
Bow | Jan 1–15, '24 | DER–2–292 | S | 50 | FAD |
Muzzle | Oct 21–25 | DER–3–293 | S | 70 | FAD |
Any Legal | Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–1–289 | S | 150 | FAD |
Any Legal | Nov 11–15 | DER–1–290 | S | 150 | FAD |
Unit 30 | |||||
Bow | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–297 | S | 200 | FAD |
Bow | Jan 1–15, '24 | DER–2–298 | S | 100 | FAD |
Muzzle | Oct 21–25 | DER–3–299 | S | 325 | FAD |
Any Legal | Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–1–294 | S | 720 | FAD |
Any Legal | Nov 11–15 | DER–1–295 | S | 720 | FAD |
Any Legal – Youth Only | Nov 18–26 | DER–1–296 | S | 250 | FAD |
Unit 31 (including Prairie Chicken WMAs) | |||||
Bow | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–302 | S | 175 | FAD |
Bow | Jan 1–15, '24 | DER–2–303 | S | 100 | FAD |
Muzzle | Oct 21–25 | DER–3–304 | S | 175 | FAD |
Any Legal | Nov 4–8 | DER–1–300 | S | 440 | FAD |
Any Legal | Nov 18–22 | DER–1–301 | S | 435 | FAD |
Unit 32 (including Prairie Chicken WMAs) | |||||
Bow | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–309 | S | 150 | FAD |
Bow | Jan 1–15, '24 | DER–2–310 | S | 100 | FAD |
Muzzle | Oct 21–25 | DER–3–311 | S | 175 | FAD |
Any Legal | Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–1–305 | S | 565 | FAD |
Any Legal | Nov 11–15 | DER–1–306 | S | 560 | FAD |
Any Legal1 – NM Resident Only / Youth Only | Dec 16–31 | DER–1–307 | S | 15 | A |
Any Legal1 – NM Resident Only | Jan 16–31, '24 | DER–1–308 | S | 15 | A |
1 Roswell and Fort Sumner hunt areas ONLY | |||||
Unit 33 (including Prairie Chicken WMAs) | |||||
Bow | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–314 | Q | 60 | FAD |
Bow | Jan 1–15, '24 | DER–2–315 | Q | 50 | FAD |
Muzzle – Restricted muzzleloader only | Oct 21–25 | DER–3–316 | Q | 140 | FAD |
Muzzle – Huey WMAonly / NM ResidentOnly / Youth Only | Nov 18–26 | DER–3–317 | Q | 5 | ES |
Muzzle – Huey WMAonly / NM ResidentOnly / Youth Only | Dec 26–Jan 1, '24 | DER–3–318 | Q | 5 | A |
Any Legal | Nov 4–8 | DER–1–312 | Q | 150 | FAD |
Any Legal | Nov 18–22 | DER–1–313 | Q | 150 | FAD |
Unit 34 (CWD detected in this area. See page 37) | |||||
Bow | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–323 | S | 450 | FAD |
Bow | Jan 1–15, '24 | DER–2–324 | S | 350 | FAD |
Muzzle | Nov 4–8 | DER–3–325 | S | 340 | FAD |
Any Legal – Mobility Impaired Only | Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–1–319 | S | 50 | FAD |
Any Legal – Youth Only | Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–1–320 | S | 45 | FAD |
Any Legal | Nov 11–15 | DER–1–321 | S | 650 | FAD |
Any Legal | Nov 18–22 | DER–1–322 | S | 650 | FAD |
Unit 31 (including Prairie Chicken WMAs) | |||||
Bow | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–302 | S | 175 | FAD |
Bow | Jan 1–15, '24 | DER–2–303 | S | 100 | FAD |
Muzzle | Oct 21–25 | DER–3–304 | S | 175 | FAD |
Any Legal | Nov 4–8 | DER–1–300 | S | 440 | FAD |
Any Legal | Nov 18–22 | DER–1–301 | S | 435 | FAD |
Unit 32 (including Prairie Chicken WMAs) | |||||
Bow | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–309 | S | 150 | FAD |
Bow | Jan 1–15, '24 | DER–2–310 | S | 100 | FAD |
Muzzle | Oct 21–25 | DER–3–311 | S | 175 | FAD |
Any Legal | Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–1–305 | S | 565 | FAD |
Any Legal | Nov 11–15 | DER–1–306 | S | 560 | FAD |
Any Legal1 – NM Resident Only / Youth Only | Dec 16–31 | DER–1–307 | S | 15 | A |
Any Legal1 – NM Resident Only | Jan 16–31, '24 | DER–1–308 | S | 15 | A |
1 Roswell and Fort Sumner hunt areas ONLY | |||||
Unit 33 (including Prairie Chicken WMAs) | |||||
Bow | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–314 | Q | 60 | FAD |
Bow | Jan 1–15, '24 | DER–2–315 | Q | 50 | FAD |
Muzzle – Restricted muzzleloader only | Oct 21–25 | DER–3–316 | Q | 140 | FAD |
Muzzle – Huey WMAonly / NM ResidentOnly / Youth Only | Nov 18–26 | DER–3–317 | Q | 5 | ES |
Muzzle – Huey WMAonly / NM ResidentOnly / Youth Only | Dec 26–Jan 1, '24 | DER–3–318 | Q | 5 | A |
Any Legal | Nov 4–8 | DER–1–312 | Q | 150 | FAD |
Any Legal | Nov 18–22 | DER–1–313 | Q | 150 | FAD |
Unit 34 (CWD detected in this area. See page 37) | |||||
Bow | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–323 | S | 450 | FAD |
Bow | Jan 1–15, '24 | DER–2–324 | S | 350 | FAD |
Muzzle | Nov 4–8 | DER–3–325 | S | 340 | FAD |
Any Legal – Mobility Impaired Only | Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–1–319 | S | 50 | FAD |
Any Legal – Youth Only | Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–1–320 | S | 45 | FAD |
Any Legal | Nov 11–15 | DER–1–321 | S | 650 | FAD |
Any Legal | Nov 18–22 | DER–1–322 | S | 650 | FAD |
Unit 42 | |||||
Bow | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–364 | S | 15 | FAD |
Muzzle | Sep 27–Oct 3 | DER–3–365 | S | 15 | FAD |
Any Legal | Oct 21–25 | DER–1–361 | S | 40 | FAD |
Any Legal | Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–1–362 | S | 40 | FAD |
Any Legal | Nov 22–26 | DER–1–363 | S | 10 | ESWTD |
Unit 43 | |||||
Bow | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–367 | S | 10 | FAD |
Muzzle | Oct 21–25 | DER–3–368 | S | 15 | FAD |
Any Legal | Nov 4–8 | DER–1–366 | S | 35 | FAD |
Unit 45 | |||||
Bow | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–373 | S | 165 | FAD |
Muzzle | Sep 27–Oct 3 | DER–3–374 | S | 160 | FAD |
Any Legal | Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–1–369 | S | 250 | FAD |
Any Legal – Mobility Impaired Only | Nov 4–8 | DER–1–370 | S | 25 | FAD |
Any Legal | Nov 4–8 | DER–1–371 | S | 250 | FAD |
Any Legal – Youth Only | Nov 18–26 | DER–1–372 | S | 25 | FAD |
Unit 47 | |||||
Bow | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–377 | S | 10 | FAD |
Muzzle | Sep 27–Oct 3 | DER–3–378 | S | 20 | FAD |
Any Legal | Oct 21–25 | DER–1–375 | S | 25 | FAD |
Any Legal | Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–1–376 | S | 20 | FAD |
Unit 48 | |||||
Bow | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–381 | S | 45 | FAD |
Muzzle | Sep 27–Oct 3 | DER–3–382 | S | 30 | FAD |
Any Legal | Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–1–379 | S | 50 | FAD |
Any Legal | Nov 4–8 | DER–1–380 | S | 50 | FAD |
Unit 49 | |||||
Bow | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–385 | S | 105 | FAD |
Any Legal | Oct 21–25 | DER–1–383 | S | 100 | FAD |
Any Legal | Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–1–384 | S | 100 | FAD |
Unit 50 | |||||
Bow | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–388 | S | 5 | FAD |
Any Legal | Oct 21–25 | DER–1–386 | S | 50 | FAD |
Any Legal | Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–1–387 | S | 50 | FAD |
Unit 51A | |||||
Bow | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–390 | S | 65 | FAD |
Any Legal | Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–1–389 | S | 145 | FAD |
Unit 51B | |||||
Bow | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–393 | S | 15 | FAD |
Any Legal | Oct 21–25 | DER–1–391 | S | 20 | FAD |
Any Legal | Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–1–392 | S | 15 | FAD |
Unit 52 | |||||
Bow | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–367 | S | 80 | FAD |
| Muzzle – Restricted Muzzleloader Only | Sep 27–Oct 3 | DER–3–397 | S | 25 | FAD |
Any Legal | Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–1–394 | S | 90 | FAD |
Any Legal | Nov 4–8 | DER–1–395 | S | 90 | FAD |
Unit 53 | |||||
Bow | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–400 | S | 100 | FAD |
Any Legal | Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–1–398 | S | 85 | FAD |
Any Legal | Nov 4–8 | DER–1–399 | S | 85 | FAD |
Units 54 and 55 Colin Neblett WMA Only (NM Residents Only) | |||||
| Bow | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–403 | S | 10 | FAD |
| Any Legal | Oct 21–25 | DER–1–401 | S | 10 | FAD |
| Any Legal | Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–1–402 | S | 10 | FAD |
Unit 55 (NM Residents Only) | |||||
Any Legal–ES Barker WMA Only | Oct 21–25 | DER–1–404 | S | 10 | FAD |
Muzzle–ES Barker WMA Only – Youth Only | Nov 18–26 | DER–1–405 | S | 20 | FAD |
Any Legal–Urraca WMA Only | Oct 21–25 | DER–1–406 | S | 25 | FAD |
Any Legal–Urraca WMA Only | Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–1–407 | S | 20 | FAD |
Unit 55A (Valle Vidal Only) | |||||
Bow | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–408 | Q | 10 | FAD |
Unit 56 | |||||
Bow | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–413 | S | 10 | FAD |
| Muzzle | Sep 27–Oct 3 | DER–3–414 | 15 | FAD | |
| Any Legal | Oct 21–25 | DER–1–409 | 15 | FAD | |
Any Legal | Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–1–410 | S | 15 | FAD |
Any Legal-Youth Only | Nov 18–26 | DER–1–411 | S | 10 | FAD |
Any Legal-Youth Only | Dec 2–6 | DER–2–412 | S | 10 | ESWTD |
Unit 57 (Sugarite Canyon State Park Only) | |||||
Bow | Nov 1–30 | DER–2–420 | Q | 20 | FAD |
Unit 57 (Excluding Sugarite Canyon State Park) | |||||
Bow | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–419 | S | 20 | FAD |
Muzzle | Sep 27–Oct 3 | DER–3–421 | S | 15 | FAD |
Any Legal | Oct 21–25 | DER–1–415 | S | 25 | FAD |
Any Legal | Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–1–416 | S | 25 | FAD |
Any Legal – Youth Only | Nov 18–26 | DER–1–417 | S | 10 | FAD |
Any Legal | Nov 22–26 | DER–1–418 | S | 10 | ESWTD |
Unit 58 | |||||
Bow | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–427 | S | 10 | FAD |
Muzzle | Sep 27–Oct 3 | DER–3–428 | S | 25 | FAD |
Any Legal | Oct 21–25 | DER–1–422 | S | 40 | FAD |
Any Legal | Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–1–423 | S | 35 | FAD |
Any Legal – Youth Only | Nov 18–26 | DER–1–424 | S | 10 | FAD |
Any Legal – Youth Only | Dec 2–6 | DER–1–425 | S | 15 | ESWTD |
Any Legal | Dec 9–13 | DER–1–426 | S | 15 | ESWTD |
Unit 59 | |||||
Bow | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–434 | S | 10 | FAD |
Muzzle | Sep 27–Oct 3 | DER–3–435 | S | 25 | FAD |
Any Legal | Oct 21–25 | DER–1–429 | S | 40 | FAD |
Any Legal | Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–1–430 | S | 40 | FAD |
Any Legal – Youth Only | Nov 18–26 | DER–1–431 | S | 5 | FAD |
Any Legal – Youth Only | Dec 2–6 | DER–1–432 | S | 15 | ESWTD |
Any Legal | Dec 9–13 | DER–1–433 | S | 15 | ESWTD |
Big-Game & Turkey Rules
License Requirements and Fees:
Understanding Hunt Codes: The hunt code printed on your license indicates the species, legal sporting arms, dates, area, fee type and bag limit for the license issued.
For example: DER–1–101
- "DER" indicates a deer hunt.
- "1" indicates any legal big-game sporting arm (2 = bow only; 3 = muzzleloader, crossbow or bow only).
- "101" indicates an individual hunt for specific dates, area, fee type and bag limit.
This example (DER–1–101) found on page 49 is a deer hunt for any big-game sporting arm, standard fee, valid in GMU 2A from October 28–November 1 with a bag limit of one fork-antlered deer (FAD).
Legal Sporting Arms
Legal sporting arms for deer, elk, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, ibex, oryx, Barbary sheep and bear (big-game sporting arms): Any centerfire firearm at least .22 caliber or larger, any muzzle-loading firearm at least .45 caliber or larger, any shotgun .410 caliber or larger firing a single slug (including muzzle-loading shotguns), any bow or any crossbow. All firearms, except handguns, must be designed to be fired from the shoulder. Hunters must use only bullets designed to expand or fragment
upon impact. Full metal jacket (FMJ) and tracer bullets are illegal. No fully automatic firearms may be used. Arrows and bolts must have broadheads (fixed or mechanical) with cutting edges. Sights on bows and crossbows may not project light (lighted pins are acceptable). No drugs may be used on arrows or bolts, and they cannot be driven by explosives, gunpowder or compressed air.
Legal sporting arms for cougar, javelina and furbearers: Any firearm, muzzleloader, compressed air gun, shotgun, bow or crossbow. All firearms, except handguns, must be designed to be fired from the shoulder. For cougar and javelina, compressed air guns must be .22 caliber or larger and shotguns must fire a single slug or #4 buckshot or larger. Arrows and bolts must have broadheads (fixed or mechanical) with cutting edges. Sights on bows and crossbows may not project light. No drugs may be used on arrows or bolts, and they cannot be driven by explosives, gunpowder or compressed air.
Bow only: Any compound, long or recurve bow. Draw locks are illegal. Arrows must have broadheads (fixed or mechanical) with cutting edges. Sights on bows may not project light (lighted pins are acceptable). No drugs may be used on an arrow, and arrows cannot be driven by explosives, gunpowder or compressed air.
Muzzleloader, crossbow or bow only: Hunters may use any legal muzzleloader with open or "iron" sights, any legal bow or any legal crossbow during regular muzzleloader hunts (see also restricted muzzleloader). Scopes, red dots or other similar sights are not allowed on muzzleloaders during a muzzleloader hunt. Sabots and in-line ignition may be used with muzzleloaders except during restricted muzzleloader deer hunts. No drugs may be used on arrows or bolts, and arrows and bolts (see arrow and bolt on page 122) cannot be driven by explosives, gunpowder or compressed air. Airbows and all guns firing arrows or bolts are illegal.
Restricted Muzzleloader for deer: Only a muzzle-loading rifle using open sights, black powder or equivalent propellant and firing a full bore diameter bullet or patched round ball is legal. The use of in-line ignition, scopes, and smokeless powder are prohibited. Bows and crossbows are legal during restricted muzzleloader deer hunts.
Legal sporting arms for turkey: Any shotgun firing shot, bow and crossbow. Arrows and bolts must have broadheads (fixed or mechanical) with cutting edges. Sights on bows and crossbows may not project light. No drugs may be used on arrows or bolts, and they cannot be driven by explosives, gunpowder or compressed air.
All Big-game and Turkey Harvests Must Be Tagged
(E-Tag instructions)
- Immediately after harvesting any big-game animal or turkey, the carcass tag must be notched. The carcass tag must be attached to the kill before leaving the kill site. Instructions for notch- ing and attaching are listed below and are provided on the reverse side of the tag.
- Antlered or horned big game require an antler/horn tag be attached in addition to a carcass tag. Instructions for attaching are listed below and provided on the reverse side of the tag.
- Any big-game or turkey kill left unattended in the field, in a vehicle or in camp must have a properly notched carcass tag and antler/horn tag (if applicable) attached. It is unlawful to possess any big-game species or turkey in the field without a properly notched carcass tag or handwritten E-Tag.
- Bear and cougar must be both carcass tagged and pelt tagged. Bear or cougar must be pre- sented for pelt tagging within five days after harvest (pages 108–109, 114).
- The carcass tag or handwritten E-Tag authorizes possession of the big-game animal or turkey for one year from date of kill. Bear and cougar carcass tags authorize possession of the ani- mal for five days or until pelt tagged, whichever occurs first. Keep your tags!
- Do not remove backing on the carcass tag until you are ready to tag.
- Upon killing your big-game animal or turkey, immediately and completely notch the month and day of kill on the carcass tag and then attach to the hock tendon of the animal or above the leg spur of the turkey (see illustrations above) prior to moving the big-game animal or turkey from the kill site. For bear and cougar the carcass tag may be wrapped around a hind leg above the foot if skinned.
- Do not leave any backing material on the tag. Wrap the tag on carcass as shown, matching the ends together and pressing adhesive sides together evenly and tightly. Leave entire face of tag visible and readable. Do not overlap tag ends or cover any of the print.
- Tags must remain attached until the big-game animal or turkey arrives at a taxidermist, meat processing facility or place of final storage (e.g. your home), or if required, until it is inspected, documented or pelt tagged by a NMDGF official. If multiple trips are required to transport the animal from the field, NMDGF recommends the tagged portion be transported first.
- If a big-game animal is boned out or when a javelina is killed and nothing is removed or only the skull is taken, fold and adhere the carcass tag to itself leaving the entire face of the carcass tag visible. The adhered carcass tag must physically remain with parts of the animal that are removed and possessed.
Antlered and Horned Game Tag Instructions
When ready to tag, detach antler tag from backing. Attach the antler/horn tag to the main beam of the antler or horn, as close to the base as possible, where it will not slide off. Leave entire face of tag visible and readable.
E-Tag Instructions
If the E-Tag option is chosen, hunters must be able to show their license in the NM E-Tag app on their smartphone. Upon harvesting a big-game animal or turkey, hunters must click the Tag My Animal link in the app to receive their E-Tag number and other required information. The E-Tag number, CIN and date of kill must be hand written on a durable material (e.g. duct tape or flagging ribbon) in permanent ink and then attached to the animal (see Tagging Instructions, above). This procedure must be repeated for antlered/horned game as described above.
Mandatory Harvest Reporting: Deadlines see Page 6. Harvest reporting is mandatory for all Barbary sheep, deer, elk, ibex, javelina, oryx, pronghorn, turkey and trapper license holders, whether or not a hunt or harvest occurred. Big-game, turkey and trapper license holders who do not report will be ineligible the following year for all draw hunts, population management hunts, private-land licenses and trapper licenses. Harvest reports can be submitted online or by telephone. Remember to keep your confirmation number!
One License per Species
It is illegal to apply for, buy or use more than one license for any big-game species during any license year—except when permitted by rule.
Proof of Sex
Hunters must keep proof of sex with all game species (except javelina) until the game has been transported where it will be consumed or stored. The antlers or horns must remain attached to the skull or skull plate of all male Barbary sheep, bighorn sheep, deer, elk, ibex, oryx or pronghorn. Immature males must be accompanied by the scalp and both ears. Females must be accompanied by either the scalp and both ears or the externalgenitalia naturally attached to one quarter. The external genitalia of any bear or cougar must remain naturally attached to the hide and be readily visible until the hide has been inspected and pelt tagged by a NMDGF representative. The beard must remain with the carcass when the bag limit is a bearded turkey.
Possession, Donation or Sale of Game
It is unlawful to possess any protected species or parts thereof without a properly notched carcass tag, handwritten e-tag or other evidence the game has been taken legally. Carcasses, meat and internal organs of game mammals and game birds may not be sold or bartered, but can be donated. Only the skins, heads, antlers, horns, rendered fat, teeth or claws of legally taken or possessed protected species, any parts of furbearers, and the feathers of non-migratory game birds may be bartered or sold.
Any person giving items to another person must supply the recipient with a written description which states: the parts (skin, head, antlers, horns, claws, feathers, etc.) and/ or the kind and number of game; the date when and county where game was taken; the conveyor’s name, address and hunting license number used to take the game; and the date and place of the transaction or donation. A sample certificate is provided on page 119 and downloadable at www.wildlife.state.nm.us.
It is unlawful to possess the head, horns or antlers of any big-game species found in the field without a receipt from NMDGF (except for shed antlers).
Storage
A properly notched carcass tag or handwritten E-Tag must remain with the meat, and authorizes possession and storage for one year from the date of kill. To store or possess meat after this date, individuals must have a storage permit from NMDGF. Bear and cougar carcass tags authorize possession of the animal for five days or until pelt tagged, whichever occurs first.
Trophies taken to a taxidermist or carcasses taken to a meat processor must be accompanied by a properly notched carcass tag and antler/horn tag (if applicable), a handwritten E-Tag, or a possession (donation) certificate. Keep your tags!
Use of Dogs: Dogs may not be used to hunt big game, except bear and cougar. Certain exceptions apply (see specific species sections). When dogs are used to hunt bear or cougar, the licensed hunter must be present continuously once any dog is released. Leashed dogs may be used to locate wounded or dead big game. If dogs are used to locate wounded or dead big game, hunters must keep the dog(s) on a leash, and no more than two dogs may be used at a time.
Blaze Orange: Hunters on military properties must wear a minimum of 244 square inches of blaze orange. Ft. Bliss requires a blaze orange vest. Hunters participating in any firearm elk hunt on Valles Caldera National Preserve must wear a minimum of 244 square inches of blaze orange. Though not required elsewhere by law, NMDGF strongly encourages hunters to wear blaze orange.
Transportation of Horses: All horses being transported must be inspected by a local livestock inspector. Nonresidents with horses must have proof of ownership and health papers. For further information contact the New Mexico Livestock Board: 505-841-6161.
Nongame Hunting License: Residents do not need a license to take nongame species. Nonresidents must purchase a nonresident nongame license or any New Mexico nonresident hunting license. Nongame species include prairie dogs, ground squirrels, Himalayan tahr, porcupine, rabbits, coyotes and skunks. Nongame hunting is not permitted on wildlife management areas (WMAs) unless otherwise posted, except Water Canyon WMA, where hunting nongame species is permitted January 1–March 31, 2024.
Feral Hogs: Feral hogs are an unprotected species that can damage habitat, contaminate water and compete with native wildlife. Because of the negative impact this non-native intruder causes, anyone may hunt feral hogs year-round without a license. Basic hunting rules apply—such as obtaining permission if hunting on private land. Hunting with the aid of an artificial light and discharging of firearms within 150 yards of an occupied dwelling is illegal. Feral hogs should not be confused with javelina, which look similar but are a protected game species. Javelina are smaller than feral hogs and do not have a tail. Javelina also have a white stripe of hair near the shoulders and neck, giving them the common name collared peccary. For information about where to hunt feral hogs contact the USDA: 505-346-2640.
