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New Mexico

Hunting

Hunting

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 3DER–3–397S25FAD

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)

BowSep 1–24DER–2–403S10FAD
Any LegalOct 21–25DER–1–401S10FAD
Any LegalOct 28–Nov 1DER–1–402S10FAD

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

MuzzleSep 27–Oct 3DER–3–41415FAD
Any LegalOct 21–25DER–1–40915FAD

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)

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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).
  5. 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!
Tagging Instructions
  1. Do not remove backing on the carcass tag until you are ready to tag.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.