Flying Sandhill crane

The New Mexico Department of Wildlife is still accepting applications until 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, for special Sandhill crane and pheasant permits.

Applications can be made through your online account. Successful applicants must have a Game Hunting or Game Hunting and Fishing License, applicable stamp(s) and a Harvest Information Program (HIP) number if successful for Sandhill crane.

Sandhill crane hunting wearing an orange vest

Bernardo, Jackson Lake and W.S. Huey WMA Youth-only Pheasant Hunts

Hunt Area Hunt Code Season Dates Bag Limit/# of Permits
Bernardo PHE-0-001 Oct. 17 3 males/20
W.S. Huey PHE-0-002 Dec. 5 3 males/40
Jackson Lake PHE-0-004 Dec. 5 3 males/10

W.S. Huey WMA Pheasant Hunt

Hunt Area Hunt Code Season Dates Bag Limit/# of Permits
W.S. Huey PHE-0-003 Dec. 12 3 males/40

Sandhill Crane Hunts*

Hunt Area Hunt Code Season Dates Bag Limit/# of Permits
Eastern Hunt N/A; free permit required Oct. 24-
Jan. 21, ’27		 3 per day and 6 in possession/Unlimited
Estancia Valley Hunt SCR-0-101 Dec. 12-15
and Dec. 17-20		 3 per day and
6 in possession/65
MRGV Hunts SCR-0-102 Nov. 14-15 3 per day and
6 in possession/87
  SCR-0-103 Nov. 28-29 3 per day and
6 in possession/87
  SCR-0-104 Dec. 12-13 3 per day and
6 in possession/87
  SCR-0-105 Jan. 2-3, ’27 3 per day and
6 in possession/87
  SCR-0-106 Jan. 9-10, ’27 3 per day and
6 in possession/87
Southwestern SCR-0-108 Oct. 31-Nov. 8 3 per day and
6 in possession/75
  SCR-0-109 Jan. 2-3, ’27 3 per day and
6 in possession/77

*Up to four hunters may apply per application.

Youth Sandhill Crane Hunt (residents only)*

MRGV
Youth-Only		 SCR-0-107 Nov. 21 3 bag and 3 in possession/24

*Up to two hunters may apply per application.

Rules and Information

Information about rules, seasons, fees and more is available in the 2026-2027 Hunting Rules and Information Booklet (pages 145-154) and the 2026-2027 Migratory Game Bird Supplement.

Hunters are encouraged to review season dates, application deadlines and other information before applying for licenses or going afield.

If you have not already done so, you can purchase your licenses and stamps through your online account. Applications may also be completed over the phone by calling the Information Center at 888-248-6866.

2026-2027 NM Migratory Game Bird Rules & Info