Hunting in New Mexico

Waterfowl hunting for ducks at New Mexico Game & Fish managed La Joya Wildlife Area near Socorro, New Mexico.

Whether you’re hunting grouse, squirrels, quail or waterfowl, or holding out for that elusive trophy bull elk, mule deer or pronghorn, New Mexico’s hunting opportunities are as abundant and diverse as its terrain and habitat.

New Mexico also offers hunting opportunities not found anywhere else, including hunts for exotic species including Persian ibex, oryx and Barbary sheep.

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish biologists and wildlife managers work to maintain and improve wildlife habitat and protect wildlife populations, while providing hunting opportunities on public and private lands for a variety of species throughout the state. This includes programs for private land elk and private land pronghorn hunting.

Sounds of elk bugles fill the air every fall at Valles Caldera National Preserve in northern New Mexico.

The hunting section of our website is your source for hunting and license rules and informationdraw detailsmapsharvest reports and more.

Need a license? Licenses are available online (click here), by phone 888-248-6866, or license vendors.

Print from your NMDGF account or request a mail or email copy from 888-248-6866, a vendor, or ispa@dgf.nm.gov.

Hunting Publications

Visit the Publications page for the latest Hunting Rules and Information books available as downloadable PDF’s.