Hunting News
The latest hunting news and press releases, including important reminders for the current hunting season, from the New Mexico Department of Wildlife. See additional wildlife news in Conservation News. Department-wide news can be found under Home → NMDOW News.
Attention Valle Vidal Hunters: Prescribed Burn Notice
This message is being shared with you at the request of our partners at the Carson National Forest. Taking advantage of cooler temperatures, shorter days and recent moisture, Carson National Forest fire crews are looking to implement two prescribed fires for the first half of the fall on the western side of the Valle Vidal. The exact timing of each will depend on specific wind, weather and fuel moisture conditions. Crews will be preparing the area in advance of the burns and patrolling during and after ignitions. Hunters should plan for smoke in the air. Please visit Carson National Forest’s website for more information. Regular fire helps restore the ecosystem and can reduce the threat of a catastrophic wildfire severely affecting the recently restored population of Rio Grande cutthroat trout, a project more than 20 years in the making. It also helps wildlife and local producers, and maintains productive [...]
Attention Hunters: New Mexico needs your help to be on the lookout for New World screwworm
New World screwworm detected in New Mexico – Hunters are asked to help On Sept. 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a new case of New World screwworm (NWS) that has been detected near Mimbres, New Mexico. Individuals that are hunting in the area are asked to help reduce the spread of NWS. Here is how you can help: Suspect NWS when you see a live or very recently (within a few hours) dead animal with: ➤ Maggots/larvae in a wound ➤ White egg packets on or around a wound ➤ Foul or rotting odor associated with a wound Pay particular attention during periods when wildlife are more likely to sustain wounds, including rut, fighting among males, breeding activity, antler growth, velvet shedding, antler casting, birthing season and newborn animals with umbilical wounds. If you see suspected NWS: Take a GPS location. If it is a [...]
Bear zone hunting closure update: BMZ 2 closed
Attention New Mexico bear hunters: Bear Management Zone 2 is closed effective Sept. 15, 2026, as the harvest limit has been reached. Please refer to the chart below for the most current harvest reports and zone status. Bear: Zone 2, 3, 9 and 12 are closed. All other zones are open. Please remember: Before hunting, hunters must verify the zone is open by checking the Department website or calling the Bear and Cougar Closure and Harvest Hotline at 877-950-5466.
Bear zone hunting closure update: BMZ 3 closed
Attention New Mexico bear hunters: Bear Management Zone 3 is closed effective Sept. 8, 2026, as the harvest limit has been reached. Please refer to the chart below for the most current harvest reports and zone status. Bear: Zone 3, 9 and 12 are closed. All other zones are open. Please remember: Before hunting, hunters must verify the zone is open by checking the Department website or calling the Bear and Cougar Closure and Harvest Hotline at 877-950-5466.
Department offers opportunities for a memorable and successful hunting season
Many over-the-counter hunting options remain available SANTA FE – The Labor Day weekend seems to mark the unofficial end of summer, however, the New Mexico Department of Wildlife reminds New Mexicans that there are many opportunities in the fall to get out and create memories with friends and family. Those who were not successful in the draw are encouraged to take advantage of the Department’s many over-the-counter hunting opportunities. A valid game hunting license allows hunters to pursue dove and other small-game species, including quail, grouse and pheasant. There are also may opportunities to hunt big-game species including javelina, Barbary sheep, cougar, bear and fall turkey hunts. These tags can be purchased online or at licensed vendors and Department offices statewide or calling the Department’s Information Center at 888-248-6866 during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., closed for holidays). If you are unsure what licenses, tags and [...]