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.
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 [...]
Attention New Mexico Bear Hunters – Aug 28 – Zone 9 is Closed
Bear Management Zone 9 is closed effective Aug. 28, 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 9, 12 are closed. Zones 1, 2, 8, 10 and 14 will open Sept. 1. 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.
2026-2027 draw results for Sandhill crane and pheasant permits are now available!
Hunters, please check your draw results by logging into your online customer account. If you have questions, assistance is available through our Information Center by calling 888-248-6866. The Information Center is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Wildlife law violation checkpoints begin for hunting, fishing seasons
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Wildlife is conducting checkpoints throughout the state this hunting and fishing season to collect biological data and detect wildlife law violations. As a result, the public may encounter minor delays. Department officers may be assisted by other law enforcement agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, New Mexico State Police or county sheriff’s offices. Please report any wildlife crime or suspected crime that you may observe while enjoying New Mexico’s great outdoors. To report a wildlife crime, please call Operation Game Thief toll-free at 1-800-432-GAME (4263). Callers can remain anonymous and earn cash rewards for information leading to charges being files. Violations can also be reported online at Operation Game Thief.
Youth encouragement Elk license sale begins July 22
Department offers 1,960 antlerless licenses for youth who didn’t draw a hunt this year SANTA FE – Youth hunters will be eligible to purchase one of 1,960 antlerless Youth Encouragement Elk licenses through the New Mexico Department of Wildlife's Online License System starting at 10 a.m. MDT on July 22, 2026. The Youth Encouragement Elk hunts provide additional hunting opportunities for youth and include 1,570 licenses for any legal sporting arm and 390 licenses for muzzleloader hunts. Licenses will be sold online only on a first-come, first-served basis. To purchase a license, customers will need to log into their Online License System account. Eligibility and requirements: For the first 14 days, the sale is open only to resident youth who have applied in the current license year for one or more draw hunts for deer, elk, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, Barbary sheep, oryx or ibex and were not successful for any hunt. Please [...]