New Mexico Hunting Season Dates
Complete hunting calendar for New Mexico including deer, elk, turkey, and more.
New Mexico Hunting Season Calendar
Find all hunting season dates for New Mexico including deer, elk, turkey, and waterfowl. Filter by species and hunting method.
Coming Up in New Mexico
Seasons opening in the next 60 days
Apr 15 - May 15, 2026
Opens in 43 days
Complete Season Calendar
All New Mexico hunting seasons organized by species
Deer 3 seasons
| Method | Dates | Zone | Status | Notes | Add to Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Archery | Sep 1-24, 2025 | Statewide | Closed | Archery - draw | |
| Rifle/Firearm | Oct 1 - Nov 30, 2025 | Statewide | Closed | Varies by GMU - draw | |
| Muzzleloader | Oct 1-14, 2025 | Statewide | Closed | Muzzleloader hunts | |
Elk 2 seasons
| Method | Dates | Zone | Status | Notes | Add to Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Archery | Sep 1-24, 2025 | Statewide | Closed | Archery - draw | |
| Rifle/Firearm | Oct 1 - Dec 31, 2025 | Statewide | Closed | Multiple seasons - draw | |
Turkey 1 season
| Method | Dates | Zone | Status | Notes | Add to Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any Legal Method | Apr 15 - May 15, 2026 | Statewide | Upcoming | Spring - draw | |
Pronghorn 1 season
| Method | Dates | Zone | Status | Notes | Add to Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any Legal Method | Sep 1 - Oct 31, 2025 | Statewide | Closed | Draw required | |
Bear 1 season
| Method | Dates | Zone | Status | Notes | Add to Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any Legal Method | Aug 15 - Nov 30, 2025 | Statewide | Closed | Over-the-counter | |
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New Mexico Hunting Regulations
License year, species, and agency information
- License Year
- Apr 1, 2025 - Mar 31, 2026
- Available Species
-
- Bear
- Deer
- Elk
- Pronghorn
- Turkey
- Hunting Methods
-
- Archery
- Rifle/Firearm
- Muzzleloader
- Any Legal Method
- Wildlife Agency
- New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
This information is for reference only. Always verify regulations with your state wildlife agency before hunting or fishing.
Last verified: January 2026
Important Note for New Mexico
Most New Mexico big game requires draw. Bear is OTC in some areas.
Hunting Method Legend
New Mexico Hunting FAQ
Common questions about hunting seasons in New Mexico
What are the hunting season dates for New Mexico?
New Mexico offers hunting seasons for Bear, Deer, Elk, Pronghorn, Turkey. The license year runs from Apr 1, 2025 to Mar 31, 2026. Check our complete calendar above for specific dates by species and method.
When does deer season start in New Mexico?
Deer season in New Mexico typically begins with archery season starting Sep 1, 2025, followed by firearms/rifle season starting Oct 1, 2025.
Does New Mexico require a draw for hunting?
Yes, New Mexico uses a draw or lottery system for some hunts. Check the specific species and hunt area requirements with the state wildlife agency.
What hunting seasons are open now in New Mexico?
The next season to open is Turkey starting Apr 15, 2026.
What should I know about hunting in New Mexico?
Most New Mexico big game requires draw. Bear is OTC in some areas.
Other States
Compare hunting seasons across states
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