New Mexico 2025-2026 Big Game Draw Guide – Seasons, Units & Tags
Are you planning your next outdoor adventure in the Land of Enchantment? Whether you’re a seasoned sportsperson or just getting started with field pursuits, understanding the New Mexico wildlife schedule is essential for a successful expedition. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the 2025-2026 field sports calendar in New Mexico, including important dates, tag information, wildlife management zones, and licensing details.
What This Guide Covers
This resource provides up-to-date information on all New Mexico’s wild game opportunities, including:
- Key dates for big game, upland birds, waterfowl, and small game
- Application deadlines and draw results timing
- Wildlife management areas and public land access
- License fees and special permit requirements
- Youth programs and special hunts
Key Species Season Summary
Below is a quick reference table showing the primary seasons for popular game species in New Mexico for 2025-2026:
| Species | Season Type | Opening Date | Closing Date | Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deer | Bow | Sept. 1, 2025 | Sept. 24, 2025 | Archery |
| Deer | Any Legal Weapon | Various (by unit) | Various (by unit) | Any Legal |
| Elk | Bow | Sept. 1, 2025 | Sept. 24, 2025 | Archery |
| Elk | Any Legal Weapon | Oct-Dec (varies by unit) | Oct-Dec (varies by unit) | Any Legal |
| Turkey (Spring) | OTC License | April 15, 2025 | May 15, 2025 | Any Legal |
| Turkey (Youth) | OTC License | April 11, 2025 | April 13, 2025 | Any Legal |
| Bear | Draw Permit | Aug-Nov (varies by zone) | Nov-Dec (varies by zone) | Various |
| Pronghorn | Draw License | Aug-Oct (varies by unit) | Aug-Oct (varies by unit) | Various |
| Bighorn Sheep | Draw License | Various (by hunt) | Various (by hunt) | Various |
Big Game Opportunities 🦌
New Mexico offers exceptional big game experiences across diverse landscapes. From the high mountain forests to the desert plains, the state provides varied terrain that supports healthy wildlife populations.
Deer Hunting
The mule deer and Coues whitetail populations in New Mexico offer exciting field opportunities for both bow and firearms enthusiasts.
Archery Season
- Unit 8: September 1–24, 2025 and January 1–15, 2026
- Units 46, 54, 55A & B: September 1–24, 2025
- Most other units: September periods (varies by unit)
Firearms Season
Muzzleloader and rifle seasons typically run October through December, with specific dates varying by unit. Drawing a tag requires applying by March 19, 2025, with results posted by April 23, 2025.
Elk Pursuits
New Mexico is famous for its robust elk herds and offers some of the best opportunities in the western United States.
Archery Season
- Primary Management Zones: September 1-24, 2025 (dates may vary by unit)
- Premium Statewide Hunt: September 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026
Muzzleloader and Rifle Seasons
- Various dates from October through December depending on the management unit
- Special youth-only opportunities available in select units
Pronghorn Opportunities
Fast and keen-eyed pronghorn offer a unique pursuit across New Mexico’s grasslands. Most tags are available through the draw system, with applications due by March 19, 2025.
Turkey Season Information 🦃
New Mexico’s wild turkey populations provide excellent sporting opportunities during both spring and fall seasons.
Spring Season
- Regular OTC License Hunts: April 15 – May 15, 2025
- Youth-Only Spring Hunt: April 11-13, 2025
- Unit 55A (Valle Vidal): April 15 – May 15, 2025 (East Side), April 15 – 30, 2025 (West Side)
- Units 26 & 27: May 1 – 30, 2025 (Gould’s Turkey, Once-in-a-Lifetime)
Fall Season
- Limited opportunities in select units
- Draw application deadline: February 12, 2025
- Results posted: February 19, 2025
Bag Limits
- Spring season: One bearded turkey
- Fall season: One turkey of either sex (where available)
Furbearer Opportunities
For those interested in furbearer management, New Mexico offers regulated seasons with appropriate licenses.
- Badger, Fox, Ringtail, Bobcat, Weasel: November 1, 2025 – March 15, 2026
- Raccoon: Year-round with proper license
- Beaver, Muskrat: November 1, 2025 – April 30, 2026
Trappers must purchase the appropriate license and follow all regulations regarding trap types, checking intervals, and reporting requirements.
Small Game Calendar 🐇
New Mexico’s diverse habitats support excellent small game populations across the state.
| Species | Season Dates | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Quail (Scaled, Gambel’s) | Nov 15, 2025 – Feb 15, 2026 | 15 per day |
| Quail (Bobwhite) | Nov 15, 2025 – Feb 15, 2026 | 15 per day |
| Squirrel (Gray, Fox, Abert’s) | Sept 1, 2025 – Nov 30, 2025 | 8 per day |
| Rabbit & Hare | Year-round | No limit |
| Pheasant (Draw) | Dec 10-11, 2025 (varies by area) | 3 per day |
Small game pursuits provide excellent opportunities for beginners and seasoned sportspeople alike, with minimal equipment requirements and abundant public land access.
Waterfowl Seasons 🦆
Migratory bird enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities throughout New Mexico’s wetlands and waterways.
Duck and Goose Seasons
- North Zone: October 12 – January 15, 2025
- South Zone: October 28 – January 31, 2025
- September Teal (Both Zones): September 14 – 22, 2025
Sandhill Crane
- Middle Rio Grande Valley: October 26 – December 29, 2025
- SW Management Unit: October 26 – January 26, 2026
- Estancia Valley: October 26 – January 26, 2026
All migratory bird hunters must possess a valid Harvest Information Program (HIP) number, which requires completion of a brief survey about the previous year’s migratory bird activities.
More Game Opportunities
New Mexico offers additional unique wildlife management programs for several specialized species:
Barbary Sheep
- Any Legal Weapon: December 1-31, 2025, and January 1-31, 2026
- Apply by March 19, 2025
Ibex
- Any Legal Weapon: Various dates from October through February
- Draw application deadline: March 19, 2025
Oryx
- Once-in-a-Lifetime Hunts: September through February (varies by hunt)
- Population Management Hunts: Various dates throughout the year
- Apply by March 19, 2025
Javelina
- Any Legal Weapon: January 1 – March 31, 2026
- Apply by March 19, 2025
Wildlife Management Areas Map 🗺️
New Mexico’s Game Management Units (GMUs) are strategically designed to manage wildlife populations effectively. For detailed maps of these units, visit the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish website.
These maps provide vital information on:
- Unit boundaries
- Public land access points
- Road networks
- Special regulation areas
- Wildlife management areas
License Information 🎟️
Resident Licenses
- Game Hunting License: $15
- Game Hunting & Fishing: $30
- Junior Game Hunting: $10
- Senior Game Hunting: $10
Non-Resident Licenses
- Game Hunting License: $65
- Game Hunting & Fishing: $75
- Junior Game Hunting: $15
Add-ons and Validations
- Habitat Management & Access Validation: $4 (required for ages 18+)
- Habitat Stamp: $10 (required on federal lands)
- Second Rod Validation: $4 (for fishing)
Application Process
All draw applications must be submitted before the deadline dates:
- Bear and Turkey: February 12, 2025 (5:00 PM MT)
- All Other Big Game: March 19, 2025 (5:00 PM MT)
- Pheasant and Sandhill Crane: August 13, 2025 (5:00 PM MDT)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a tag for every animal?
Yes, for big game species like deer, elk, pronghorn, and bear, you must have the appropriate species-specific license or permit. Small game typically requires only a general hunting license.
Can I hunt on public lands in New Mexico?
Yes, with the proper licenses and permits. Public lands include National Forests, BLM lands, State Trust Lands (with permit), and Wildlife Management Areas. Always verify land ownership before your expedition.
Is night hunting allowed in New Mexico?
Night hunting is generally prohibited except for specific non-game species like coyotes on private land with landowner permission and following all regulations.
How do I apply for the draw system?
Apply online through the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish website or by calling 888-248-6866. Applications require payment of non-refundable application fees and license fees.
What youth programs are available?
New Mexico offers special youth-only hunts for various species and a Mentored-Youth Hunting Program for those without hunter education certification.
Related Resources
- Elk Hunting Guide
- Turkey Hunting Guide
- Colorado Hunting Seasons
- Arizona Hunting Seasons
- Texas Hunting Seasons
Plan Your 2025-2026 New Mexico Adventure
New Mexico’s diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife make it a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts. From the alpine forests in the north to the desert terrain in the south, the Land of Enchantment offers exceptional field sports experiences for everyone.
Remember to check zone-specific regulations, obtain the necessary licenses and tags well in advance, and always follow ethical sporting practices. The application deadline for most big game species is March 19, 2025, so mark your calendar and prepare your strategy for the upcoming draw.
Start planning your expedition today and experience the rich outdoor heritage that New Mexico has to offer!
