The deer hunting season is upon us and if you’re lucky enough to live in New Mexico, you have access to some of the best deer hunting grounds in the country. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or this is your first time, there are a few things you should know about deer hunting in New Mexico. In this blog post, we will cover the different types of deer found in the state, the best places to hunt them, and what kind of equipment you will need. So gear up and get ready for a successful deer hunting season in New Mexico!
Deer Hunting Laws in New Mexico
Deer hunting is regulated by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. In order to hunt deer in New Mexico, hunters must possess a valid deer hunting license. The type of license required depends on the weapon being used, the game management unit in which the hunter will be hunting, and whether the hunter will be hunting on public or private land.
There are four types of deer hunting licenses available in New Mexico:
-Type 1: Resident License – good for one year from the date of purchase, allows the holder to take up to two deer with any legal weapon
-Type 2: Non-resident License – good for one year from the date of purchase, allows the holder to take up to two deer with any legal weapon
-Type 3: Junior Hunting License – issued to residents and non-residents aged 12-17, good for one year from the date of purchase, allows the holder to take up to two deer with any legal weapon; holders of this license must be accompanied by a licensed adult 21 years of age or older
-Type 4: Senior Hunting License – issued to residents aged 65 years and older, good for one year from the date of purchase, allows the holder to take up to two deer with any legal weapon
In addition to a valid license, hunters must also possess a valid Deer Hunting Permit. These permits are specific to certain game management units and can be obtained through any department office or online at
Do you need a license to hunt deer in New Mexico?
Yes, you need a license to hunt deer in New Mexico. You can purchase a license from the Department of Game and Fish or from a licensed vendor. A license allows you to hunt one deer during the open season. You must be at least 12 years old to purchase a license, and 16 years old to hunt deer.
Deer Hunting Seasons in New Mexico
In New Mexico, the General deer hunting season runs from October 1 through January 31. However, there are different deer hunting seasons in different areas of the state, so it’s important to check the regulations before heading out.
The Gila, Lincoln, and San Miguel Counties have a late deer hunting season that runs from February 1-28. In these counties, only bucks with antlers at least three inches long can be harvested.
Cibola, McKinley, and Valencia Counties have a muzzleloader deer hunt that takes place from December 15-31. In these counties, only bucks with antlers four inches long can be harvested.
In all other counties in New Mexico, the regular deer hunting season is from October 1-January 31st and there are no restrictions on the size of the buck that can be harvested.
Can you hunt deer at night in New Mexico?
Yes, deer hunting at night is legal in New Mexico. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you’ll need to have a valid hunting license and be sure to follow all other hunting regulations. Secondly, it’s important to know where you’re shooting since there are some areas where night hunting is not allowed. Finally, use caution and be aware of your surroundings when night hunting since it can be more dangerous than hunting during the day.
Bag limits for hunting deer in New Mexico
In New Mexico, the bag limit for deer is four (4) per hunter. This limit applies to all species of deer.
Legal ways to hunt deer in New Mexico
In New Mexico, deer hunting is only allowed on private land with the landowners’ permission. Public lands are managed by the state and federal governments, who regulate deer hunting to prevent overhunting.
The best way to get permission to hunt deer on private land is to talk to the landowners directly. Many times, they are happy to let hunters use their property if they follow some simple rules. Other times, landowners may charge a fee for hunting access.
If you want to hunt deer on public land in New Mexico, you will need to purchase a license from the state government. Licenses are typically valid for one year and allow the holder to hunt during the designated season. You can find more information about getting a license and where you can hunt on the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish website.
Can you use dogs to hunt deer in New Mexico?
In New Mexico, deer hunting with dogs is allowed on private land with the landowners’ permission. On public land, deer may be pursued with dogs only during the open season for deer hunting with firearms, and only if the hunter is licensed to hunt deer with a firearm.
Dogs can be used to help drive deer towards waiting hunters, or to track and tree wounded deer. However, it is illegal to use dogs to actually kill deer in New Mexico.
Can you hunt deer from a vehicle in New Mexico?
Yes, you can hunt deer from a vehicle in New Mexico as long as the vehicle is stationary and you are not using a motorized vehicle to pursue the deer. You must also have a valid hunting license and be properly tagged with all the required hunting permits.
Final Thoughts
After spending a week deer hunting in New Mexico, I’ve come to some final thoughts about the experience. Overall, I had a great time and was successful in harvesting a nice buck. The scenery was absolutely beautiful and the weather was perfect for hunting.
There are a few things that I would do differently next time though. First, I would pack lighter. I ended up carrying a lot of unnecessary gear that I didn’t end up using. Second, I would plan my route better. I got lost a few times and wasted valuable time backtracking. Lastly, I would start my hunt earlier in the week. I saw several deer early in the week that I wasn’t able to take due to the regulations in place.
If you’re thinking about deer hunting in New Mexico, I would definitely recommend it. Just be sure to do your research and plan ahead so you can make the most of your trip.
