Dove Hunting in New Mexico

New Mexico boasts some of the best dove hunting in the country. With a variety of landscapes and climates, the state is home to many different types of doves. If you’re looking to go dove hunting in New Mexico, there are a few things you should know. In this blog post, we will cover the basics of dove hunting, including where to find the best spots and what type of equipment you will need.

Dove Hunting Laws in New Mexico

Dove hunting is a popular sport in New Mexico and there are many laws in place to ensure that the hunt is conducted safely and responsibly. The following is a summary of the main laws that govern dove hunting in New Mexico:

  • It is illegal to shoot doves from moving vehicles, including boats and ATVs.
  • Doves may only be hunted during the designated hunting season. The season typically runs from September 1st through October 31st.
  • A valid hunting license is required to hunt doves in New Mexico.
  • All hunters must adhere to the bag limit of 15 doves per day.
  • It is illegal to use baited traps or nets to capture doves.

Failure to comply with these laws could result in hefty fines and possible jail time. Therefore, it is important that all hunters educate themselves on the dove hunting laws before heading out into the field.

Related: Deer Hunting in New Mexico

Do you need a license to hunt Dove in New Mexico?

In order to hunt doves in New Mexico, you must have a valid hunting license. You can purchase a hunting license online or at any number of retail locations throughout the state. The cost of a hunting license varies depending on the type of license and how long it is valid for, but generally ranges from $8-$16.

Dove Hunting Seasons in New Mexico

Dove hunting season in New Mexico typically opens in early September and runs through late October. The best time to hunt doves is early in the morning or late in the evening when they are actively feeding.

During the day, doves will often perch in trees or on power lines to rest. They will also come to water sources to drink and bathe. Doves are most active during the first hour of daylight and the last hour before dark.

To be successful when hunting doves, you need to be able to identify good dove habitats. Look for areas with a mixture of open ground and trees or brush for cover. Doves prefer small seeds as their primary food source, so look for areas where there are seed-bearing plants such as mesquite, sunflowers, or milo.

When setting up your hunting spot, be sure to camouflage yourself and your gear well. Use a decoy or two to attract doves into range, and be patient – doves can be quite skittish and it may take some time for them to get used to your presence.

Can you hunt Dove at night in New Mexico?

In New Mexico, it is legal to hunt doves at night with a spotlight. However, there are some restrictions. Night hunting hours for doves are from one-half hour before sunset to one-half hour after sunrise. You must also have a valid hunting license and permit, and you can only shoot doves with a shotgun that is not larger than 10 gauge.

Dove hunting at night can be a great way to enjoy the sport while avoiding the heat of the day. When choosing a spot to hunt, look for areas where there is plenty of open space for the birds to fly. You will also need a good light source so that you can see the birds clearly. A powerful flashlight or spotlight will work well.

Be sure to follow all safety rules when hunting at night. Always keep your gun pointed in a safe direction, and be careful not to shine your light directly into another hunter’s eyes. With a little planning and preparation, dove hunting at night can be a fun and rewarding experience.

Bag limits for hunting Dove in New Mexico

The bag limit for hunting Dove in New Mexico is 15 per day. This means that you can shoot up to 15 doves in a day, but no more. The limit is the same for both resident and non-resident hunters. There are no special limits for youth hunters or disabled hunters.

Legal ways to hunt Dove in New Mexico

In New Mexico, there are a few different ways that you can legally hunt a dove. The most common methods are with a shotgun, bow, arrow, or crossbow.

If you want to use a shotgun to hunt a dove, you will need to get a hunting license from the Department of Game and Fish. You will also need to purchase a permit from them if you plan on hunting in a state park or on public land.

If you would rather use a bow and arrow or crossbow, you will still need to get a hunting license from the Department of Game and Fish. However, you will not need to purchase an additional permit if you are only hunting on private land.

Can you use dogs to hunt Dove in New Mexico?

The use of dogs to hunt doves is legal in New Mexico. There are no bag limits for doves in New Mexico, so hunters can take as many as they want. Dogs can be used to help find and flush out doves from hiding places, making them easier to shoot. When using dogs to hunt doves, it is important to be aware of the area where the dogs are running, as there may be another wildlife present that could be disturbed or harmed.

Can you hunt Dove from a vehicle in New Mexico?

Yes, you can. In fact, many people do. New Mexico has some of the best dove hunting in the country, and hunters often take advantage of the state’s wide open spaces by hunting from their vehicles.

There are a few things to keep in mind if you’re planning on hunting dove from your vehicle in New Mexico. First, make sure you’re familiar with the state’s hunting regulations. There are specific rules about where you can and can’t shoot from a vehicle, so it’s important to know where you can hunt before you head out.

Second, be aware of your surroundings. When you’re driving around looking for birds, pay attention to other vehicles and pedestrians. Make sure you’re not blocking roads or putting anyone in danger.

Lastly, have fun! Dove hunting is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and spend time with friends or family. If you follow the rules and stay safe, you’re sure to have a great time.

Final Thoughts

As the sun began to set, we packed up our gear and headed back to camp. We had a great day of dove hunting in New Mexico and were looking forward to another tomorrow.

We’d like to thank the staff at the lodges we stayed at for their hospitality, and the outfitter we used for putting us on some great birds. If you’re thinking about Dove hunting in New Mexico, we highly recommend it!

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