New Mexico is a top destination for big game hunters, with a wide variety of huntable species and unique hunting opportunities throughout the state. With exceptional trophy potential and an abundant land-owner tag allocation process, the state offers hunting opportunities for elk, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, ibex, oryx, barbary sheep, and black bear.
Applications, Draw System, and Top Hunting Areas:
Learn More about New Mexico’s Application Process
Learn More about New Mexico’s Point System
Learn More about New Mexico’s Top Hunting Areas
Big Game Species to Hunt in New Mexico:
Elk Hunting:
New Mexico has a large population of elk, with both resident and migratory herds throughout the state. The state offers both archery and rifle hunts for elk, with different regulations and seasons for each hunting unit. Archery season typically runs from mid-September to mid-October, while rifle season runs from mid-October to mid-November.
Mule Deer Hunting:
New Mexico has a robust population of mule deer, with both resident and migratory herds throughout the state. The state offers both archery and rifle hunts for mule deer, with different regulations and seasons for each hunting unit. Archery season typically runs from mid-September to mid-October, while rifle season runs from mid-October to mid-November.
Pronghorn Antelope Hunting:
New Mexico has a large population of pronghorn antelope, with both resident and migratory herds throughout the state. The state offers both archery and rifle hunts for pronghorn antelope, with different regulations and seasons for each hunting unit. Archery season typically runs from mid-August to mid-September, while rifle season runs from mid-September to mid-October.
Bighorn Sheep and Ibex Hunting:
New Mexico has both Rocky Mountain and desert bighorn sheep populations, as well as an ibex population. The state offers limited-entry hunts for both species, with permits allocated through a lottery system. The hunting season for bighorn sheep and ibex typically runs from mid-October to mid-December.
Black Bear Hunting:
New Mexico has a moderate population of black bear, with limited-entry hunting opportunities available. The state also offers over-the-counter hunting opportunities for black bear in certain hunting units. The hunting season for black bear typically runs from mid-August to mid-October.
Oryx Hunting:
New Mexico is the only state in the U.S. where hunters can pursue the exotic oryx, also known as the gemsbok. The oryx is native to the Kalahari Desert in southern Africa and was introduced to the White Sands Missile Range in southern New Mexico in the 1960s. Since then, the oryx population has expanded to other areas of the state, and hunting permits are now available through a lottery system.
The hunting season for oryx typically runs from mid-December to mid-February. Hunters are required to have a valid New Mexico hunting license and an oryx permit. The state offers both rifle and archery hunts for oryx, with different regulations and seasons for each hunting unit. Hunters are allowed to take one oryx per permit, and the meat must be consumed or donated to a charity.
Barbary Sheep Hunting:
New Mexico also offers hunting opportunities for Barbary sheep, a species native to North Africa. The Barbary sheep population was introduced to New Mexico in the early 1900s and has since established populations in several areas of the state. The state offers hunting permits for Barbary sheep through a lottery system, with both rifle and archery hunts available.
The hunting season for Barbary sheep typically runs from mid-October to mid-February, depending on the hunting unit. Hunters are required to have a valid New Mexico hunting license and a Barbary sheep permit. Hunters are allowed to take one Barbary sheep per permit, and the meat must be consumed or donated to a charity.
One of the unique aspects of hunting in New Mexico is the state’s vast public lands, which offer hunters a wide range of hunting opportunities. New Mexico has over 34 million acres of public lands, including national forests, wilderness areas, and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands.
When planning a hunting trip to New Mexico, it is important to research the regulations and seasons for the specific species and hunting unit you are interested in. Additionally, hunters should consider the terrain and elevation of the hunting unit, as some areas may be more challenging to hunt than others.
Overall, New Mexico offers a unique and exciting hunting experience for big game hunters, with a diverse range of species and hunting opportunities. Whether you are interested in hunting elk, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, ibex, black bear, oryx, or Barbary sheep, New Mexico should be a top destination for any serious big game hunter.