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New Mexico Hunting Season Dates 2026–27

Season openers, closers, and tag requirements by species. Always confirm against New Mexico Department of Game & Fish before you hunt. Dates can change.

License: resident $15 · nonresident $65. Species tags and permits are extra. See each section below.

Deer (Mule Deer and White-tailed Deer) Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Bow only, statewide framework (first segment)Sep 1, 2026Sep 24, 2026Deer License, hunt-code specific (DER-2-xxx)
Bow only, statewide framework (second segment)Jan 1, 2027Jan 15, 2027Deer License, hunt-code specific (DER-2-xxx)
Youth, any legal big-game sporting arm - common late framework windowNov 21, 2026Nov 29, 2026Youth Deer License, hunt-code specific

Wild Turkey Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Spring over-the-counter, statewide (any legal sporting arm)Apr 15, 2026May 15, 2026Turkey License (unlimited, over the counter)
Spring over-the-counter, statewide - youth onlyApr 10, 2026Apr 12, 2026Youth Turkey License (unlimited, over the counter)
Fall over-the-counter, statewide - bow onlySep 1, 2026Sep 30, 2026Turkey License (unlimited, over the counter)
Fall over-the-counter, statewide - any legal sporting armNov 1, 2026Nov 30, 2026Turkey License (unlimited, over the counter)
Entry hunt TUR-1-100 - GMUs 2B and 2C, Carson National ForestApr 15, 2026May 15, 2026Turkey License + Entry Permit (115 permits)
Entry hunt TUR-1-101 - GMUs 2B and 2C, Carson National Forest, youth onlyApr 15, 2026May 15, 2026Turkey License + Entry Permit (50 permits)
Entry hunt TUR-1-102 - GMU 2A east of US 550 and north of NM 173, youth onlyApr 15, 2026May 15, 2026Turkey License + Entry Permit (5 permits)
Entry hunt TUR-1-103 - GMU 6B, Valles Caldera National PreserveApr 15, 2026Apr 30, 2026Turkey License + Entry Permit (20 permits)
Entry hunt TUR-1-104 - GMU 8 (bow and crossbow only in the Sandia ranger district)Apr 15, 2026May 15, 2026Turkey License + Entry Permit (15 permits)
Entry hunt TUR-1-105 - GMU 9, Marquez/LBar WMAApr 15, 2026May 15, 2026Turkey License + Entry Permit (15 permits)
Entry hunt TUR-1-106 - GMUs 26 and 27, once-in-a-lifetime (Gould's turkey range)May 1, 2026May 30, 2026Turkey License + once-in-a-lifetime Entry Permit (up to 5 permits)
Entry hunt TUR-1-107 - GMU 30 Washington Ranch and Black River management area, youth onlyApr 24, 2026Apr 26, 2026Turkey License + Entry Permit (up to 4 permits)
Entry hunt TUR-1-108 - GMU 30 Washington Ranch and Black River management area, youth only (second hunt)May 1, 2026May 3, 2026Turkey License + Entry Permit (up to 4 permits)
Entry hunt TUR-1-109 - GMU 55, Valle VidalApr 15, 2026May 15, 2026Turkey License + Entry Permit (20 permits). Only the east side is open May 1-15.

Black Bear Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Bow only - Zone 1: Bear Zone 1Sep 1, 2026Sep 24, 2026Bear License
Any big-game sporting arm - Zone 1: Bear Zone 1Sep 25, 2026Nov 15, 2026Bear License
Bow only - Zone 2: Bear Zone 2Sep 1, 2026Sep 24, 2026Bear License
Any big-game sporting arm - Zone 2: Bear Zone 2Sep 25, 2026Nov 15, 2026Bear License
Bow only - Zone 3: Bear Zone 3Sep 1, 2026Sep 24, 2026Bear License
Any big-game sporting arm (early segment) - Zone 3: Bear Zone 3Aug 16, 2026Aug 31, 2026Bear License
Any big-game sporting arm (main segment) - Zone 3: Bear Zone 3Sep 25, 2026Nov 15, 2026Bear License
Bow only - Zone 4: Bear Zone 4Sep 1, 2026Sep 24, 2026Bear License
Any big-game sporting arm (early segment) - Zone 4: Bear Zone 4Aug 16, 2026Aug 31, 2026Bear License
Any big-game sporting arm (main segment) - Zone 4: Bear Zone 4Sep 25, 2026Nov 30, 2026Bear License
Bow only - Zone 5: Bear Zone 5Sep 1, 2026Sep 24, 2026Bear License
Any big-game sporting arm (early segment) - Zone 5: Bear Zone 5Aug 16, 2026Aug 31, 2026Bear License
Any big-game sporting arm (main segment) - Zone 5: Bear Zone 5Sep 25, 2026Nov 15, 2026Bear License
Bow only - Zone 6: Bear Zone 6Sep 1, 2026Sep 24, 2026Bear License
Any big-game sporting arm (early segment) - Zone 6: Bear Zone 6Aug 16, 2026Aug 31, 2026Bear License
Any big-game sporting arm (main segment) - Zone 6: Bear Zone 6Sep 25, 2026Nov 15, 2026Bear License
Bow only - Zone 8: Bear Zone 8Sep 1, 2026Sep 24, 2026Bear License
Any big-game sporting arm - Zone 8: Bear Zone 8Oct 15, 2026Nov 15, 2026Bear License
Bow only - Zone 9: Bear Zone 9Sep 1, 2026Sep 24, 2026Bear License
Any big-game sporting arm (early segment) - Zone 9: Bear Zone 9Aug 16, 2026Aug 31, 2026Bear License
Any big-game sporting arm (main segment) - Zone 9: Bear Zone 9Sep 25, 2026Nov 15, 2026Bear License
Bow only - Zone 10: Bear Zone 10Sep 1, 2026Sep 24, 2026Bear License
Any big-game sporting arm - Zone 10: Bear Zone 10Sep 25, 2026Dec 15, 2026Bear License
Bow only - Zone 11: Bear Zone 11Sep 1, 2026Sep 24, 2026Bear License
Any big-game sporting arm (early segment) - Zone 11: Bear Zone 11Aug 16, 2026Aug 31, 2026Bear License
Any big-game sporting arm (main segment) - Zone 11: Bear Zone 11Sep 25, 2026Nov 30, 2026Bear License
Bow only - Zone 12: Bear Zone 12Sep 1, 2026Sep 24, 2026Bear License
Any big-game sporting arm (early segment) - Zone 12: Bear Zone 12Aug 16, 2026Aug 31, 2026Bear License
Any big-game sporting arm (main segment) - Zone 12: Bear Zone 12Sep 25, 2026Dec 15, 2026Bear License
Bow only - Zone 13: Bear Zone 13Sep 1, 2026Sep 24, 2026Bear License
Any big-game sporting arm (early segment) - Zone 13: Bear Zone 13Aug 16, 2026Aug 31, 2026Bear License
Any big-game sporting arm (main segment) - Zone 13: Bear Zone 13Sep 25, 2026Nov 30, 2026Bear License
Bow only - Zone 14: Bear Zone 14Sep 1, 2026Sep 24, 2026Bear License
Any big-game sporting arm - Zone 14: Bear Zone 14Oct 15, 2026Nov 15, 2026Bear License
Entry hunt BER-1-100 - GMU 2, youth only: Bear Zone 2Aug 1, 2026Aug 31, 2026Bear License + Bear Entry Permit (5 permits)
Entry hunt BER-1-101 - Sargent WMA only (GMU 4): Bear Zone 1Aug 1, 2026Aug 31, 2026Bear License + Bear Entry Permit (10 permits)
Entry hunt BER-1-102 - Humphries WMA only (GMU 4): Bear Zone 1Aug 1, 2026Aug 31, 2026Bear License + Bear Entry Permit (5 permits)
Entry hunt BER-1-103 - Marquez/LBar WMA only (GMU 9): Bear Zone 9Aug 1, 2026Aug 31, 2026Bear License + Bear Entry Permit (10 permits)
Entry hunt BER-1-104 - Urraca, E.S. Barker and Colin Neblett WMAs and Valle Vidal (GMUs 54, 55): Bear Zone 5Aug 1, 2026Aug 31, 2026Bear License + Bear Entry Permit (60 permits)
Entry hunt BER-1-105 - GMU 55 Valle Vidal spring hunt: Bear Zone 5Apr 15, 2026May 20, 2026Bear License + Bear Entry Permit (20 permits)
Entry hunt BER-2-106 - Sugarite Canyon State Park, bow only (GMU 57): Bear Zone 5Aug 1, 2026Aug 31, 2026Bear License + Bear Entry Permit (5 permits)

Rocky Mountain Elk Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Bow only, statewide framework (first segment)Sep 1, 2026Sep 14, 2026Elk License, hunt-code specific (ELK-2-xxx)
Bow only, statewide framework (second segment)Sep 15, 2026Sep 24, 2026Elk License, hunt-code specific (ELK-2-xxx)

Band-tailed Pigeon Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular Season area: Band-tailed Pigeon Regular Season AreaSep 1, 2026Sep 14, 2026Game Hunting License + free Band-tailed Pigeon Permit + HIP
Southwest Season area: Band-tailed Pigeon Southwest Season AreaOct 1, 2026Oct 14, 2026Game Hunting License + free Band-tailed Pigeon Permit + HIP
Falconry - North Zone: Dove North ZoneSep 1, 2026Sep 14, 2026Falconry Permit + free Band-tailed Pigeon Permit + HIP
Falconry - South Zone: Dove South ZoneOct 1, 2026Oct 14, 2026Falconry Permit + free Band-tailed Pigeon Permit + HIP

Mourning and White-winged Dove Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular - North Zone (single segment): Dove North ZoneSep 1, 2026Nov 29, 2026Game Hunting License + HIP Registration
Regular - South Zone (first segment): Dove South ZoneSep 1, 2026Oct 28, 2026Game Hunting License + HIP Registration
Regular - South Zone (second segment): Dove South ZoneDec 1, 2026Jan 1, 2027Game Hunting License + HIP Registration
Falconry - North Zone (first segment): Dove North ZoneSep 1, 2026Dec 4, 2026Falconry Permit + Game Hunting License + HIP
Falconry - North Zone (second segment): Dove North ZoneDec 21, 2026Jan 1, 2027Falconry Permit + Game Hunting License + HIP
Falconry - South Zone (first segment): Dove South ZoneSep 1, 2026Nov 5, 2026Falconry Permit + Game Hunting License + HIP
Falconry - South Zone (second segment): Dove South ZoneNov 22, 2026Jan 1, 2027Falconry Permit + Game Hunting License + HIP

Gallinules Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular - Central Flyway, North and South ZonesSep 12, 2026Nov 20, 2026Game Hunting License + HIP Registration
Regular - Pacific Flyway, North and South ZonesOct 19, 2026Jan 31, 2027Game Hunting License + HIP Registration
Falconry - Central Flyway, all zones: Central Flyway, North and South ZonesSep 12, 2026Dec 26, 2026Falconry Permit + HIP Registration
Falconry - Pacific Flyway, all zones: Pacific Flyway, North and South ZonesOct 19, 2026Jan 31, 2027Falconry Permit + HIP Registration

Cougar (Mountain Lion) Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Over-the-counter season (full twelve-month season year)Apr 1, 2026Mar 31, 2027Cougar License (mandatory cougar identification course required before purchase)

Mule Deer Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Bow only, statewide framework (first segment)Sep 1, 2026Sep 24, 2026Deer License, hunt-code specific (DER-2-xxx)
Bow only, statewide framework (second segment)Jan 1, 2027Jan 15, 2027Deer License, hunt-code specific (DER-2-xxx)

Pronghorn Antelope Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Bow only, statewide frameworkAug 15, 2026Aug 23, 2026Pronghorn License, hunt-code specific (ANT-2-xxx)
Any legal sporting arm, statewide framework (first block)Aug 29, 2026Aug 31, 2026Pronghorn License, hunt-code specific (ANT-1-xxx)
Any legal sporting arm, statewide framework (second block)Sep 26, 2026Sep 28, 2026Pronghorn License, hunt-code specific (ANT-1-xxx)
Any legal sporting arm, statewide framework (third block)Oct 3, 2026Oct 5, 2026Pronghorn License, hunt-code specific (ANT-1-xxx)
Youth only, any legal sporting armAug 29, 2026Aug 31, 2026Youth Pronghorn License, hunt-code specific

Gambel's Quail, Scaled Quail, Northern Bobwhite and Montezuma (Mearns') Quail Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular, statewideNov 15, 2026Feb 15, 2027Game Hunting License
Falconry, statewideSep 1, 2026Feb 28, 2027Falconry Permit + Game Hunting License

Sora and Virginia Rail Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular - Central Flyway, North and South ZonesSep 12, 2026Nov 20, 2026Game Hunting License + HIP Registration
Regular - Pacific Flyway, North and South ZonesSep 12, 2026Nov 20, 2026Game Hunting License + HIP Registration
Falconry - Central Flyway, all zones: Central Flyway, North and South ZonesSep 12, 2026Dec 26, 2026Falconry Permit + HIP Registration
Falconry - Pacific Flyway, all zones: Pacific Flyway, North and South ZonesSep 12, 2026Nov 20, 2026Falconry Permit + HIP Registration

Sandhill Crane Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Eastern Hunt - free permit, unlimited: Eastern Sandhill Crane Hunt AreaOct 24, 2026Jan 21, 2027Game Hunting License + free Eastern Sandhill Crane Permit (no Federal Duck Stamp required)
Estancia Valley Hunt SCR-0-101 (first segment): Estancia Valley Sandhill Crane Hunt AreaDec 12, 2026Dec 15, 2026Special Estancia Valley Crane Permit (65 permits, draw)
Estancia Valley Hunt SCR-0-101 (second segment): Estancia Valley Sandhill Crane Hunt AreaDec 17, 2026Dec 20, 2026Special Estancia Valley Crane Permit (65 permits, draw)
MRGV Hunt SCR-0-102: Middle Rio Grande Valley Sandhill Crane Hunt AreaNov 14, 2026Nov 15, 2026Special MRGV Crane Permit (87 permits, draw)
MRGV Hunt SCR-0-103: Middle Rio Grande Valley Sandhill Crane Hunt AreaNov 28, 2026Nov 29, 2026Special MRGV Crane Permit (87 permits, draw)
MRGV Hunt SCR-0-104: Middle Rio Grande Valley Sandhill Crane Hunt AreaDec 12, 2026Dec 13, 2026Special MRGV Crane Permit (87 permits, draw)
MRGV Hunt SCR-0-105: Middle Rio Grande Valley Sandhill Crane Hunt AreaJan 2, 2027Jan 3, 2027Special MRGV Crane Permit (87 permits, draw)
MRGV Hunt SCR-0-106: Middle Rio Grande Valley Sandhill Crane Hunt AreaJan 9, 2027Jan 10, 2027Special MRGV Crane Permit (87 permits, draw)
MRGV Resident Youth-only Hunt SCR-0-107: Middle Rio Grande Valley Sandhill Crane Hunt AreaNov 21, 2026Nov 21, 2026Resident youth permit (24 permits, draw); assigned to Bernardo or Casa Colorada WMA
Southwestern Hunt SCR-0-108: Southwest Sandhill Crane Hunt AreaOct 31, 2026Nov 8, 2026Special Southwest Crane Permit (75 permits, draw)
Southwestern Hunt SCR-0-109: Southwest Sandhill Crane Hunt AreaJan 2, 2027Jan 3, 2027Special Southwest Crane Permit (77 permits, draw)
Falconry - Eastern: Eastern Sandhill Crane Hunt AreaOct 10, 2026Jan 21, 2027Falconry Permit + free Eastern Sandhill Crane Permit
Falconry - Estancia Valley: Estancia Valley Sandhill Crane Hunt AreaNov 9, 2026Dec 29, 2026Falconry Permit

Wilson's Snipe Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular - Central Flyway, North and South ZonesOct 10, 2026Jan 24, 2027Game Hunting License + HIP Registration
Regular - Pacific Flyway, North and South ZonesOct 17, 2026Jan 31, 2027Game Hunting License + HIP Registration
Falconry - Central Flyway, all zones: Central Flyway, North and South ZonesOct 10, 2026Jan 24, 2027Falconry Permit + HIP Registration
Falconry - Pacific Flyway, all zones: Pacific Flyway, North and South ZonesOct 17, 2026Jan 31, 2027Falconry Permit + HIP Registration

Ducks, Coots, Mergansers, Geese and Scaup Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
September Teal - Central Flyway, North and South ZonesSep 12, 2026Sep 20, 2026Game Hunting License + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
Ducks - Central Flyway North ZoneOct 10, 2026Jan 13, 2027Game Hunting License + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
American Coot - Central Flyway North ZoneOct 10, 2026Jan 13, 2027Game Hunting License + HIP
Ducks and American Coot - Central Flyway South ZoneOct 28, 2026Jan 31, 2027Game Hunting License + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
Dark Goose (Canada and white-fronted) - Central Flyway, North and South ZonesOct 17, 2026Jan 31, 2027Game Hunting License + HIP
Light Goose (snow and Ross's) - Central Flyway, North and South ZonesOct 17, 2026Jan 31, 2027Game Hunting License + HIP
MRGV Dark Goose - Middle Rio Grande Valley: Middle Rio Grande Valley (MRGV)Dec 19, 2026Jan 31, 2027Game Hunting License + HIP
Light Goose Conservation Order - Central Flyway: Central Flyway, North and South ZonesFeb 1, 2027Mar 10, 2027Free Light Goose Conservation Order Permit required
Ducks - Pacific Flyway, North and South ZonesOct 19, 2026Jan 31, 2027Game Hunting License + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
Scaup - Pacific Flyway, North and South ZonesOct 19, 2026Jan 12, 2027Game Hunting License + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
American Coot and Gallinules - Pacific Flyway, North and South ZonesOct 19, 2026Jan 31, 2027Game Hunting License + HIP
Goose (first segment) - Pacific Flyway North ZoneSep 26, 2026Oct 11, 2026Game Hunting License + HIP
Goose (second segment) - Pacific Flyway North ZoneNov 2, 2026Jan 31, 2027Game Hunting License + HIP
Goose - Pacific Flyway South ZoneOct 17, 2026Jan 31, 2027Game Hunting License + HIP
Federal Youth Waterfowl Days - Central Flyway North ZoneOct 3, 2026Oct 4, 2026Fully licensed youth 17 or under; Federal Duck Stamp if 16 or older
Federal Youth Waterfowl Days - Central Flyway South ZoneOct 24, 2026Oct 25, 2026Fully licensed youth 17 or under; Federal Duck Stamp if 16 or older
Federal Youth Waterfowl Days - Pacific Flyway, North and South ZonesOct 10, 2026Oct 11, 2026Fully licensed youth 17 or under; Federal Duck Stamp if 16 or older

Coues White-tailed Deer Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Bow only, white-tailed deer hunt codes (first segment)Sep 1, 2026Sep 24, 2026Deer License, white-tailed hunt code (DER-2-xxx, bag limit FAWTD)
Bow only, white-tailed deer hunt codes (second segment)Jan 16, 2027Jan 31, 2027Deer License, white-tailed hunt code (DER-2-xxx, bag limit FAWTD)
Muzzle-loading rifle and bow, white-tailed deer hunt codesOct 31, 2026Nov 4, 2026Deer License, white-tailed hunt code (DER-3-xxx, bag limit FAWTD)
Any legal sporting arm, white-tailed deer hunt codes (first segment)Nov 21, 2026Nov 25, 2026Deer License, white-tailed hunt code (DER-1-xxx, bag limit FAWTD)
Any legal sporting arm, white-tailed deer hunt codes (second segment)Dec 5, 2026Dec 13, 2026Deer License, white-tailed hunt code (DER-1-xxx, bag limit FAWTD)
Verify before you hunt. These dates are compiled for planning and can change between when they're published and when the season opens, and many states vary dates by unit, zone, or WMU. Always confirm with New Mexico Department of Game & Fish before heading out. Nothing here is legal advice.
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