Deer season in New Mexico is a significant time for hunters and wildlife enthusiasts alike, and understanding the specific dates is crucial for a successful and legal hunt. If you’re an LGBTQ+ traveler planning a hunting trip or simply interested in the local wildlife, gaymexico.net provides comprehensive information on New Mexico deer hunting seasons. This guide will cover everything from general season dates to specific unit regulations, license requirements, and essential tips to make your experience safe and enjoyable.
1. What Are The General Deer Hunting Seasons In New Mexico?
Deer hunting seasons in New Mexico vary depending on the type of hunting (bow, muzzleloader, any legal sporting arm), the specific game management unit (GMU), and whether the hunt is on public or private land. Generally, the seasons fall within these timeframes:
- Bow Hunting: Early September to late September, with some units also offering hunts in January.
- Muzzleloader Hunting: Late September to early October.
- Any Legal Sporting Arm: Late October to late November, with some hunts extending into December and January.
1.1 Why Is It Important To Check The Specific GMU?
Checking the specific Game Management Unit (GMU) is essential due to the varying regulations and season dates across different areas of New Mexico. Each GMU has its own set of rules designed to manage local deer populations effectively. These rules can include:
- Specific Season Dates: Start and end dates can differ significantly between units.
- Weapon Restrictions: Some GMUs may only allow certain types of sporting arms (bow, muzzleloader, any legal).
- Bag Limits: The number of deer you’re allowed to harvest can vary.
- Land Restrictions: Some areas may be public land only, private land only, or a combination with specific permissions required.
1.2 What’s The Difference Between Public And Private Land Hunts?
Hunting regulations on public and private land in New Mexico differ significantly. On public land, hunters with a valid draw license can generally hunt anywhere within the specified unit. However, certain areas like military reservations, national parks, and wildlife refuges may be closed or have specific restrictions.
Hunting on private land typically requires a private-land only deer license. In some units (e.g., 2A, 2B, 2C, 4, and 5A), hunters need an authorization code and hunt code from the landowner and must apply through the public draw. Make sure to get written permission from the landowner before hunting on private land.
2. What Are The Key Dates For The Deer Draw Application Process?
The deer draw application process is crucial for securing a hunting license in New Mexico. Here are the key dates and details:
- Application Deadline: Typically, the deadline to apply for deer draw licenses is in late March. For the 2023 season, it was March 22.
- Application Groups: Up to four hunters can apply together on one application.
- License Delivery: Successful applicants receive their deer draw license/tag by mail, unless they choose the E-Tag option.
- Fourth Choice Hunts: Applicants can select a fourth-choice hunt, indicating they are willing to accept any deer hunt in a specific quadrant of the state. However, success rates for fourth-choice hunts may be low.
2.1 What Happens If You Draw A Fourth-Choice Hunt?
If you draw a fourth-choice hunt, you will not receive a refund, and you may not be able to obtain a private-land only license if you are not satisfied with the hunt drawn.
2.2 What Do The Fee Types For Deer Draw Licenses Mean?
Understanding the fee types for deer draw licenses can help you plan your application strategy. Here’s a breakdown:
- S (Standard Hunts): These are typical hunts with standard fees and regulations.
- Q (Quality Hunts): These hunts are designed to provide a higher-quality hunting experience, often with limited licenses and more mature bucks.
- HD (High-Demand Hunts): These hunts are very popular and have a higher demand than available licenses.
- Q/HD (Quality and High-Demand Combination): These hunts combine the characteristics of both quality and high-demand hunts.
You must pay the highest fee for any hunt choice at the time of application. If you draw a lower fee hunt, the difference will be refunded.
3. How Do Private-Land Only Deer Licenses Work?
Private-land only deer licenses allow hunters to hunt deer exclusively on private property, with certain restrictions and requirements.
- Availability: These licenses can be obtained online, by telephone, from license vendors, or at NMDGF offices.
- Hunt Code Selection: When purchasing a private-land only deer license, you must select a hunt code that corresponds with a deer-draw hunt code for the unit, bag limit, sporting arm type, and season date.
- Non-Resident Considerations: If you are a non-resident and select a corresponding deer-draw hunt code designated as quality (Q) or high demand (HD), you must purchase a quality deer license.
3.1 What Are The Exceptions For Units 2A, 2B, 2C, 4, And 5A?
In Units 2A, 2B, 2C, 4, and 5A, the rules for private-land deer hunting are different. To hunt deer on private land in these units, you must:
- Obtain Authorization: Get an authorization code and a hunt code from the landowner.
- Apply Through The Public Draw: Apply through the regular public draw, completing the application by the specified deadline.
- Limited Applications: In Unit 5A, only one person per application may apply for private-land hunts.
Private-land only licenses are not issued by license vendors for hunts in these specific units. Landowners must obtain authorization and hunt codes from the NMDGF Northwest Area office in Albuquerque.
3.2 What About Private-Land Hunting In Units 8, 46, 54, 55, And 55B?
Units 8, 46, 54, and 55 have limited public-land hunting opportunities, making private-land hunting more prevalent. If hunting on private land in these units, you must select one of the specific hunt codes designated for private land, as shown in the table below.
| Hunt Dates | Hunt Code | Fee Type | Licenses | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unit 8 | ||||
| Bow Sep 1–24 | DER–2–501 | Q | Unlimited | FAD |
| Bow Jan 1–15, ’24 | DER–2–502 | Q | Unlimited | FAD |
| Bow – Youth Only Nov 18–26 | DER–2–162 | Q | Unlimited | FAD |
| Bow Jan 1–15, ’24 | DER–2–163 | Q | Unlimited | FAD |
| Muzzle Sep 27–Oct 3 | DER–3–503 | Q | Unlimited | FAD |
| Any Legal Oct 14–18 | DER–1–500 | Q | Unlimited | FAD |
| Unit 46 | ||||
| Bow Sep 1–24 | DER–2–506 | S | Unlimited | FAD |
| Muzzle Sep 27–Oct 3 | DER–3–507 | S | Unlimited | FAD |
| Any Legal Oct 21–25 | DER–1–504 | S | Unlimited | FAD |
| Any Legal Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–1–505 | S | Unlimited | FAD |
| Unit 54 | ||||
| Bow Sep 1–24 | DER–2–512 | S | Unlimited | FAD |
| Muzzle Sep 27–Oct 3 | DER–3–513 | S | Unlimited | FAD |
| Any Legal Oct 21–25 | DER–1–508 | S | Unlimited | FAD |
| Any Legal Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–1–509 | S | Unlimited | FAD |
| Any Legal Nov 22–26 | DER–1–510 | S | Unlimited | ESWTD |
| Any Legal – Youth Only Nov 18–26 | DER–1–511 | S | Unlimited | FAD |
| Unit 55A, 55B | ||||
| Bow Sep 1–24 | DER–2–517 | S | Unlimited | FAD |
| Muzzle Sep 27–Oct 3 | DER–3–518 | S | Unlimited | FAD |
| Any Legal Oct 21–25 | DER–1–514 | S | Unlimited | FAD |
| Any Legal Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–1–515 | S | Unlimited | FAD |
| Any Legal – Youth Only Nov 18–26 | DER–1–516 | S | Unlimited | FAD |
| Any Legal Nov 22–26 | DER–1–519 | S | Unlimited | ESWTD |
4. What Are The Bag Limits And Definitions?
Understanding the bag limits and definitions is critical to ensure you harvest legally and ethically.
- FAD: Fork antlered deer (white-tailed or mule deer).
- FAMD: Fork antlered mule deer.
- FAWTD: Fork antlered white-tailed deer.
- ESWTD: Either sex white-tailed deer.
- A: Antlerless deer.
4.1 How Do These Bag Limits Affect Your Hunt?
The specific bag limit for your hunt is determined by the hunt code on your license. Be sure to check the hunt code description to understand which type of deer you are allowed to harvest. For example, a hunt with a bag limit of “FAD” allows you to harvest either a fork antlered white-tailed deer or a fork antlered mule deer.
4.2 What Is The Significance Of “Either Sex” Designations?
When a hunt code specifies “ESWTD” (Either Sex White-Tailed Deer), you are permitted to harvest either a male or female white-tailed deer. This designation can be important for managing deer populations, particularly in areas where antlerless harvests are encouraged to control population growth.
5. What Are The Rules For Draw Licenses?
Draw licenses authorize you to hunt on any open public land within the specified unit or hunt area and on any private land in that unit (except Units 2A, 2B, 2C, 4, and 5A), with written permission from the landowner.
5.1 Which Areas Are Closed Or Restricted To Hunting?
Several types of areas may be closed or restrict hunting, including:
- Military reservations
- National parks and monuments
- State parks and monuments
- Recreation areas
- National wildlife refuges
- State wildlife management areas
All state wildlife management areas are closed unless officially designated open to hunting.
5.2 What Is A Premium Statewide Deer Hunt?
A premium statewide deer hunt allows you to hunt in multiple units over an extended period. For example, the Any Legal deer hunt with hunt code DER–1–700 allows hunting from September 1 to January 31, ’24, with a bag limit of one FAD. These licenses are highly sought after and have specific application requirements.
6. Deer Hunting Unit Specifics
To provide more specific information, here’s a look at season dates, hunt codes, fee types, licenses available, and bag limits for various units in New Mexico.
6.1 Units 2A, 2B, and 2C
These units have unique regulations, particularly for private land hunting.
| Unit | Hunt Dates | Hunt Code | Fee Type | Licenses | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unit 2A (including Pine River WMA) | |||||
| Bow | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–104 | S | 40 | FAD |
| Bow | Jan 1–15, ’24 | DER–2–106 | HD | 80 | FAD |
| Muzzle | Sep 27–Oct 3 | DER–3–108 | S | 50 | FAD |
| Any Legal – Youth Only | Oct 21–25 | DER–1–100 | S | 25 | FAD |
| Any Legal | Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–1–101 | S | 150 | FAD |
| Any Legal – Youth Only | Nov 18–26 | DER–1–103 | S | 15 | FAD |
| Unit 2B (including Navajo WMA) | |||||
| Bow | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–118 | S | 130 | FAD |
| Bow – Youth Only | Sep 1–24 | DER–2–119 | S | 20 | FAD |
| Bow | Jan 1–15, ’24 | DER–2–121 | Q/HD | 180 | FAD |
| Bow – Youth Only | Jan 1–15, ’24 | DER–2–122 | Q | 50 | FAD |
| Muzzle | Sep 27–Oct 3 | DER–3–124 | S | 175 | FAD |
| Muzzle – Youth Only | Sep 27–Oct 3 | DER–3–125 | S | 20 | FAD |
| Any Legal | Oct 21–25 | DER–1–110 | S | 275 | FAD |
| Any Legal – Youth Only | Oct 21–25 | DER–1–111 | S | 125 | FAD |
| Any Legal | Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–1–113 | S | 350 | FAD |
| Any Legal | Nov 4–8 | DER–1–115 | Q | 400 | FAD |
| Any Legal – Youth Only | Nov 18–26 | DER–1–117 | HD | 25 | FAD |
| Unit 2C | |||||
| Bow | Jan 1–15, ’24 | DER–2–129 | Q/HD | 50 | FAD |
| Muzzle | Sep 27–Oct 3 | DER–3–131 | Q/HD | 20 | FAD |
| Any Legal | Nov 11–15 | DER–1–127 | Q/HD | 30 | FAD |
6.2 Unit 4
Specific to New Mexico residents only and limited to the Humphries/Rio Chama/Sargent WMAs.
| Hunt Dates | Hunt Code | Fee Type | Licenses | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bow Sep 1–24 | DER–2–141 | Q | 10 | FAD |
| Any Legal Oct 21–25 | DER–1–133 | Q | 20 | FAD |
| Any Legal – Youth Only Oct 21–25 | DER–1–134 | Q | 10 | FAD |
| Any Legal Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–1–136 | Q | 20 | FAD |
| Any Legal Nov 11–15 | DER–1–138 | Q | 10 | FAD |
| Any Legal– Youth Only Nov 22–26 | DER–1–140 | Q | 5 | FAD |
6.3 Unit 5A
Hunts are public land only.
| Hunt Dates | Hunt Code | Fee Type | Licenses | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bow Sep 1–24 | DER–2–146 | S | 30 | FAD |
| Muzzle Sep 27–Oct 3 | DER–3–148 | S | 10 | FAD |
| Any Legal Nov 7–13 | DER–1–144 | S | 40 | FAD |
6.4 Unit 5B
| Hunt Dates | Hunt Code | Fee Type | Licenses | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bow Sep 1–24 | DER–2–152 | Q | 10 | FAD |
| Muzzle Sep 27–Oct 3 | DER–3–153 | Q | 10 | FAD |
| Any Legal Nov 4–8 | DER–1–150 | Q/HD | 30 | FAD |
| Any Legal – Youth Only Nov 18–26 | DER–1–151 | Q/HD | 10 | FAD |
6.5 Units 6A, 6C
| Hunt Dates | Hunt Code | Fee Type | Licenses | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bow Sep 1–24 | DER–2–156 | S | 100 | FAD |
| Muzzle Sep 30–Oct 4 | DER–3–157 | S | 115 | FAD |
| Any Legal – Mobility Impaired Only Oct 14–18 | DER–1–154 | S | 20 | FAD |
| Any Legal Nov 4–8 | DER–1–155 | S | 110 | FAD |
6.6 Unit 7
| Hunt Dates | Hunt Code | Fee Type | Licenses | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bow Sep 1–24 | DER–2–159 | S | 10 | FAD |
| Bow Jan 1–15, ’24 | DER–2–160 | S | 15 | FAD |
| Muzzle Sep 27–Oct 3 | DER–3–161 | S | 25 | FAD |
| Any Legal Nov 4–8 | DER–1–158 | S | 30 | FAD |
6.7 Unit 8
| Hunt Dates | Hunt Code | Fee Type | Licenses | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bow – Youth Only Nov 18–26 | DER–2–162 | Q | 65 | FAD |
| Bow Jan 1–15, ’24 | DER–2–163 | Q | 65 | FAD |
6.8 Unit 9
| Hunt Dates | Hunt Code | Fee Type | Licenses | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bow (1) Sep 1–24 | DER–2–167 | S | 10 | FAD |
| Bow (1) Jan 1–15, ’24 | DER–2–168 | S | 15 | FAD |
| Muzzle (1) – Restricted Muzzleloader Only Sep 27–Oct 3 | DER–3–169 | S | 10 | FAD |
| Any Legal (1) Nov 11–15 | DER–1–164 | S | 15 | FAD |
| Any Legal – Marquez/LBar WMAs only / NM Res Only Nov 11–15 | DER–1–165 | S | 10 | FAD |
| Any Legal (1) – Youth Only Nov 18–26 | DER–1–166 | S | 10 | FAD |
(1) Including Water Canyon WMA
6.9 Unit 10
| Hunt Dates | Hunt Code | Fee Type | Licenses | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bow Sep 1–24 | DER–2–175 | S | 100 | FAD |
| Muzzle Sep 27–Oct 3 | DER–3–176 | S | 90 | FAD |
| Any Legal – Mobility Impaired Only Oct 21–25 | DER–1–170 | S | 20 | FAD |
| Any Legal Oct 21–25 | DER–1–171 | S | 70 | FAD |
| Any Legal Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–1–172 | S | 65 | FAD |
| Any Legal Nov 4–8 | DER–1–173 | S | 90 | FAD |
| Any Legal – Youth Only Nov 18–26 | DER–1–174 | S | 25 | FAD |
6.10 Unit 12
| Hunt Dates | Hunt Code | Fee Type | Licenses | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bow Sep 1–24 | DER–2–178 | HD | 20 | FAD |
| Muzzle Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–3–179 | S | 40 | FAD |
| Any Legal Nov 4–8 | DER–1–177 | S | 85 | FAD |
6.11 Unit 13
| Hunt Dates | Hunt Code | Fee Type | Licenses | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bow Sep 1–24 | DER–2–183 | S | 125 | FAD |
| Bow Jan 1–15, ’24 | DER–2–184 | HD | 75 | FAD |
| Muzzle Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–3–185 | S | 200 | FAD |
| Any Legal Nov 4–8 | DER–1–180 | S | 150 | FAD |
| Any Legal Nov 11–15 | DER–1–181 | S | 150 | FAD |
| Any Legal – Youth Only Nov 18–26 | DER–1–182 | S | 50 | FAD |
6.12 Unit 14
| Hunt Dates | Hunt Code | Fee Type | Licenses | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bow Sep 1–24 | DER–2–187 | S | 35 | FAD |
| Bow Jan 1–15, ’24 | DER–2–188 | S | 25 | FAD |
| Muzzle Sep 27–Oct 3 | DER–3–189 | S | 55 | FAD |
| Any Legal Oct 21–25 | DER–1–186 | S | 55 | FAD |
6.13 Unit 15
| Hunt Dates | Hunt Code | Fee Type | Licenses | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bow Sep 1–24 | DER–2–190 | S | 75 | FAD |
| Bow Jan 1–15, ’24 | DER–2–191 | S | 25 | FAD |
| Muzzle Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–3–192 | S | 165 | FAD |
| Muzzle – Youth Only Nov 18–26 | DER–3–193 | S | 100 | FAD |
6.14 Unit 16 (A, B, C, D, and E)
| Hunt Dates | Hunt Code | Fee Type | Licenses | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bow Sep 1–24 | DER–2–198 | S | 230 | FAD |
| Bow Jan 1–15, ’24 | DER–2–199 | S | 175 | FAD |
| Muzzle Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–3–200 | S | 300 | FAD |
| Any Legal Nov 4–8 | DER–1–194 | S | 300 | FAD |
| Any Legal – Mobility Impaired Only Nov 11–15 | DER–1–195 | S | 25 | FAD |
| Any Legal Nov 11–15 | DER–1–196 | S | 300 | FAD |
| Any Legal – Youth Only Nov 18–26 | DER–1–197 | S | 100 | FAD |
6.15 Unit 17
| Hunt Dates | Hunt Code | Fee Type | Licenses | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bow Sep 1–24 | DER–2–204 | Q | 75 | FAD |
| Bow Jan 1–15, ’24 | DER–2–205 | Q | 75 | FAD |
| Muzzle Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–3–206 | Q | 80 | FAD |
| Any Legal Nov 4–8 | DER–1–201 | Q | 80 | FAD |
| Any Legal Nov 11–15 | DER–1–202 | Q | 80 | FAD |
| Any Legal – Youth Only Nov 18–26 | DER–1–203 | Q | 80 | FAD |
6.16 Unit 18
| Hunt Dates | Hunt Code | Fee Type | Licenses | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bow Sep 1–24 | DER–2–209 | S | 50 | FAD |
| Bow Jan 1–15, ’24 | DER–2–210 | S | 40 | FAD |
| Muzzle Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–3–211 | S | 75 | FAD |
| Any Legal Nov 4–8 | DER–1–207 | S | 70 | FAD |
| Any Legal Nov 11–15 | DER–1–208 | S | 70 | FAD |
6.17 Unit 19 (Excluding WSMR Portion and Ft. Bliss)
| Hunt Dates | Hunt Code | Fee Type | Licenses | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bow (1) Jan 1–15, ’24 | DER–2–214 | S | 10 | FAD |
| Muzzle (1) Dec 2–6 | DER–3–215 | S | 10 | FAD |
6.18 Unit 19 (WSMR Portion Only)
| Hunt Dates | Hunt Code | Fee Type | Licenses | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any Legal (1) Dec 1–3 | DER–1–212 | S | 5 | FAD |
| Any Legal (1) Jan 12–14, ’24 | DER–1–213 | S | 5 | FAD |
6.19 Unit 20
| Hunt Dates | Hunt Code | Fee Type | Licenses | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bow Sep 1–24 | DER–2–218 | S | 45 | FAD |
| Bow Jan 1–15, ’24 | DER–2–219 | S | 25 | FAD |
| Muzzle Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–3–220 | S | 85 | FAD |
| Any Legal Nov 4–8 | DER–1–216 | S | 90 | FAD |
| Any Legal Nov 11–15 | DER–1–217 | S | 90 | FAD |
6.20 Unit 21
| Hunt Dates | Hunt Code | Fee Type | Licenses | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bow Sep 1–24 | DER–2–224 | S | 300 | FAD |
| Bow Jan 1–15, ’24 | DER–2–225 | S | 200 | FAD |
| Muzzle Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–3–226 | S | 350 | FAD |
| Any Legal Nov 4–8 | DER–1–221 | S | 425 | FAD |
| Any Legal Nov 11–15 | DER–1–222 | S | 425 | FAD |
| Any Legal – Youth Only Nov 18–26 | DER–1–223 | S | 100 | FAD |
| Any Legal Dec 2–10 | DER–1–227 | S | 25 | FAWTD |
6.21 Unit 22
| Hunt Dates | Hunt Code | Fee Type | Licenses | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bow Sep 1–24 | DER–2–231 | S | 30 | FAD |
| Bow Jan 1–15, ’24 | DER–2–232 | S | 25 | FAD |
| Muzzle Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–3–233 | S | 65 | FAD |
| Any Legal Nov 4–8 | DER–1–228 | S | 70 | FAD |
| Any Legal Nov 11–15 | DER–1–229 | S | 70 | FAD |
| Any Legal – Youth Only Nov 18–26 | DER–1–230 | S | 20 | FAD |
6.22 Unit 23 (Excluding Burro Mountain Area)
| Hunt Dates | Hunt Code | Fee Type | Licenses | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bow (2) Sep 1–24 | DER–2–239 | S | 205 | FAMD |
| Bow (2) Jan 1–15, ’24 | DER–2–240 | S | 50 | FAMD |
| Bow (2) Sep 1–24 | DER–2–241 | S | 100 | FAWTD |
| Bow (2) Jan 16–31, ’24 | DER–2–242 | S | 50 | FAWTD |
| Muzzle Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–3–243 | S | 225 | FAMD |
| Muzzle Oct 28–Nov 1 | DER–3–244 | S | 75 | FAWTD |
| Any Legal Nov 4–8 | DER–1–234 | S | 450 | FAMD |
| Any Legal Nov 11–15 | DER–1–235 | S | 450 | FAMD |
| Any Legal Nov 18–22 | DER–1–236 | HD | 100 | FAWTD |
| Any Legal Dec 2–10 |
