New Mexico’s hunting experiences are as varied and colorful as the state’s diverse climate. People come from all over to enjoy New Mexico’s unique game, like Persian ibex, oryx, and Barbary sheep. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has created rules and regulations for all hunters to follow to ensure everyone’s safety and satisfaction. All hunters should be familiar with these laws before hunting. 

For any hunter under the age of 17, a hunter education course must be completed or possess a mentor-youth number. If you are hunting on private land, you must have written permission from the landowner. 

A license is mandatory to hunt in New Mexico. For hunters wishing to hunt big game or turkey, you must apply for or purchase an annual game hunting license with habitat management and access validation. There is a draw for most public land hunting licenses and permits for big game, and you can apply online for the draw. You can buy public land hunting licenses for small games over the counter. 

Another important element of New Mexico hunting is a mandatory harvest report for all deer, elk, pronghorn, turkey, Barbary sheep, javelina, oryx, ibex, and trapper license holders. If you fail to comply, your draw applications will be rejected in the following licensing year.