New Mexico Bird Hunting

Seasons Span November 15 – February 15, 2026

State Drought Monitor – Upland hunting conditions are often highly dependent upon moisture for both habitat production and bird survival.

Season Dates

  • Quail (Gambel’s, Mearn’s, Bobwhite, Scaled): November 15, 2025 – February 15, 2026
  • Dusky (Blue) Grouse: September 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025
  • Pheasant: December 11–14, 2025 (dates vary by hunt area, some require draw permits)

Required Licenses and Costs

  • Resident Licenses:
    • Game Hunting License: $15
    • Junior Game Hunting License (ages 12–17): $10
    • Senior Game Hunting License: $10
    • Habitat Management & Access Validation (HMAV): $4 (required for ages 18+)
    • Habitat Stamp: $10 (required for hunting on federal lands like BLM or USFS)
  • Non-Resident Licenses:
    • Game Hunting License: $65
    • 4-Day Non-Resident License: $33
    • Junior Game Hunting License (ages 12–17): $15
    • Habitat Management & Access Validation: $4 (required for ages 18+)
    • Habitat Stamp: $10 (required for hunting on federal lands)
  • Special Permits:
    • Pheasant Draw Permits: Required for specific pheasant hunt areas; application deadline is August 13, 2025, with results available August 20, 2025
  • Notes:
    • Licenses can be purchased online, by phone (888-248-6866), or in person. Online licenses must be printed on regular paper.
    • All hunters must have a valid hunting license and, for federal lands, a Habitat Stamp. The HMAV is required for most hunting activities.

Daily Bag Limits and Possession Limits

  • Quail (Gambel’s, Bobwhite, Scaled):
    • Daily Bag Limit: 15 per day (in aggregate with other quail, except Mearn’s)
    • Possession Limit: 30 (in aggregate with other quail, except Mearn’s)
  • Mearn’s Quail:
    • Daily Bag Limit: 5 per day
    • Possession Limit: 10
  • Dusky (Blue) Grouse:
    • Daily Bag Limit: 3 per day
    • Possession Limit: 6
  • Pheasant:
    • Daily Bag Limit: 3 per day
    • Possession Limit: 6

Additional Notes

  • Regulations: Hunters must adhere to state guidelines, including legal sporting arms, tagging, and harvest reporting. Electronic devices like night vision or thermal imaging are prohibited.
  • Youth and Mentorship: New Mexico offers a Mentored-Youth Hunting Program for young or new hunters without hunter education certification. Youth hunters (ages 13–15) may participate in specific hunts with restrictions, such as being accompanied by a licensed adult who cannot carry firearms.
  • Public Land Access: Hunting is permitted on BLM lands, National Forests (9 million acres), State Trust Lands (with permit), and private lands through the Open Gate Program. Always verify specific regulations and access restrictions for each area.
  • Harvest Reporting: Mandatory for certain species; deadlines include February 15, 2025, for 2024–25 season reports and April 7, 2025, for late reports.
  • Conservation: Hunters are encouraged to follow ethical practices and contribute to wildlife conservation through programs like the Habitat Stamp and Open Gate Program.

For the most detailed and up-to-date information, consult the 2025-2026 New Mexico Hunting Rules and Information booklet available on the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish website (wildlife.dgf.nm.gov).

Disclaimer: Always verify regulations with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, as rules and dates may vary by specific areas or change closer to the season.