New Mexico is not a state talked about for its deer hunting, but over the last few years, it has been producing some great bucks in units that might not be as well known. With New Mexico being a random draw state and having some pretty good draw odds for areas that are producing great bucks, we believe it is a state you should definitely take a closer look at. The state offers mule deer and Coues deer hunts through a non-resident random draw. They also offer over-the-counter tags for private ranches. The state offers a ton of different hunt options and terrain for any type of hunter. From its rugged wilderness areas to low elevation sage flats and pinyon/juniper canyons, there are plenty of hunts to apply for no matter your preferred style of hunting.
The northwest corner of the state has produced some great bucks for years and has been on hunters’ radars. Units like 2B and 2C are extremely sought after for chasing big mule deer bucks. 2C is still doing great with a few giants being harvested each year. 2B has been struggling and not holding up to hunters’ expectations, but it borders the famous Jicarilla Apache Indian Reservation, so a giant can still be around any corner.
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Some of the southern units have been producing great bucks over the last few years and might be something for you to look into if you are wanting better odds for drawing a great deer hunt. Some of the southern units also offer tags that allow you to harvest either a mule deer or Coues deer. The eastern side of the state is more of an opportunity-type hunt with the deer population doing very well but trophy potential not being as high. That’s not to say if you draw a tag out east and hunt hard you won’t find a big mule deer buck.
For the most part, all of New Mexico's gun hunts will take place before the rut, so most of the hunts will require a lot of time behind glass looking over a lot of country. For the archery deer hunter, New Mexico offers some great rut hunts in January. All in all, both mule deer and Coues deer are doing very well in most areas of the state. If you are looking for a fun deer hunt this fall, then take a look at New Mexico.
| Archery/Bow | Sept. 1-24** and Jan. 1-15** |
| Muzzleloader | Sept. 27-Oct. 3** |
| General Season | Sept. 1-Jan. 31** |
**Season dates vary by zone and take method. For more information, visit the New Mexico Department Game & Fish’s website.
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The New Mexico Big Game Application deadline is March 20, 2025 at 5:00 PM MDT.
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| Licenses & Permits | Fee |
|---|---|
| Adult Game Hunting License (non-refundable) | $65 |
| Junior Game Hunting License (non-refundable) | $15 |
| Deer Q, Q/HD License | $368 |
| Deer S License | $283 |
| Habitat Management and Access Validation (required) | $4 |
| Habitat Stamp (if purchased on or after April 1st) (required by all who hunt BLM or USFS land) | $10 |
| License fees include a non-refundable application $13 fee for each species. |
New Mexico Deer Hunting Articles from Huntin' Fool Magazine
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