New Mexico
Land of Enchantment. Gila wilderness trophy elk, high-speed desert pronghorn, and pure draw tag lotteries.
Public Lands to Hunt in New Mexico
Official Regulatory Authority
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF)
Gila National Forest & Wilderness
Home to the world's first designated wilderness area (1924). Dramatic volcanic canyons, ponderosa pine mesas, and hot spring river drainages support legendary bull elk herds producing 370–400+ inch trophies. Exceptional archery and rifle hunting for elk, Coues whitetail deer, mule deer, black bear, and Merriam's turkey.
Carson National Forest & Valle Vidal
Spanning the southern Rocky Mountains in northern New Mexico. The 100,000-acre Valle Vidal unit, known as the 'Yellowstone of the Southwest', features sweeping high-elevation alpine meadows and timber ridges supporting premier once-in-a-lifetime bull elk and mule deer hunting.
Lincoln National Forest
Rising dramatically above the Chihuahuan desert in southern New Mexico. Dense mixed conifer forests and oak brush draws hold world-famous elk herds (Unit 34 and Unit 36), Barbary sheep (aoudad) in rugged desert foothills, mule deer, and black bear.
Rio Chama Wildlife Area
Located along the Rio Chama canyon north of El Vado Lake. Dramatic sandstone cliffs, pinyon-juniper woodlands, and riparian cottonwood galleries protect vital winter range for Rocky Mountain elk and mule deer, offering prime limited-draw public hunting.
New Mexico Open Gate Program
A cooperative partnership between NMDGF and private agricultural landowners. Encompasses over 100,000 acres across the state, providing free public walk-in hunting access for pronghorn, dove, quail, waterfowl, and small game on working ranches.