Hunting in New Mexico: 7 Animals to Hunt in the Summer

Summer in New Mexico is famous for its heat and beauty. The New Mexico hunting seasons differ based on the location of the hunting spot, the age and disability status of the hunter, and the intended hunting weapon. Therefore, even if the hunting season is open for a species in one part of New Mexico, that doesn't mean it is legal to hunt the same species elsewhere in the state. Be sure to check on the exact dates for each hunting season in the latest edition of the official New Mexico Department of Game & Fish Hunting Guide. Here are seven New Mexico animals to legally hunt in the summer.

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1. Pronghorn Antelope - 
Pronghorn antelope draw licenses for any legal sporting arms have several seasons. Archery only season is from mid-August to late October. Muzzleloader season is from mid-August to late August, and crossbow and bow season is between mid-August and late October.
2. Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep
 - Rocky Mountain rams may be shot with any legal sporting arm from mid-August to late January. To hunt a Rocky Mountain bighorn ewe requires an archery only permit and committing to hunt mid- to late August.
3. Barbary Sheep
 - Barbary sheep may be harvested year round using any legal sporting over-the-counter arm permit.

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4. Oryx
 - A few hunters will be able to bag an oryx late during the month of August. These large creatures originated from Africa and are also known as gemsboks. Off-White Sands Missile Range hunts for oryx are legal from early June to late March.
5. Black Bear - Black bear over-the-counter permits ensure that the hunter may use any legal sporting arm to shoot a bear from mid August to late August. All legal shooting arm bear draw permits legally cover all hunts from mid-April to mid-May and early August to late August.
6. Cougar - Cougar may be legally hunted year-round in New Mexico.
7. Wild Turkey - The season for hunting wild turkeys vary by area but is generally from mid April to mid May.

This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

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