Welcome, wingshooters! As the summer heat begins to mellow into the golden hues of early fall, countless hunters across New Mexico eagerly anticipate one of the most accessible and exciting hunting seasons—dove season. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of doves zipping across a sunrise field, testing your marksmanship and reflexes. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need for the 2025-2026 dove season in the Land of Enchantment, from precise dates and zone boundaries to license requirements and pro tips. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or introducing someone to the sport, New Mexico’s diverse landscapes offer exceptional opportunities to pursue mourning, white-winged, and Eurasian collared-doves. Let’s dive in! 🕊️
Quick Guide: New Mexico’s 2025 Dove Species at a Glance
| Dove Type | General Season Dates (2025) | Daily Bag Limit | Possession Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mourning Dove | Sept 1 – Nov 29 (North Zone) | 15 | 45 |
| White-winged Dove | Sept 1 – Nov 29 (North Zone) | 15 (combined) | 45 (combined) |
| Eurasian Collared-Dove | April 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Band-tailed Pigeon | To be announced | 2 | 6 |
Note: White-winged and Mourning dove limits are combined. Always check the official Migratory Bird Bird Supplement for final confirmations.
Detailed 2025-2026 Dove Season Breakdown
New Mexico’s dove hunting is primarily divided into two management zones, North and South, though specific dates for the South Zone were still pending at the time of writing, based on the latest federal frameworks . The seasons are designed to align with dove migration patterns and population health.
- Mourning & White-winged Dove (North Zone): The season runs from September 1 to November 29, 2025. The daily bag limit is 15 doves, with a possession limit of 45. This is a combined limit for mourning and white-winged doves .
- Mourning & White-winged Dove (South Zone): The specific dates for the 2025 South Zone season were not yet finalized in our sources but are typically announced in the summer via the Migratory Game Bird Supplement . Keep an eye on the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish (NMDGF) website for updates!
- Eurasian Collared-Dove: This non-native species offers a year-round hunting opportunity from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026, with no daily bag or possession limits. They are a great way to sharpen your skills outside the traditional season .
- Band-tailed Pigeon: The seasons for both North and South Zones were yet to be announced. A free Band-tailed Pigeon Permit is required to hunt them, which can be obtained through your NMDGF account .
Beyond Doves: Related Small Game Opportunities
A great dove hunt can easily turn into a fantastic mixed-bag day. While you’re stationed in a field or near a water source, keep your eyes peeled for these other species that may share the habitat. Remember, you must have the appropriate licenses for each species you pursue.
- Quail: New Mexico is a quail hunter’s paradise, home to four species: Scaled, Gambel’s, Montezuma (Mearns), and Bobwhite. Their season runs from November 15, 2025, to February 15, 2026. The daily bag limit is 15 birds, with a possession limit of 30, but no more than 5/10 of those can be Montezuma quail .
- Snipe: While not explicitly mentioned in the search results, snipe are another migratory game bird often found in similar wet habitats as doves. Hunters must have a HIP number for them as well. Please consult the NMDGF’s full regulations for specific snipe season dates.
Understanding New Mexico’s Dove Hunting Regulations
Knowing the rules is not just about avoiding tickets; it’s about ethical and sustainable hunting. Here are the key regulations for dove hunters in New Mexico:
- 🕐 Legal Shooting Hours: You may hunt from one-half hour before sunrise until sunset .
- 📝 Harvest Information Program (HIP) Certification: This is mandatory. Every migratory game bird hunter must obtain a free HIP number each year through their NMDGF account. It provides vital data used to monitor harvests and set future seasons .
- 🔫 Method of Take: Shotguns are the primary method for dove hunting. They must be plugged to hold no more than three shells total (one in the chamber and two in the magazine) .
- 🎯 Non-Toxic Shot Requirements: On many wildlife management areas and national wildlife refuges (like Bosque del Apache), the use of non-toxic shot is required for all hunting with a shotgun. Always check the specific regulations for the area you plan to hunt .
- 🏞️ Hunting on Public Lands: Remember, all hunters and anglers on U.S. Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands must possess a valid Habitat Stamp ($10). Furthermore, all hunters, trappers, and anglers 18 and older must possess a Habitat Management and Access Validation (HMAV) ($4) on public and/or private lands .
License and Tag Fees for 2025-2026
All hunters must possess the appropriate license. Fees are structured for residents and non-residents. Here’s a breakdown of the relevant licenses for dove hunting :
| License Type | Resident Fee | Non-Resident Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Game Hunting License (Includes dove) | $15.00 | $65.00 |
| Junior Game Hunting License | $10.00 | $15.00 |
| Disabled Veteran Game-hunting & Fishing License | $10.00 | — |
| Non-resident 4-day Game Hunting License | — | $33.00 |
| Federal Duck Stamp (Required for waterfowl 16+) | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| Habitat Stamp (Required for USFS/BLM land) | $10.00 | $10.00 |
| Habitat Management & Access Validation (HMAV) | $4.00 | $4.00 |
Who Needs a License? Requirements Simplified
- Age Requirements: All hunters 18 years of age and older must possess a valid New Mexico Game Hunting License. Hunters 17 and younger must possess a Hunter Education number or a mentor-youth number .
- Hunter Education: Anyone born on or after January 1, 1978, must have a Hunter Education Certificate to purchase a hunting license. New Mexico offers both online and in-person courses .
- Residency Requirements: To qualify for a resident license, you must be a U.S. citizen who has lived in New Mexico for the 90 days immediately preceding the license purchase and not claim residency elsewhere. Active military personnel permanently stationed in NM and their families also qualify for resident licenses .
Your New Mexico Dove Hunting FAQs Answered
Q: Can I use an E-Tag for doves?
A: While New Mexico offers an E-Tag option for big game and turkey, doves are different. You must carry your physical hunting license or have it readily accessible on your phone. Your HIP number should also be written on your license .
Q: Where are some good public lands to hunt doves?
A: New Mexico has over 13 million acres of BLM land and nearly 10 million acres of National Forest land open to hunting. Specific wildlife management areas like Bosque del Apache NWR also offer excellent dove hunting opportunities during the established seasons .
Q: What’s the best way to get my HIP number?
A: The easiest way is to log into your existing NMDGF account online or by phone (1-888-248-6866) and add it to your license. You can also get it when you purchase your license from a vendor .
Q: Are there any special youth hunts?
A: While the search results didn’t detail specific youth-only dove days, New Mexico has strong mentorship programs. The state’s Mentor-Youth Hunter Program connects experienced adults with new hunters, and many public lands offer fantastic opportunities for beginners .
Final Thoughts for a Great Season
New Mexico’s 2025-2026 dove season promises plenty of action for hunters of all experience levels. The key to a successful and enjoyable hunt is simple: get your license and HIP number early, know the regulations for your chosen zone, respect the land and landowners, and most importantly, focus on the camaraderie and the challenge of wingshooting. Stay safe, brush up on your identifying fast-flying birds, and make some great memories in the field this fall. Good luck!
📄 Always confirm the final rules, season dates, and zone boundaries directly with the official New Mexico Department of Game & Fish website before you head into the field.
