New Mexico boasts some of the finest dove hunting grounds in the country, attracting hunters from across the nation. With vast open fields, diverse habitats, and abundant dove populations, the state offers a thrilling wingshooting experience.
This is your one-stop guide to planning a successful New Mexico dove hunt for the 2024-2025 season. We’ll delve into everything you need to know, from season dates and regulations to licensing requirements, top hunting locations, and essential gear.
Can you hunt dove in New Mexico
New Mexico has two distinct dove game zones: the North Zone and the South Zone. Each zone has its own regulations and season dates:
- North Zone: This zone encompasses the northern part of the state, roughly everything north of Interstate 40.
- September 1st – November 29th, 2024
- South Zone: Encompassing the southern half of the state, south of Interstate 40, the South Zone dove season has a split season.
- September 1st – October 28th, 2024
- December 1st, 2024 – January 1st, 2025 (split season)
Band-tailed Pigeon
- Regular: September 1st to November 29th.
- Southwest (South of U S Hwy 60 and west of I-25): October 1st to October 14th.
Regulations
- Daily Bag Limit: 15 doves (singly or in the aggregate of mourning and white-winged doves)
- Possession Limit: 45 doves (singly or in the aggregate of mourning and white-winged doves)
- Shooting Hours: Half hour before sunrise to sunset
- Shotguns Only: Only shotguns with a plug that restricts capacity to three shells are permitted.
- Nontoxic Shot:Â Only nontoxic shot is legal for doves.
- Plugged Shotgun: Shotguns must be plugged to hold no more than three shells in the chamber and magazine combined.
- Hunter Education: Hunters born after January 1, 1989, must complete a hunter education course.
New Mexico Dove Licenses and Permits
To legally hunt doves in New Mexico, you’ll need the following licenses and permits:
- New Mexico Hunting License: This is the basic hunting license required for all game species in New Mexico. Residents and non-residents can purchase licenses online or at authorized vendors.
- Migratory Bird Hunting Permit: A federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (HIP) is mandatory for all dove hunters 16 years of age or older. You can obtain your HIP certification online through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website.
- Band-Tailed Pigeon Permit (Optional): If you plan to hunt band-tailed pigeons, a free Band-Tailed Pigeon Permit is required. These permits are available online or at Department of Game and Fish offices.
Costs Associated
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated costs (prices may vary slightly):
- Hunting License (Resident): ~$15
- Hunting License (Non-resident): ~$100
- Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit (Free)
- Band-tailed Pigeon Permit (Free, if applicable)
- Ammunition: ~$20-50 per box of shells
- Food and Lodging: Costs will vary depending on your preferences.
Where is the best dove hunting in Mexico
New Mexico offers a diverse landscape, and dove hunters can find excellent opportunities throughout the state. Here are a few highly regarded public hunting areas:
- Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge:Â Located near Socorro, this sprawling refuge provides excellent dove opportunities along its agricultural fields and riparian areas.
- Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge:Â Situated near Las Vegas, New Mexico, this refuge offers dove opportunities in designated areas with a focus on sustainable practices.
- Salinas Unit: This vast Bureau of Land Management (BLM) unit near Mountainair boasts abundant dove populations and varied terrain for an exciting hunt.
- McClure Public Hunting Area: Located near Elida, this public hunting area offers open fields and scattered trees, creating ideal dove habitat.
- Chaco Culture National Historical Park:Â While not solely dedicated to hunting, this park near Bloomfield allows dove seeking in designated areas outside of archeological zones.
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