Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge

While many come to Roswell looking for UFOs, hunters will be more likely to notice other flying objects in the area, namely, thousands of snow geese, sandhill cranes and other waterfowl species. These birds are flying to Bitter Lake NWR, one of the most important waterfowl habitats in the Southwest. As many as 40,000 sandhill cranes can be found at the refuge in the fall, creating a truly impressive wildlife spectacle. Hunters can experience this waterfowling hotspot at two hunting areas on the refuge: one that is open during state authorized seasons, and one in which hunting is allowed during limited days and times each week. Hunters should consult refuge headquarters for the latest regulations. Portable blinds are permitted, and hunters can expect to see thousands of snow geese, up to 20 duck species and large numbers of sandhill cranes, which may be hunted provided a hunter has the necessary federal crane permit.

Hunting Regulations at Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Public hunting on Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge is allowed in those areas designated as open to hunting by field signs and as indicated on the accompanying map. The following terms and conditions supplement the regulations which govern hunting on National Wildlife Refuges, as set forth in Title 50, Code of Federal Regulations, part 32 and in current Federal Migratory Bird and State Hunting Regulations.

Species Allowed

North Tract

Deer, feral hog, rabbit, duck, goose, coot, sandhill crane, dove, quail and pheasant.

Middle Tract

Duck, goose, coot, sandhill crane and pheasant.

Hunting Days and Times

North Tract

Hunting is allowed on all days within the State authorized seasons during legal hunting hours. (No extended Eurasian – collared dove, youth waterfowl or late light goose conservation order seasons or year - round rabbit hunting).

Middle Tract

Hunting is allowed in approved hunt areas on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays within the State authorized seasons from legal morning shooting time to 1:00 p.m. (No early teal, youth waterfowl or late light goose conservation order seasons).

Permits and Licenses Requirements

A valid State hunting license is required. A Federal Migratory Bird Permit (HIP) is required for anyone hunting migratory birds. Persons 16 years of age and older must also have a validated Federal Waterfowl Hunting and Conservation Permit (Duck Stamp) while hunting waterfowl. All crane hunters must have a free Federal Sandhill Crane Permit (available at all New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Offices). Habitat Management and Access Validation required (except as per state regulations).

Check Station Procedure

All hunters using the Middle Tract must complete survey cards at the check station (near Visitor Center) after each hunt, regardless of success.

Firearms and Ammunition

Refuge hunters must follow State mandated regulations pertaining to legal sporting arms and ammunition. Only shotguns (capable of holding no more than three shells) are permitted while legally hunting ducks, geese, coots, sandhill cranes, doves, quail, pheasants, and rabbits on designated hunt areas of the refuge. Only U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approved nontoxic shot may be used in shotguns when hunting on any part of Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Possession of lead shot for hunting is illegal on the refuge. The discharge of weapons other than for legal hunting purposes is prohibited.

Dogs

Hunting dogs may be used for hunting waterfowl and upland game. They are required to be under close control of their handlers at all times.

Hunt Sites and Blinds

All hunting sites are considered available to hunters on a first come, first served basis. No pit blinds or permanent blinds are allowed. Portable blinds are allowed but must be removed each day.

Roads, Parking, and Trails

Vehicle travel is allowed only upon established public use roads. Other access is limited to established public use roads and trails until inside the designated hunt area.  Parking is allowed in designated parking areas only. Do not block gates, roads or intersections.

Refuge / Wildlife Violations

Please report any hunting or refuge violations by calling US Fish & Wildlife Service’s TIPS hotline at 1-844-397-8477   or contact the New Mexico Game & Fish Operation Game Thief hotline at 1-800-432-4263. Do not confront violators but rather be a safe/good witness and provide as much information about the incident as possible.

General Regulations

Disturbing wildlife, such as “rallying” or stirring up birds so that they fly over the hunt areas, is prohibited.

Neither hunters nor their dogs may exit hunt areas to retrieve game.

All personal property, including decoys and portable blinds, must be directly tended at all times.

Access to the North Tract is restricted to walk-in or via horseback, except non-motorized bicycles may be used on established roads only east of the Salt Creek Wilderness.

Feral hogs may be taken (no bag limit) from the North Tract only while legally hunting deer and only with the weapon legal for deer on that day.  

Falconry hunting is not permitted.

All litter, including spent ammunition casings, must be removed and disposed of properly. Please help us sustain the refuge hunt by removing any litter that you see, even if you did not put it there. Hunts are subject to closure if problems with litter persist.

Hunters are expected to exercise reasonable care when attempting water crossings as unpredictable conditions may exist.

Please only attempt to shoot at game from within a reasonable range. “Sky busting” (shooting out of range) only promotes instances of wounded and lost game and reduces the quality and success of the hunt for everyone.

HUNTERS MUST COMPLY WITH ALL FEDERAL AND STATE HUNTING REGULATIONS. For more information contact the refuge at (575) 244-6256.