Hunting is one of the priority recreational uses on National Wildlife Refuges and compatible with the mission of this refuge. Organized hunting of surplus wildlife species is one tool used to maintain wildlife populations at a level compatible with the available habitat. Hunting on National Wildlife Refuges is a privilege, please respect it.
Please note that this page will be updated soon to reflect changes to the hunt program at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge.
In addition to specific hunting regulations, there are rules and regulations governing visitor use on the refuge. Please visit our rules and regulations page for more information.
Hunt Map (.pdf)
Light goose hunting for the 2018-2020 seasons has been temporarily suspended due to lack of harvest opportunity and changes in the agriculture for wildlife program on the refuge. Reconstruction and reorganization will be completed by the 2020-2021 season and we anticipate the hunts to reconvene at that time.
Youth turkey hunts are available through an online application and drawing system. The application period is in February and the hunts occur on select weekends in April and May.
Learn more
Mule deer hunting is open in specific areas of the refuge and abides by the State of New Mexico regulations.
Intermittent elk hunts are conducted by lottery system through New Mexico Department of Game and Fish's elk depredation list. You must apply through the state drawing system in the spring to potentially be chosen for a hunt. Contact New Mexico Department of Game and Fish for more information.
Oryx hunting is allowed in specific areas of the refuge from June 1 through March 31 and abides by the State of New Mexico regulations.
Hunting for cottontail rabbit, dove, and quail is allowed in certain areas of the refuge and abides by the State of New Mexico regulations.
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
Please contact the refuge with additional questions: 575/835 1828