Duck Hunting Season in New Mexico: Season Dates, Bag Limits and More

Let’s face it, there’s not a lot of water in New Mexico…and ducks need water. So although there are not a lot of locations for duck hunting the areas that do have them have higher concentrations. There are 3,000 registered duck hunters in New Mexico, comparable to neighboring Arizona which has 3,200, but nowhere close to the duck hunting heaven of Arkansas with 54,100. For the die hard hunters or those just starting out here is everything you need to know about duck hunting season in New Mexico!

What Kinds of Ducks are in New Mexico?

The three most common ducks harvested in New Mexico are mallards, wigeon and gadwall. Some ducks are year-round residents in New Mexico while others are just passing through on their way further south. Other species that you’ll find in New Mexico include pintails, canvasbacks, teals and bluebills.

Where Can you Duck Hunt in New Mexico?

In New Mexico you can hunt in the Wildlife Management Areas, some of the State Parks, and private land with permission from the land owner. There is pretty good hunting along the lower Rio Grande although some sections are prohibited. The Bernardo WMA and La Joya WMA both allow duck hunting and attract large numbers of duck in the fall. Duck hunting on Elephant Butte Lake is also a great option and is only about 2 hours south of Albuquerque.  

What are the Hunting Zones in New Mexico?

New Mexico is divided into two zones, the North Zone and the South Zone. The state is located in two Flyways, a portion of western New Mexico is in the Pacific Flyway but most of the state is in the Central Flyway. Hunting seasons have to abide by the Flyways so pay attention to the different seasons.

Duck Hunting Season Dates in New Mexico

Other Season Dates

Bag Limits and Possession Limits for Duck Hunting in New Mexico

Central Flyway

The daily bag limit in the Central Flyway for both zones is 6 ducks with no more than 5 mallards, only 2 of which may be female (Mexican ducks are considered part of the mallard bag limit); 3 scaup; 3 wood ducks; 2 redhead; 2 hooded merganser; 1 pintail; and 2 canvasback.

Pacific Flyway

The daily bag limit in the Pacific Flyway in both zones is 7 ducks with no more than 2 female mallards, 2 redheads, 1 pintail, 2 canvasback.

What are the Shooting Hours?

The shooting hours in New Mexico are ½ hour before sunrise to sunset.

Gear up! What is the Best Gear for Duck Hunting?

On hunt day you want to be ready! Here is a starter list of gear you will need for duck hunting season in New Mexico:

• Shotgun: a 12 gauge or 20 gauge, can only hold three shells
• Gun case/bag/sleeve: waterproof is a must
• Shells: 3” shells are common, shot must be nontoxic
• Decoys: Half the fun of duck hunting is luring in a flock with the best decoy spread. Decoys today are so realistic looking both in coloration and poses. Be sure to mix in both male and female ducks in your spread. Some popular duck spread patterns include the fishhook (or J-hook), horseshoe (or U-hook), L-spread and the X with the blind in the middle. Try different configurations depending on the wind speed and direction. Experiment with different spreads or switch things up mid-hunt if needed.
• Duck callers: For deer hunting you want to be as quiet as possible, for duck hunting you want to entice the ducks with an amazing duck call. That takes practice…lots of practice. Having a good duck caller (or a few) is an important tool for a successful hunt.
• Cooler: If you haven’t met your bag limit you are probably going to want to stay out for “just one more hour”, so be prepared for a day in the blind with a cooler full of water, snacks, a couple of sandwiches and healthy supply of beef jerky!

What is the Best Kind of Blind?

You technically don’t need a blind, you really can just hike in and conceal yourself in the weeds. For a quick early morning hunt that may be just fine. However if you are planning a more extensive hunt or are hunting with a larger party you really do want to have a quality blind. There are many options from the classic A-frame, layout or pit blind to permanent blinds built on private land. If you are hunting in marshland with low brush and reeds a layout is best for concealment. Along the edge of the Rio Grande you would be better off with an A-frame.

Boat blinds are best for open water hunting or getting to a more remote location. If you are hunting with three buddies, two hunting dogs and all your gear a duck boat is probably the best bet. Heading out on Elephant Butte Lake by yourself then a kayak or caonoe will do. The key factor for all blinds is camouflage, be sure that it really blends in well with the surroundings.

What Should you Wear Duck Hunting?

It is important to be ready for a variety of weather in New Mexico, with cool desert temps in the very early mornings to hot noontime suns. Remember with shooting hours starting ½ hour before sunrise you should be up and on site well before sunrise to set up your decoys and get settled in your blind. Here is what you should wear for duck hunting:

• Boots: You have to have a comfortable pair of boots. For romping through the weeds, shallow marshes and debris covered shoreline it is essential that you have sturdy boots that can take the rough terrain. Lined boots for warmth help for early morning hunts and will keep you both warm and dry.
• Waders: Depending on the kind of hunting you plan on, having a dependable pair of waders is needed. Waders can be in addition to your boots or you can choose a one-piece boot/wader combo.
• Camo: You want to blend into your blind and the best way to do that is with all camo…everything! Jacket, waders, boots, hat and don’t forget a face covering or paint. Try to match your camo pattern as closely as you can with the habitat you’re hunting in.
• Life vest or PFD: In New Mexico, “Every person on board a canoe, kayak, paddleboard, or rubber raft must wear a USCG-approved life jacket.” Choose a life vest made for duck hunting, they are lightweight and don’t have foam in the shoulders to allow for full motion while hunting.

Hunting with your Dog

While you don’t have to have a dog to retrieve your ducks it can be helpful and also rewarding. Duck dogs can be trained to remember where ducks fall and quickly find and recover them, bringing them carefully back to their owners. Dogs bred to retrieve love to hunt and look forward to bonding with their owners out in the field. Some breeds that are used in duck hunting are Labrador, golden, Chesapeake Bay, curly coat and flat coat retrievers. Plan ahead for a day with your dog and bring the food and gear they need for the duration.

Tips for Success

Three of the biggest factors for success are your blind location, your decoy spread and the weather. Now you can’t control the weather but you can watch the forecast and check the weather conditions a few days before a planned hunt. Overcast windy days seem to get ducks moving and provide the most ideal conditions for duck hunting. You will want to adjust the pattern of your decoy spread based on the wind conditions and direction. You decoy spread should be planned out ahead of time with differing options to change-it-up mid-hunt if needed.

For your blind location do your homework. Check the weekly duck migration reports and follow the success of other hunters. Scout out the area before your hunt so you know where you ultimately want to settle in.

Where are the Best Places to Duck Hunt in New Mexico?

The best places to hunt in New Mexico are the Bernardo WMA, La Joya WMA and the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge. All three are due south of Albuquerque located at different points along the Rio Grande. There are pockets of hunting at other locations throughout the state including private land and some of the State Parks. The State Parks that allow duck hunting include:

• Bluewater Lake
• Caballo Lake
• Heron Lake
• Ute Lake
• El Vado Lake
• Conchas Lake
• Elephant Butte Lake
• Sumner Lake
• Navajo Lake

Meet the Species: 3 of the Most Common Ducks in New Mexico

• Mallard: These are the most recognized ducks, sometimes called greenheads, with bright green heads, yellow beaks, blue patched wings and orange legs. The females are less colorful with a mix of brown/gray feathers but matching blue patched wings and orange legs and webbed feet.
• Wigeon: The male wigeon has a green crescent shaped patch that flows back from each eye. Their bodies are a mix of brown and gray with black tail feathers. In flight you can see two patches, one white and one black with the rest of the wing feathers matching their body color.
• Gadwall: Gadwalls are not a flashy bird but have a beautiful plumage with a unique black/gray/white design on their chests. The rest of their bodies, both male and female are mostly light brown feathers with black tail feathers.

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The photo featured at the top of this post is © Teresa Otto/Shutterstock.com