All of our spring turkey hunts take place in the Lincoln National Forest of New Mexico. Merriam wild turkeys spend their summers in the higher elevations, breeding, and move down in elevation for the winter months. Merriams appear black with iridescent hues of gold, purple, and blue. Merriams have keen eyesight and excellent hearing, making them a challenging hunt for even seasoned hunters. Mating season coincides with the arrival of warmer, longer days in late March and early April. It is not uncommon to hear birds gobbling from over a mile away on calm spring days. We typically roost 4-6 gobblers each evening during the peak of their mating season.
Over the last 5 years, we have averaged 90% shot opportunity on mature gobblers. For the spring turkey season you are allowed to harvest two bearded turkeys. All 3 day hunts include 4 nights of wall tent or cabin accommodations, meals, beverages, and professional guide service for the entire length of your hunt.
For any questions or to proceed with booking your hunt for the upcoming spring turkey season, call us at 505-506-6704. We look forward to having you as our guest!
When is Turkey Season in New Mexico?
Turkey hunting is a beloved tradition for many hunters in New Mexico. The excitement of pursuing these wary gamebirds in the spring and fall offers a thrilling challenge. If you’re new to turkey hunting in New Mexico you likely have questions about when the various turkey seasons occur throughout the year. Read on for a comprehensive guide to turkey season dates and regulations in New Mexico.
Spring Turkey Season
The spring turkey season in New Mexico runs from mid-April through mid-May. Here are the key dates to know:
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The season opens on April 15th statewide with some limited exceptions. Certain areas like the Carson National Forest and Valles Caldera National Preserve have slightly different opening days so check regulations.
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The season closes on May 15th for most of the state. Again, some areas like Valles Caldera have earlier closing dates around April 30th.
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A special youth-only weekend takes place a week before the regular opening day. In 2023, youth weekend is April 8-10 statewide. This gives young hunters a chance to get out before the crowds arrive.
So the core spring season is basically the month of April through the first half of May annually. This 4-6 week period is the peak of breeding season for Rio Grande turkeys, making it a great time to call in lovesick gobblers.
Fall Turkey Season
New Mexico also provides fall turkey hunting opportunities after the spring rush. The fall season consists of two segments:
- Archery-only: September 1-30
- All legal weapons: November 1-30
So bowhunters get the first crack at fall turkeys, followed by gun hunters in November. Be aware that fall seasons are much more limited – not all areas of the state are open. And the bag limit is just one turkey of either sex.
But the fall hunts are a nice chance to double up on two turkeys per year. Hunt the spring then the fall if you want more action. Just don’t exceed the two turkey total limit in the spring season.
Turkey Licenses and Permits
To hunt turkeys in New Mexico, you’ll need a license. Here are the options:
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Over-the-counter licenses can be purchased for spring or fall online, by phone, or from vendors without applying. This allows you to hunt in most public land areas that are open for turkey hunting.
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Draw permits are limited licenses awarded through an application lottery. These give access to limited draw units like the Valles Caldera. Applications are due in early February each year.
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A general hunting or combination hunting/fishing license is required in addition to your turkey tag. Hunters under 18 only need a habitat management stamp.
So know which type of turkey license and permit you need based on where you want to hunt. Do your research in advance of the season.
Legal Methods for Turkey Hunting
The final regulations to understand relate to legal sporting arms and ammunition:
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Shotguns firing shot are allowed statewide. Common turkey loads are #4-6 shot.
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Archery equipment like bows and crossbows are also legal methods. Broadhead tipped arrows and bolts are required.
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Some areas prohibit rifles and handguns. Others like the Carson National Forest allow all methods.
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Be sure to pattern your shotgun and practice with archery gear before the season.
Following these basic rules will ensure you hunt turkeys legally and ethically in New Mexico. Do your scouting, buy proper licenses, and brush up on sporting arms regulations. If you put in the preparation, your spring and fall turkey hunts will be memorable. Just be sure to review the season dates and rules for the areas you plan to hunt.
Frequency of Entities:
Spring turkey season: 6
Fall turkey season: 5
Turkey licenses and permits: 5
Legal methods: 4
Things to Know about Turkey Hunting
- The spring turkey season in NM is April 15 – May 15. An early Youth-only hunting season is scheduled for April 7-9, 2024. Turkey tags are available over-the-counter.
- You are required to purchase a game hunting license plus the habitat stamp and HMAV stamp for all turkey hunts.
- Bag limit for the NM spring season is 2 bearded turkey.
- You may legally use any shotgun or bow/arrow during the spring season.
- The ratio of hunters/guide shall be 2/1, unless specific arrangements have been made for 1/1 guide service.
Typical Day Turkey Hunting
After a early breakfast at camp, guests will depart for the field with their guides. It is typically a 20-30 minute drive to reach pre-scouted hunting grounds in the surrounding national forest. Your guide will have all the necessary calls, decoys, and blinds to successfully hunt these high country gobblers. Around noon, we will break for a field lunch followed by a midday rest. In the afternoon, we are back at it, chasing gobblers until last light. Shortly after arriving back at the camp, guests will be served a home cooked dinner. After dinner, you are on your own to enjoy the outdoor atmosphere around camp.
Pricing for our all-inclusive 3 day, 4 night spring turkey hunt is $2,750/person for 2×1 guide service (requires 2 hunters to book). Pricing for the 2 day Youth only hunt is $1,750/person. 1×1 guide service is available for an additional $750/hunter.
- Includes 3 days guide service, 4 nights lodging, meals and beverages
- We require a minimum of 2 hunters per 3 day hunt period.
- Non-hunting guest rate is $100/day.
- 50% deposit required within 5 days of booking your hunt, remaining 50% due 5 days prior to scheduled hunt.
- Pricing does not include 7% NM sales tax, license cost, or customary guide gratuity.
MeatEater | New Mexico Turkey
FAQ
When can you hunt turkeys in New Mexico?
Where is the best place to hunt turkeys in New Mexico?
How much does it cost to hunt turkey in New Mexico?
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License Type
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Resident
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Nonresident
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Private-land Only Pronghorn License
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$53
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$270
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Turkey License (Spring or Fall Season)
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$25
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$100
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Bear License
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$47
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$260
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Cougar License
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$43
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$290
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What are the hunting seasons in New Mexico?
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Unit 4 (Humphries/Rio Chama/ Sargent WMAs Only; NM Residents Only)
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Bow
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Sep 1–24
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10
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Muzzle
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Sep 27–Oct 3
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10
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Any Legal
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Nov 4–8
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30
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Any Legal – Youth Only
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Nov 18–26
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10
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Are there turkeys in New Mexico?
Adult turkeys typically have low mortality rates, with fair mast crops and generally mild winters leading to decent overwinter survival. Some local areas still have very strong numbers of birds, but statewide, numbers appear to be down. Hunter harvest-success rates are never very high in New Mexico.
When does hunting season start in New Mexico?
1 Wildlife Way, Santa Fe, New Mexico-87507. When does the hunting season begin in New Mexico for 2023-2024? It begins in early September. Game species determine the commencement date. Deer archery season begins in early September, whereas general deer season begins later in September. Can non-residents participate in the New Mexico hunting season?
Are turkey populations declining in New Mexico?
Turkey populations appear to be entering a period of decline in New Mexico after several years of breeding-season drought. Turkey populations are highly influenced by precipitation and such a decline is anticipated given the drought; numbers respond quickly when the rains return.
Are there turkeys near Albuquerque?
This area receives a high level of hunting pressure, being that it is the closest area to Albuquerque. There are turkeys in other northern mountain ranges, though these areas require additional planning as snow levels may remain later into the spring than other portions of turkey habitat. Southwest