Updated as of 10/13/2025: Muzzle-loading firearm must be at least .45 caliber or larger.
Muzzleloader (Muzzle): "Sporting arm in which the charge and projectile(s)
is loaded through the muzzle. Only blackpowder or equivalent blackpowder
substitute may be used. Use of smokeless powder is prohibited. Only open
or "iron" sights may be used on muzzleloader, bow or crossbow only hunts
(sporting arm type 3). Scopes, red dots or other similar sights are not allowed."
Restricted Muzzleloader for deer: "Only a muzzle-loading rifle using open sights, black powder or equivalent propellant and firing a full bore diameter bullet or patched round ball is legal. The use of in-line ignition, scopes, and smokeless powder are prohibited. Bows and crossbows are legal during restricted muzzleloader deer hunts."
NEW MEXICO MUZZLELOADER HUNTING SEASONS
Muzzleloader Deer Season
| Season Dates | Bag Limit | Weapon | Unit |
| Sept 27th - Oct 3rd | FAD | Muzzleloader | Unit 2A |
| Sept 27th - Oct 3rd | FAD | Muzzleloader | Unit 2B |
| Sept 27th - Oct 3rd | FAD | Muzzleloader | Unit 2C |
| Sept 27th - Oct 3rd | FAD | Muzzleloader | Unit 5A |
| Sept 27th - Oct 3rd | FAD | Muzzleloader | Unit 5B |
| Sept 28th - Oct 2nd | FAD | Muzzleloader | Unit 6A, 6C |
| Sept 27th - Oct 3rd | FAD | Muzzleloader | 7 |
| Sept 27th - Oct 3rd | FAD | Muzzleloader | Unit 8 |
| Sept 27th - Oct 3rd | FAD | Restricted Muzzleloader Only | Unit 9 |
| Sept 27th - Oct 3rd | FAD |
Muzzleloader |
Unit 10 |
| Oct 26th - Oct 30th | FAD | Muzzleloader | Unit 12 |
| Sept 27th - Oct 3rd | FAD | Muzzleloader | Unit 14 |
| Oct 26th - Oct 30th | FAD | Muzzleloader | Unit 15 |
| Oct 26th - Oct 30th | FAD | Muzzleloader | Unit 16A - 16E |
| Oct 26th - Oct 30th | FAD | Muzzleloader | Unit 17 |
| Oct 26th - Oct 30th | FAD | Muzzleloader | Unit 18 |
| Dec 7th - Dec 11th | FAD | Muzzleloader | Unit 19 |
| Oct 26th - Oct 30th | FAD | Muzzleloader | Unit 20 |
| Oct 26th - Oct 30th | FAD | Muzzleloader | Unit 21 |
| Oct 26th - Oct 30th | FAD | Muzzleloader | Unit 22 |
| Oct 26th - Oct 30th | FAWTD | Muzzleloader | Unit 23 |
| Oct 26th - Oct 30th | FAMD | Muzzleloader | Unit 23 |
| Oct 26th - Oct 30th | FAWTD | Muzzleloader | Unit 24 |
| Oct 26th - Oct 30th | FAMD | Muzzleloader | Unit 24 |
| Oct 26th - Oct 30th | FAD | Muzzleloader | Unit 25 |
| Oct 26th - Oct 30th | FAD | Muzzleloader | Unit 26 |
| Oct 26th - Oct 30th | FAWTD | Muzzleloader | Unit 27 |
| Oct 26th - Oct 30th | FAMD | Muzzleloader | Unit 27 |
| Oc 19th - Oct 23rd | FAD | Muzzleloader | Unit 29 |
| Oc 19th - Oct 23rd | FAD | Muzzleloader | Unit 30 |
| Oc 19th - Oct 23rd | FAD | Muzzleloader | Unit 31 |
| Oc 19th - Oct 23rd | FAD | Muzzleloader | Unit 32 |
| Oc 19th - Oct 23rd | FAD | Restricted Muzzleloader Only | Unit 33 |
| Nov 2nd - Nov 6th | FAD | Muzzleloader | Unit 34 |
| Oc 19th - Oct 23rd | FAD | Muzzleloader | Unit 36 |
| Oc 19th - Oct 23rd | FAD | Muzzleloader | Unit 37 |
| Oc 19th - Oct 23rd | FAD | Muzzleloader | Unit 38 |
| Oc 19th - Oct 23rd | FAD | Muzzleloader | Unti 39 |
| Oc 19th - Oct 23rd | FAD | Muzzleloader | Unit 40 |
| Sept 27th - Oct 3rd | FAD | Muzzleloader | Unit 41 |
| Sept 27th - Oct 3rd | FAD | Muzzleloader | Unit 42 |
| Sept 27th - Oct 3rd | FAD | Muzzleloader | Unit 43 |
| Sept 27th - Oct 3rd | FAD | Muzzleloader | Unit45 |
| Sept 27th - Oct 3rd | FAD | Muzzleloader | Unit 46 |
| Sept 27th - Oct 3rd | FAD | Muzzleloader | Unit 47 |
| Sept 27th - Oct 3rd | FAD | Muzzleloader | Unit 48 |
| Sept 27th - Oct 3rd | FAD | Restricted Muzzleloader Only | Unit 52 |
| Sept 27th - Oct 3rd | FAD | Muzzleloader | Unit 54 |
| Sept 27th - Oct 3rd | FAD | Muzzleloader | Unit 55A, 55B |
| Sept 27th - Oct 3rd | FAD | Muzzleloader | Unit 56 |
| Sept 27th - Oct 3rd | FAD | Muzzleloader | Unit 57 |
| Sept 27th - Oct 3rd | FAD | Muzzleloader | Unit 58 |
| Sept 27th - Oct 3rd | FAD | Muzzleloader | Unit 59 |
Muzzleloader Elk Season
License limited to any five consecutive days within a season listed below.
| Season Dates | Bag Limit | Weapon | Unit(s) | Notes |
| Oct 5th - Oct 9th | See Regs | Muzzleloader | 2, 6A, 6C, 7, 10, 36, 45, 48, 52 and 53 | |
| Oct 12th - Oct 16th | See Regs | Muzzleloader | 16E, 23, 24 and 34 | |
| Oct 12th - Dec 31st |
See Regs |
Muzzleloader | 9, 13, 15, 17 (muzzle-loading rifles only) Jan. 1–31, '25 13 (antlerless elk only; muzzle-loading rif | |
| Jan 1st - Jan 31st (2025) |
See Regs |
Muzzleloader | 13 (antlerless elk only; muzzle-loading rifles only; pending ranch approval by NMDGF) |
This information is subject to change, for more information visit: New Mexico Hunting Regulations
HAVE NEW MEXICO MUZZLELOADER HUNTING SEASON QUESTIONS?
Muzzleloader Hunting season is the best for low-pressure hunting and plentiful wildlife. If you are new to muzzleloaders or would like more information on your state's muzzleloader hunting regulations, make sure to give us a call. Muzzle-Loaders.com is focused on promoting black powder hunting in all 50 states and can help you determine when your particular state's hunting season starts. If you have questions about New Mexico Muzzleloader Hunting Season, please call us at 1-855-236-5000 or email us at sales@muzzle-loaders.com.
