Every year, people in New Mexico get fined or even arrested for hunting out of season. In some cases, it is done intentionally, but many people simply get the dates wrong and accidentally hunt after a season has ended. These innocent mistakes still break the law and can carry significant consequences. That’s why it’s so important to know about the end dates well in advance, allowing you to plan your own hunting season around what is legally allowed.
Dates in December 2020 and beyond
As we move into December, here are a few important dates to keep in mind:
- Elk season ends on Jan. 31.
- Standard deer season is already over, having ended on Nov. 29.
- The general pronghorn season ends on Dec. 15.
- Bighorn sheep season ends on Jan. 3.
- Firearm turkey season is over, having ended on Nov. 30. The same is true for bear season.
It is worth noting that different zones sometimes have slightly different dates. The DNR recommends checking your specific zone carefully. Never assume that a type of hunting that is still open in your zone is open in another zone. You could face legal consequences if you accidentally hunt out of season just because you check one zone and then accidentally cross a line and hunt in another zone.
If you’re facing fines or charges
Are you facing allegations that you broke hunting and fishing laws? Maybe you just made an honest mistake, or you believe you did nothing wrong. You must know what legal options you have and what steps you can take.
