NM Bighorn Sheep Hunting

New Mexico Bighorn Sheep Season Dates 2026

Bighorn Sheep season in New Mexico runs Aug 15 – Oct 8 across 11 GMUs.

22 Seasons2 Weapon Types88% Avg Harvest

Rifle

GMUTypeDatesHarvestPressurePublic
Unit 16BBig-Game Sporting ArmsJan 1 — Jan 3196%0.00/mi²99%
Unit 22Big-Game Sporting ArmsJan 1 — Jan 3196%0.01/mi²69%
Unit 23Big-Game Sporting ArmsJan 1 — Jan 3196%0.00/mi²63%
Unit 24Big-Game Sporting ArmsJan 1 — Jan 3196%0.00/mi²62%
Unit 45Big-Game Sporting ArmsAug 8 — Aug 1796%0.00/mi²74%
Unit 45Big-Game Sporting ArmsAug 22 — Aug 3196%0.00/mi²74%
Unit 45Big-Game Sporting ArmsSep 20 — Sep 2447%0.01/mi²74%
Unit 45Big-Game Sporting ArmsOct 4 — Oct 847%0.01/mi²74%
Unit 49Big-Game Sporting ArmsAug 10 — Aug 2496%0.00/mi²80%
Unit 49Big-Game Sporting ArmsSep 1 — Sep 1596%0.00/mi²80%
Unit 49Big-Game Sporting ArmsNov 1 — Nov 1596%0.00/mi²80%
Unit 50Big-Game Sporting ArmsAug 10 — Aug 2496%0.00/mi²68%
Unit 50Big-Game Sporting ArmsSep 1 — Sep 1596%0.00/mi²68%
Unit 50Big-Game Sporting ArmsNov 1 — Nov 1596%0.00/mi²68%
Unit 53Big-Game Sporting ArmsAug 6 — Sep 1596%0.00/mi²47%
Unit 53Big-Game Sporting ArmsNov 1 — Nov 1596%0.00/mi²47%
Unit 55Big-Game Sporting ArmsAug 8 — Aug 1796%0.00/mi²8%
Unit 55Big-Game Sporting ArmsAug 22 — Aug 3196%0.00/mi²8%
Unit 58Big-Game Sporting ArmsAug 15 — Jan 1596%0.00/mi²21%
Unit 6ABig-Game Sporting ArmsAug 10 — Aug 2496%0.00/mi²48%
Unit 6ABig-Game Sporting ArmsSep 1 — Sep 1596%0.00/mi²48%

Archery

GMUTypeDatesHarvestPressurePublic
Unit 45Big-Game Sporting ArmsSep 5 — Sep 1422%0.01/mi²74%

Bighorn Sheep in New Mexico: FAQ

When is bighorn sheep season in New Mexico?

Bighorn Sheep season in New Mexico currently runs Aug 15 to Oct 8, across 22 season rows and 11 GMUs, split by weapon (Rifle, Archery).

Where is the best place to hunt bighorn sheep in New Mexico?

The best GMUs for bighorn sheep in New Mexico depend on harvest success and public-land access, both shown per GMU above. Compare units before you apply for a tag or plan your hunt.

Plan your Bighorn Sheep hunt in New Mexico

View GMU boundaries, public land, and walk-in access areas on our interactive map.

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Also see New Mexico seasons, public land, and license.

Bighorn Sheep in New Mexico: parcels + public land

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