Don't miss your chance! Aug. 12 is the deadline to apply for Sandhill crane and pheasant draw permits.

New Mexico Wildlife Bulletin

Hunting Pheasant and Sandhill Cranes

Pheasant Draw Permits

The New Mexico Department of Wildlife is still accepting applications until 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, for special Sandhill crane and pheasant permits.

Applications can be made through your online account. Successful applicants must have a Game Hunting or Game Hunting and Fishing License, applicable stamp(s) and a Harvest Information Program (HIP) number if successful for Sandhill crane.

Bernardo, Jackson Lake and W.S. Huey WMA
Youth-only Pheasant Hunts

Hunt Area

Hunt Code

Season Dates

Bag Limit/# of Permits

Bernardo

PHE-0-001

Oct. 17

3 males/20

W.S. Huey

PHE-0-002

Dec. 5

3 males/40

Jackson Lake

PHE-0-004

Dec. 5

3 males/10

W.S. Huey WMA Pheasant Hunt

Hunt Area

Hunt Code

Season Dates

Bag Limit/# of Permits

W.S. Huey

PHE-0-003

Dec. 12

3 males/40

Sandhill Crane Hunts*

Hunt Area

Hunt Code

Season Dates

Bag Limit/# of Permits

Eastern Hunt

N/A; free permit required

Oct. 24-
Jan. 21, '27

3 per day and 6 in possession/Unlimited

Estancia Valley Hunt

SCR-0-101

Dec. 12-15
and Dec. 17-20

3 per day and
6 in possession/65

MRGV Hunts

SCR-0-102

Nov. 14-15

3 per day and
6 in possession/87
 

SCR-0-103

Nov. 28-29

3 per day and
6 in possession/87
 

SCR-0-104

Dec. 12-13

3 per day and
6 in possession/87
 

SCR-0-105

Jan. 2-3, '27

3 per day and
6 in possession/87
 

SCR-0-106

Jan. 9-10, '27

3 per day and
6 in possession/87

Southwestern

SCR-0-108

Oct. 31-Nov. 8

3 per day and
6 in possession/75
 

SCR-0-109

Jan. 2-3, '27

3 per day and
6 in possession/77

*Up to four hunters may apply per application.

Youth Sandhill Crane Hunt (residents only)*

MRGV
Youth-Only

SCR-0-107

Nov. 21

3 bag and 3 in possession/24

*Up to two hunters may apply per application.

Rules and Information

Information about rules, seasons, fees and more is available in the 2026-2027 Hunting Rules and Information Booklet (pages 145-154) and the 2026-2027 Migratory Game Bird Supplement.

Hunters are encouraged to review season dates, application deadlines and other information before applying for licenses or going afield.

If you have not already done so, you can purchase your licenses and stamps through your online account. Applications may also be completed over the phone by calling the Information Center at 888-248-6866.

 Migratory Birds Rules