N.M. Admin. Code § 19.31.11.10 - BEAR AND COUGAR ZONE CLOSURES, BAG LIMITS AND RESTRICTIONS

A. Zone closures: Bear and cougar may be hunted or taken only in zones designated as open on the department hotline or website. Zones will close within 72 hours of when the reported number of bears or cougars harvested is within ten percent of the total limit or female sub-limit for that zone, whichever occurs first.

B. Bag limit: The bag limit for bear is one; the bag limit for cougar is two. It is unlawful to kill a bear sow with cub(s) or any bear cub less than one year old, or to kill a spotted cougar kitten or any female cougar accompanied by spotted kitten(s).

C. Limited entry hunt areas: It shall be unlawful to hunt bear or cougar in designated WMAs or other specifically designated special entry hunt areas with the following exceptions:

(1) Legally licensed bear hunters possessing a valid bear entry hunt permit may hunt bears in the area(s) specified on the permit, or as otherwise allowed by rule. Bear entry hunters shall be allowed to hunt in any other open bear zone provided they have a valid bear license.

(2) Legally licensed deer and elk hunters whose license is valid on a WMA or the Valle Vidal and are in possession of a valid over-the-counter bear or cougar license, may hunt bear or cougar in the WMA or the Valle Vidal as specified on their deer or elk license. Deer or elk hunters choosing to hunt bear or cougar under this provision may not use dogs, may hunt only in open bear or cougar zones, and must adhere to the weapon type restriction and season dates as specified by their deer or elk licenses.

D. Cougar hunting requirements and restrictions:

(1) All persons shall complete the mandatory cougar identification course offered on the department's website prior to purchasing a cougar license.

(2) Cougar hunting is closed in the Florida mountains hunt area during any open Persian ibex season, except by legally licensed Persian ibex hunters in possession of a valid cougar license. Persian ibex hunters may hunt cougar only if the cougar zone is open, and must adhere to the weapon type restrictions and season dates as specified by their Persian ibex license.

Notes

N.M. Admin. Code § 19.31.11.10

Adopted by New Mexico Register, Volume XXX, Issue 23, December 17, 2019, eff. 4/1/2020, Adopted by New Mexico Register, Volume XXXIV, Issue 22, November 21, 2023, eff. 4/1/2024