New Mexico hunting carry information

I've found myself questioning whether or not it is legal to carry a sidearm while on an archery-only hunt in NM.

I am already aware that, in general, the open carry of firearms (regardless of condition) and the unloaded carry of concealed handguns is legal in NM, and that concealed carry of loaded handguns is legal with a valid permit. Public schools, universities, bars, etc. notwithstanding.

I do have a resident VA CHP, which is recognized in NM.

That being said, is anyone over here on The High Road aware of any NM rule / statute that places restrictions on carrying while archery hunting? I've scanned through the NM statutes and can't find anything.

Fair enough, you never know if someone else has asked the question before though.

Plus, I was thinking about it on a Saturday... I don't much faith in my state's workers even on a weekday.

Worst case scenario, I'll pick up a cougar tag (concurrent season), and carry for that while I'm hunting elk.

buckhorn_cortez said:

If you are not aware of this requirement - you need to establish an account with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish and have a Customer Identification Number (CIN) prior to applying for a permit. This can be done on-line through their website.

If you go to the Game and Fish website you can download the publication"2016-2017 New Mexico Hunting Rules and Info."

Click to expand...

Way ahead of you. Didn't manage to draw this year, so I had to pull a landowner tag.


The thing is, the NM hunting rules and info booklet doesn't address the question, unlike VA's rules and info booklet.

So, finally managed to get a call in to NM DGAF. Took about 10 seconds on the phone.

Turns out that yes, you may carry a sidearm during archery hunts. No stipulations made on concealed vs. open.

Thanks everyone!

I have been a legal resident of NM my entire life: pay state income taxes in NM, register/insure my car in NM, and hold a valid NM driver's licence. I don't actually claim residency in any other state.

Believe it or not, VA does not exclusively issue Resident CHP's to residents of VA, as odd as that sounds.