Guides · Feral hog laws by state · Checked September 30, 2026
Feral hog laws in New Mexico
In New Mexico, feral hogs are an unprotected species. Residents and nonresidents may hunt them year-round without a license.
The rules at a glance
- Legal status
- Unprotected species. The Department encourages hunting this exotic invasive species. source
- Season
- Year-round, for residents and nonresidents. General hunting rules still apply, including permission to hunt on private land and no firearm discharge within 150 yards of an occupied dwelling. source
- License
- None. Residents and nonresidents may hunt feral hogs without a license. source
- Bag limit
- Not stated by the New Mexico Department of Wildlife
- Trapping
- Not stated by the New Mexico Department of Wildlife
- Moving live hogs
- Not stated by the New Mexico Department of Wildlife
- Night hunting
- No hunting with the aid of an artificial light, under the general hunting rules the Department says still apply. source
- Eradication or bounty
- Not stated by the New Mexico Department of Wildlife
What makes New Mexico different
Feral hogs must not be confused with javelina, a protected game species that looks similar. Javelina are smaller, have no tail and carry a white stripe near the shoulders and neck.
For where to hunt feral hogs, the 2026-2027 rules book points to USDA at 505-346-2640.
Where to report hogs
Not stated by the New Mexico Department of Wildlife. Contact the New Mexico Department of Wildlife directly.
Every state also has a USDA Wildlife Services office. The federal feral swine program (Squeal on Pigs!) links to yours.
Knowing the rules is half of it
Whether you hunt, trap or call it in, it helps to know what is actually on your land.
HogSight reads the trail-camera photos you already have and maps the sounder: group size, timing, and which individuals keep coming back. See how HogSight reads your camera roll →
Sources
Checked against these official pages on September 30, 2026. Due for a re-check by September 30, 2027.
Rules next door
This guide is informational. Wildlife and animal-health rules change and can vary by county. Always confirm current rules with the New Mexico Department of Wildlife before acting.