New Mexico · Whitetail rut
Whitetail rut dates in New Mexico.
New Mexico has both mule deer (statewide) and Coues whitetail (southwest mountains). The Coues rut runs dramatically late — peak conception is in late December and January.
New Mexico has two huntable deer species: mule deer (across most of the state) and Coues whitetail (in the southwestern mountains, Gila and Black Range country). Coues whitetail rut peaks late — December into January — much later than typical whitetail farther east. Mule deer peak in mid-November to mid-December. NMDGF publishes unit-level data for both species.
Zone
Coues Whitetail (Southwest Mountains)
- Pre-rut
- Dec 15 – Dec 27
- Peak breeding
- Dec 28 – Jan 12
- Post-rut
- Jan 13 – Jan 26
- Late rut
- Jan 31 – Feb 13
Zone
Northern New Mexico Mule Deer
- Pre-rut
- Oct 30 – Nov 11
- Peak breeding
- Nov 12 – Nov 25
- Post-rut
- Nov 26 – Dec 9
- Late rut
- Dec 14 – Dec 27
Zone
Southern New Mexico Mule Deer
- Pre-rut
- Nov 20 – Dec 2
- Peak breeding
- Dec 3 – Dec 18
- Post-rut
- Dec 19 – Jan 1
- Late rut
- Jan 6 – Jan 19
Source
Data sourced from New Mexico Department of Game and Fish deer-program reports for both mule deer and Coues whitetail.
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish →Bield Hunt earns its predictions.
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