Hunting
Overview and Requirements
Fort Bliss Training Complex Access Permit
Hunting in New Mexico
Hunting in Texas
Hunter Safety Education Courses
FBTC Hunt Areas and Maps
Other Links
 

Overview and Requirements

  • Fort Bliss consists of approximately 1.12 million acres of land of which approximately 695,000 acres are available for hunting and other recreation when not in use for military training. Fort Bliss extends across New Mexico and Texas with 89 percent of Fort Bliss in New Mexico. New Mexico and Texas state hunting laws, regulations, and seasons must be obeyed while hunting in each state. Hunters should carefully read state regulations, available on the internet.
  • Proof of completion of a state approved hunter safety course is required to obtain a Fort Bliss Training Complex (FBTC) Access Permit which is validated for hunting. An FBTC Access Permit and a FBTC Vehicle pass are required for recreational access to Fort Bliss. Click link to obtain information on obtaining a FBTC Access Permit and FBTC vehicle pass.
  • All big game hunters and persons accompanying hunters, must wear a minimum of 144 square inches of hunter orange on both the chest and back,. Hunter orange headwear must also be worn. Non-game hunters will wear the above described amount of hunter orange when hunting by walking, or when walking to a blind.
  • Map of Fort Bliss, New Mexico, and Texas
  • Fort Bliss Soldiers Hunting the Texas Portion of FBTC

Fort Bliss Training Complex Access Permit

 

  • Use of Fort Bliss for hunting or other recreation requires a Fort Bliss Training Complex Access (FBTC) Permit and FBTC Vehicle Registration.
  • Each adult must possess their own permit, including non-hunting adults. Minors will be listed on the responsible adult's form.
  • Hunters must show proof of passing a State approved hunter safety course for the Access Permit to be validated for hunting. Hunter safety cards must be in possession while hunting.
  • Each vehicle must have an FBTC vehicle registration pass to enter the FBTC. Vehicle passes must be visible on dashboard when vehicle is on FBTC.
  • The FBTC also serves as a firearms registration form for individuals that do not already have their firearms registered with the Provost Marshall. Firearms used for hunting on Fort Bliss must be registered with Fort Bliss. Firearms registration must be available for inspection when hunting.
  • The FBTC Access Permit and Vehicle Registration are available at the Vehicle Registration Office, building 505 on the main cantonment of Fort Bliss, 915-568-1890 (0700 to 1600 hrs, M-F), at building 9438 A on McGregor Range Base Camp, (915) 569-9211/9432 (24 hrs/7 days a week), and at the Las Cruces District Office of the Bureau of Land Management, 505-525-4300 (0800 to 1600 hrs, M-F).

Hunting in New Mexico

 

  • Most public big game hunting opportunities are allocated by a draw system conducted by the New Mexico Game and Fish Department (NMDGF). These draw hunt licenses and permits are awarded by random computer drawings. See Current News link above for the application deadlines for these big game draws. The draws are by specific hunt codes, hunters need to carefully determine which hunt codes they wish to apply for before actually applying. Small game hunting license are sold over the counter, but there are a few draw hunts for small game hunting in specific areas. All hunters of any age must have hunting licenses. Anyone hunting migratory birds must have a Migratory Bird Permit (HIP) Number ($1.00). A Habitat Improvement Stamp ($5.00) is required for hunting and fishing on all U.S. Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management lands. A Habitat Improvement Stamp is not required on Fort Bliss in New Mexico, unless hunting in the Grapevine canyon portion of Fort Bliss. A Habitat Management and Access Validation ($4.00) is required for hunting on any lands. Waterfowl hunters 16 years or older need a Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp ($15), available from the U.S. Post Office, NMDGF offices and some license vendors. These are all once-per-year fees. For information on the draw process, helpful hints, specific regulations and licensing information in New Mexico visit NMDGF at http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/recreation/hunting/index.htm.
  • The Fort Bliss Rod and Gun Club sells New Mexico hunting and fishing licenses for active duty military personnel and DOD civilians. U.S. Active duty personnel permanently assigned to Fort Bliss may purchase a New Mexico Fort Bliss Special License that allows them to hunt on Fort Bliss property in New Mexico for resident fees. Contact the Rod and Gun Club at (915) 565-4867 or (915) 568-2983 or visit their website at http://www.blissmwr.com/rodandgun.
  • Fort Bliss Soldiers Hunting the New Mexico Portion of FBTC
    • New Mexico regulations apply to those portions of Doña Ana Ranges-North Training Areas and McGregor Range that are open for hunting.
    • A variety of big game, small game and nongame species may be hunted on the FBTC; including, but not limited to: deer, oryx, elk, Barbary sheep, javelina, dove, quail, duck, coyote and bobcat. Rifles are only allowed for use on the FBTC for hunting during specific big game draw hunts.
    • All hunters of any age must have hunting licenses. Anyone hunting migratory birds (dove and waterfowl) must have a Migratory Bird Permit (HIP) Number. The New Mexico Habitat Improvement Stamps are not required on Fort Bliss, unless hunting in the Grapevine canyon portion of Fort Bliss. A New Mexico Habitat Management and Access Validation is required for hunting on FBTC. All waterfowl hunters 16 ages or older must possess a Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp. All hunters should read the New Mexico hunting regulations available at: http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/recreation/hunting/index.htm.
    • Applying for New Mexico draw hunts on Fort Bliss:
      • Active duty US Military members permanently assigned to Fort Bliss, but living in Texas can hunt on Fort Bliss at New Mexico resident fees. US military members permanently assigned to Fort Bliss, but living in Texas should apply as nonresidents. After submitting proof of permanent assignment to Fort Bliss to NMDGF, applicable resident fees will be applied. Applying for hunts off of Fort Bliss will be at non-resident fees for Fort Bliss soldiers residing in Texas, unless New Mexico is their home of record. Active duty US military members residing in New Mexico apply as residents and must submit proof of permanent assignment to Fort Bliss or other New Mexico installations as required for certain draw hunts.
    • How to apply for New Mexico draw hunts on Fort Bliss.
      • NMDGF encourages all hunters to apply for draw hunts online. There are two ways to apply for draw hunts: 1) Online at www.wildlife.state.nm.us, with a credit card; or 2) By mail using current draw hunt application, with a check or money order for the appropriate license fee amount. Before applying, make sure you carefully read the current Big Game and Trapper Rules and Information Booklet describing the hunts you are applying before submitting your application(s). There is also significant help under "Helpful Hints" of the hunting page of the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) website, located at: http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/recreation/hunting/index.htm. A hard copy of the current draw hunt application form can be obtained from local license vendors (Fort Bliss Rod and Gun Club), but it cannot be copied. US military members permanently assigned to Fort Bliss and living in Texas must provide proof of permanent assignment to Fort Bliss to hunt on Fort Bliss at resident fees. One form is available from the Environmental Division of DPW. This form requires a commander's signature. A copy of orders showing permanent assignment to Fort Bliss will also suffice. Proof of permanent assignment should be submitted to the NMDGF and the Environmental Division when applying. We encourage soldiers to scan and email the proof of assignment to alexandra.sandoval@state.nm.us and bliss_hunting@conus.army.mil.
      • A detailed set of instructions on how to apply online for hunts in New Mexico is available here.
  • Other Hunting Opportunities in New Mexico
    • There are a wide variety of hunting opportunities in New Mexico. You will increase your odds of drawing if you apply for other hunts in New Mexico outside of Fort Bliss. Fort Bliss soldiers living in Texas and applying for hunts in New Mexico outside of Fort Bliss will hunt at non-resident fees. See the NMDGF rules booklet for hunt codes and license fees. Visit NMDGF at http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/recreation/hunting/index.htm for detailed information.
    • Native American Lands
      • Limited big game hunting and fishing opportunities are available on Native American lands. Anglers and hunters must obtain permission from tribal officials before going on any reservation or tribal lands to fish or hunt. A New Mexico license is not required. For information on seasons, dates and permits, anglers and hunters must contact the tribes directly.
    • Late Season Elk Licenses and Undersubscribed Big Game Hunts
      • Late season elk licenses and undersubscribed big game hunting licenses may be made available between August and October. Visit the NMDGF website (http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us) regularly for updates.
    • Private Land-Only Deer Permit
      • To hunt deer on private land soldiers must locate and receive written permission from the landowner on whose private land you are hunting. A list of private landowners is not currently available, but more information can be obtained by visiting NMDGF at http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/recreation/hunting/index.htm.
    • Private Elk Landowner Authorizations
      • Qualified landowners who sign elk management agreements with NMDGF each year are issued elk landowner authorizations in April and can barter, sell or trade them through the E-PLUS Program. Lists of participating landowners are available from NMDGF. Some authorizations are advertised through various newspapers, internet sources and outfitting services. Upon obtaining an authorization, the hunter can then take this authorization into a NMDGF office to purchase their license. If they wish to purchase the license by mail, they can download a PLUS License request form from the web site, fill it in and mail it in with the required license and stamp fees to the Santa Fe, NM office. For detailed information on E-PLUS hunting or lists of participating properties visit NMDGF at http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/recreation/hunting/index.htm.
    • Antelope Private Lands use System
      • The Antelope Private Lands Use System (A-PLUS) was created to manage Pronghorn Antelope populations on private deeded and on public and private leased lands.
      • Hunters can contact, negotiate for and obtain a private land antelope authorization from a participating A-PLUS landowner by means of the A-PLUS landowner list available on the NMDGF website, at http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/recreation/hunting/index.htm.
    • Valles Caldera National Preserve (VCNP)
      • The Valles Caldera National Preserve (VCNP) is one of New Mexico's premier elk hunting locations. Elk hunters seeking access to VCNP must enter a national lottery conducted by the Valles Caldera Trust by the first week of April. There are also opportunities to gain access to the VCNP for spring turkey hunting through a national lottery or by purchasing a deluxe package. For more details visit VCNP online ( http://www.vallescaldera.gov), or by phone at (866) 382-5537).
    • Unique Trophy Hunting Opportunities

Hunting in Texas

 

  • The majority of hunting opportunities are on private lands and hunters must find landowners willing to grant access to their lands for hunting. Most hunting licenses are available over-the-counter from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) or various vendors. All hunters of any age must have hunting licenses. In addition to a hunting license, a migratory game bird stamp endorsement ($7) is required to hunt any migratory game bird, including dove and waterfowl. A Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation stamp ($15) is also required for hunting waterfowl. An upland game bird stamp endorsement ($7) is required to quail or other upland game. Active duty military members that are state residents receive the license and state-issued stamps free of charge. All hunters should carefully read the Texas hunting regulations available at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/annual/.
  • Fort Bliss Soldiers Hunting the Texas Portion of FBTC
    • Texas hunting regulations apply to those portions of the South-Training Areas open to hunting.
    • Most hunting opportunities on the Texas side of FBTC are small or nongame species. Hunting opportunities for big game (deer and oryx) are available through special draws conducted at the Fort Bliss Rod and Gun Club. Rifles are only used on the FBTC for hunting during specific big game draw hunts. Furbearer hunting is allowed, but the FBTC is closed to trapping. Click here for information about Fort Bliss soldiers hunting the Texas portion of FBTC.
    • In addition to a hunting license, a migratory game bird stamp endorsement is required to hunt any migratory game bird (dove and waterfowl). An upland game bird stamp endorsement is required to quail. Active duty military members that are state residents receive the license and state-issued stamps free of charge. All hunters should read a current copy of the Texas Outdoor Annual for specific regulations, located at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/hunt/season/.
  • Other Hunting Opportunities in Texas
    • The majority of hunting opportunities are on private lands and hunters must find landowners willing to grant access to their lands for hunting. Information can be obtained from various TPWD district offices, newspapers, internet sources and outfitting services.
    • The Public Hunt Drawing System provides opportunities to apply for a wide variety of supervised, drawn hunts including special drawings for both adults and youth hunters. TPWD offers special hunt package drawings for exotic wildlife and quality native animals on TPWD managed lands as well as specially leased private properties. Youth applicants must be between 8 and 16 years of age. Dates and deadlines for the hunts are variable, depending on location, but the earliest deadlines are in August. See the information on-line at: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/hunt/public/lands/public_hunting_system/
    • Big Time Texas Hunts
      • Limited guided hunt packages are offered through a raffle. All proceeds rose from Big Time Texas Hunts benefit conservation, wildlife management and public hunting opportunities in Texas. Each entry costs $10, and you can enter as many times as you like. The entry deadline is normally in the first week in October. For more information please visit TPWD at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/hunt/public/btth/index.phtml
    • Walk-in Hunts: Annual Public Hunting Permit
      • The Annual Public Hunting (APH) Permit is valid from September 1 to August 31 of the following year. The APH permit allows an adult to access designated public lands to hunt small game, turkey, white-tailed deer, exotics, predators, furbearers, and fishing without having to pay daily permit fees and in most instances, without having to be selected in a drawing. Visit TPWD at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/hunt/public/lands/ for information.

Hunter Safety Education Courses

 

  • Hunters must show proof of passing a State approved hunter safety course for the FBTC Access Permit to be validated for hunting. Hunter safety cards must be in possession while hunting.
  • The Fort Bliss Rod & Gun Club hosts Texas Parks & Wildlife Hunter Education classes monthly; cost is $22/person. Call (915) 594-0159 or (915) 569-1563 for class dates and information.
  • NMDGF Hunter Education
  • TPWD Hunter Education
    • Most courses are taught by volunteer instructors, trained and certified by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department hunter education staff. Courses are scheduled in each of the 254 counties at least once a year. For availability, look on the Web site at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/learning/hunter_education/
  • Online Hunter Education
    • Online hunter education courses are currently offered in 11 states. Upon successfully passing the online course field day/ range exams are required. For more information, visit http://www.hunter-ed.com/.

FBTC Hunt Areas and MapsHunter Safety Education Courses

 

  • Hunters will receive a FBTC hunting map when they acquire their FBTC Access Permit, and are required to keep this map in their possession when hunting on Fort Bliss. This map has military grid displayed on it for navigation with global positioning systems (GPS). Hunters are encouraged to use a GPS to aid in navigation on Fort Bliss.
  • Big Game hunters will receive specific hunting maps prior to their hunt.
  • The USGS 1:100,000 maps Las Cruces, Alamogordo, Crow Flats, and El Paso cover the FBTC. These maps are available from Bureau of Land Management offices (Las Cruces office is closest) or online at: http://plicmapcenter.org/NM/. The Lincoln National Forest map is also available at the internet location above, or the Forest Service offices in Alamogordo and Cloudcroft.
  • Drawbacks of printed maps are the absence of many roads useful to hunters. Satellite imagery is available on the internet for free, many sites will allow printing of small maps very useful in combination with larger scale maps.