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No one under 18 years of age may hunt with a firearm without first possessing a certificate proving that he/she has passed this, or another state’s hunter education course or is currently enrolled in the New Mexico Mentored-Youth (MY) Hunting Program.
Source: New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
Hunter Education provides an educational opportunity that enables students to safely participate in a hunting or shooting sport. Hunter education and its corps of volunteer instructors strive to produce safe, ethical and responsible students who will be tomorrow’s hunters and shooters.
No one under 18 years of age may hunt with a firearm without first possessing a certificate proving that he/she has passed this, or another state’s hunter education course or is currently enrolled in the New Mexico Mentored-Youth (MY) Hunting Program. Uncertified juveniles may shoot firearms if under adult supervision or in a supervised program.
It is also unlawful for anyone under 18 to apply for, or buy, any type of firearms hunting license before passing a hunter education course unless the youth is registered in the New Mexico MY Hunting Program. Youth hunters must have proof of passing a state certified Hunter Education course and/or have a current MY number in their possession while hunting.
Please Note:
The Department of Game and Fish is always seeking individuals statewide to become certified Hunter and Bowhunter Education Instructors to teach student classes, assist with hunter education camps and other department outreach events. If you are interested in giving back, click here.
- March 1-2 – Hunter Education class in Las Cruces, click here to register
- March 1-2 – Hunter Education class at White Sands Missile Range, click here to register
More classes are listed daily, click here to see the current list of classes.
To register for a hunter education class, click here and log into the student’s customer account.
The Department also offers online courses, including one in Spanish, for anyone 9 years of age and older. Click here to learn more.
Once a student has successfully passed either an instructor-led or an online course, the hunter education certification is recognized in all 50 states, Canadian provinces, and Mexico.
Hunter Education Cards/Numbers
Hard copy hunter education cards are no longer mailed out to graduating students. Upon successful completion of a hunter/bowhunter education course, students will need to reprint their CIN card. The student will see an additional line with the hunter ed number listed below their name. Once the hunter ed number is listed on the CIN card, it becomes the student’s Hunter Education card/proof and is what they need to carry with them while hunting. If the hunter ed number does not appear on the CIN card after the successful completion of a New Mexico hunter education course, please contact the Hunter Education Office at (505) 222-4731 or email dgf-he@dgf.nm.gov.
