Fort Bliss FAQs
Can I hunt oryx on Fort Bliss with a state-wide off-range oryx tag?
NO!!! Fort Bliss/McGregor Range is CLOSED TO ALL OFF-RANGE ORYX HUNTING during all seasons.
It is illegal to harvest an oryx on Fort Bliss/McGregor Range (Unit 28 and portions of Unit 19) using a state-wide off-range oryx tag. This is clearly stated in the NMDGF Hunting Rules and Information booklet.
Does every person need to get an Access Permit to access Fort Bliss for any activity (i.e. hunt, recreate, assist hunter, observe, etc.)?
Yes. Every person regardless of age, and regardless of activity, will be required to acquire a Fort Bliss Access Permit. Hunting, Recreation, and Youth Access Permits are available.
Do I need to come to Fort Bliss in person to get an Access Permit for recreation?
No. The process for acquiring an Access Permit can all be done online, through the iSportsman website and by email.
Do I need to register my firearms to hunt on Fort Bliss?
Yes. Please visit the Permits info tab for step-by-step instruction on submitting the Fort Bliss Firearms Registration form.
Can I use a suppressor on Fort Bliss?
No. Suppressors are not allowed on Fort Bliss.
Do I need to have a hunter safety card?
Yes. In order to participate in any hunting activity (big game or small game), a hunter must have proof of successful completion of a state-certified hunter safety course. Any persons accessing Fort Bliss will be subject to random spot checks by the Fort Bliss Game Warden.
Are guides/outfitters allowed to operate on Fort Bliss, McGregor Range?
Yes. Guides/outfitters are permitted, however they must be registered as such with the Las Cruces, NM Office of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Is there a check-in station/gate for big game hunts?
No. Fort Bliss is no longer running physical check stations for big game hunts. All checking in and checking out is done through the iSportsman website.
Are photographs allowed on Fort Bliss? Are trail/game cameras permissible on Fort Bliss?
Photographs are allowed on Fort Bliss with the exception of pictures or videos of military equipment of any kind (targets, vehicle, troops, etc.) regardless of where on Fort Bliss you come across them.
Trail or game cameras are not permitted on Fort Bliss. Any cameras found within the Fort Bliss installation without written consent from the Federal Goverment will be removed and confiscated.
Can I register more than one (1) vehicle to my account?
Yes. Log in to your account and click on "My Account" > "Account Details". Click "Manage Account" and scroll down to Vehicles. Click "Add New" and add your additional vehicle.
Is trapping allowed on Fort Bliss?
No. Trapping is prohibited.
Is shooting prairie dogs allowed on Fort Bliss?
No. Shooting of prairie dogs on Fort Bliss is not allowed.
Are ATVs/UTVs allowed off-road to retrieve downed game?
No. Off-road travel is not allowed for game retrieval or any non-emergency reason. It is recommended that big game hunters bring a game cart for transporting game from field to vehicle.
Are there any UXO in my hunt areas?
Yes. Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) may be encountered anywhere on Fort Bliss. DO NOT pick up anything you did not drop!
Are hunting dogs allowed?
Yes. Hunting dogs are permitted provided they have up-to-date vaccinations.
Can I camp?
Yes. Camping is allowed.
Can I bring beer?
NO. Alcohol is prohibited.
Can I use a metal detector?
No. The use of metal detectors is prohibited on military installations.
Can I hunt in Training Area (TA) 33?
Training Area 33 (Grapevine Canyon) is included in NMDGF Game Management Unit 34. Hunting in TA 33 is permitted for those holding a tag/license for GMU 34, providing that TA 33 is open for recreation at that time. Anyone wishing to access TA 33 must have a Fort Bliss Access Permit. Entry into TA 33 for big game hunting is only allowed from the north, through Lincoln National Forest or Timberon area. Firearms for big game hunting may not be transported across TAs 10 or 12.
Is Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) present on Fort Bliss?
CWD has been detected in both deer and elk harvested on Fort Bliss. For more information, visit NMDGF's website here.
Do I need to wear blaze orange while hunting on Fort Bliss?
Yes. Big game hunters must wear 144 square inches of hunter orange on both chest and back.