Policies and Regulations
Hunting Regulations
Hunting on Fort Bliss is regulated by state and federal laws and Army and Range polices and regulations. Hunting seasons, dates, areas, closures, species, licensing, weapons restrictions, and bag limits are established by, and in compliance with state regulations. New Mexico and Texas State hunting regulations must be obeyed while hunting on Fort Bliss. These regulations are posted on the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department websites.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Regulations
New Mexico Depatment of Game & Fish Regulations
Fort Bliss Recreational Hunting Program Policy Memorandum #19
Fort Bliss Regulation 385-63
Other Important links:
Fort Bliss Hunting Pamphlet:
Non-Lead Ammunition:
Big Game
New Mexico portion (McGregor Range/GMU 28): Big game hunting opportunities for mule deer, pronghorn, elk, javelina, Barbary sheep (aoudad), and oryx (gemsbok) are allocated by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, through their draw system conducted annually.
Texas portion (South Training Areas): The Fort Bliss Hunt Program conducts a lottery draw for oryx and aoudad (Barbary sheep) hunt opportunites through iSportsman. For more information, click here.
Small Game, Furbearers, Nongame
Both the New Mexico and Texas portions of Fort Bliss are open to hunting of small game, subject to the respective state's hunting seasons and regulations. Small game hunting must be done with shotgun or bow; rifles are only allowed for use during scheduled big game hunts. Note that prairie dog hunting is not allowed on McGregor Range.
Hunting Dogs
Hunting dogs are permitted provided they have up-to-date vaccinations.
Trapping
Trapping is prohibited on FBTC.
Fort Bliss Regulations
The recreational use of training land and ranges is subject to AR 385–63, AR 190-11, AR 190-13, and AR 350-19, as well as all applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations and Garrison Policy Memorandum #19: Fort Bliss Recreational Hunting Program.
Access
Maps
Digital recreational maps are available to all users. All users must be familiar with the area and use a map and/or GPS to navigate the Fort Bliss Training Center.
Camping
Camping is allowed within the recreational areas. Campers must be checked in for that activity. Camping for scheduled big game hunts is allowed at authorized locations as noted on big game hunt maps.
Campfires are authorized if FIRECON status allows. Campfires will have a retaining wall (minimum of 6 inches and no more than 36x36 inches wide) and will be attended at all times when burning or smoldering.
ATVs, UTVs, and Bikes
Bikers, including pedal, any motor bikes and all-terrain and utility vehicles (ATV and UTV), must stay on roads and established trails. All safety equipment will be used while riding dirt bikes and ATVs. Safety equipment includes but is not limited to helmets, eye protection, gloves, chest protectors and boots. ATVs are not permitted off-road for game retrieval on McGregor Range (GMU 28).
Alcohol
Alcohol or illegal drugs are not allowed on FBTC.
Archaeology
Damaging, excavating, or defacing of archeological sites, buildings, or rock art; removing plant life, unexploded ordinance (e.g., old ammunition, training munitions), or items of antiquity (pottery, arrowheads, stone tools, historical bottles) is STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
Metal Detectors
The use of metal detectors is prohibited on military installations according to the below Army Regulation and Plans: