New Protocols for Hunting Access to Lands Along New Mexico Southern Border

Hunters heading to southern New Mexico should be aware that public lands bordering Mexico have been designated as National Defense Areas (NDAs), requiring anyone without Department of Defense identification to apply for special access.

National Defense Areas (NDAs) are military installations at the Mexico–United States border designated by the US government and operated by the US Department of Defense. Earlier this year public lands composing about one third of the US border with Mexico were converted to NDAs, stretching from Arizona through Texas as extensions of existing army forts. Hunting areas in New Mexico counties Hidalgo, Luna and Dona Ana are included in the US Army’s Fort Huachuca extension.

The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (DGF) announced a protocol developed with Fort Huachuca that will allow hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts to obtain visitor access. In advance of traveling to the area, users must submit personal information and pass a criminal background check, as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 and army regulations.

Once on the properties, hunters must follow all New Mexico DGF regulations. There are also requirements for blaze orange on hats and upper body regardless of season, weapon or game pursued. Hunters and recreational users must maintain a ¼-mile distance from all buildings, vehicles and the border wall. Wildlife cameras and drones are prohibited. Read Fort Huachuca’s complete list of restrictions and requirements here. A BLM map of the areas is also available here.

To complete a background check and receive an NDA access badge, you must complete an Access Request Form available on the Fort Huachuca website. A REAL ID and passport style photo are also required. Background checks are conducted through the National Crime Information Center Interstate Identification Index (NCI) and FBI databases.

Hunters should expect to find similar requirements on other public hunting lands that have been incorporated into NDA’s along the southern border. Check with the appropriate state wildlife department before planning to hunt any of these areas.