Many hunters conduct their hunts on a self-guided basis, but some use the assistance of a registered guide. Hunting is by shotgun unless special permission is obtained to hunt with a rifle - inquire at the Fort Bliss Range Command office about this possibility. The staff at the Range Command office says they welcome hunters and are willing to provide tips on where cougars are likely to be found and other assistance in executing a hunt. The Range Command office also issues an unlimited number of free hunting permits to any interested hunters who show proof of having completed a state hunter safety course. Hunters must also posses a state cougar license, which costs $30 for residents and $200 for non-residents. Application materials are available from the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.
Note that hunters must wear hunter orange at all times on base, and vehicles may not be driven off-road. The Range Command office highly recommends bringing a four-wheel-drive vehicle for a hunt, as budget cutbacks keep them from maintaining their roads, which are frequently washed out. As regards accommodations, the Range Command office says most hunters either set up camp at their primitive campsites, or stay in nearby Alamagordo.
As for other hunts, Fort Bliss offers a youth-only deer hunt in New Mexico, and an occasional fall deer hunt (depending on herd conditions) with a very limited number of tags that must be applied for in person on the Texas side of the base. Call the Range Command office for more details.
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