Zuni Fish & Wildlife Department Announces Big Game Hunting Season
The Zuni Fish & Wildlife Department (ZFWD) has released the 2024-2025 Big Game Hunting Proclamation, outlining the rules and regulations for hunting on the Zuni Indian Reservation and Mazone Ranch. Here are the key points for this year’s hunting season: General Information
• Hunting Season Dates: April 3, 2024 - January 31, 2025
• Permits Required: Only ZFWD can issue hunting permits for Pronghorn Antelope, Elk, Mule Deer, Turkey, Lion, and Bear.
• Habitat Fee: A $5.00 habitat fee is mandatory for all hunting, fishing, and trapping activities, funding habitat improvement projects.
New Regulations for 20242025
• Archery Shooting Test: Drawn archery hunters must pass a shooting test to qualify. o Test Dates: June 30 - August 29, 2024 o Location: Department of Natural Resources Compound
• Hunt Duration Changes:
o Mazone Ranch Elk hunts: Extended to 8-9 days o Antlerless Elk Hunts: Extended to 9 days o Late Bull Elk Hunts: Extended to 9 days, with gender restriction changing to either sex for the last two days.
• Tribal Youth Mule Deer Hunt: Scheduled during Thanksgiving Break, subject to change based on cultural activities.
• Hunter Orange Requirement: All firearm hunters must wear hunter orange.
• Hunter Education
Certification: Mandatory for all applicants under 65 years starting in the 20252026 season.
Application and Permit Process
• Application Deadline: May 31, 2024, by 4:00 PM
• Drawing Date: June 19, 2024; Results posted June 26, 2024
• Permit Payment Deadline: August 2, 2024
• Non-Zuni Residents: Must submit proof of one-year residency or employment within the Zuni community.
• Disabled Hunters: Must provide proof of disability for special accommodations.
Key Hunting Dates and Costs (Selected Hunts)
• Mule Deer Bow Hunt: September 1-29, 2024, $60.00, 12 tags
• Youth Mule Deer Rifle Hunt: November 23 December 1, 2024, $65.00, 10 tags
• Elk Bow Hunt: August 24 - September 8, 2024, $50.00, 15 tags
• Antelope Bow Hunt: August 10-25, 2024, $75.00, 4 tags
Important Rules and Regulations • Reporting: All harvested or wounded game must be reported to the Game and Fish Department.
• Legal Shooting Hours: ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset.
• Camping: Permitted at designated tribal lakes and must be set up no more than a week before and removed no more than a week after the hunt.
Prohibited Actions
• Baiting Game: Illegal to take game over baited areas.
• Alcohol and Drugs: No possession or influence of alcohol/drugs while hunting.
• Aerial Scouting: Use of drones or aircraft for scouting or hunting is prohibited.
For detailed information and to apply, visit the Zuni Fish & Wildlife Department’s website: Zuni Fish & Wildlife.