Is Drone Deer Recovery Legal in New Mexico? (2026 Rules)
Not clearly. New Mexico makes it unlawful to use a drone to spot or locate any protected species and relay its location to anyone on the ground. What the rule says.
2026-11-03
Not clearly. New Mexico makes it unlawful to use a drone to spot or locate any protected species and tell anyone on the ground where it is. The rule doesn’t specifically mention recovering a wounded or dead deer. Here’s what it says.
What New Mexico’s rule says
From New Mexico’s hunting rules (19.31.10.11 NMAC, “Use of vehicles, boats, aircraft and roads in hunting”):
“It shall be unlawful to use aircraft or drone to spot or locate and relay the location of any protected species to anyone on the ground by any means of communication or signaling device or action.”
New Mexico also makes it unlawful to hunt or help someone hunt using location information gained from aircraft until 48 hours after the flight, and unlawful at any time to pursue, harass, drive, or rally any protected species by any means except as allowed.
New Mexico’s rules define “locate” as “any act or activity, in which any person is searching for, spotting or otherwise finding a protected species from or with the aid of any aircraft or drone.”
The rule doesn’t mention recovery or make an exception for it.
Which animals does this cover?
New Mexico’s rule covers any protected species. In New Mexico, that includes elk, mule deer, pronghorn (antelope), black bear, bighorn sheep, and oryx.
How New Mexico defines hunting
New Mexico’s hunting rules (19.31.10 NMAC) define “take” as:
“to hunt, fish, kill or capture any protected species or parts thereof.”
Finding a pilot
Drone Deer Tracker is adding pilots in the West. Check the map for the closest pilot to your hunt. Are you a thermal drone pilot in New Mexico? Apply to be listed.
Other states: see drone deer recovery laws by state.
Verify before you fly
Drone rules change, and how they apply can depend on your situation. Before any drone recovery, contact the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish to confirm it’s allowed.
Last checked November 2026 against 19.31.10 NMAC. Rules can change, so check with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish before you hunt. This article is general information, not legal advice.