Top Hunting Places in El Paso, Texas

When it comes to prime hunting opportunities, El Paso, Texas, offers some of the most rugged terrains, wide-open landscapes, and diverse wildlife habitats in the Lone Star State. Nestled along the Chihuahuan Desert and bordering New Mexico, El Paso presents hunters with an array of game animals and scenic hunting grounds that blend desert challenges with unmatched solitude. Whether you're seeking large game or small varmints, the hunting spots near El Paso are sure to deliver unforgettable outdoor experiences.

Hueco Mountains: A Hidden Gem for Desert Game

Located just northeast of El Paso, they are situated approximately 30–32 miles from the city. The range extends from southern Otero County, New Mexico, into Texas, generally along the El Paso-Hudspeth county line. The Hueco Mountains offer a rugged landscape perfect for hunters seeking elusive desert mule deer, javelinas, and even mountain lions. This area’s harsh climate and remote geography mean fewer hunters and less pressure on the game.

Key Game Species:

• Desert Mule Deer
  
• Javelina (Collared Peccary)
  
• Mountain Lions (Cougar)
  

Best Hunting Season: October through January for deer and javelina. Mountain lion hunting is year-round with a valid license.

Access Tip: Most of the land is private or state-managed; we recommend securing access or booking a guided hunt.

Franklin Mountains State Park: Varmint and Predator Control

Although Franklin Mountains State Park is not generally open to public hunting, there are areas around its periphery and private tracts where predator control and varmint hunting are permitted under special regulations. These hunts are vital for managing coyote populations, which have grown in recent years.

Popular Targets:

• Coyotes
  
• Bobcats
  
• Foxes
  
• Rabbits
  

Hunting Method: Spot-and-stalk and calling methods are particularly effective here, especially around dusk and dawn.

Otero Mesa: Cross-State Trophy Hunts

While technically crossing into New Mexico, Otero Mesa is just a short drive from El Paso and boasts some of the most pristine desert grasslands in the region. It is especially popular for antelope (pronghorn) and Barbary sheep (Aoudad) hunting.

Trophy Game Opportunities:

• Pronghorn Antelope
  
• Barbary Sheep
  
• Mule Deer
  

Permit Requirement: New Mexico hunting license and application through draw systems are necessary for most big game.

Best Time to Hunt: Mid-August through October for pronghorn and sheep.

Fort Bliss Training Areas: Regulated Military Land Hunting

El Paso is home to Fort Bliss, a large military installation that opens up thousands of acres of land to regulated hunting activities through their iSportsman system. Hunters must comply with strict military and federal protocols, but the opportunities are plentiful.

Target Species:

• Quail
  
• Mule Deer
  
• Javelina
  
• Scaled Quail
  
• Dove
  

How to Hunt There:

• Register with Fort Bliss iSportsman Portal
  
• Complete a background check and orientation
  
• Acquire the proper permits and follow posted rules
  

Red Sands Area: Free-Range Small Game Heaven

For DIY hunters who prefer public lands or BLM-managed tracts, the Red Sands area, located east of El Paso along Highway 62/180, is a great zone for rabbit, quail, and dove hunting. Its open range and mesquite cover make it ideal for upland game bird enthusiasts.

Ideal for:

• Cotton-tail Rabbits
  
• White-winged and Mourning Doves
  
• Scaled Quail
  

Hunting Tip: Early morning hunts with a good bird dog can yield quick limits, especially during dove season in September.

Lower Valley Agricultural Zones: Prime Dove Hunting

El Paso’s Lower Valley contains a patchwork of farms and irrigated fields, making it a hotbed for dove hunting during the early fall season. These lands are often leased out by the acre, offering a great opportunity for day hunts.

Best Species:

• Mourning Dove
  
• White-winged Dove
  

When to Go: First two weeks of September and late December for winter migratory doves.

Local Insight: Seek out sunflower or millet fields—dove flocks often concentrate around these crops.

Cornudas Mountains: Remote and Rewarding Terrain

Situated east of El Paso near the New Mexico border, the Cornudas Mountains offer one of the most secluded desert hunting terrains in the area. Known for tough climbs, this spot rewards persistence with sightings of mule deer and even aoudad sheep.

What You’ll Find:

• Trophy Mule Deer
  
• Barbary Sheep
  
• Coyotes
  

Access: Mostly private; book through ranches that offer guided hunts or secure landowner permission.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park (Adjacent Zone Awareness)

Guadalupe Mountains National Park in West Texas features the state’s highest peak (Guadalupe Peak, 8,751 ft), rugged fossilized reefs, and the bright-white Salt Basin Dunes. Hike through conifer forests for panoramic views or explore McKittrick Canyon for stunning fall foliage. It’s a desert landscape rich in wildlife and striking contrasts. While hunting is prohibited within the national park itself, the surrounding areas, especially just north of Dell City, present excellent mule deer, javelina, and small game hunts. These areas blend high desert and canyon terrain, perfect for experienced marksmen.

Terrain Type: Steep canyons, rugged limestone cliffs, dry creek beds

Recommended Weapon: High-caliber rifles with solid optics due to long-distance shooting environments

Tips for Hunting Legally and Responsibly in El Paso

• Licensing: Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) requires all hunters to carry valid licenses and endorsements.
  
• Hunter Education: Mandatory for hunters born after Sept. 1, 1971.
  
• Boundaries: Be mindful of private property lines—trespassing laws are strictly enforced.
  
• Weather Caution: The desert climate shifts rapidly; always carry water, GPS, and emergency supplies.
  
• Firearm Laws: Follow Texas's open carry and hunting firearm transportation laws.
  
  

Best Seasons for Hunting in El Paso

 

Top Outfitters and Guided Hunts Near El Paso

• El Paso Outfitters – Specializing in desert mule deer and predator hunts
  
• Aoudad Adventures – Barbary sheep hunts across remote West Texas
  
• Texas Wild Desert Hunts – Fully guided javelina, quail, and varmint packages
  

Consider: "These outfitters provide support ranging from licensing assistance to field dressing and trophy transport.

Why El Paso Is a Hunter’s Desert Paradise

From the scorched ridges of the Hueco Mountains to the brushy lowlands of Red Sands, El Paso showcasesa stunning variety of game and terrain.. Whether you're hunting solo on public land or booking a multi-day guided expedition, the region offers challenge, solitude, and the thrill of the chase under wide Texas skies.