Howell Ranch (OG.154): New Mexico Open Gate hunting
Howell Ranch (OG.154) is an Open Gate property: 4,693 acres near Elida in Chaves and DeBaca counties, Unit 32, that NMDOW leases for public dove, quail and deer hunting, on an annual lease that runs to March 31, 2027, by NMDOW's Open Gate table updated 09-15-2026. No fee or extra permission is needed beyond the right license; the property's own rules are posted at its entrance.
Data updated October 2026. Property: NMDOW's Open Gate table, updated 09-15-2026. Boundary: NMDOW GIS. Hunts: NMDOW's 2026-27 booklet.
State trust landWildlife Commission landHowell RanchUnit lineLake or riverHighway
| Property | Howell Ranch (OG.154) |
|---|---|
| Open for | Dove, Quail, Deer |
| Size | 4,693 acres (NMDOW map) |
| Unit | Unit 32 |
| Near | Elida, Chaves and DeBaca counties |
| Term | Annual - Expires March 31, 2027 |
| NMDOW property map | OG.154 property information and map (PDF) |
What land is around Howell Ranch?
Within 3 miles of the property, FilledTag measured 21,138 acres of public land: state trust land 16,963 acres and Wildlife Commission land 4,175 acres, from the BLM New Mexico surface management agency map (read 2026-10). Unit 32 as a whole is 33.4% public land.
Which hunts can be used here?
The species NMDOW lists for Howell Ranch and the 2026-27 hunt codes valid in its unit:
| Hunt code | Species | Where | Weapon | Dates | Bag limit | Licenses | Who may apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DER-1-305 | Deer | Unit 32, including Prairie Chicken WMAs | any legal weapon | Oct 31-Nov 4 | Fork-antlered deer (white-tailed or mule deer) | 565 | Any applicant |
| DER-1-306 | Deer | Unit 32, including Prairie Chicken WMAs | any legal weapon | Nov 14-18 | Fork-antlered deer (white-tailed or mule deer) | 560 | Any applicant |
| DER-1-307 | Deer | Unit 32, including Prairie Chicken WMAs | any legal weapon | Dec 16-31 | Antlerless deer | 15 | youth only |
| DER-1-308 | Deer | Unit 32, including Prairie Chicken WMAs | any legal weapon | Jan 16-31 | Antlerless deer | 15 | Any applicant |
| DER-2-309 | Deer | Unit 32, including Prairie Chicken WMAs | bow | Sep 1-24 | Fork-antlered deer (white-tailed or mule deer) | 150 | Any applicant |
| DER-2-310 | Deer | Unit 32, including Prairie Chicken WMAs | bow | Jan 1-15 | Fork-antlered deer (white-tailed or mule deer) | 100 | Any applicant |
| DER-3-311 | Deer | Unit 32, including Prairie Chicken WMAs | muzzleloader | Oct 24-28 | Fork-antlered deer (white-tailed or mule deer) | 175 | Any applicant |
Hunts: NMDOW 2026-27 Hunting Rules and Information, pages 62 and 63.
How do you get to Howell Ranch?
NMDOW's table places it near Elida in Chaves/DeBaca County. Nearest towns: Elida (20 miles), Floyd (26 miles) and Fort Sumner (28 miles). NMDOW's property map (PDF) shows the entrance and the boundary.
The rules common to most Open Gate properties are on the Open Gate page.
Questions hunters ask
What is Howell Ranch open for?
NMDOW's Open Gate table lists Howell Ranch (OG.154) for dove, quail, deer. Only licensed hunters may use it, during the seasons for the species the landowner agreed to.
Do you need permission to use Howell Ranch?
No. NMDOW says no fee or special use permit is needed and no extra permission is required, because the landowner is under an Open Gate contract. Each property's rules are posted at its main entrance (NMDOW's Open Gate page).
Which deer hunts are in Unit 32?
NMDOW's 2026-27 booklet lists 7 deer hunt codes valid in Unit 32: DER-1-305 (Oct 31-Nov 4), DER-1-306 (Nov 14-18), DER-1-307 (Dec 16-31), DER-1-308 (Jan 16-31), DER-2-309 (Sep 1-24) and DER-2-310 (Jan 1-15) and 1 more. A hunt code limited to private land or to drawn hunters says so.