Wagon Mound Lake Wildlife Management Area: hunting and access
Wagon Mound Lake Wildlife Management Area is 718 acres of State Wildlife Commission land in Unit 48, next to Wagon Mound, measured from NMDOW's Commission land map. NMDOW lists it as open to hunting. NMDOW's fact sheet: "Waterfowl hunting allowed during open season."
Data updated October 2026. Rules: NMDOW's fact sheet and Commission lands page, read 2026-10-18. Hunts: NMDOW's 2026-27 booklet. Boundary: NMDOW GIS.
BLMState trust landWildlife Commission landWagon Mound Lake WMAUnit lineLake or riverHighway
| Size | 718 acres (NMDOW map); NMDOW's fact sheet says 850 |
|---|---|
| Quadrant | Northeast New Mexico |
| Unit | Unit 48 |
| Open to | hunting and GAIN activities |
| Camping | Not allowed at Wagon Mound Wildlife Area. |
| Motor vehicles | Not allowed beyond parking area. |
| Nearest towns | Wagon Mound (next to it), Watrous (22 mi) and Springer (23 mi) |
What is Wagon Mound Lake WMA like?
The Salt Lake is surrounded by high plains grasslands and bounded on three sides by a high ridge. The final purchase of property forming Wagon Mound Wildlife Area was made in 1953. The area provides habitat for waterfowl.
From NMDOW fact sheet for Wagon Mound Lake.
What are the rules on Wagon Mound Lake WMA?
Closures: Wagon Mound Wildlife Area is open year-round. Camping: Not allowed at Wagon Mound Wildlife Area. Motor vehicles: Not allowed beyond parking area.
Every Commission land needs a Habitat Management and Access Validation and the right license; WMAs are closed to hunting unless NMDOW's booklet lists them as open (NMDOW 2026-27 Hunting Rules and Information, page 49). Rules posted on the property also apply.
What can you hunt on Wagon Mound Lake WMA?
NMDOW's fact sheet: Waterfowl hunting allowed during open season. The 2026-27 booklet names Wagon Mound Lake in no big game hunt code; hunting follows the seasons of the unit it is in.
How do you get to Wagon Mound Lake WMA?
Wagon Mound Wildlife Area is located about 1/2 mile northwest of Wagon Mound.
Highways within 8 miles: US 85, I-25, NM 120 and NM 271. Nearest towns: Wagon Mound (next to it), Watrous (22 miles), Springer (23 miles) and Roy (28 miles). Within 3 miles of the WMA, FilledTag measured 1,806 acres of other public land, most of it state trust land.
Which unit is Wagon Mound Lake WMA in?
All of it is in Unit 48. Each unit's 2026-27 hunt codes and public land, for the whole unit:
| Unit | WMA acres in it | Unit public land | Elk codes | Deer codes | Pronghorn codes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unit 48 | 718 | 29.1% | 7 | 4 | 5 |
Questions hunters ask
Can you hunt on Wagon Mound Lake WMA?
Yes. NMDOW's Commission lands page lists Wagon Mound Lake as open to hunting. Its fact sheet says: "Waterfowl hunting allowed during open season." Hunters need the proper license and the Habitat Management and Access Validation, and all WMAs are closed to hunting unless the booklet lists them as open (NMDOW 2026-27 Hunting Rules and Information, page 49).
When is Wagon Mound Lake WMA closed?
Wagon Mound Wildlife Area is open year-round. (NMDOW fact sheet for Wagon Mound Lake). Rules posted on site also apply.
Can you camp on Wagon Mound Lake WMA?
Not allowed at Wagon Mound Wildlife Area. (NMDOW fact sheet for Wagon Mound Lake)
Which unit is Wagon Mound Lake WMA in?
All of Wagon Mound Lake WMA is in Unit 48, by NMDOW's unit and Commission land maps.