cougar management zone · New Mexico Department of Wildlife
Cougar Management Zone J
New Mexico, United States
The map opens on this unit. Turn on Hunting units in Layers to see its boundary with public land, your pins and the forecast.
About Cougar Management Zone J
Cougar Management Zone J is a cougar management zone in New Mexico, United States, set by New Mexico Department of Wildlife. It covers about 21,103 km² (8,148 mi²). Towns inside it include Las Cruces and Truth or Consequences.
HuntGrid draws its boundary from New Mexico Department of Wildlife's data for the 2026 season. The agency uses this unit system for Cougar (mountain lion).
- Unit code
- J
- Area
- 21,103 km²
- Area (miles)
- 8,148 mi²
- Boundaries
- 2026
Public and protected land mapped inside it
HuntGrid's public land layers map about 16,915 km² of public or protected land inside it, 80% of the unit. Some protected land is privately owned (a conservation group's, for one). By manager, as the source names it:
| Manager | km² | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Forest Service Region 03 Southwestern | 9,595 | 45% |
| Bureau of Land Management | 3,938 | 19% |
| Unknown | 2,756 | 13% |
| Private owners (names not shown) | 625 | 3% |
| Unknown | 4.2 | under 1% |
| New Mexico State Parks | 3.2 | under 1% |
| National Park Service | 2.4 | under 1% |
| City of Las Cruces | 2.1 | under 1% |
| Other or unnamed managers | 0.5 | under 1% |
Boundaries are approximate and aren't legal descriptions. Public land doesn't always mean you can hunt there: check your local regulations and posted signs.
Public land: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Gap Analysis Project (GAP), 2025, Protected Areas Database of the United States (PAD-US) 4.1
Seasons and regulations
Seasons for this unit that a person has checked against New Mexico Department of Wildlife's regulations:
| Species | Dates | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Cougar (mountain lion) | Apr 1, 2026 to Mar 31, 2027 | source |
The official regulations have the final word: check them before you hunt.
Units around it
Next to it in the same unit system
- Cougar Management Zone G
- Cougar Management Zone H
- Cougar Management Zone K
- Cougar Management Zone L
- Cougar Management Zone O
Other hunting units that cover part of it
- Bear Management Zone 10
- GMU 15 (game management unit)
- GMU 16A (game management unit)
- GMU 16B (game management unit)
- GMU 16C (game management unit)
- GMU 16D (game management unit)
- GMU 16E (game management unit)
- GMU 21A (game management unit)
- GMU 21B (game management unit)
- Central Flyway South Zone (waterfowl zone)
- Pacific Flyway South Zone (waterfowl zone)
- Elk Primary Management Zone (elk management zone)
What HuntGrid shows for Cougar Management Zone J
- Its boundary on the map; tap inside it for the unit's card with the agency's regulations link.
- Public land and the other hunting units in the same view, each with its source.
- Season dates once a person has checked them, and legal shooting hours where the rule is checked.
- Hourly wind with a scent cone for every stand, and official weather alerts.
- Offline maps: download the area and use the map, your pins and the forecast with no signal.
Questions
How big is Cougar Management Zone J?
About 21,103 km² (8,148 mi²), as HuntGrid maps New Mexico Department of Wildlife's boundary.
How much public or protected land is in Cougar Management Zone J?
HuntGrid's public land layers map about 16,915 km² of public or protected land, 80% of the unit; the largest share is managed by Forest Service Region 03 Southwestern. Public land doesn't always mean you can hunt there.
Where are the season dates for Cougar Management Zone J?
This page lists 1 season a person has checked against New Mexico Department of Wildlife's regulations; the official regulations have the final word.
Which units are next to Cougar Management Zone J?
In the same unit system: Cougar Management Zone G, Cougar Management Zone H, Cougar Management Zone K, Cougar Management Zone L and Cougar Management Zone O.
More on huntgrid.net
Sources
Unit boundary: New Mexico Department of Wildlife. Licence: New Mexico Department of Wildlife (published with a no-warranty disclaimer). Boundaries for the 2026 season.
HuntGrid isn't affiliated with New Mexico Department of Wildlife. The official regulations and maps have the final word.