Professional Hunting Guide Services
River wading and lake boat trips on the southwest end of the Central Flyway for mallard,
pintail, widgeon, 3 species teal and many more.
Duck calls… decoys… hidden hunters…
set wings… shotgun fire… dropping ducks…
Labs retrieving to hand
and doing it all over again and again
for the best of times
and a hearty bag for the table.
🦆 Guided Duck Hunts in Southern New Mexico
Private Waterfowl Adventures on Elephant Butte, Caballo Lake & the Rio Grande
Looking for a true waterfowl experience in the Southwest? Our Southern New Mexico duck hunts deliver diversity, scenery, and seasoned professional guiding for both beginner and experienced hunters alike. From flooded coves to open lake points and winding river channels, Santa Fe Guiding Co. puts you where the birds are.
📍 Where We Hunt
Our duck hunts take place on New Mexico’s premier waterfowl habitats:
- Elephant Butte Lake – wide open waters and classic diver setups
- Caballo Lake – hidden shorelines and mixed species traffic
- Rio Grande River – ideal for windy days and mobile boat-based hunts
We scout regularly and adjust location based on water levels, weather, and flyway activity to ensure high-success, low-pressure hunts.
- Hunting the Rio Grande drainage lakes and back waters on private and public lands
- Drakes in full winter plumage for the best mounts
- SFGC waterfowl guides with a life time of experience and knowledge are great callers and backed up or sometimes led by the SFGC Bird Dogs
- River wading trips and lake boat trips
- Oct., Nov., Dec., and Jan. hunt dates
- Licenses required – Game Hunting with HMAV, HIP # and Federal duck stamp- procured directly from the NMDG&F “over the counter” sales
- ProGuide – guided only day hunting services with hunters lodging and dining on their own in nearby towns
- ModernHuntsman training hunt
- Day trips from Albuquerque and Santa Fe
- Holiday Hunts – Thanksgiving and Christmas – ducks, geese and trout fishing
- Combo – September teal and dove
- Combo – Ducks, dove and quail
Discover Premier Duck Hunting in the Desert of Southern New Mexico
Explore the unique and exhilarating duck hunting opportunities in the beautiful desert landscapes of southern New Mexico. Our hunts span the cooler months of November, December, and January, offering a comfortable retreat with daytime temperatures ranging from 50 to 60 degrees — perfect for a day in the field.
Why Choose New Mexico for Duck Hunting?
Located at the intersection of the Central and Pacific Flyways, southern New Mexico provides an exceptional variety of ducks in their most vibrant winter plumage. This makes it an ideal spot for hunters looking to add stunning mounts to their collections. Our area boasts an impressive array of species, including mallards, wigeons, all three species of teal, gadwalls, mixed wood ducks, and pintails, alongside popular divers such as canvasbacks, ringnecks, redheads and buffleheads.
Hunting Experiences Tailored for You
We offer fully outfitted three-day hunting programs led by professional guides, ensuring you have an expert by your side. Hunters can enjoy the thrill of chasing both puddle ducks in the sheltered coves and divers at more open points. Our operations are based around key locations including Elephant Butte Lake and Caballo Lake State Park, as well as private stretches of the Rio Grande, perfect for hunting on colder days when ducks seek the moving waters.
Accommodations and Local Attractions
While the hunting adventure is rustic and raw, your lodging and dining will be comfortable and self-managed with several local accommodations available in nearby towns like Truth or Consequences. This setup gives you the flexibility to relax and unwind in the manner that suits you best after a day of hunting.Season Highlights and Special Events
The season kicks off around Thanksgiving, a prime time for early migratory patterns, and continues to offer excellent hunting through December and into January, ending on the 31st. The changing weather, including potential rainstorms, adds an exciting element to the hunt, enhancing the likelihood of success and adventure.Plan Your Duck Hunting Trip Today
Whether you’re an experienced waterfowl hunter or new to the sport, our duck hunting adventures promise a unique blend of challenge, beauty, and excitement. Contact us to book your hunt and experience the unmatched thrill of duck hunting in New Mexico’s desert oasis.Contact Us
Call or Email Bob King
(505) 690-2847
bob@SantaFeGuidingCo.com
🦆 What You’ll See
Southern New Mexico sits along a key flyway, bringing an impressive variety of waterfowl species. On our hunts, you may encounter:
- Mallards
- Pintails
- Wigeon
- Teal
- Ring-necked ducks
- Redheads
Whether you’re after puddle ducks or divers, we have the perfect setup for your target species.
👥 Private Parties Only
We only guide small private hunting parties of 2–3 hunters. That means:
- No mixed groups
- No crowded blinds
- Greater flexibility and personal attention
This structure allows us to deliver a personalized, efficient, and enjoyable experience for each hunter.
🐾 Expert Guiding & Legendary Dog Work
Our hunts are led by veteran guide Dave Fuss, who has spent over 30 years guiding big game and bird hunters across the region. At his side is Stetson, a chocolate hunting lab known for his precision retrieves and calm, focused work in the blind.
“Dave and Stetson are masters on the water. Whether you’re in the boat or watching Stetson bring one back across the current, you know you’re in good hands.”
🗓️ Book Your Hunt Today
The upcoming season looks strong, with excellent water levels and projected migration numbers. Space is limited, and we’re already booking for the 2025–2026 duck season.
👉 Click here to learn more & reserve your hunt »
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