Hunt unit · Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge
South Tract Hunt Unit Map & Access
The South Tract is one of 4 mapped hunt units on Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Chaves County, NM. It covers approximately 1,186 acres and is listed as “open – special regulations apply” for 2026–2027. That means hunting is permitted, but refuge-specific rules — such as limited species, dates, weapon types, access methods or quota permits — apply on top of state regulations.
South Tract map
Rules & permits for this unit
Status: Open – special regulations apply
Hunting is allowed, but refuge-specific rules apply in addition to New Mexico regulations. Typical special regulations include limited species or seasons, quota/lottery permits, weapon restrictions (e.g. archery or shotgun only), shooting-hour limits, blind or stand rules and restricted access.
Game at Bitter Lake NWR
Species listed for the refuge as a whole — a special-regulation unit may be limited to certain species. Confirm in the hunt brochure.
Getting to the South Tract
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Destination: center of the South Tract
- Decimal
33.38337, -104.41442- DMS
33°23′00.1″N 104°24′51.9″W
Nearest towns
- Roswell, NM6.1 mi E of town
- Carlsbad, NM67 mi N of town
- Portales, NM84 mi SW of town
Straight-line distances. Driving routes are longer; many refuge roads are gravel and may close seasonally.
The navigation point is a point inside the unit polygon, not necessarily a parking area or legal access point. Use satellite view to find roads, gates and designated parking, and respect closed areas and private inholdings.
Shooting hours at this unit
Today at South Tract
*½ hour before sunrise — the standard federal shooting-hour start for migratory game birds. Times in Denver local time.
Full season calculator →2026–2027 season sun table
| Date | Shooting light | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue, Sep 1, 2026 | 6:01 AM | 6:31 AM | 7:24 PM | 12h 54m |
| Tue, Sep 15, 2026 | 6:10 AM | 6:40 AM | 7:05 PM | 12h 26m |
| Thu, Oct 1, 2026 | 6:20 AM | 6:50 AM | 6:43 PM | 11h 53m |
| Thu, Oct 15, 2026 | 6:31 AM | 7:01 AM | 6:25 PM | 11h 24m |
| Sun, Nov 1, 2026 | 5:45 AM | 6:15 AM | 5:07 PM | 10h 52m |
| Sun, Nov 15, 2026 | 5:58 AM | 6:28 AM | 4:56 PM | 10h 28m |
| Tue, Dec 1, 2026 | 6:13 AM | 6:43 AM | 4:50 PM | 10h 07m |
| Tue, Dec 15, 2026 | 6:23 AM | 6:53 AM | 4:51 PM | 9h 58m |
| Fri, Jan 1, 2027 | 6:31 AM | 7:01 AM | 4:59 PM | 9h 59m |
| Fri, Jan 15, 2027 | 6:31 AM | 7:01 AM | 5:11 PM | 10h 10m |
| Mon, Feb 1, 2027 | 6:24 AM | 6:54 AM | 5:27 PM | 10h 34m |
Computed for 33.383, -104.414 (MDT / DST-aware). Check state rules — big game hours vary.
Weather forecast
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Forecast from the National Weather Service. Wind direction matters — plan your approach downwind of where game beds.
Other units at Bitter Lake NWR
| Unit | Status | Acres | Permit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Middle Tract - Open | !Special regs | 831 | — |
| North Tract | !Special regs | 12,269 | — |
| Middle Tract - Closed | ✕Closed | 10,575 | — |