New Mexico Upland Bird Hunting New Mexico Upland Bird Hunting

Premier Upland Bird Hunting in New Mexico

At La Joya Valley Ranch in New Mexico, we take upland bird hunting to the next level. Whether you’re an experienced bird hunter or new to the sport, our guided upland bird hunts offer exciting wing-shooting opportunities in some of the best habitats in New Mexico.

Our ranch is home to wild Gambel’s quail, Blue quail, and Bobwhite quail, as well as stocked chukar and pheasant. With expert guides, well-trained hunting dogs, and diverse terrain, we provide a true fair-chase experience that upland hunters will love.

From the open high desert and brush-covered lowlands to cultivated fields, La Joya Valley Ranch offers a variety of hunting environments, making each hunt unique, challenging, and unforgettable.

Why Hunt Upland Birds at La Joya Valley Ranch?

Why Hunt Upland Birds at La Joya Valley Ranch?

1. Prime Upland Bird Habitat on Private Land

Unlike public land hunts, where bird populations are often pressured and unpredictable, La Joya Valley Ranch offers exclusive access to private land with managed bird populations. This ensures:

  • Healthy wild quail populations with plenty of shooting opportunities.
  • Stocked pheasant and chukar to provide a high-quality hunting experience.
  • Diverse terrain makes every hunt different and exciting.

2. Professional Guides & Well-Trained Hunting Dogs

Our New Mexico upland hunting guides are highly experienced bird hunters who understand:

  • How to locate and flush birds for optimal shooting opportunities.
  • Dog handling techniques to ensure efficient retrieves.
  • The best strategies for different bird species and hunting conditions.

We hunt over well-trained pointing and flushing dogs, which adds another level of excitement and effectiveness to your hunt.

3. Small Group & Custom Hunts Available

We offer custom hunt packages in New Mexico for groups of 2 to 6 hunters, allowing for a personalized, exclusive upland bird hunting experience. Whether you prefer a half-day hunt, full-day hunt, or multi-day all-inclusive package, we tailor the experience to fit your needs.

Upland Bird Hunting Packages & Pricing in New Mexico

We offer a variety of upland bird hunting packages in New Mexico, from single-day guided hunts to multi-day all-inclusive experiences.

Basic Day Hunts – $220 per Gun

  • Includes 5 pheasants, 6 chukars, or 10 quail.
  • Additional birds available for purchase:
    • Pheasant: $35 each
    • Chukar: $30 each
    • Quail: $20 each
  • Guide & dog fee: $75 for two hunters ($25 per additional hunter).
  • Bird cleaning is available for an additional fee.

All-Inclusive Overnight Hunt Packages

  • 2-day, 3-night all-inclusive package – $1,750 per gun.
  • 3-day, 4-night all-inclusive package – $2,625 per gun.
  • Includes:
    • Lodging at our hunting lodge.
    • Three home-cooked meals per day.
    • One-on-one guide service.
    • All bird cleaning included.

Additional Pricing Details

  • Non-hunting guests: $200 per day.
  • Not included: 6.25% NM sales tax & guide gratuities (15% minimum recommended).
  • A New Mexico hunting license is required and can be purchased online:
    New Mexico Online Hunting License Portal

Why Hunt Upland Birds at La Joya Valley Ranch?

Why Hunt Upland Birds at La Joya Valley Ranch?
  1. BECAUSE IT IS REAL HUNTING! :
    We don’t do “canned hunts.” Every upland hunt at La Joya Valley Ranch is the real deal—challenging, exciting, and fair chase. You’ll work for your birds, but the reward is unmatched satisfaction and true sporting tradition.
  2. Our Guides and Dogs Are Outstanding:
    Our guides are seasoned professionals who live and breathe upland hunting. You'll hunt alongside well-trained pointing and flushing dogs that make each outing a true demonstration of teamwork and skill.
  3. Incredible Variety of Habitat and Terrain:
    From brushy fields and irrigated edges to rolling high desert and rocky outcroppings, our ranch provides beautiful and diverse landscapes that test your shooting skills and keep the hunt fresh every time.
  4. Healthy Native Bird Populations:
    We maintain a thriving population of native Gambel’s Quail, along with occasional Blue Quail. These birds are smart, fast, and elusive, providing authentic and dynamic hunting challenges.
  5. Actively Managed Game Bird Program:
    To complement our wild birds, we free-release and maintain strong populations of Chukar and Pheasant year-round. This ensures hunters can experience action-packed, high-volume days afield with no bird limits on certain hunt types.

Four Distinct Hunt Options to Choose From

Guided or Unguided Day Hunts (Put-n-Take)

  • Perfect for hunters with their own dogs or those looking for a budget-friendly upland experience.
  • Our team will stock birds in a field for you—or provide a full guided experience.
  • $220.00 per gun includes:
    • 5 Pheasants, 6 Chukar, or 10 Quail.
  • Additional birds may be added:
    • Pheasant – $35, Chukar – $30, Quail – $20.
  • Guide and dog(s) fee:
    • $75 for 1–2 guns, plus $25 per additional gun.

High Desert Hunt

  • A scenic, physically engaging hunt with easy terrain but a lot of walking.
  • Targets mostly Quail and Chukar, with the occasional Pheasant.
  • Expect small coveys (3–5 birds on average).
  • Typically hunted with two dogs.
  • Included in all package hunts or $275.00 per gun for day hunts.
  • No bird limit.

Low Country Hunt

  • The classic upland experience across brush fields and crops.
  • Primarily Pheasant and Chukar, with some Quail.
  • Great opportunity to work multiple dogs—both pointers and flushers.
  • Close-quarters action and strong flushes.
  • Included in package hunts or $275.00 per gun for day hunts.
  • No bird limit.

Run & Gun Hunt

  • Our most accessible and exciting option, perfect for those with physical limitations—or anyone who wants to cover more ground in comfort.
  • Conducted via UTV buggies, hunting field edges, irrigation ditches, and high desert transition zones.
  • Targets Quail, Chukar, and the occasional wild Pheasant.
  • Expect to find lots of birds in beautiful terrain.
  • Included in package hunts or $275.00 per gun for day hunts.
  • $100.00 additional per buggy used, per day.
  • No bird limit.

Meals & Hospitality

All package hunts include meals, prepared fresh in our kitchen and served family-style with pride.

For day hunters, meals are available with advance notice and priced affordably. Whether you’re grabbing a hearty lunch between hunts or starting your day with a warm breakfast, the food is consistently praised—and the portions are generous!

Why Hunt Upland Birds at La Joya Valley Ranch?

Hunting Methods & What to Expect

Classic Walk-Up Hunts Over Pointing & Flushing Dogs

Our most popular upland bird hunting method in New Mexico involves walking fields, brush lines, and desert cover with experienced hunting dogs leading the way. Here’s what to expect:

  • Pointing dogs locate and hold birds until hunters move in for the flush.
  • Flushing dogs push birds into the air for an exciting, fast-paced shot opportunity.
  • Expert guides assist with strategy, safety, and dog handling.

This is an interactive and engaging upland hunting style in New Mexico, perfect for hunters who enjoy covering the ground and working closely with dogs.

Low Country Brush & Crop Field Hunts

In addition to desert landscapes, we also hunt brushy lowland areas and cultivated grain fields, where birds often concentrate. These hunts include:

  • Walking field edges and brushy cover, where pheasants, chukar, and quail hide.
  • Hunting in teams, with guides and dogs working to push birds into the open.
  • Focusing on food sources where upland birds naturally gather.

Lodging & Meals – Relax in Comfort After the Hunt

At La Joya Valley Ranch, we believe that a great hunting trip is about more than just the hunt—it’s about the entire experience, including comfortable lodging and exceptional meals.

The Main Lodge

  • Sleeps up to 10 guests.
  • Features a great room with a fireplace for relaxing after the hunt.
  • 2nd floor loft with big screen TV.
  • Wrap-around deck with scenic views of the property.

The Southern Ranch House

  • Located 1.5 miles south of the Main Lodge.
  • Sleeps up to 10 guests.
  • Features a wood-burning fireplace and porch overlooking game-rich fields.

Dining & Beverages

  • Home-cooked meals are prepared fresh daily.
  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
  • Non-alcoholic beverages are provided (guests may bring their own adult beverages).

After dinner, hunters can share stories by the fire, relax on the deck, or prepare for the next day’s hunt.

What’s Included in Your Upland Bird Hunt?

What’s Included in Your Upland Bird Hunt?

Each of our upland bird hunting packages in New Mexico includes:

  • Exclusive access to prime private hunting land.
  • One-on-one professional guidance for a personalized experience.
  • Lodging in our Main Lodge or Southern Ranch House.
  • Three home-cooked meals per day, plus snacks and beverages.
  • Hunting with experienced pointing and flushing dogs.
  • Transportation to and from hunting locations.
  • Bird cleaning and packaging for transport.
  • Assistance with purchasing NM hunting licenses or our discounted reserve license.

Book Your Upland Bird Hunt at La Joya Valley Ranch

Upland bird hunting at La Joya Valley Ranch in New Mexico is by reservation only, and spots fill quickly due to high demand. If you’re looking for an authentic, guided upland hunting experience, don’t wait—reserve your hunt today!

Call Eric at (505) 357-3082

Stay informed and inspired with our exclusive hunting insights and updates.

Subscribe to the La Joya Valley Ranch newsletter for the latest on upland bird hunting in New Mexico. Join our community of enthusiasts and receive expert tips, exciting updates, and exclusive offers. Experience the thrill of hunting with La Joya Valley Ranch in La Joya, serving areas like Belen, Los Lunas, and Albuquerque.

Sign up now and never miss an update on your hunting adventures!

Sign up now