Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge

Bosque del Apache is a nature photographer’s playground.

Located in Southern New Mexico, the refuge provides year-round refuge for 358 different bird species.

The heart of Bosque del Apache comprises approximately 3,800 acres (15 km2) of Rio Grande floodplain and 9,100 acres (37 km2) of irrigated farms and wetlands. In addition to this, the refuge contains 44,300 acres (179 km2) of arid grasslands and foothills of the Chupadera and San Pascual Mountains. About 30,000 acres (120 km2) of this is designated as wilderness. A twelve-mile-long (19 km) loop road divided by a cutoff into a “Farm Loop” and “Marsh Loop” allows automobile drivers excellent views of wetland wildlife and raptors, and there are several short (1.5 to 10 miles) walking trails.

All seasons have something to offer photographers. The winter season from early November to late January is the best time to photograph Bosque del Apache with thousands of snow geese and sandhill cranes in the area.

Film Permits

Access to land, water and air is strictly regulated to ensure wildlife is protected. Drone filming is prohibited. A Special Use Permit is required for commercial film and photography.

New Mexico Film Crews

Bosque del Apache is located a 1.5hr drive from Albuquerque, where most film crew and equipment are based.

Contact us if you are looking for production service support such as fixers or service producers in New Mexico.

We can also recommend Albuquerque or Santa Fe, New Mexico based shooting crew such as directors, photographers, videographers, cameramen, and DoP’s.

Food & Accommodation

Socorro is the closest town to sleep crew. Albuquerque is the closest city.

Don’t miss grabbing a delicious Chile Verde Burger at Buckhorn Burgers.