New Mexico's 2025 elk and antelope application overview
Note: The online application deadline for New Mexico Barbary sheep, bighorn sheep, deer, elk, ibex, javelina, antelope, and oryx is March 19, 2025, by 5 p.m. MT. Apply online here.
New Or Noteworthy For This Year
Purchase 2025 game hunting license through the draw application:
Draw applicants purchasing 2025 game hunting licenses to apply for draw hunts must click "Draw Hunt Applications" in the main menu and purchase the license as part of the application process. Do not click "License Sales."
Draw refunds:
Draw license fee refunds for unsuccessful applicants will be processed shortly after draw results are released on or before April 23. Applications paid by credit card will be refunded directly to the credit card used for the transaction within 10 business days. Game hunting licenses and stamp purchases will not be refunded.
Party applications:
If you are applying as a party, check the table “minimum number of licenses to apply” below to ensure that there will be enough licenses for the hunts you apply for to cover every applicant on the party application.
Youth hunters:
New Mexico offers some youth-only hunts. You can explore the odds of those within your Insider account. The youth hunting license is only $15. New this year, New Mexico will accept out of state hunters education for youth 9 years or older. Youth under the age of 9 must have taken hunter's education within the state of New Mexico.
Habitat stamp:
You must purchase a habitat stamp prior to hunting or fishing on BLM and Forest Service lands. The habitat stamp must be carried while in the field.
Mandatory harvest reporting:
All Barbary sheep, deer, elk, ibex, javelina, oryx, antelope, and turkey license holders must submit a harvest report whether they hunted or not. Harvest reports may be submitted online, by telephone or in person at any New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) office. Failure to report by the deadline(s) will result in the rejection of all draw applications.
Muzzleloader law reminder:
Only iron sights are allowed on muzzleloading rifles when used during a muzzleloader hunt. Scopes, red dots, and all optical sights are prohibited.
State Information
View important information and an overview of the New Mexico rules/regulations, the draw system, permit and license fees, and an interactive boundary line map on our State Profile. You can also view the species profiles to access historical and statistical data to help you find trophy areas.
Important dates and information
The deadline to apply is March 19, 2025, at 5 p.m. MT. Apply online here.
Applicants can also apply via telephone by calling (888) 248-6866.
Results will be available online on or shortly before April 23, 2025.
The draw is completely random. There is no bonus or preference points system.
Applicants must purchase a hunting or combination hunting/fishing license to apply.
An applicant cannot edit an application once submitted. They can withdraw it and reapply, but will have to pay the application fees once again.
Applicants must front the entire cost of the license(s) they apply for.
Unsuccessful applicants in the draw will have the license fees reimbursed minus the hunting license and application fees.
Up to four applicants can apply as a party application for elk and antelope.
Residents and nonresidents can apply together on a group application.
There is no minimum age requirement to apply and hunt. Out of state hunters education will be accepted for youth 9 years and older. Youth under the age of 9 must have taken hunters education in the state of New Mexico.
Hunters under the age of 18 must have completed a hunter’s education course to purchase a hunting license and apply in the draw.
Up to 6% of the licenses for each hunt can be allocated to nonresidents in the draw.
Up to 10% of the licenses for each hunt can be allocated to applicants applying with an outfitter/guide.
Residents are guaranteed a minimum of 84% of the licenses for each hunt.
Both residents and nonresidents can apply in the guide draw, but they must have a signed guide/client agreement prior to do so.
Applicants cannot return and obtain a refund for a permit that they drew.
Harvest reporting is mandatory even if you do not harvest.
A number of years ago, New Mexico made an adjustment to their license allocation to guarantee that 84% of the licenses for each hunt goes to resident applicants. This change has continued to cause some confusion for applicants in knowing how many total permits must be available to offer one to a nonresident in the regular draw and the guide draw.
Use the table below to cross reference with the total number of licenses to ensure the hunts you are applying for will have enough licenses. Every year, we see a good number of applicants who apply for hunts that have no nonresident licenses available. In essence, those nonresidents are wasting that chance to draw a tag. DO NOT apply for hunts that they have no chance to draw!
Minimum number of permits to ensure they are available to draw for nonresidents
Number of applicants | 1 (single applicant) |
|---|---|
Minimum permit number if applying in nonresident draw | 13 |
Minimum permit number if applying in guide draw | 7 |
Number of applicants | 2 (party application) |
Minimum permit number if applying in nonresident draw | 25 |
Minimum permit number if applying in guide draw | 19 |
Number of applicants | 3 (party application) |
Minimum permit number if applying in nonresident draw | 44 |
Minimum permit number if applying in guide draw | 25 |
Number of applicants | 4 (party application) |
Minimum permit number if applying in nonresident draw | 63 |
Minimum permit number if applying in guide draw | 38 |
Number of applicants | Minimum permit number if applying in nonresident draw | Minimum permit number if applying in guide draw |
|---|---|---|
1 (single applicant) | 13 | 7 |
2 (party application) | 25 | 19 |
3 (party application) | 44 | 25 |
4 (party application) | 63 | 38 |
New Mexico license and permit costs (elk and antelope)
Item | Hunting license |
|---|---|
Resident | $15 for adult |
Nonresident | $65 for adult |
Item | Habitat stamp |
Resident | $10 |
Nonresident | $10 |
Item | Habitat management and access validation |
Resident | $4 |
Nonresident | $4 |
Item | Application fee per species |
Resident | $7 |
Nonresident | $13 |
Item | Elk (standard) |
Resident | $83 |
Nonresident | $535 |
Item | Elk (quality/high demand) |
Resident | $83 |
Nonresident | $760 |
Item | Antelope |
Resident | $53 |
Nonresident | $270 |
Item | Resident | Nonresident |
|---|---|---|
Hunting license | $15 for adult | $65 for adult |
Habitat stamp | $10 | $10 |
Habitat management and access validation | $4 | $4 |
Application fee per species | $7 | $13 |
Elk (standard) | $83 | $535 |
Elk (quality/high demand) | $83 | $760 |
Antelope | $53 | $270 |
The current drought/moisture status in New Mexico
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
New Mexico had a very good moisture year in 2023, while 2024 was much drier. While 2025 is still dry in comparison to what we would hope to see, it is better than the same timeframe of 2024. Most of the elk range in the state is currently experiencing moderate to abnormal drought conditions. Antler growth in New Mexico is tied much more closely to moisture that produces quality feed than it is in more northerly states. On good moisture years, antler growth is noticeably better. If you can tie multiple years of good moisture, the impact is even better. To that point, 2023 was a good growth year, 2024 much less so. Based on the current information, 2024 and 2025, it's likely that antler growth will be less than ideal this year. It’s still a little early to make a definitive statement about antler growth potential, but it appears it will not be a great year, but perhaps it will be better than 2024.
The New Mexico Draw System
New Mexico has a random draw system for all species. There is no preference or bonus point system. This means that every applicant is on an equal playing field to draw — even if this is the first year they are applying in New Mexico.
The highest hurdle for applicants in New Mexico is that they must purchase a nonrefundable $65 hunting license and front the cost of the hunt that they apply for. For example, if you were to apply for a 16A second season archery elk permit as your first choice, you will need to pay the $65 hunting license fee and the $760 high quality/high demand permit. There are also some application and vendor fees.
Standard, High Quality, High Demand
New Mexico Definitions for Standard, High Quality, High Demand
Code | S |
|---|---|
Meaning | Standard hunt/standard pricing |
Code | Q |
Meaning | Quality hunt/quality pricing |
Code | HD |
Meaning | High demand/high demand pricing |
Code | Q/HD |
Meaning | Quality and high demand/quality pricing |
Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
S | Standard hunt/standard pricing |
Q | Quality hunt/quality pricing |
HD | High demand/high demand pricing |
Q/HD | Quality and high demand/quality pricing |
New Mexico lists each hunt as either a standard, high demand, quality or, in some cases, quality/high demand. A quality hunt is one that the state manages for better trophy potential and typically less hunting pressure. A high demand hunt is a hunt where the total number of applicants for an elk hunt exceeds 22% of the total applicants based on the draw for the prior two years. The standard hunts are typically lower quality, opportunity type hunts, but the cost is lower for the license. The cost for the quality, high demand, and quality/high demand hunts is higher than it is for the standard license.
Nonresident/resident permit splits
There are three pools of permits: the resident pool, the nonresident pool, and the guided pool. Residents are guaranteed 84% of the permits for each hunt. Nonresidents can draw up to 6% of the permits for each hunt. Up to 10% of the permits for each hunt are allocated to applicants through the draw who have a signed agreement with a guide/outfitter. Both residents and nonresidents can apply with a guide and be considered to draw from the guide pool of permits. Once you have an agreement with a guide, you will apply in the draw with their guide number. If you enter the draw with a guide/outfitter and draw a permit, you are required to hunt in the field with that guide for a minimum of two days. The draw odds are typically better for applicants applying with an outfitter. If you can afford a guided hunt in New Mexico, applying with a guide is a great way to improve your chances of drawing a permit.
The total number of permits for each hunt should be considered before applying. As indicated in the table above, there are minimum numbers of permits required for nonresidents to have a chance to draw. Make sure that there are enough permits for the hunts you apply for to offer you a chance in the draw. Every year, nonresident applicants apply for hunts that they have no chance to draw because there are not enough total permits. Do not be that applicant!
Hunt Choices
New Mexico allows applicants to include up to five hunt choices when they apply. In the draw, they will consider your first three choices before moving to the next applicant.
To further explain: once your application is considered, they will attempt to allocate your first hunt choice. If there are no licenses remaining for that choice, then they will then consider your second choice. If there are no licenses remaining for your second choice, then they will then consider your third choice. If there are no licenses remaining for the third choice, they will then move to the next application. Fourth and fifth choices are only considered if there are leftover permits after every application has been considered in the draw.
If you include a fourth and fifth choice, applicants are agreeing to accept any leftover license, which means that they may allocate you a license that was not your fourth and fifth choice. We highly recommend that you do not include fourth and fifth choices unless you are willing to accept any leftover license.
Hunt choice strategy
Because of the way New Mexico conducts their draw there is some strategy in how you stagger your hunt choices. First, applicants should apply for a hunt for their first, second and third choice on their application. All of those choices matter and will be considered in the draw. Second, we recommend that you apply with the best hunt (worst odds) as your first choice and then select progressively better odds (average hunts) as your second and third choices. The reasoning behind this strategy is that, with a random draw, you never know what position your application will be in the draw. Your application could be one of the first selected in the draw and, as such, you want to receive the best permit/hunt possible. If your first hunt choice had better odds than your second and third choice, you are essentially wasting those choices.
New Mexico GOHUNT Draw Odds
We regularly get asked how we calculate draw odds. To calculate draw odds in New Mexico, we obtain the draw data, including applicants’ first, second, and third choices, and we use that information and software to simulate the draw hundreds of thousands of times. By doing so, we generate the odds of drawing any given hunt as any of your first three hunt choices. Remember that New Mexico will consider each applicant's first, second, and third hunt choice before moving to the next applicant, and you can draw any of those three choices. With the draw odds displayed for each hunt, applicants can use those to make their choices, staggering them from one to three with the best hunt (worse odds) as your first choice to good hunt (better odds) as your third choice.
Party applications
Up to four applicants can apply as a party for elk and antelope. Nonresidents and residents can apply together in a party. A party application is treated as a single application in the draw. If selected, all applicants on the application would receive a license provided there are enough licenses to offer one to each applicant. New Mexico will not over allocate the license quota to cover a group application. In the case that residents and nonresidents apply together, nonresident licenses are pulled from the nonresident quota. When applying as a party, one applicant will apply first and, upon completing the process, will receive a party application number. The rest of the party will then select “attach to an existing application” and then enter the application code.
There is no odds advantage to applying as a party. In fact, there may be a slight disadvantage. For example, if an application with two people is drawn and there is only one license remaining, then that application will be rejected or if a nonresident and a resident apply together and there are not enough nonresident licenses, neither the resident or nonresident will be given a license.
New Mexico Elk Breakdown
New Mexico is one of my favorite states to chase elk in the west, and for the lucky applicants that draw a tag, the hunting is very good, and you should have the opportunity to tag out on a great bull. With the draw system being completely random, it’s a must apply state in my opinion. Last fall was a good year for elk hunting in New Mexico, and I’d anticipate another good year in 2025. Based on the snowpack and moisture the state has received, I don’t believe it will be an exceptional antler growth year, but it should be on par with 2024 and perhaps a bit better.
New Mexico offers two archery hunts in September and in some areas a December late season spot and stalk archery hunt. The early archery season runs from Sept. 1 to 14. The second archery season runs from Sept. 15 to 24. The first archery season occurs mostly prior to the prime rut dates, but ambush hunting on water can be effective as can spot and stalk hunting and calling towards the end of those dates. Looking at harvest statistics, most early archery hunts have success rates that are in several cases better than the second hunt. The draw odds for the early archery hunt are a bit better as well. The opportunity to find and kill a bigger bull may be better as well on the early hunt before bulls have begun to move and transition into the rut. All this sounds great and it is, but there is also likely to be much less bugling bull action. The early hunt can be challenging to find bulls and once you do it will likely require different tactics than most bowhunters are used to, primarily spot and stalk or ambush style hunting. If you have the time to scout and hunt the bulk of the longer early season, this could be a great way to increase your odds of drawing and tagging out on a bit better bull. If you want a true rut hunt where you can use more traditional means of cow calling and bugling to lure a bull in, the second archery season is the better option. The late archery hunts are short, only five days and the bulls will have broken away from the cows to seek refuge and feed. The late archery hunts have better odds of drawing, but you should expect to hunt elk with a bow during one of the hardest times of the year to kill one. The late hunt may be a good option for the die-hard bowhunters that can withstand some cold weather, long days of glassing and be prepared for long stalks in remote terrain. Bulls are also going to have more broken tines after the rut. I like the idea of the late archery hunts, but keep your expectations in check if you decide to apply for one of these hunts.
The biggest news for firearm hunters is that most units have dates one week later in 2025 than they were last year. The later muzzleloader and rifle dates decrease the likelihood of getting in on the latter portion of the rut. There may be some bulls still piping off with a locator bugle, but comparing it to last year, those hunts will be quieter and hunters will need to be prepared to cover the country and glass. I’d anticipate those hunts being tougher than they have been in the past. Also of note, New Mexico banned the use of magnified scopes on muzzleloaders a few years ago which will add to the challenge.
Overall, I would advise you to apply for elk in New Mexico. The random draw is enticing because you have an equal chance with every other applicant. Remember to include three hunt choices with the best hunt (worst odds) listed as your first choice and taper it to decent hunts (better odds) as your second and third choices. You never know where your application will land in the process, and if you get a great position in the draw, you want to be allocated a great tag. Good luck, apply apply apply!
GOHUNT hit list for New Mexico elk (2025 season)
Unit |
Trophy potential |
Harvest success |
Bull:cow ratio |
Resident draw odds |
Nonresident draw odds |
2024 total number of licenses |
16A |
370”+ |
Archery: 15% |
33:100 |
33% |
2.3% |
250 |
16D |
370”+ |
Archery: 35% |
33:100 |
18% |
1.1% |
90 |
6B |
360”+ |
Archery: 32% |
48:100 |
4.9% |
.56% |
25 |
17 |
360”+ |
Archery: 12% |
51:100 |
40% |
3.4% |
125 |
36 |
360”+ |
Archery: 36% |
66:100 |
26% |
2.6% |
140 |
15 |
350”+ |
Archery: 21% |
33:100 |
28% |
2.9% |
350 |
34 |
350”+ |
Archery: 31% |
52:100 |
16% |
1.9% |
200 |
55A Valle Vidal |
340”+ |
Archery: 18% |
N/A |
19% |
1.6% |
25 |
16B/22 |
340”+ |
Archery: 11% |
33:100 |
56% |
4.2% |
225 |
Unit | Trophy potential | Harvest success | Bull:cow ratio | Resident draw odds | Nonresident draw odds | 2024 total number of licenses |
16A | 370”+ | Archery: 15% | 33:100 | 33% | 2.3% | 250 |
16D | 370”+ | Archery: 35% | 33:100 | 18% | 1.1% | 90 |
6B | 360”+ | Archery: 32% | 48:100 | 4.9% | .56% | 25 |
17 | 360”+ | Archery: 12% | 51:100 | 40% | 3.4% | 125 |
36 | 360”+ | Archery: 36% | 66:100 | 26% | 2.6% | 140 |
15 | 350”+ | Archery: 21% | 33:100 | 28% | 2.9% | 350 |
34 | 350”+ | Archery: 31% | 52:100 | 16% | 1.9% | 200 |
55A Valle Vidal | 340”+ | Archery: 18% | N/A | 19% | 1.6% | 25 |
16B/22 | 340”+ | Archery: 11% | 33:100 | 56% | 4.2% | 225 |
The units above represent the best options in terms of quality, but there are many more hunts to choose from — many of which have slightly better odds. The table below indicates some of the better mid-tier hunts with generally better odds that can still offer a good hunt.
Mid-tier units for New Mexico elk (2025 season)
Unit |
Trophy potential |
Harvest success |
Bull:cow ratio |
Resident draw odds |
Nonresident draw odds |
2024 total number of licenses |
13 |
360”+ |
Archery: 20% |
40:100 |
45% |
5.2% |
202 |
16C |
360”+ |
Archery: 16% |
33:100 |
50% |
4.9% |
144 |
16E |
350”+ |
Archery: 14% |
33:100 |
65% |
7% |
90 |
45 |
340”+ |
Archery: 29% |
35:100 |
35% |
4.2% |
75 |
29/30 |
330”+ |
Archery: 20% |
N/A |
17% |
2.8% |
20 |
37 |
330”+ |
Archery: 26% |
N/A |
30% |
4% |
40 |
23 |
330”+ |
Archery: 19% |
33:100 |
55% |
6% |
125 |
21A |
330”+ |
Archery: 15% |
33:100 |
43% |
6.1% |
50 |
24 |
330”+ |
Archery: 10% |
33:100 |
48% |
4.9% |
15 |
6A |
320”+ |
Archery: 21% |
48:100 |
22% |
3.8% |
150 |
2A/2B/2C |
320”+ |
Archery: 19% |
35:100 |
38% |
7.3% |
120 |
52 |
320”+ |
Archery: 23% |
38:100 |
46% |
5.4% |
230 |
49 |
320”+ |
Archery: 35% |
35:100 |
26% |
5.4% |
60 |
51A/51B |
310”+ |
Archery: 21% |
38:100 |
39% |
5.1% |
180 |
50 |
310”+ |
Archery: 26% |
38:100 |
100% |
9.6% |
60 |
53 |
310”+ |
Archery: 6% |
34:100 |
80% |
8.2% |
65 |
6C |
300”+ |
Archery: 30% |
48:100 |
34% |
6.7% |
150 |
Unit | Trophy potential | Harvest success | Bull:cow ratio | Resident draw odds | Nonresident draw odds | 2024 total number of licenses |
13 | 360”+ | Archery: 20% | 40:100 | 45% | 5.2% | 202 |
16C | 360”+ | Archery: 16% | 33:100 | 50% | 4.9% | 144 |
16E | 350”+ | Archery: 14% | 33:100 | 65% | 7% | 90 |
45 | 340”+ | Archery: 29% | 35:100 | 35% | 4.2% | 75 |
29/30 | 330”+ | Archery: 20% | N/A | 17% | 2.8% | 20 |
37 | 330”+ | Archery: 26% | N/A | 30% | 4% | 40 |
23 | 330”+ | Archery: 19% | 33:100 | 55% | 6% | 125 |
21A | 330”+ | Archery: 15% | 33:100 | 43% | 6.1% | 50 |
24 | 330”+ | Archery: 10% | 33:100 | 48% | 4.9% | 15 |
6A | 320”+ | Archery: 21% | 48:100 | 22% | 3.8% | 150 |
2A/2B/2C | 320”+ | Archery: 19% | 35:100 | 38% | 7.3% | 120 |
52 | 320”+ | Archery: 23% | 38:100 | 46% | 5.4% | 230 |
49 | 320”+ | Archery: 35% | 35:100 | 26% | 5.4% | 60 |
51A/51B | 310”+ | Archery: 21% | 38:100 | 39% | 5.1% | 180 |
50 | 310”+ | Archery: 26% | 38:100 | 100% | 9.6% | 60 |
53 | 310”+ | Archery: 6% | 34:100 | 80% | 8.2% | 65 |
6C | 300”+ | Archery: 30% | 48:100 | 34% | 6.7% | 150 |
Nonresident New Mexico elk hunts with greater than 10% odds (2025 season)
Unit |
Trophy potential |
Bull:cow ratio |
Harvest success |
Nonresident draw odds |
Percentage of public land |
34 |
350”+ |
52:100 |
Late archery: 22% |
11% |
67.8% |
18 |
340”+ |
N/A |
Early archery: 6% |
13% |
66.6% |
10 |
340”+ |
35:100 |
Early archery: 11% |
10% |
35.6% |
12 |
330”+ |
41:100 |
Late archery: 20% |
0% |
39.1% |
37 |
330”+ |
N/A |
Late archery: 0% |
17% |
38.8% |
7 |
330”+ |
48:100 |
Early archery: 50% |
13% |
39.5% |
24 |
330”+ |
33:100 |
Muzzleloader: 11% |
18% |
62% |
21B |
320”+ |
33:100 |
Late archery: 33% |
100% |
62.1% |
53 |
310”+ |
34:100 |
Late rifle: 12% |
11% |
47.4% |
50 |
310”+ |
38:100 |
Late Rifle: 6% |
11% |
67.9% |
48 |
300”+ |
35:100 |
Late rifle: 21% |
11% |
29.1% |
9 |
300”+ |
26:100 |
Early archery: 12% |
24% |
25% |
Unit | Trophy potential | Bull:cow ratio | Harvest success | Nonresident draw odds | Percentage of public land |
34 | 350”+ | 52:100 | Late archery: 22% | 11% | 67.8% |
18 | 340”+ | N/A | Early archery: 6% | 13% | 66.6% |
10 | 340”+ | 35:100 | Early archery: 11% | 10% | 35.6% |
12 | 330”+ | 41:100 | Late archery: 20% | 0% | 39.1% |
37 | 330”+ | N/A | Late archery: 0% | 17% | 38.8% |
7 | 330”+ | 48:100 | Early archery: 50% | 13% | 39.5% |
24 | 330”+ | 33:100 | Muzzleloader: 11% | 18% | 62% |
21B | 320”+ | 33:100 | Late archery: 33% | 100% | 62.1% |
53 | 310”+ | 34:100 | Late rifle: 12% | 11% | 47.4% |
50 | 310”+ | 38:100 | Late Rifle: 6% | 11% | 67.9% |
48 | 300”+ | 35:100 | Late rifle: 21% | 11% | 29.1% |
9 | 300”+ | 26:100 | Early archery: 12% | 24% | 25% |
Managing expectations
New Mexico offers more hunts than were covered in the tables above. Those that were not covered are tough hunts based on the limited amount of public land and low, scattered elk populations. Insider’s Filtering, Draw Odds and Unit Profiles are key to finding the best opportunities for you to apply in New Mexico. If you have the means to apply with a guide, the odds are better and we highly recommend utilizing that option if you can afford to do so. We cover the guide pool draw odds within your Insider account. Overall, New Mexico is a must apply elk state for us. Do your research, pick and include three hunt choices that match your objective and preferred season and plan to apply in New Mexico in 2025.
New Mexico Antelope Breakdown
The odds of drawing an antelope tag in New Mexico have tanked in recent years due to the change in their land owner/state access program. Previously applicants that drew a tag would be assigned a private ranch to hunt under that program, since that has gone away tag holders that draw are only able to hunt public land within the unit(s) they draw. There is a lot of privately owned pronghorn habitat in the state. The hunts listed in the table below are the best options for a public land DIY hunter, and as you can see, with very few tags offered and a lot of applicants, the odds of drawing are tough. I still think it’s worth applying in New Mexico. The random draw offers every applicant a chance to draw and the trophy potential is excellent. Some of the biggest bucks in the country are taken every year in New Mexico and this year should be no exception. New Mexico offers archery hunts as well as multiple rifle hunts on most units. They also have some areas that have a muzzleloader hunt. The better dates for a bigger buck are during the early seasons where hunters would get the first chance to hunt and the rut is typically really good during those early seasons.
I commonly get asked about OTC tags for antelope in New Mexico, and there are opportunities there for private land. Most of the private ranches have been locked up by outfitters that lease those properties, so if you can find an outfitter that has an open spot you can book through them and simply buy the tag over-the-counter.
The cost of an antelope tag in New Mexico is relatively cheap in comparison to some other states at this point. For the price of the application fee and the tag fee, I think everyone interested in antelope hunting should plan to apply. The odds are stiff, but the trophy potential and the random chance to draw make it worth it!
We also included a second table below of hunts that have better odds of drawing. The high hurdle with those areas is that public land can be very limited and a challenge to access. If you are considering one of those hunt areas, you should start your research as soon as possible and/or try to gain access permission to private property to hunt. These areas can be tough to tackle for the DIY hunters, but the odds of drawing are better.
GOHUNT hit list for New Mexico antelope (2025 season)
Unit |
Trophy potential |
Harvest success |
Resident draw odds |
Nonresident draw odds |
Total number of licenses |
16 |
80”+ |
Archery: 29% |
7.1% |
1.0% |
20 |
17 |
80”+ |
Archery: 29% |
7.7% |
1.8% |
20 |
13 |
80”+ |
Archery: 33% |
7.3% |
0% |
10 |
18 |
80”+ |
Archery: 37% |
13% |
2.5% |
25 |
15 |
80”+ |
Archery: 12% |
9% |
1.4% |
20 |
36/37 |
80”+ |
Archery: 53% |
20% |
3.9% |
20 |
38 |
80”+ |
Archery: 12% |
18% |
3.7% |
20 |
29 |
80”+ |
Muzzleloader: 57% |
4.7% |
.82% |
15 |
31S |
75”+ |
Archery: 53% |
15% |
4.4% |
50 |
31N |
75”+ |
Archery: 19% |
18% |
5.4% |
25 |
32W |
75”+ |
Archery: 41% |
17% |
3.8% |
20 |
32E |
75”+ |
Archery: 24% |
24% |
8.8% |
25 |
33 |
75”+ |
Archery: 50% |
17% |
2.4% |
30 |
21/24 |
75”+ |
Archery: 35% |
15% |
5.5% |
25 |
22/23 |
75”+ |
Archery: 50% |
11% |
0% |
10 |
25/26/27 |
75”+ |
Archery: 22% |
13% |
0% |
10 |
Unit | Trophy potential | Harvest success | Resident draw odds | Nonresident draw odds | Total number of licenses |
16 | 80”+ | Archery: 29% | 7.1% | 1.0% | 20 |
17 | 80”+ | Archery: 29% | 7.7% | 1.8% | 20 |
13 | 80”+ | Archery: 33% | 7.3% | 0% | 10 |
18 | 80”+ | Archery: 37% | 13% | 2.5% | 25 |
15 | 80”+ | Archery: 12% | 9% | 1.4% | 20 |
36/37 | 80”+ | Archery: 53% | 20% | 3.9% | 20 |
38 | 80”+ | Archery: 12% | 18% | 3.7% | 20 |
29 | 80”+ | Muzzleloader: 57% | 4.7% | .82% | 15 |
31S | 75”+ | Archery: 53% | 15% | 4.4% | 50 |
31N | 75”+ | Archery: 19% | 18% | 5.4% | 25 |
32W | 75”+ | Archery: 41% | 17% | 3.8% | 20 |
32E | 75”+ | Archery: 24% | 24% | 8.8% | 25 |
33 | 75”+ | Archery: 50% | 17% | 2.4% | 30 |
21/24 | 75”+ | Archery: 35% | 15% | 5.5% | 25 |
22/23 | 75”+ | Archery: 50% | 11% | 0% | 10 |
25/26/27 | 75”+ | Archery: 22% | 13% | 0% | 10 |
Antelope hunts with nonresident permits but limited public land/access (2025 season)
Unit |
Trophy potential |
Harvest success |
Resident draw odds |
Nonresident draw odds |
Total number of licenses |
41 |
80”+ |
Archery: 22% |
38% |
16% |
28 |
47 |
80”+ |
Archery: 14% |
19% |
0% |
8 |
50/52 |
75”+ |
Archery: 7% |
5.3% |
3.1% |
20 |
56 |
75”+ |
Archery: 40% |
25% |
8.8% |
40 |
58 |
75”+ |
Archery: 17% |
39% |
9.3% |
32 |
59 |
75”+ |
Archery: 30% |
30% |
13% |
40 |
Unit | Trophy potential | Harvest success | Resident draw odds | Nonresident draw odds | Total number of licenses |
41 | 80”+ | Archery: 22% | 38% | 16% | 28 |
47 | 80”+ | Archery: 14% | 19% | 0% | 8 |
50/52 | 75”+ | Archery: 7% | 5.3% | 3.1% | 20 |
56 | 75”+ | Archery: 40% | 25% | 8.8% | 40 |
58 | 75”+ | Archery: 17% | 39% | 9.3% | 32 |
59 | 75”+ | Archery: 30% | 30% | 13% | 40 |
Conclusion
Even though applicants have to front the cost of the tags they apply for and buy a hunting license to be able to apply, New Mexico is one of the more economical states in the West to apply in. If you plan to apply for all species, you’ll be required to float several thousand dollars, but if you want to pick and choose species like elk, deer, and antelope it’s one of the better deals and, if you are unsuccessful in the draw, the cost of the tag will be refunded quite quickly. In addition, New Mexico’s draw is completely random, and all applications have an equal opportunity to draw. Finally, the trophy potential for elk and antelope is very good. Overall, New Mexico is truly a must-apply state every year for me, and I highly suggest you consider it as well.