New Mexico Big Game Hunting Application Guide – Everything You Need to Know
Application Deadline: March 19, 2025, at 5:00 PM MT
Looking to hunt elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, antelope or exotic species like oryx and ibex in New Mexico? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the New Mexico big game draw system, hunting regulations, application fees, and tips to improve your odds of drawing a tag. Having an Insider membership makes doing all of your hunting research a breeze. Be sure to check out our Application Strategy articles that will explain everything in more detail.
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Insider makes it easy to find tag opportunities by state, species, probability of draw odds success, and much more! Whether you're new to the application system or have been at it for decades, Insider gives you the information you need to plan a successful hunt. In addition to our research tools, all Insiders have access to GOHUNT Maps on the web and mobile app. In addition to all these benefits, you can access our Insider research tools on our mobile app! It's the only complete and full package set of tools to help you find the hunt you want this year or to help you plan for hunts in the future.
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How to Apply for New Mexico Big Game Hunts
Applying for a hunting tag in New Mexico is straightforward but requires planning.
Best Option – Apply Online:
Ensures accuracy and allows you to control your hunt choices.
Faster and more efficient than phone applications.
Apply online here.
Phone Application Option:
Available but not recommended due to potential errors.
New Mexico Hunting License & Fees
$65 non-refundable hunting license (required for all applicants).
$13 per species application fee.
Upfront Tag Fees:
You must pay for tags upfront—if unsuccessful, your money (except app and species fees) is refunded.
Applying for multiple species? Expect to front thousands of dollars.
What Big Game Species Can You Hunt in New Mexico?
New Mexico offers some of the best hunting in the U.S., with high success rates and trophy potential.
Big Game Species:
Elk hunting in New Mexico – High-quality bulls, strong rut activity.
Mule deer and Coues deer – Both species available under one application.
Antelope – Great opportunity for a do-it-yourself hunt.
Bighorn sheep (Rocky & Desert) – Extremely limited nonresident tags.
Exotic Species You Can Hunt in New Mexico:
Oryx hunts – Unique desert experience.
Ibex hunts – One of the most challenging mountain hunts in North America.
Barbary Sheep (Aoudad) – Fantastic alternative to bighorn sheep.
Tip: Bighorn sheep and ibex tags are rare but worth applying for if you’re up for the challenge.
New Mexico Hunt Categories & Costs
New Mexico classifies hunts into different pricing tiers:
Standard Hunts: More available, lower cost ($535 for elk).
Quality/High Demand Hunts: Managed for trophy animals ($760 for elk).
High-Demand Hunts: Most popular, higher competition and cost.
Strategy Tip: If you're chasing trophy bulls, go for quality or high-demand hunts—they cost more but provide a better experience.
How New Mexico’s Draw System Works – No Preference Points!
Unlike other Western states like Colorado, Utah, or Wyoming, New Mexico has NO preference points or bonus points. Everyone has an equal chance every year. Check out this artice, How does the New Mexico draw system work for hunts, and hunting applications for even more information.
How the draw works:
You get up to five hunt choices, but only the first three really count.
Completely random allocation – No point system means new applicants have the same odds as veteran hunters.
Draw Odds in New Mexico Depend on Your Pool:
Residents: 84% of tags.
Guided Pool: 10% of tags (better odds but requires hiring a guide).
Nonresidents: Only 6% of tags available – Highly competitive!
Pro Tip: If you're a nonresident, applying in the guided pool significantly increases your odds.
Group Applications – Does It Improve Your Draw Odds?
Short answer: No.
You can apply as a group (up to four for elk, deer, and antelope).
Applying with a resident does NOT increase your odds.
If there aren’t enough tags for all group members, your application gets rejected.
Best Practice: Apply individually for better odds unless you only want to hunt with a partner.
Hunter Education and Youth Hunting in New Mexico
Hunter Education is required for all applicants.
Youth Hunts: Special tags are available for kids under 18.
Minimum Age Requirement: Kids under nine cannot apply unless they take New Mexico’s online hunter education course.
Why New Mexico is a Must-Apply Hunting State
World-Class Elk Hunting – High success rates, strong rut, and diverse season options.
Unique Public Land Hunts – Where else can you hunt oryx, ibex, and aoudad on public land?
No Bonus or Preference Points System – New applicants have the same chance as hunters who have been applying every year.
Flexible Application Strategy – Apply smart to maximize your odds.
Final Tips for Success in the New Mexico Big Game Draw
Apply Early – Don’t wait until the last minute!
Prioritize Your Hunt Choices – Your first three choices matter the most.
Consider the Guided Pool – Better odds for nonresidents.
Check Your Budget – Be prepared to front the cost of tags upfront.
Research Draw Odds – Look at past success rates before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hunting in New Mexico
1. How hard is it to draw a New Mexico elk tag?
Standard elk tags have reasonable odds, but quality and high-demand hunts are much harder to draw—especially for nonresidents.
2. Does New Mexico have a preference point system?
No! New Mexico’s draw is 100% random. This makes it one of the best states for new hunters to apply in.
3. Can I apply for multiple species in New Mexico?
Yes! You can apply for all species like elk, deer, antelope, ibex, oryx, aoudad, and bighorn sheep all in the same year.
4. How much does it cost to apply for a New Mexico hunting tag?
The application fee is $13 per species, but you must pay for your tag upfront. If unsuccessful, you get a refund (except for the application and hunting license fees).
5. How's the elk hunting in New Mexico?
The elk hunting in New Mexico is phenomenal and the bulls rut hard!
Apply Now – Don’t Miss the March 19, 2025, Deadline!
New Mexico offers some of the best big game hunts in the country. Apply early, plan your choices, and increase your chances of drawing a once-in-a-lifetime tag!
Have questions? Drop them in the comments below!
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