New Mexico Elk Hunts 2026

Big Game

New Mexico is known for its limited-entry big game hunts: each spring, hunters apply for draws for species like Elk, Deer, Pronghorn etc. by the application deadline (usually mid-March).

New Mexico does not have a preference point system – all draw permits are random each year. Approximately 84% of draw tags go to residents, 10% to residents hiring outfitters, and 6% to non-residents.

New Mexico requires all big game hunters to have a valid Game-hunting license (or combination license) and pay a Habitat stamp and Habitat management access fee.

Deer & Elk: The majority of New Mexico’s deer and elk licenses are allocated through the draw. Hunts are unit- and season-specific (e.g., an elk hunt in Unit 16A, first rifle season).

Non-residents can apply but are capped at 6% of tags (or up to 10% if applying with an outfitter contract). There are also a very limited number of private-land only deer licenses (landowner vouchers) and some landowner elk authorizations that can be purchased outside the draw, but these are usually quite expensive.

Pronghorn Antelope: All pronghorn licenses are via lottery draw for designated ranches or units.

Oryx and Ibex hunts are by draw, but there are also off-range oryx licenses available OTC for private lands.

Barbary Sheep (Aoudad): New Mexico has both draw hunts on public lands and unlimited OTC licenses for Barbary sheep on private lands and some specified areas.

Bighorn Sheep & Moose tags are extremely limited and draw-only (residents only, except one non-resident raffle tag).

Black Bear & Cougar: These are exceptions and can be purchased over-the-counter (no draw), but they are subject to seasonal harvest quotas by zone.

Small Game

New Mexico small game includes species such as Squirrels, Rabbits, upland game birds (Pheasant, Quail, Grouse), and migratory birds (Doves, Ducks, Geese, Cranes). To hunt small game, a hunter needs a Game-hunting License (or Game-hunting & Fishing combo), Habitat Stamp and Habitat Management and Access Validation.

Migratory birds require a free HIP number and waterfowl - a Federal Duck Stamp in addition to that. Some waterfowl species in certain areas are subject to draw as well.

Turkey permits are issued over-the-counter (bag limit two for residents, one for non-residents in spring). Some public land spring turkey hunts in specific units (or youth-only hunts) may be limited entry draws, but generally anyone can buy a turkey license. Fall turkey hunts are limited and by draw in some areas.

Trapping of furbearers requires a Trapper License.

Documents Needed

• Game-hunting License or Game-Hunting & Fishing License
• Habitat Management & Access Validation (HMAV).
• Habitat Stamp
• Species License/Tag
• Migratory Bird Permit (HIP) & Duck Stamp
• Hunter Education Certificate

Minimum Hunter Age

New Mexico has no minimum age for hunting. Kids under 12 can hunt small game or big game with a Mentored Youth authorization (and supervising adult). Ages 12–17: can take hunter ed and then hunt independently (though an adult accompanying is recommended) or hunt with a licensed adult mentor.

Links to More Information

• wildlife.dgf.nm.gov New Mexico Dept. of Game & Fish