New Mexico has some amazing country and great hunting opportunities. The New Mexico hunting regulations and big game draw system is pretty simple and effective for residents and non-residents.The state is known for some great elk hunts but also has exotics like Ibex, Barbary Sheep and Oryx. Javelina are also available.The species diversity and ecosystem variety is exciting and rare.
New Mexico Hunting License Costs
Resident:
- Hunting License – $15
- Hunting and Fishing Combo – $30
- Junior Hunting – $10
- Junior hunting and fishing – $15
- Senior or handicapped hunting – $15
- Disabled veteran hunting and fishing – $10
- Private land deer – $34
- Private land deer junior – $22
- Turkey license – $25
- Bear license – $47
- Cougar – $43
- Oryx (private land only) – $153
- Barbary Sheep – $103
- Ibex – $103
- Javelina – $58
- Trapper license – $20
- Habitat – $5
- Standard or high demand elk antlerless – $60
- Standard or high demand elk mature bull – $90
- Pronghorn – $60
- Bighorn sheep – $160
Non-resident:
- Hunting License – $65
- Junior hunting – $15
- Private land deer standard – $270
- Private land deer quality – $355
- Turkey – $100
- Bear – $260
- Cougar – $290
- Oryx (private land) – $1610
- Barbary Sheep – $360
- Ibex – $1610
- Javelina – $165
- 4-day game hunting – $33
- Trapper License – $345
- Habitat stamp – $5
- Standard elk mature bull – $548
- High demand elk – $773
- Pronghorn – $283
- Bighorn sheep – $3173
New Mexico Big Game Application Dates
March 21 – elk, deer, antelope, bighorn sheep, ibex, oryx, javelina, barbary sheep
Point Systems – New Mexico doesn’t do bonus points. Residents are allocated 84-percent of the total quota while 10-percent go to residents or non-residents who are using an outfitter. The remainder goes to non-residents. You get several choices for units and can play the odds to increase your chances of drawing.
New Mexico Hunting Season Dates
The big game hunting season dates are set according to the unit, species and weapon. You can view all of the dates here for 2018 – New Mexico hunting regulations. They vary quite a bit. Starting with the unit and species then focusing on the dates afterwards is a good approach. You do have several selection for the application process as well. Taking some time to research maps and draw odds while planning your hunt is important.
The big game licenses also distinguish between private and public lands. Make sure you have access and a private lands game plan before applying for this tag. Otherwise, focus on elk and deer in public land zones. The state does have a private land access program for antelope called the A-Plus program. They work with landowners to allocate access for these hunts.
Return to Hunting Regulations Main Page.
