The approaching Deer and Elk season promises exhilarating thrills and lifelong trophy potential. Season dates and limitations are available from the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) on public and private areas. We’ve created a helpful guide to prepare you for this year’s hunting season.
New Mexico Elk Hunting Season
| Unit | Muzzle | Bow | Any Legal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | Oct 12-16 | Sep 1-14, Sep 15-24 | - |
| 17 | - | - | |
| 18 | - | - | |
| 21A | - | - | |
| 21B | - | - | |
| 23 | - | - | |
| 24 | - | - | |
| 28 | Dec 14-18 | - | - |
| 29, 30 | - | Sep 1-14, Sep 15-24 | - |
| 34 | - | - | |
| 36 | - | - | |
| 37 | - | - | |
| 38 | Oct 1-5 | - | Oct 1-5 |
| 39, 43 | - | ||
| 42, 47, 59 | - | Sep 1-14, Sep 15-24 | - |
| 45 | - | - | |
| 48 | - | - | |
| 49 | - | - | |
| 50 | - | - | |
| 51 | - | - | |
| 52 | - | - | |
| 53 | - | - | |
| 54, 55 | - | - | |
| 55A | - | - | |
| 56 | - | - | |
| 57, 58 | - | - |
NM Youth Encouragement
| Units | Muzzle-Youth | Youth Only |
|---|---|---|
| 5B | Nov 30-Dec 4 | - |
| 6A | Dec 26-30 | |
| 6C | ||
| 10 | - | |
| 13 | Dec 26-30 | |
| 15 | ||
| 16A | ||
| 16C | ||
| 16D | ||
| 16E | ||
| 17 | ||
| 34 | Dec 26-30 | |
| 36 | Nov 30-Dec 4 | |
| 49 | - | |
| 51 | Dec 26-30 | |
| 52 | - | |
| 53 | Dec 26-30 |
Young People Encouragement Elk Opportunities are accessible to local young hunters who applied for various species this year but didn’t get a seat. Only qualified young hunters may get these elk chances via the NMDGF website for 14 days. Qualified young hunters may use the remaining places after this time. These online chances are first-come, first-served until 14 days before each session. Draw losers are ineligible. Call the NMDGF Information Center at 1-888-248-6866 for more.
The fee for the Youth Encouragement Elk Hunt license is $58 for residents and $338 for nonresidents. It is important to note that the number of licenses available for these hunts may be adjusted based on changes in population levels and harvest rates.
New Mexico Deer Seasons
| Unit | Muzzle | Bow |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | Sep 27-Oct 3 | Sep 1-24, Jan 1-15 |
| 46 | ||
| 54 | ||
| 55A, 55B | ||
| 6A, 6C | Sep 28-Oct 2 | |
| 7 | - | |
| 9 | - | |
| 10 | Sep 27-Oct 3 | Sep 1-24 |
| 12 | Oct 26-30 | Sep 1-24, Jan 1-15 |
| 13 | Oct 26-30 | |
| 14 | Sep 27-Oct 3 | |
| 15 | Oct 26-30 | |
| 16 | ||
| 17 | ||
| 18 | ||
| 19 | Dec 7-11 | Jan 1-15 |
| 20 | Oct 26-30 | Sep 1-24, Jan 1-15 |
| 21 | ||
| 22 | ||
| 23 | ||
| 24 | ||
| 25 | ||
| 26 | ||
| 27 | ||
| 28 | Dec 21-22 | - |
| 29 | Oct 19-23 | Sep 1-24, Jan 1-15 |
| 30 | ||
| 31 | ||
| 32 | ||
| 33 | ||
| 34 | Nov 2-6 | |
| 36 | Oct 19-23 | |
| 37 | ||
| 38 | ||
| 39 | ||
| 40 | ||
| 41 | Sep 27-Oct 3 | |
| 42 | ||
| 43 | Oct 19-23 | |
| 45 | Sep 27-Oct 3 | |
| 47 | ||
| 48 | ||
| 49 | - | |
| 50 | - | |
| 51A | - | |
| 51B | - | |
| 52 | Sep 27-Oct 3 | |
| 53 | - | |
| 54, 55 | - | |
| 55A | - | |
| 56 | Sep 27-Oct 3 | |
| 57 | ||
| 58 | ||
| 59 | Sep 1-24 |
New Mexico Pronghorn Season
| Units | Bow | Muzzle | Any Legal - Youth Only | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2, 7, 9, 10 | Aug 10-18 | - | - | |
| 12 | - | - | ||
| 13 | - | - | ||
| 15 | - | - | ||
| 16 | - | - | ||
| 17 | - | - | ||
| 18 | - | - | ||
| 19 | - | - | Oct 4-6 | |
| 20 | Aug 10-18 | - | - | |
| 21, 24 | - | - | ||
| 22, 23 | - | - | ||
| 25, 26, 27 | - | - | ||
| 28 | - | Aug 31-Sep 1 | - | |
| 29 | Aug 10-18 | Aug 24-26 | - | |
| 30 | - | - | ||
| 31 | - | - | ||
| 32 | - | - | ||
| 33 | - | - | ||
| 36, 37 | - | - | ||
| 38 | - | - | ||
| 39 | - | - | ||
| 40 | - | - | ||
| 41 | - | - | ||
| 42 | - | - | ||
| 43, 8 | - | - | ||
| 47 | - | - | ||
| 50, 52 | Aug 6-14 | - | - | |
| 56 | Aug 10-18 | - | - | |
| 57 | - | - | ||
| 58 | - | - | ||
| 59 | - | - |
At least 14 days before hunting pronghorn on private property, persons must obtain a private-land only pronghorn permission and tag from NMDGF offices, approved merchants, or online/telephone methods. This permission must match the unit, bag limit, sporting arm type, and season date public-land pronghorn draw code. Landowner approval must be written.
Pronghorn draw permission applications are due by 5 p.m. MDT on February 14, 2024. Up to four hunters may apply for a public-land pronghorn draw permission. Successful candidates will get a postal permission with the hunt code, unit details, sporting-arm type, season dates, and bag limit. A tag with tagging instructions comes with the permission. E-Tags are accessible for people who want not to obtain a physical authorization/tag.
NM Deer & Elk Hunting Licenses
New Mexico deer, elk, pronghorn, and Oryx draws need a game-hunting or game-hunting & fishing permission and HMAV if applicable. These rights may be easily obtained online or by phone during the draw application period. Successful candidates will obtain permission and tags, while those without privileges will receive a draw license cost refund. Application and privilege fees must be paid beforehand.
| License Categories | Resident | Nonresident |
|---|---|---|
| Game-hunting License | $15 | $65 |
| Game-hunting & Fishing License | $30 | Not Issued |
| Junior Game-hunting License | $10 | $15 |
| Junior Game-hunting & Fishing License | $15 | Not Issued |
| Senior or Handicapped Game-hunting License | $15 | Not Issued |
| Senior or Handicapped Game-hunting & Fishing License | $20 | Not Issued |
| Disabled Veteran Game-hunting & Fishing License | $10 | Not Issued |
| Private-land Only Deer License – Standard | $34 | $270 |
| Private-land Only Deer License – Quality | $34 | $355 |
| Private-land Only Deer License – Junior/Senior | $22 | Not Issued |
| Private-land Only Pronghorn License | $53 | $270 |
| Temporary Game-hunting License (4 days) | Not Issued | $33 |
| Nongame Hunting License | Not Issued | $65 |
| Deer License | ||
| Standard (S) | $41 | $283 |
| Quality (Q) | $41 | $368 |
| High Demand (HD) | $41 | $368 |
| Junior/Senior | $29 | Not issued |
| Pronghorn License | $60 | $283 |
| Standard Elk License (Residents 18–64 years of age and all nonresidents) | ||
| A (Antlerless) | $60 | Not Issued |
| MB (Mature Bull) | $90 | $548 |
| ES (Either Sex) | $90 | $548 |
| High-Demand or Quality Elk License | ||
| A | $60 | Not Issued |
| MB | $90 | $773 |
| ES | $90 | $773 |
| Junior/Senior Elk License | ||
| A | $58 | Not issued |
| MB | $58 | Not issued |
| ES | $58 | Not issued |
Deer Regulations
- The deadline to apply for deer draws is March 17, 2021. Each application allows four hunters. Unless they choose the E-Tag, successful candidates will get a mail package with the hunt code, unit information, season dates, and bag limit. Correct tagging instructions are on the tag.
- Deer draw licenses come with various fee categories: S for standard opportunities, Q for quality experiences, HD for high-demand scenarios, and Q/HD for a blend of quality and high-demand situations. If the assigned authorization has a fee lower than the one initially submitted, the surplus amount will be reimbursed.
- Fourth Choice Opportunities provide unique hunting in a state quadrant. Authorization for any sector search is offered to applicants. These possibilities may have low success rates and not all quadrant hunts are available. Applicants must choose one of the four quadrants: NW (Units 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, or 14), NE (Units 41, 42, 43, 45, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, or 59), SW, or SE. Consider that some possibilities may have low success rates and that not all hunts in the specified quadrant are available.
- The assignment will always be for the same type of sporting arm as the first choice on the application. There are no refunds or opportunities to obtain a private-land only license if the applicant is dissatisfied with the hunt drawn.
- The bag limit for deer hunting includes several categories: FAD (Fork antlered deer -white-tailed or mule deer), FAMD ( Fork antlered mule deer), FAWTD (Fork antlered white-tailed deer), ESWTD (Either sex white-tailed deer), A (Antlerless deer).
- It is allowed to hunt an animal with a radiocollar, ear tag, or other human-made identifier. If a radiocollar is found, please contact the Department at (505) 476-8038 to return it as it contains important information that can be used again.
- Fourth Choice Opportunities provide unique hunting in a state quadrant. Authorization for any sector search is offered to applicants. These possibilities may have low success rates and not all quadrant hunts are available. Applicants must choose one of the four quadrants: NW (Units 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, or 14), NE (Units 41, 42, 43, 45, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, or 59), SW, or SE. Consider that some possibilities may have low success rates and that not all hunts in the specified quadrant are available.
- Deer draw licenses allow hunters to hunt on open public lands within a specified unit or hunt area and private lands with written permission from the landowner. However, some areas such as military reservations, state and national parks, recreation areas, wildlife refuges and other locations may be closed to hunting or have restrictions. State wildlife management areas are generally closed unless they are designated as open for hunting.
New Mexico Elk & Deer tags
- After harvesting big-game animals, the carcass tag must be notched and attached to the kill before leaving the site.
- Antlered/horned big-game animals require an antler/horn tag in addition to the carcass tag.
- Any big-game kill must have a properly notched tag attached if left unattended in the field, vehicle, or camp.
- Carcass tag or handwritten E-Tag authorizes possession of big-game animals for a year.
- Do not remove backing on the tag until ready to use.
- Notch the date of kill on the tag and attach to the hock tendon of the animal.
- Do not leave any backing material on the tag. Leave entire tag visible and readable.
- Tags must remain attached until the big-game animal arrives at a taxidermist, processing facility, or place of final storage.
Instructions for Antlered and Horned Game Tag
Detach the antler tag from the backing and attach it to the main beam of the antler or horn close to the base so it does not slide off. Make sure the entire face of the tag is visible and readable.
E-Tag Instructions
E-Tag option requires hunters to show their license on the New Mexico E-Tag app on their smartphone. After harvesting a big-game animal or turkey, hunters must tag the animal using the “Tag My Animal” link in the app to receive their E-Tag number and other information. The E-Tag number, CIN, and date of kill must be written in permanent ink on durable material and attached to the animal. The same procedure must be followed for antlered/horned game.
E-Tags for Big Game
The E-Tag alternative for big-game hunting enables hunters to utilize a smartphone app (NM E-Tag) in place of carrying a physical carcass tag. To opt for this choice, hunters need to indicate their preference during the purchase or application process and should be prepared to display their information digitally on their phone. However, once a physical tag has been issued, the E-Tag option cannot be utilized.
How to E-Tag an Elk or Deer?
- Hunters must download the NM E-Tag app prior to hunting and stay logged in while hunting.
- After harvesting an animal, the hunter must click the Tag My Animal link in the app to receive the E-Tag number, CIN, and date of kill.
- The E-Tag number, CIN, and date of kill must be handwritten on a durable material in permanent ink and attached to the animal.
- The app will work even without cell service, as long as the license is verified before leaving service.
- Hunters must still submit a harvest report even if they choose to E-Tag.
Tag Combo (License/Carcass)
A license/carcass tag combination will be provided when purchasing big-game or turkey permit online, by phone, or in person at NMDGF offices.
How to obtain a License/Tag Combo?
New Mexico offers many ways to get the required paperwork. In person at an NMDGF office, paperwork is provided immediately. Unless they choose E-Tag, big-game draw winners will get their paperwork via mail. Online or phone purchases of javelina and private-land Barbary sheep, deer, elk, oryx, and pronghorn permits must be purchased at least 14 days before the hunt to assure delivery to the customer’s address. Customers may get a $6 duplicate paperwork at NMDGF offices. A duplicate invalidates the original, thus using an invalidated combination is illegal.
FAQ
Are non-resident hunters allowed to hunt deer and elk in New Mexico?
Certainly, non-residents are eligible to participate in elk hunting in New Mexico but are required to apply for the essential documentation and comply with state regulations. The cost for a non-resident game hunting privilege is $65, which is non-refundable. Additionally, a habitat management and access validation is mandatory, priced at $4, along with a $10 habitat stamp if hunting on BLM or USFS land.
What are the rules for baiting for deer and elk in New Mexico?
In New Mexico, hunting deer and elk over bait is allowed on private land from September 1st to December 31st in the Chronic Wasting Disease Management Zone. The use of scent-based deer lures made from deer or elk urine is illegal, but food plots are still allowed. The law restricts the use of bait to 10 gallons or less if the volume accessible to wildlife exceeds that amount.
How do I report a successful deer or elk hunt in New Mexico?
To report a successful deer or elk hunt in New Mexico, you can either log in to your account and click “Harvest Reporting” in the main menu, or you can call the Game Fish Information Center at 888-248-6866. According to the New Mexico wildlife website, your harvest report provides New Mexico Game and Fish with valuable information to effectively manage the state’s wildlife resources.
Can I hunt deer and elk on private land in New Mexico with permission from the owner?
Yes, you can hunt deer and elk on private land in New Mexico with permission from the owner. According to the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, over-the-counter private-land opportunities are available for deer, pronghorn, and oryx, including elk licenses which are available by obtaining an authorization number from a landowner.
Dates & Regulations: Wildlife NM
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