New Mexico Elk Hunting Application Summary

Draw Deadline

Applications due by…………………March 28th, 2011
Applications made by mail (check or money order) must be postmarked by due date or online (credit card) by 5PM on due date. (http://wildlife.state.nm.us/apps_permit/index.htm#special_apps_permits)

Results available…………………Early June

Fees

Fees required at application
License fee*………..$63-$93 (resident)/$352-$787 (non-resident)
*Fee depends upon hunt applying for. Quality and/or High Demand (HD) hunts are more expensive. HD hunts are those that had more than 22% non-resident applications the previous 2 years. License fee includes the non-refundable application fee of $8 (resident)/$20 (non-resident). Unsuccessful applicants will receive refunds (less the non-refundable application fee)

Additional Fees After Successful Drawing
Habitat stamp……………………………………………………..$5
Habitat Management & Access Validation…………..$4

Points Only Fees
Not applicable. New Mexico does not use a point system.

Points

New Mexico does not use any type of bonus or preference point system. All completed and correct applications are entered into a random computerized drawing that determines which applicants are successfully drawn for permits or licenses. Some applicants may be drawn the first year they apply. Others may apply unsuccessfully for years. New Mexico does not grant preference to unsuccessful applicants. It’s truly the luck of the draw.

Non-Resident Permit Allocations

New Mexico uses a two tier non-resident allocation system. This system offers a fairly high percentage of the total permits to non-residents. In the first tier, up to 12% of the available permits are allocated to those non-residents that will be hunting with an outfitter. The second tier allocates up to an additional 10% ot the permits to non-residents that are will be hunting on their own. Although an applicant that draws one of these permits can still hire an outfitter if they wish. The remaining 78% are allocated to the resident hunter.

New Mexico’s hunt drawing system is based on a quota to allocate special draw hunting opportunities on public lands. Residents receive 78% of the available licenses or permits. Nonresidents who choose to use outfitters will receive up to 12% of the available licenses or permits. Nonresidents who apply to hunt without outfitters will receive up to 10% of the available licenses or permits.

Hunt Choices

Applications are drawn one at a time. The computer will attempt to award the applicant’s first choice hunt, then the second choice, then the third choice until one of the applicant’s choices is filled. If all of the applicant’s hunt choices are filled by previous applicants, the computer advances to the next application. When making these 3 hunt choices, you do not have to choose hunts of the same weapon choice.

A fourth choice can also be made, but use caution when applying. Only enter a fourth choice if you are willing to accept ANY left-over permits in one of the 4 quadrants of the state (NW, NE, SW, SE). These permits may be for a cow elk, regardless of whether or not your first three choices were for a bull or an either sex permit. If making a 4th choice, you must select either the NW, NE, SW, or SE quadrant. Some of these hunts may have very low populations and success rates. The weapon type will be based on what was listed as the first choice.

Hunter Education Requirements

All hunters under the age of 18 must show proof of completing an approved hunter education course before purchasing or applying for a fire arm hunting permit. There is no requirement regarding bowhunter education.

Group Applications

Up to 4 applicants can apply together for elk. For online applications, the first applicant will create a new application. Upon completing the process, the applicant will receive an application number and an attach code. All subsequent applicants will need to select “attach to an existing application” then enter the application number and attach code. Up to three people may attach to an existing application.

If applying as a group by mail, Be sure EVERYONE on your application fills the form out completely. If the application is drawn, those who filled the form out completely and correctly will still be issued a license or permit, even if other applicants are rejected.