1. All hunters must possess a valid license, and permit if applicable, for the species and hunt type in which they will participate, and must be able to produce the license upon request by a conservation officer.
2. All big-game, upland-game, migratory game bird and turkey hunters must possess a Game-Hunting License or Game-Hunting & Fishing License.
3. All big-game and turkey hunters must possess a carcass tag for each species hunted, unless the E-Tag option is chosen. If E-Tag is chosen, hunters must be able to show their license on their smartphone.
4. All hunters and anglers on any Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management lands must possess a Habitat Stamp.
5. All hunters, trappers and anglers 18 years and older must possess a Habitat Management and Access Validation (HMAV) on public and/or private lands.
6. All hunters 17 years of age and younger must possess a Hunter Education or mentor-youth number.
7. All hunters and trappers on private lands must possess written permission from the landowner.
8. All furbearer trappers and hunters 18 years of age and older must possess a Trapper License. The license will display whether you are authorized to hunt and trap, or hunt only.
9. All furbearer trappers and hunters 12–17 years of age are required to possess a Junior Trapper License (Hunter Education also required if hunting furbearers). No license is required for NM residents 11 years of age or younger; however, all other laws apply.
10. All non-residents 12 and older hunting or trapping furbearers, or trapping nongame species are required to possess a Non-resident Trapper License.
11. All non-resident hunters hunting nongame species must possess a non-resident Hunting or Trapper License.
12. All migratory game bird hunters are required to obtain a Harvest Information Program (HIP) number.
13. All waterfowl hunters 16 years of age or older are required to purchase a Federal Duck Stamp.

Hunter Responsibility

It is the responsibility of each hunter to know and comply with all applicable license, stamp, permit and/or tag requirements.

Purchasing Licenses, Stamps and Validations

Each individual purchasing a license or applying for a draw hunt must have a NMDGF account with a customer identification number (CIN). Accounts can be accessed and created online or by telephone at 1-888-248-6866. If any issues are encountered, please contact NMDGF. DO NOT create a duplicate account. Licenses, tags, stamps and validations are available online, by telephone and in person at NMDGF offices and local vendors. Please note, before March 24, Game-Hunting Licenses and stamps for the 2025–26 season can be purchased through the draw application process. Restrictions may apply for online big-game license purchases. Licenses and permits can be printed on standard paper in the customer’s account if the physical tag is chosen, but all big-game and turkey hunters must also obtain a carcass tag(s) from NMDGF or a license vendor prior to hunting, unless the E-Tag option was chosen. Draw permits may not be printed until the appropriate OTC license(s) is purchased.

E-Tag Option for Big Game and Turkey

When purchasing or applying for a license, hunters may choose either the E-Tag option or a physical tag. Hunters MUST be able to show their license on their phone. After any physical tag has been issued by NMDGF, the E-Tag option may not be used.

How to E-Tag

Prior to hunting, hunters must download the NM E-Tag app to their mobile phone each year, login while in service, and remain logged in while hunting— DO NOT log out. Upon harvesting an animal, the hunter must immediately click the Tag My Animal link in the app. The hunter will receive their E-Tag number with the CIN and the date of kill, which must be handwritten on a durable material (e.g. duct tape or flagging ribbon) in permanent ink and attached to the animal. The app will work even while out of service as long as the license is verified prior to leaving cell service. Hunters choosing to E-Tag must still submit a harvest report.

License/Carcass Tag Combo

Unless the E-Tag option is chosen, a license/carcass tag combination will be issued when Big-Game or Turkey Licenses are purchased online, by phone and in person at NMDGF offices. The license/tag combo includes everything hunters need to carry in the field, provided that the Habitat Stamp (if applicable) has been purchased prior to May 15, 2025, for all draw licenses.

Obtaining License/Tag Combo

• A license/tag and permit are available immediately if purchased at an NMDGF office.
• A license/tag will be mailed to all successful big-game draw applicants, unless the E-Tag option is chosen.
• Telephone or online purchases for Javelina and Private-Land Barbary Sheep, Deer, Elk, Oryx and Pronghorn Licenses must be made at least 14 days prior to the start of the hunt to allow time to mail the license/carcass tag. The license/tag will be mailed to the address provided by the customer for each species.
• Customers may obtain a $6 duplicate license/tag combination plus $1 vendor fee in person at NMDGF offices only. If a duplicate tag is obtained, the original tag number will be invalidated. It is unlawful to use an invalidated license/tag.

Purchases at OTC License Vendors

The license/tag combination will not be available for Big-Game or Turkey Licenses and duplicate tags purchased at OTC license vendors. Both a tag and a printed license will be required.

Required Stamps

Habitat Management and Access Validation (HMAV)

A Habitat Management and Access Validation (HMAV) must be purchased and possessed by all hunters, trappers or anglers, except individuals 17 years of age and younger, resident anglers 70 years and older (free fishing license) and resident 100% disabled veteran card holders. Only one HMAV each license year is required. Funds from the sale are used to lease access to private lands for public use, provide public access to landlocked public land, and provide improvement, maintenance, development and operation of State Game Commission property for fish and wildlife habitat management. The HMAV will automatically be added to the shopping cart with your first purchase of a hunting, fishing or trapping license if required.

Habitat Stamp

Hunters and anglers must purchase and possess a current Habitat Stamp for U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands in New Mexico, except anglers 11 years of age and younger, resident anglers 70 years and older (free fishing license) and 100% disabled resident veterans in conjunction with privileges covered by the Disabled Veteran Card. Only one stamp is required each license year for these lands. The stamp is not required on BLM lands in Unit 28, on other public property, or on private property. Funds from the sale of habitat stamps are used to improve wildlife habitat. All hunters, trappers and anglers are encouraged to purchase a Habitat Stamp.

Harvest Information Program Number (HIP)

Each year, migratory game bird hunters must obtain a separate HIP permit number for each state in which they hunt migratory game birds.

Duck Stamp

Federal law requires all waterfowl hunters 16 years of age or older to purchase a federal Migratory Bird Hunting & Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp). Stamps are available online or duckstamp.com and at U.S. Post Offices, NMDGF offices and at all license vendors. Hunters must either carry a physical duck stamp signed in ink across the face or a valid hunting license that displays “Federal Duck Stamp” to meet the federal requirement.

New Mexico Residency Requirements

To qualify for New Mexico resident license(s), one of the criteria below must be met:

1. A United States citizen who has resided in New Mexico for a period of not less than 90 days immediately preceding the date of application (or purchase) for the license, has been domiciled in New Mexico, and has not claimed residency elsewhere for any purpose. Temporary or seasonal residents and homeowners, who maintain a primary residence outside of New Mexico, do not qualify for resident licenses.
2. A citizen of another country who is legally in the United States and has lived in New Mexico for at least 90 days immediately preceding his/her license application (or purchase).
3. A student, not otherwise entitled to claim residence, who is attending any educational institution in New Mexico, has attended and actually has lived in the state for at least one full semester immediately preceding the application (or purchase) for a license. Students must present a certificate or letter verifying their enrollment and attendance from the proper authorities of the educational institution.
4. A member of the U.S. military, not otherwise entitled to claim residence, who is permanently assigned to a military installation located within New Mexico and who presents with his/her application a certificate or letter that verifies the military assignment and is signed by the commanding officer. The spouse or dependent of such person, living within the same household and similarly certified by the person’s commanding officer may also purchase resident licenses.
5. A member of the U.S. military who is officially stationed at Fort Bliss and who presents a certificate or letter to NMDGF that verifies the military assignment and is signed by the commanding officer, prior to application. This applies only for draw-hunt licenses on Fort Bliss. Fort Bliss personnel must pay non-resident license fees for all other hunts. The 50% resident military and veteran discount does not apply.

License Information Is Public Record

Pursuant to the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act, Sections 14–2–1 et. seq. NMSA 1978, all information provided when applying for licenses and permits is public record and must be disclosed to anyone when properly requested except as provided by law.

Rabbits and Other Nongame Species

Common nongame species include coyotes, skunks, rabbits and rock squirrels. New Mexico residents are not required to have a license to take nongame species. Non-residents must possess either a non-resident Nongame License or a current New Mexico non-resident Game-Hunting License. Nongame species may be taken on U.S. Forest Service and BLM lands open to hunting. Nongame species may also be taken on State Trust Lands that are opened by easement, provided the hunter holds a valid license for protected species on those lands and he/she is hunting during the season(s) designated for that license. White-sided jackrabbits, found primarily in Hidalgo County, are protected under the New Mexico Wildlife Conservation Act and may not be hunted.

Protected Bird Species

Game Hunting licenses do not allow hunting for protected birds for which there is no season, including eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, vultures, crows, ravens and all songbirds. Unprotected birds are starlings, rock doves (common pigeons) and house sparrows (English sparrows). No license is required for residents for unprotected species, but non-residents must have a valid NM hunting license.

License Fees

2025-26 Over-the-Counter (OTC) License Fees

See below for Private-Land Elk License fees. Vendors can find instructions and forms by visiting the New Mexico Wildlife License Vendors page.

Elk License Fees

In the Primary and Special Management Zones, a $9 landowner administrative fee will apply.

Draw License Fees

All draw license fees include a nonrefundable application fee (residents: $7; non-residents: $13).

Draw Hunt Licenses

Application Requirements

When applying for draw licenses for Barbary sheep, bighorn sheep, deer, elk, ibex, javelina, oryx and pronghorn, hunters must purchase a nonrefundable 2025–2026 Game-Hunting License or Game-Hunting & Fishing License and HMAV if applicable.

Game-Hunting Licenses and stamps are available online or by telephone through the draw application process. Before March 24, Game-Hunting Licenses and stamps for the 2025–2026 season may be purchased only through the draw application process. Successful applicants for draw licenses will be mailed a combination license/tag, unless the E-Tag option is chosen.

Application and full license fees for each species are charged at the time the application is submitted. Unsuccessful draw applicants will be refunded the draw license fee, but not the application or any other license fee.

To apply for Bear, Sandhill Crane, Pheasant and Turkey Draw Permits, prior purchase of a bear, turkey or Game-Hunting License is not required. If the applicant is successful in the draw, purchase of a Bear or Turkey License with tag will be required; a Game-Hunting License will be required for pheasant and sandhill crane. Permits will not be available until the appropriate license(s) are purchased.

How the Draw Hunt System Works

All draw applications are entered into an automated system that randomly assigns each application a sequence number. Based on this number, and the quotas listed below, the system matches the first, second then third choices on the application with available licenses or permits. If all choices have already been awarded, the system advances to the next application. New Mexico does not grant preference to previously unsuccessful applicants. If a fourth-choice hunt is entered for deer or elk, the applicant may be awarded any hunt for the same sporting arm as the first choice on the application that has not allocated all available licenses. Only successful applicants will be notified by email. Unsuccessful applicants will not be notified, but may check their NMDGF account online. For more details on hunting applications and draw informations, visit the New Mexico Wildlife Hunting Applications page.

Drawing Quotas

State law establishes the following quotas for all draw hunts:

• A minimum of 84% of draw licenses are awarded to New Mexico residents.
• 10% of draw licenses are awarded to residents and non-residents applying with a New Mexico registered outfitter.
• 6% of draw licenses are awarded to non-residents applying without a New Mexico registered outfitter.
• 100% of draw licenses for antlerless elk and hunts held exclusively on Wildlife Management Areas are awarded to New Mexico residents.
• Population management hunts are not subject to quota.

Non-resident and Outfitted Applicants Please Note: It is extremely unlikely for an outfitted applicant to draw a hunt code with six or fewer licenses or for a non-resident to draw a hunt code with 12 or fewer licenses. Residents planning to apply with one or more non-residents should also be aware of this when applying.

Junior, Senior & Disabled

Reduced-Fee Licenses for Juniors

Reduced-fee licenses for resident junior game hunting and fishing, junior deer, junior elk, junior trapper and junior game hunting (resident and non-resident) are available to individuals 17 years of age and younger at the time of purchase, on or after April 1, 2025. Resident junior licenses for hunting deer and/or elk on private land may be purchased at license vendors, NMDGF offices, by telephone or online.

Youth-Only Hunts

To qualify for youth-only hunts, applicants must be 17 years of age or younger on opening day of the hunt and must possess a Hunter Education number or mentor-youth number. The mentor-youth number is valid only for deer, pronghorn, turkey, javelina and small-game hunts.

Reduced-Fee Licenses for Resident Seniors

Reduced-fee licenses for senior game hunting and fishing, senior elk or senior deer are available to residents 65 years or older at the time of purchase, on or before April 1, 2025. Senior licenses for hunting deer and/or elk on private land can be purchased at NMDGF offices and license vendors, by telephone or online.

Off-Range Oryx Hunt for Seniors 70 Years and Older

To qualify for the off-range oryx senior hunt, applicants must be 70 years of age or older on the opening day of the hunt.

Reduced-Fee Licenses for Handicapped Residents

A reduced-fee, Game-Hunting & Fishing License is available to New Mexico residents with a permanent disability in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Applicants must attest that they have one or more disabilities that substantially limit major life activities.

Resident handicapped license holders must purchase and possess a Habitat Stamp and HMAV as applicable. All other laws and rules must be followed.

Mobility-Impaired Certification (MI)

MI certification by NMDGF is required prior to submitting an application for MI-only pronghorn, oryx, elk or deer draw hunts. To qualify for MI Certification, an individual must have a permanent impairment that limits his/her mobility to a walker, wheelchair or crutches and/or have one or more permanent disabilities or conditions that substantially limit his/her ability to walk. The MI Certification form is available online or may be requested by telephone. This form must be signed by the applicant’s physician and attest that one or more of the above mobility-impaired conditions apply.

The MI card is valid for 48 months from the date approved/issued by NMDGF. All other laws and rules must be followed.

For further information call: 1-888-248-6866 or email.

Mobility-Impaired (MI) Hunters

A Mobility-Impaired Card allows a hunter to: 1) shoot from a stationary motor-driven vehicle only when it has been parked completely off of the established road surface and there is no right-of-way fence; 2) have one assistant to help track and kill big game that has been clearly wounded by the MI hunter. The assistant must have written authorization from the MI hunter and must use the same sporting-arm type as the MI hunter; 3) use a crossbow during a bow hunt.

Reasonable Accommodation Permits

Hunters with injuries or conditions that don’t qualify for the Mobility Impaired certification may request specific disability accommodations on a case-by-case basis. For more information, email or call 1-888-248-6866.

Military and Veteran Licenses and Hunt Opportunities

NMDGF acknowledges the contribution and sacrifice of active military and veterans with several discounted licenses and special hunting opportunities. Information about active military and veteran hunting and fishing opportunities and how to apply is available online and by telephone.

50% Discount for Resident Active Military and Veterans

A 50% discount on all licenses, permits and stamps is available to New Mexico residents who are active-duty military or honorably discharged veterans. The discount may be claimed by applying for or purchasing any license, permit or stamp online, by telephone or at any license vendor. Residents claiming this discount must be able to provide proof of active-duty military or honorably discharged veteran status upon request. Discount does not apply to: application fees, license vendor fees, administrative fees, duplicate license fees, the federal Duck Stamp, or the resident Disabled Veteran Game-Hunting & Fishing License.

Military-Only Draw Hunts: Proof of Active Military Status Required Prior to Application

Military-only draw hunts are available on McGregor Range in GMU 28 (Fort Bliss) for deer, elk, pronghorn, oryx, Barbary sheep and javelina. Each license year, applicants must provide proof of full-time, active-duty status. Veterans and reservists are not eligible for military-only hunts. Orders or other documentation (excluding military ID cards) of current active-duty service must be received by NMDGF prior to application. Proof may be submitted by email or fax: 505-476-8180 or U.S. Mail: NMDGF Special Hunts, One Wildlife Way, Santa Fe, NM 87507.

100% Disabled Resident Veterans

New Mexico residents who are 100% disabled as a result of having served in the U.S. military are eligible for a free Lifetime Game-Hunting & Fishing License. The disabled veteran must apply for a Disabled Veteran Card. This card is issued by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish and allows the cardholder to fish, hunt small game and obtain a deer hunting license free of charge. The deer hunting license will be issued only if the cardholder has applied and been successful in the draw for deer, or if the cardholder obtains written permission from a landowner for a private-land deer hunt. The free deer hunting license must be applied for each license year, and no preference is given for public-land deer draws. A $10 Habitat Stamp, if applicable, is required with any other big-game species, turkey or trapper license.

Disabled Veteran Game-hunting & Fishing License

New Mexico residents who are disabled veterans of the U.S. military, but do not meet the 100% disabled qualification, are eligible for a $10 combination Game-Hunting & Fishing License. Disabled veterans may purchase this license online, by telephone or at license vendors. A HMAV and a Habitat Stamp if applicable are required.

Oryx Draw Hunt for Resident Veterans on White Sands Missile Range

New Mexico resident veterans who have never held a once-in-a-lifetime Oryx License are eligible to apply for a once-in-a-lifetime oryx hunt, available by drawing each license year. New Mexico resident fees apply. Applicants must submit their DD-214 demonstrating honorable discharge prior to application each year, unless their resident veteran status has already been verified by NMDGF, or they are registered as a 100% Disabled Veteran. Copies may be submitted by email, fax: 505-476-8180 or U.S. Mail: NMDGF Special Hunts, One Wildlife Way, Santa Fe, NM 87507.

Fort Bliss Opportunities

Active-duty military personnel stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas are eligible for resident fees on draw hunts that occur on Fort Bliss Military Reservation in New Mexico. Each year, prior to application, proof of assignment must be submitted by email, by fax: 505-476-8180 or received by mail.

Non-resident Disabled Active-duty and Veteran Licenses for Rehabilitation Enrollees

Non-resident active-duty members or veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces who are undergoing a rehabilitation program that involves hunting activities are eligible for a resident fee on Deer, Elk, Javelina, Oryx, Pronghorn and Turkey Licenses. The rehabilitation program must be sponsored by the federal government, or a nonprofit organization authorized by the federal government, and it must be under the direction of a military or federal Veterans Administration rehabilitation center. This benefit is not available through the draw. Proof of eligibility must be provided. This benefit is available only through the NMDGF Santa Fe office.

Special Oryx Draw for Injured Service Members

Injured active-duty and veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces with a disability rating of 50% or greater qualify for a special drawing for oryx on White Sands Missile Range. License(s) must be purchased by successful applicants, but there is no fee to apply.

For eligibility and application information, please call 888-248-6866 after June 1, 2025.

Special Military/Veteran Pronghorn Draws

Resident Purple Heart recipients and full-time active-duty military personnel permanently stationed in New Mexico qualify for special drawings for pronghorn on Melrose Airforce Base. License(s) must be purchased by successful applicants, but there is no fee to apply. For eligibility and application information, please call 888-248-6866 after June 1, 2025.