Dates and Deadlines
New Mexico Hunting Application Deadlines
Application deadlines, draw dates, and points windows for the 2026 application cycle, as published by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.
| Date | Deadline | Results |
|---|---|---|
| March 18, 2026 | All species application deadline | April 22, 2026 |
Dates are set by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish and can change between cycles. Always confirm with wildlife.state.nm.us before you apply.
How the New Mexico Draw Works
No point system, every draw is random
New Mexico puts every species on one mid March deadline with results in late April. Elk, deer, antelope, sheep, ibex, oryx, and Barbary sheep all ride the same application, so one date covers the whole state.
There is no point system. Every applicant enters the same random draw each year, and a defined share of licenses in each hunt is reserved for residents, for guided nonresidents, and for unguided nonresidents. Applying with a licensed outfitter moves you into the guided pool, which has a higher tag allocation and generally less demand than the standard nonresident pool. That could mean better draw odds.
Epic Outdoors members see draw odds and minimum points for every New Mexico unit, updated every year, plus the research magazine and one on one help from our consultants. Membership is $150 per year, and the Epic Outdoors app is a free download with a 7 day full access trial.
New Mexico Draw FAQs
When is the New Mexico application deadline?
Mid March for every species. For the current cycle the deadline is March 18, 2026, with results on April 22, 2026.
Does New Mexico have a point system?
No. Every year is a fresh random draw for all applicants, which makes New Mexico worth applying to at any age or stage.
What is the guided draw pool in New Mexico?
A share of each hunt's licenses is reserved for nonresidents who apply with a licensed New Mexico outfitter, separate from the unguided nonresident share.
Can Epic Outdoors apply for me in New Mexico?
Yes. Our License Application Service handles your New Mexico application and can advise on the guided pool as part of your strategy.
Never Apply Late Again
Our License Application Service builds your application strategy and applies for you in every state you hunt. You go hunting, we handle the deadlines.
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