#HuntNM21

Apply now for the Big Game Draw

Deadlines are approaching fast:

– February 10 at 5:00 p.m. – Deadline to Apply for Bear and Turkey Draw Permits

– February 15 – Deadline to submit 2020–21 harvest reports for deer, elk, pronghorn and turkey license holders without late fees.

– March 10 at 5:00 p.m. – Deadline to qualify for the incentive program.

– March 17 at 5:00 p.m. – Deadline to apply for draw licenses for Barbary sheep, bighorn sheep, deer, elk, ibex, javelina, pronghorn and oryx. Deadline to submit late 2020–21 harvest reports for deer, elk, pronghorn and turkey; an $8 late fee will apply.

– April 7 – Deadline to submit 2020–21 harvest reports for Barbary sheep, ibex, javelina, oryx and trapper license holders to be eligible for big-game licenses.

2021-2022 Big Game Draw: What You Should Know

The 2021-2022 Big Game draw is right around the corner, and I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to miss out on an opportunity to draw a deer or elk tag this year. New Mexico is known for its vast amount of public land and the quality of wildlife. Because of this, New Mexico receives many applications for the limited number of available tags.

The draw, which officially opened on January 13, 2021, can be a learning experience for new hunters and nonresidents applying for the first time. The 2021-2022 Rules and Information Booklet will provide you with essential information about big-game and upland-game hunting in New Mexico.

Read the article here.

Need Assistance – We are here to help

Due to COVID restrictions, support for applying will be limited in 2021. Hunters are encouraged to apply early. DO NOT wait until the last minute to apply.

Application assistance also is available virtually. Message us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or TikTok. You can email the Department’s Information Center. You can also call our Information Center at (888) 248-6866, but due to call volume expect extended wait times.

#HuntNM21 – All you need to know virtual series

The application period for the 2021 big game draw is open! Have questions before you apply? We will be meeting virtually every week to discuss the 2021-2022 big game draw, talking about how to apply, options for hunter education and the hunter mentor program and how to read the draw odds report. Over the next few months, we will have biologists on hand to answer species related questions.

Please register online and send us your questions through email or add your questions to the Facebook event feed for the topic related to your questions.

The schedule, registration and links to previously recorded videos are below:

January 12 – The Rules and Information Booklet (RIB) is out!!! Jeremy Lane, public information officer, talks about reading the RIB. Watch the video.

January 13 – Youth under 18 years of age MUST take hunter education before going hunting, but hunter education is good for everyone. Join Jennifer Morgan, hunter education coordinator, to learn the ins and outs of hunter education. We talked about the Mentored Youth program and the recent changes made to the program. Watch the video.

January 20 – Are you ready to apply but don’t know where to start? Join Ross Morgan, public information officer, to learn about the process and ask questions to help you get started. Watch the video.

January 21 – The Draw Odds Report can really help you when applying for a big game hunt. Join Kevin Rodden, SW area biologist, to learn how to read the report and how to use it for your benefit. Watch the video.

January 27 – Meet the Biologists – Casey Cardinal, resident bird biologist, and Rick Winslow, bear and cougar biologists, will be on hand to answer your questions about applying for the Bear and Turkey Draw as well as over-the-counter opportunities. Watch the video.

February 3 – Meet the Biologists – Orrin Duvuvuei, deer program manager, will be on hand to answer questions about applying for, and hunting, deer in New Mexico. Watch the video.

February 10 – Meet the Biologists – Travis Zaffarano, elk program manager, will be on hand to answer questions about applying for, and hunting, elk in New Mexico. Register here.

February 17 – Meet the Biologists – Tony Opatz, pronghorn biologist, will be on hand to answer questions about applying for, and hunting, pronghorn in New Mexico. Register here.

February 24 – Meet the Biologists – Nicole Tatman, big game program manager, and Austin Teague, SE area biologist, will be on hand to answer questions about applying for, and hunting, ibex and Barbary sheep in New Mexico. Register here.

March 3 – Meet the Biologists – Caitlin Ruhl, bighorn sheep program manager, will be on hand to answer questions about applying for, and hunting, bighorn sheep in New Mexico. Register here.

March 10 – Did you miss your opportunity for hunter education? Learn about the Mentored-youth program and small game hunting opportunities in New Mexico. Jennifer Morgan, hunter education coordinator, and Casey Cardinal, resident game bird biologist, will discuss opportunities and answer your questions. Register here.

Each session will start at 6:00 p.m.