Planning to Apply for the 2021-2022 Big Game Draw – here is what you need to know

01/21/2021

Are you planning to apply for the 2021 – 2022 big game draw?

Whether you have applied for years or are ready to apply for the first time, here are some thing you need to know.

Rules and Information Booklet

Information about rules, seasons, fees and more is available in the 2021-2022 Hunting Rules & Information booklet online now and will be available in print soon. Hunters are encouraged to review season dates, application deadlines and other information before applying for licenses or going afield.

The application deadline for bear and turkey permits is 5 p.m. Feb. 10.

The deadline to file your harvest report without a late fee is Feb. 15.

The application deadline for big-game licenses is 5 p.m. March 17.

Apply online.

Check out these 7 tips to help with the application process

#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.

Schedule, registration and links to previously recorded videos:

January 12 – The Rules and Information Booklet (RIB) is out!!! Jeremy Lane, public information officer, talks about reading the RIB. Watch the video at https://fb.watch/37g2dkQgC-/.

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 at https://fb.watch/37fPfR56nU/.

January 20 – Are you ready to apply but don’t know where to start? Join Ross Morgan, public information officer, learn about the process and ask questions to help you get started. Watch the video at https://fb.watch/39D0Gn0djO/.

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. Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_OoAKKmuoSQyzAulNHC4hyQ

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. Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_eRl_7NH6R2ykohu-4IpZ1A

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. Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Nd2YXoneS7-O5Cf3veWfZg

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 at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_bpMha6-ZSl6ve7qbPK1HUg

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 at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_oyattkmCTeOJpHhiLpY96Q

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 at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ktkD9KwfSDiA9BNg8RC0cA

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 at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_bqTdtYIbR1K-H5j2BLCHbQ

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 at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_g9tUOsgzSsq2CmOsK0thPA

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

Need Assistance

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 call the Department’s Information Center, toll-free (888) 248-6866 or by email. Expect extended wait times when calling the Information Center.