New Mexico Hunting License: Cost, Requirements & How to Apply (2026)
Complete guide to New Mexico hunting license costs, requirements, seasons, and regulations for the Apr 1, 2025 – Mar 31, 2026 season.
New Mexico Hunting License Fees 2026
Current hunting license costs for residents and non-residents. License year: Apr 1, 2025 – Mar 31, 2026.
Resident Licenses
Non-Resident Licenses
Tags & Permits
Endorsements & Stamps
How to Buy a New Mexico Hunting License
Multiple convenient options to get your license quickly.
Buy Online (Recommended)
Visit NM Game & Fish online sales. Create account or sign in. Apply for draw licenses during application period. Full tag cost charged upfront (refunded if unsuccessful). Purchase game hunting license separately. Print your license
Buy In Person
NMDGF offices statewide, Walmart stores, Local sporting goods stores
Buy By Phone
Call 888-248-6866. $1 vendor fee
Shop for hunting gear at our partners:
The easiest way to buy your New Mexico hunting license is online through the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish. You'll get your license instantly and can start hunting right away.
Hunter Education Requirements in New Mexico
Who Can Hunt for Free (or at a Discount) in New Mexico?
New Mexico Hunting Seasons 2026-2027
Key hunting season dates and weapon restrictions.
New Mexico Bag Limits
Daily and seasonal harvest limits for major game species.
How New Mexico Compares to Neighboring States
See how hunting license costs stack up in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Mexico Hunting Licenses
How much is a hunting license in New Mexico?
Resident Game Hunting costs $25. Non-residents pay $90. Youth licenses are $10 resident / $15 non-resident. Add HMAV ($4) and Habitat Stamp ($10 for public land) for full access.
How does New Mexico's draw work?
NM charges the full tag cost upfront when you apply. If unsuccessful, the tag fee is refunded minus the $7 (res) or $13 (NR) non-refundable application fee. NM uses a purely random lottery — no preference or bonus points.
How much is a non-resident elk tag in NM?
Standard NR elk tags cost $773 (bull/either sex). Quality/high-demand units cost $998. Plus the $90 hunting license and $13 application fee. Total: ~$876-$1,101.
What percentage of NM tags go to non-residents?
At least 84% of draw tags go to residents. Up to 10% go to guided non-residents using an NM registered outfitter, and up to 6% to unguided non-residents. Using an outfitter significantly improves NR draw odds.
What is the HMAV validation?
The Habitat Management and Access Validation ($4) is required for all hunters 18+ hunting on both public and private lands in New Mexico. The Habitat Stamp ($10) is separately required for hunting on USFS and BLM federal lands.
Can I hunt Coues whitetail in New Mexico?
Yes, the Coues whitetail deer (a small subspecies) is found in southwestern NM mountains. It shares the deer tag ($50 res/$398 NR) with mule deer. Coues deer hunting is a unique challenge prized by trophy hunters.
Can I buy a New Mexico hunting license online?
Yes, at onlinesales.wildlife.state.nm.us. A $1 vendor fee applies. Draw applications are submitted online during specific application windows — check NMDGF for current deadlines.
Is turkey hunting OTC in New Mexico?
Yes, turkey tags ($25 res/$100 NR) are available over-the-counter without a draw. Spring season runs April 15 – May 15. Both Merriam's and Rio Grande turkeys are found in NM.