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Youth Encouragement Elk License applications to open July 29
Youth hunters are eligible to purchase an antlerless Youth Encouragement Elk License with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish starting 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 29.
Youth Encouragement Elk hunts were created to provide additional opportunities for youth hunters. Of the 1,960 available licenses, 1,570 will be for any legal sporting arm and 390 for muzzleloader hunts.
The first 14 days of license sales are only open to resident youth who have applied in the current license year for one or more draw hunts for deer, elk, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, Barbary sheep, oryx or ibex, and were not successful for any hunt. The purchase of a leftover draw hunt does not count as a successful application.
At 10 a.m. Aug. 12, the sale will open to any youth hunter eligible to purchase an elk license.
Youth hunters applying for the licenses must have a valid Hunter Education certification, must have a current 2025-2026 Game Hunting or Game Hunting and Fishing license, and must be age 17 or younger on the day of the hunt.
To apply or for more information, visit wildlife.dgf.nm.gov.
