Get ready to draw: Proper licensing is key when hunting or fishing in the Land of Enchantment

Outdoor opportunities are abound in the Land of Enchantment, particularly when it comes to hunting and fishing.

There are, of course, rules and regulations one must follow, and it is key to make sure to be up-to-date regarding all licensing requirements set by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF). Sales of over-the-counter fishing and hunting licenses for 2024-25 are currently underway, and participation continues to be on the upswing in the state.

“There has been an increasing trend in hunting and fishing participation in New Mexico over the years, which is not true for many other states across the nation,” reads a statement from NMDGF. “We attribute this trend to decades of successful wildlife conservation efforts that have allowed New Mexico to provide some of the highest quality hunting and fishing opportunities in the West. New Mexico is one of the best states for big-game hunting in the country. Our reputation for trophy elk, pronghorn and bighorn sheep, in particular, is outstanding. We also have species no other state has, including oryx, ibex and Barbary sheep. Big-game draw applications have been increasing for years, and further increased significantly during COVID.”

For those who are new to the licensing as well as the state’s rules and regulations, it can be overwhelming at first. For in-person needs, NMDGF recommends that new participants take advantage of the Hunter Education courses and fishing-education classes it offers. Additionally, there are many helpful summaries and guides available on the department’s website (wildlife.state.nm.us), YouTube channel and other social media platforms.

All participants are also urged to become well-versed in the Rules and Information booklets (RIBs) distributed by the department, which are available both in print and on its website.

“People should first be aware that the hunting and fishing rules and regulations are in place to ensure that these renewable, but limited, natural resources can be enjoyed by as many people as possible from both current and future generations,” NMDGF states. “The Department’s wildlife law enforcement efforts are crucial for the same reason. As such, all hunters and anglers should be aware of and follow all regulations, including license and carcass-tagging requirements if applicable.”

All told, NMDGF sells 44 different license types. Annual fishing licenses are already available for purchase — combination game hunting and fishing licenses are another option — and are valid from April 1, 2024, through March 31, 2025. There are also special licenses based on resident status, for short periods (one or five days), youth or seniors (free to age 70-plus), or for those who meet handicap or disabled-veteran status.

Anglers must also purchase a habitat management and access validation (HMAV) stamp each year, which helps fund habitat conservation and public access improvements and a Habitat Stamp. Special permits and validations are also sold for those planning to use a second rod or fish for Gila trout.

“Though New Mexico doesn’t have abundant water, its reservoirs are extremely productive,” NMDGF states. “The San Juan River in northwestern New Mexico is a world-renowned trout fishery. The state also offers excellent warm-water fishing opportunities, and the fish the Department stocks grow relatively quickly.”

Meanwhile, those who wish to purchase a game-hunting license or apply for a draw hunt must have a department account and a customer identification number. Each year, species draw licenses are available for the following: elk, deer, pronghorn, javelina, bighorn sheep, oryx, ibex, Barbary sheep, bear, turkey and sandhill crane.

“The difficulty of getting any specific license depends on demand and number of licenses available to keep harvest at sustainable levels,” NMDGF states. “… New Mexico’s big game drawing is subject to a quota system. In accordance with state law, the draw distributes a minimum of 84% of the licenses for each hunt to New Mexico residents, 10% to residents or nonresidents who have contracted with an outfitter and 6% to nonresidents who have not contracted with an outfitter.”

According to NMDGF, the most popular draws are typically for bighorn sheep, elk in the Gila Wilderness and deer in the northwest corner of the state. Additionally, over-the-counter licenses, which will be available beginning July 1, can be purchased for javelina, turkey, private-land deer, private-land pronghorn, private-land Barbary sheep, bear, cougar and secondary management zone private-land elk.

During the previous licensing year, NMDGF sold more than 206,000 fishing licenses (including more than 140,000 annual), more than 93,000 game-hunting licenses and more than 64,000 combination licenses. Meanwhile, more than 112,000 species hunting licenses were sold last year, with 62,000 issued through the draw. All of those purchases are for a good cause.

“Hunter and angler funds support the future of hunting and fishing, as well as conservation of non-game wildlife, natural places and outdoor recreation in New Mexico,” NMGDF states.