New Mexico Big Game Draw Hunt Resources

All draw applications have to be submitted to NMDGF in March. The results are posted in April. The exact date of the draw changes every year. Sign up for our newsletter (see below) to automatically receive critical dates for the annual draw.

Draw hunts for 2023 include draw licenses for Barbary sheep, bighorn sheep, deer, elk, ibex, javelina, pronghorn and oryx.

Applications must be completed before 5 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time (MDT) on the application deadline date.

You can read full instructions about the draw here.

One of the hardest draw hunts in Mexico is the Gila Wilderness. The terrain, access, elevation, and wilderness make these hunts difficult and rewarding. 16A, 16B, and 16D all produce excellent quality elk on a regular basis. Many successful hunters use horses to get into the remote wilderness areas.

The state of New Mexico is mandated by law to attempt to distribute a minimum of 84% of the big game draw licenses for each hunt to New Mexico residents. An additional 10% percent allocation to residents or nonresidents who've contracted with an outfitter and 6% to nonresidents who have not contracted with an outfitter. For non-residents seeking to draw, the numbers are in your favor to contract with an outfitter prior to the draw for better draw opportunities.

Planning for a draw hunt and applying with an outfitter will help you achieve better draw odds. Great outfitters spend the time scouting year round, have great relationships with landowners, and understand the unit by unit herd populations. We recommend working with an outfitter to communicate the type of hunt experience you want, the dates, species, and other considerations, so we can create the best draw strategy for you.

We have a big game hunting unit map at the bottom of this page.