New Mexico Changes Wildlife License Fees

As of March 20, 2025 the Game Commission Reform (Senate Bill 5) was signed into law by the Governor. This bill renames the agency from the Game Commission to the Wildlife Commission. License fees have been changed for non-resident hunters and will began in 2026. See below for more information.

 

New Mexico Increases License Costs for Non-Residents & Residents

A recent legislative change (Senate Bill 5) in New Mexico has reformed the State Game Commission to be called the State Wildlife Commission. Changes to all hunt license fees have also been accepted to begin in April 2026. These adjustments are intended to support the Wildlife Commission conservation efforts by generating additional funds for habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, and other critical initiatives.

Breakdown of New Mexico Fee Changes For Non-Residents & Residents

A detailed overview of the adjustments made to the fee structure specifically for non-resident and residents are listed below. Non-residents planning to hunt in New Mexico should carefully review these changes to plan for next year with the adjusted structure. For a complete review of these updates, refer to the enrolled version of SB5.

New Mexico State Wildlife Commission Fee Changes

 

New Mexico Non-Resident Hunting Fees
Non-Resident License	2025 Fee	2026 Fee
Game Hunting License & HMA Validation (adult)	$69	$94
Game Hunting License & HMA Validation (youth)	$19	$24
Shed Hunter License	n/a	$200
Bighorn Sheep (ram / ewe)	$3,173	$3,523
Oryx	$1,623	$1,623
Ibex	$1,623	$1,623
Elk (Quality / High Demand)	$773	$998
Elk (Standard)	$548	$773
Deer (Quality / High Demand)	$368	$623
Deer (Standard)	$283	$398
Antelope	$283	$423
Barbary Sheep	$373	$373
Black Bear	$260	$360
Cougar	$290	$360
Javelina	$178	$178
Turkey	$110	$135
** these fee increases will be effective April 1, 2026. Each year thereafter license fees may be increased in accordance with the Consumer Price Index HUNTINFOOL.COM

 

New Mexico Resident Hunting Fees
Resident License	2025 Fee	2026 Fee
Game Hunting License (adult)	$19	$29
Game Hunting License (youth)	$14	$14
Shed Hunter License	not required	not required
Bighorn Sheep (ram)	$160	$160
Bighorn Sheep (ewe)	$85	$85
Oryx	$160	$185
Ibex	$110	$120
Elk (Bull or Either Sex)	$90	$100
Elk (Antlerless)	$54	$64
Elk (Junior/Senior)	$58	$70
Deer	$41	$60
Deer (Junior/Senior)	$29	$35
Antelope	$60	$70
Barbary Sheep	$110	$130
Black Bear	$47	$58
Cougar	$43	$58
Javelina	$65	$65
Turkey	$25	$35
** these fee increases will be effective April 1, 2026. Each year thereafter license fees may be increased in accordance with the Consumer Price Index. HUNTINFOOL.COM