The good old days of sheep hunting in New Mexico are alive and well. As NMDGF continues its conservative permit allocation for both species of sheep, the payoff is obvious when it comes to the quality of rams being harvested across the state. Aside from the Fra Cristobal Desert sheep hunt, every hunt in the state offers a hunter Boone & Crockett potential for both Rocky and Desert sheep. Current statewide estimates have the Desert sheep population at 1,088 animals and the Rocky Mountain population at around 1,675.
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To apply for sheep in New Mexico, non-residents must front the expensive $3,173 sheep license fee. If unsuccessful in the draw, New Mexico will refund all of the license fee minus a $13 application fee. In 2025-2026, there will be 28 Rocky Mountain ram tags issued in the draw and 25 Desert ram tags. Of these, there will be two licenses awarded in the outfitter draw for each species and one license for each species awarded in the non-resident draw. An additional ram tag for each species will also be available in the outfitter or non-resident draw, whichever of the two draws it goes to first.
The draw process allows applicants to apply for both Desert and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep with up to three choices each. You can list three hunt codes on your sheep application, but two of the codes available are for ewe licenses, which cost the same as the ram licenses. As such, applicants must be careful and not apply for a ewe tag unless you are willing to spend $3,173 to harvest a ewe. There will again be 30 ewe tags issued on the Pecos between the rifle, archery, and youth hunts. You can find more information on the ewe hunts on pages 103 and 104 of the regulations.
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In 2024, a new Rocky hunt was opened in 6A/6C after successful reintroduction efforts began in 2017 in the Jemez Mountains. After building the herd to a sustainable population, its first two draw tags were issued last year. The auction tag winner also took part in this hunt's inaugural season, and between the three hunters, the three biggest rams in the state came out of this unit in 2024. The best of these rams was an absolute giant and went into the books at 208 1/8". This ram surpassed the existing state record by 10 inches and was good enough for #4 ever harvested. While 2024's hunters had first crack at these rams, there are still plenty of giants in the unit with 28 class IV (9+ years old) rams being counted on in the most recent survey. As a result, an additional draw tag will be available on the first Jemez hunt this year.
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The only reasons not to be excited about applying in New Mexico's bighorn draw are the dismal odds of drawing a tag and the expensive up-front fee to apply.
The up-front application fee is usually refunded to your card about five weeks after the application deadline. If you can swing the charge, make sure you have your name in the hat for the draw. You won't regret your decision if you are one of the lucky applicants with a New Mexico sheep tag in your pocket this year!
General Season
**Season dates vary by zone and take method. For more information, visit the New Mexico Department Game & Fish’s website.
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The New Mexico Big Game Application deadline is March 20, 2025 at 5:00 PM MDT.
Our online/print magazine has everything in one location: Application info, draw details and odds, fees, hunter requirements, point structure, age restrictions, youth information, weapon restrictions, other tag opportunities, hunt planning and much more. If you would like access to all of our research join today!
| Licenses & Permits | Fee |
|---|---|
| Adult Game Hunting License (non-refundable) | $65 |
| Junior Game Hunting License (non-refundable) | $15 |
| Bighorn Sheep License | $3,173 |
| Habitat Management and Access Validation (required) | $4 |
| Habitat Stamp (if purchased on or after April 1st) (required by all who hunt BLM or USFS land) | $10 |
| License fees include a non-refundable application $13 fee for each species. |
New Mexico Bighorn Sheep Hunting Articles from Huntin' Fool Magazine
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