New Mexico is a state that offers something for everyone when it comes to elk hunting. The state is issuing almost 40,000 elk tags each year, with an average statewide success rate of around 40%. With multiple weapon choices, types of terrain, season dates, and a healthy population of elk, you will have plenty of options to choose from when applying for hunts that fit your preferred style of hunting. With no point system to deal with and three choices that are considered on each application, we consider it a must-apply state for all elk hunters.
Elk hunters and outfitters consistently reported a very weak rut across most of the state in 2025. Hot, dry conditions were likely to blame for the down year. Broken antlered bulls were also an issue in 2025. Many outfitters said they had never seen so many busted-up bulls; quite a few were missing an entire beam. Unfortunately, things aren’t shaping up much better for the 2026 season. At the time of writing this article, 90% of the state is experiencing drought conditions. This is especially true in the famed Gila units 15, 16A, 16B/22, 16C, 16D & 16E. The elk numbers here are beginning to decline, especially in the older age class, and reports of lower calf recruitment due to sustained drought aren’t going to help. Throw in the fact that drought conditions like these can shrink a bull by 30–40”, and it may be a good idea for those who draw tags in these units over the next few years to temper trophy expectations. That said, any of these hunts could still offer up a giant bull.
For those who don’t need to kill a giant bull but are looking for a great all-around elk hunting experience, you can’t go wrong with units 34 and 36. These areas hold some of the highest elk densities in the state, and there are plenty of 300–320” bulls to hunt. They also offer varied terrain—from mild, rolling hills to rugged, timbered mountains—along with plenty of public land and some good access.
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New Mexico offers a wide range of season dates to choose from to best fit your fall schedule. The season kicks off with two different archery hunts in September. The peak of the rut typically starts to crank up sometime around the last few days of the first hunt or the beginning of the second hunt, and you should be into screaming bulls at some point during your season if you draw either. The second of these two hunts comes with tougher draw odds; on average, they are 2% more difficult to draw than first archery season hunts. While we don’t want to oversell them, there’s a pretty good case to be made for taking advantage of the better odds that the first archery season hunts offer.
Statewide, average bull success rates during the first archery season hunts have been almost identical to those of the second season hunts over the past three years. Second archery season tag holders will have a greater chance to experience a more intense and vocal elk rut. We advise archery hunters to at least consider choosing a first season hunt for your third archery choice. Good luck in the draw, and remember to give us a call if you’d like to apply with an outfitter to increase your odds of chasing elk in New Mexico this fall!
For a hunter who isn’t lucky enough to draw a tag, be sure to check out the Huntin’ Fool Landowner Tags webpage for more information on New Mexico landowner elk tags.
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The New Mexico Big Game Application Deadline is March 18, 2026 at 5 P.M. MDT.
2026 Non-Resident New Mexico Elk Hunting Fees |
Fee |
|---|---|
| Adult Game Hunting License (non-refundable) | $90 |
| Junior Game Hunting License (non-refundable) | $15 |
| Elk Q, HD, or Q/HD License | $998 |
| Elk S License | $773 |
| 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 Elk Hunting Articles from Huntin' Fool Magazine
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