As the March 18 deadline for applying for New Mexico Big Game approaches many hunters are still scratching their heads on the new draw changes. For 2020, New Mexico has taken proactive steps to strictly adhere to its pre-set laws determining the allocation and distribution of draw licenses.

As the law reads:

• A minimum of 84% of draw licenses are awarded to New Mexico residents
• Up to 10% of draw licenses are awarded to residents and nonresidents applying with a New Mexico registered outfitter
• Up to 6% of draw licenses are awarded to nonresidents applying without a New Mexico registered outfitter

In years past the state had fallen into the habit of rounding tag numbers up which led to an over-allocation of nonresident tags. New action was taken this year to ensure that any rounding was now done to the lowest whole number - This will effectively guarantee that, at a minimum, the 84% of the licenses for residents is met but this also means that less nonresident tags will be given out as compared to years past. Additionally, this will set very clear guidelines as to what hunts nonresidents will be eligible for.

Basing off of the 6% for nonresidents any hunt with a total of under 17 licenses it is very unlikely that there will be a tag available. Additionally, counting the 10% for outfitted applicants, hunts with less than 10 tags again it will be very unlikely that there will be a tag available. These numbers will be important for any applicants as they enter the 2020 draw.

Note: If you have already applied, you can still modify your application up until the March 18 draw deadline. Apply or modify your application here.

Check out the tables below:

Links to app strategy articles

New Mexico Elk and Deer New Mexico Sheep and Antelope New Mexico Exotics Draw Odds Filtering 2.0