Short answer: New Mexico grows some of the biggest bull elk in North America, but its public draw is one of the toughest in the West for non-residents. The way most out-of-state hunters actually get to hunt New Mexico elk is through the EPLUS landowner-tag system — transferable private-land tags that skip the draw entirely. This guide covers all of it: how the draw works, how EPLUS tags work, the best units, and what a hunt costs.
Why New Mexico for elk?
New Mexico punches far above its size for trophy elk. The Gila in the southwest and the high country up north produce bulls that rival anywhere on the continent, on a mix of public wilderness and private ranch ground. The catch is access: unlike Colorado, there are no over-the-counter elk tags here, and the public draw is brutally competitive. That’s why understanding your two paths — the draw and EPLUS — matters so much.
The two ways to hunt New Mexico elk
1. The public draw — tough, especially for non-residents
New Mexico runs a lottery draw for public elk tags, and demand dwarfs supply — recent draws saw hundreds of thousands of applicants competing for around 60,000 total big-game licenses. Non-residents face the longest odds of anyone. It’s worth applying, but you can’t count on it. We break the system down in how the New Mexico elk draw works.
2. EPLUS landowner tags — how most non-residents actually hunt here
This is the key to New Mexico. Through the EPLUS program, private landowners receive transferable elk tags they can sell or transfer to hunters — completely outside the public draw. A large share of the state’s elk tags flow through EPLUS, and the majority go to out-of-state hunters. If you want a guaranteed New Mexico elk tag without gambling on the draw, this is the path. Full details: the New Mexico EPLUS landowner tag guide.
Best New Mexico elk units
The Gila region in the southwest (units like 15, 16, 17, 23, and 24) is legendary trophy country, while the northern units (6A, 6B, 6C and the surrounding high country) offer big bulls closer to the Colorado line. Which unit fits you depends on whether you’re hunting a draw tag or an EPLUS tag, and what terrain you want. See our full breakdown of the best New Mexico elk units.
Seasons
New Mexico offers archery, muzzleloader, and rifle elk seasons running from September into December, with the September archery rut hunts being the most sought-after. Your tag type and unit determine your exact season dates.
What a New Mexico elk hunt costs
New Mexico elk hunts run higher than most states, largely because of the EPLUS tag cost built into private-land hunts — guided hunts commonly range from about $8,000 to $15,000 or more depending on the unit, tag type, and trophy potential. The full picture is here: how much a New Mexico elk hunt costs.
How Western Obsession helps
New Mexico is one of the trickiest states to hunt on your own — the EPLUS market is confusing and the draw is a long shot. We cut through it: we match you with vetted outfitters who hold the right EPLUS tags in proven units, so you get a guaranteed tag on quality ground. Every outfitter is one we’ve hunted with ourselves. See our New Mexico hunting trips or talk to a consultant. Hunting elsewhere too? Start with our Colorado elk hunting guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can a non-resident hunt elk in New Mexico without drawing a tag?
Yes. Through the EPLUS landowner-tag system, non-residents can buy transferable private-land elk tags that bypass the public draw entirely. This is how most out-of-state hunters hunt New Mexico elk, since the public draw odds are very low for non-residents.
What is an EPLUS tag in New Mexico?
EPLUS is New Mexico’s Elk Private Land Use System. Landowners receive transferable elk authorizations based on their property and elk habitat, which they can sell or transfer to hunters outside the public draw. An EPLUS authorization lets you buy a New Mexico elk license without entering the lottery.
Is New Mexico good for trophy elk?
Yes. New Mexico, especially the Gila region, produces some of the largest bull elk in North America. It is widely considered one of the top trophy elk states in the country.
How much does a guided New Mexico elk hunt cost?
Guided New Mexico elk hunts commonly range from about $8,000 to $15,000 or more, driven largely by the cost of the EPLUS landowner tag and the trophy quality of the unit.
Ready to plan a New Mexico elk hunt?
Tell us your budget and goals, and we’ll match you with a guaranteed-tag New Mexico elk hunt on proven ground.
