Are you an elk or deer hunter? If your answer is yes, then you need to have the March 17th, New Mexico application deadline on your radar – here’s why.
Equal Odds Are Your Best Odds
The New Mexico big-game draw is a 100% lottery-style draw. No point system is in place, which evens the playing field for all applicants. New Mexico does require applicants to submit the entire tag fee at the time of application, which can quickly add-up and deter applicants all together or limit the number of applications you are comfortable submitting. WTA TAGS will submit these fees at the time of application on your behalf.
Non-Resident Quotas
Currently, nonresidents are allotted 16% of the total tags for each species. Of which, 6% go into the “unguided pool” and 10% go into the “guided pool.” If you enter the “guided pool” you must hire an outfitter once successfully drawn. By applying through WTA TAGS into the “guided pool” your odds of successfully drawing a tag will increase substantially. It is not uncommon to double your odds of winning. Once successfully drawn, WTA TAGS will be able to assist pairing you with the finest outfitter for the tag you have drawn. This is a pivotal component in maximizing any great draw tag. Rates for a fully-guided hunt will vary, but $5,000-$7,000 is to be expected. This is a huge savings when compared to hunts of similar quality with guaranteed tags.
How The Draw Works
You are allotted three choices on your application for elk and deer. When your application is randomly selected, each choice will be looked at in the order they were submitted before moving to the next applicant. This is crucial when it comes to maximizing your odds of drawing a premium tag as you must understand the draw odds, draw trends and the specific attributes of each season in each respective unit. You must also consider the style of hunting you prefer prior to applying. Do you like to hunt on horseback? Do you prefer to stay in a lodge? Are wall-tent camps more appealing? If you apply through WTA TAGS you can be assured all of this information is taken into account prior to your Consultant selecting the hunts you will be applied for.
Weapon Choice
When applying into the New Mexico draw, one might consider applying with a more primitive weapon; archery and muzzleloader tags are typically much easier to draw than rifle tags and often fall over better season dates. Muzzleloaders have very few restrictions in New Mexico. Scopes of all magnifications can be used and the newer “long range” muzzleloaders are similar to most rifles in terms of accuracy. Again, draw odds, when using primitive weapons, will open additional hunt options and units.
Rocky Mountain Elk
New Mexico has long been touted as one of the West’s premier elk destinations and rightfully so. The overall trophy quality in New Mexico’s premier units is phenomenal; taking a bull over 340 is certainly realistic. If you are simply after a great hunting experience that comes with high odds of success on a quality bull, a plethora of options are available. New Mexico offers primitive-weapon elk units that only allow archery or muzzleloader hunting. The latter portion of the rut takes place during select muzzleloader seasons within the primitive-weapons units. If you wish to hunt peak rut, it is imperative to apply for the archery seasons. The elevation, topography, and style of hunt will vary vastly from unit to unit, but it is safe to say there is a trophy-type bull hunt that fits into everyone’s wheelhouse.
Youth: The youth elk hunts offer some of the best opportunities to harvest in the entire state. Rifle and muzzleloader tags are available and, in most circumstances, the youth-only season is the first gun hunt in each respective unit. This equates to a great elk hunting experience with high success on quality bulls.
Mule Deer
If you were to look through the B&C record book, I believe you’d be surprised at what you’d find regarding mule deer. Rio Arriba County, found in north central New Mexico, is one of the strongest producers of typical B&C bucks in the country, sure to impress even the most discerning trophy hunter. Outside of this select area, the remainder of the state can be largely classified as having “trophy opportunity.” This means that great hunts can be had and big deer can be taken, but it should simply be looked at as a great chance to put a tag in your pocket and go have some fun. Many of these “trophy opportunity”-type hunts can be drawn at nearly 100% in the “guided pool”.
Youth: Tags are available in many areas for youth deer hunters, including the previously mentioned Rio Arriba County units. Youth rifle hunts will typically catch the pre-rut or rut, making for great action and plenty of deer being spotted. Youth muzzleloader and archery hunts are also offered in quality units that will afford high success and great experiences for those not in search of the biggest horns.
Coues Deer
Although N.M. is often overshadowed by neighboring Arizona, the Coues hunting in the Land of Enchantment should not be overlooked. The greatest densities are found in the extreme southwestern portion of the state. Trophies will average over 90 inches, with bucks over 110 being taken each season. WTA TAGS clients were 100% successful in 2020 when hunting with our preferred outfitter. Rifle and muzzleloader hunts are conducted from October-December. The mid-December rifle hunt is the most sought-after tag available. Archery hunts are available in September and January. The January hunts often take place when all other fall hunts have concluded, making it the perfect opportunity to extend your season. This area consists of gorgeous desert mountains with very moderate and enjoyable weather.
Youth: The youth-only tags offered in the units that hold Coues deer are not species specific. They are deer tags that will allow a child to take one buck, be it a Coues deer or mule deer. The versatility of this tag is appealing and the late-November hunt dates work well to sneak your son or daughter away during their Thanksgiving break.
The New Mexico big-game application deadline is March 17th, 2021. If you would like assistance applying, do not hesitate to reach out to WTA TAGS at 1-800-755-TAGS(8247) and ask to speak with a Consultant. WTA TAGS will ensure you are applied in a manner that maximizes your odds of drawing that dream tag.
