One of the most exciting application deadlines of the year is fast approaching – The New Mexico Big Game Draw. March 17, 2021 is the last day to apply for most of the great tags New Mexico has to offer. With no preference/bonus point system in place, New Mexico offers the applicant some of the very best drawing odds in the country. If you want to hunt big game in 2021, applying for tags in New Mexico should be a strong consideration. We here at WTA TAGS would love to assist. We can apply you in the most strategic way possible, giving you the very best odds of drawing a tag in the top producing GMUs. All it takes is the click of a button below or a phone call to the WTA TAGS office to get the process started – 1-800-755-TAGS (8247).
Remember WTA TAGS will float the following tag fees on your behalf:
- Elk – $760
- Mule Deer – $355
- Coues Deer – $355
- Antelope – $270
- Ibex – $1,610
- Oryx – $1,610
- Desert Bighorn – $3,160
- Rocky Mountain Bighorn – $3,160
- Barbary Sheep – $360
Applications must be submitted no later than March 17th. To apply, applicants must purchase a $74 non-resident hunting license and habitat stamp. State fees of $13 per species are charged at time of application. Also, applicants must submit the entire tag fee at time of application. From the list above two species really stand out as they are completely unique to New Mexico, those being the Oryx and the Ibex.
Oryx:
Between 1969-1977 a total of 95 oryx were released on White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) and the surrounding areas of southern, New Mexico. This area is primarily made up of flat desert, rolling hills and intermittent canyons and is covered with tall sage and mesquite. This relocation was all in the interest of providing additional hunting opportunities within New Mexico. Oryx not only provide excellent hunting, they also make for truly great table fare. Today, Oryx around White Sands number into the thousands.
New Mexico offers the opportunity to hunt this herd through an open lottery draw. This is a classic safari style spot-and-stalk or tracking style hunt, for the African Gemsbok AKA Oryx, which any applicant, getting lucky in the draw, can participate in without leaving the United States!
Hunts for these majestic animals take place virtually year-round which allows for a great opportunity in the off-season. The Once-In-A-Lifetime hunts that take place on WSMR offer a 3-day hunt while the off-range hunts come with month long seasons. Overall, Oryx numbers are lower on the off range hunts, but this option does offer significantly better draw odds and should be used as an applicant’s third choice, as historically speaking, 100% shot opportunity for our outfitted clients remains at 100%.
If drawn, this is a reasonably priced hunt coming in at roughly $2,500 for a fully guided three-day hunt. Please inquire about the free licensing services offer by WTA TAGS for kids and the YOUTH ONLY Oryx tags being offered on WSMR.
Ibex:
Persian Ibex, often referred to as Bezoar Ibex were imported from Iran and released in 1970 on the isolated Florida (flo-rida) Mountains of southern, New Mexico. Numbers quickly soared with the first hunt taking place in 1974. Today over 400 animals roam the Floridas. Often referred to as “The Rock” this range offers both a challenging, and rewarding hunting experience. This rugged landscape will test any hunter’s physical limitations as well as mental stamina. What keeps people applying is the fact that this is truly a very special trophy, in some of the most amazing country in the West.
Hunters can expect to glass from below until a suitable billy is found, at which time a stalk can be planned and executed. Shot distance can vary greatly depending on where the ibex are found. Hunters should be prepared to shoot 400 yards. Having an experienced guide who knows the access routes across the mountain is crucial and will save miles of tough walking. This knowledge will absolutely make for a more successful and enjoyable hunting experience. Our preferred ibex outfitter, and his team, have over 150 total successful hunts to their resume, including a 25% success rate on the archery hunts, which is well above the “norm”. They also hold several spots in the record book for this species.
Draw odds for these coveted tags are difficult, but can be greatly improved for the hunter willing to apply for rifle, with muzzleloader as a second choice. (For those who are truly up-to the challenge, archery tags are also available and come with the best odds of drawing). It should be noted that muzzleloaders equipped with scopes, sabots and pelletized powder are legal for use in New Mexico. Our partners at Gunwerks offer possibly the best long-range muzzleloaders in the industry. These are the perfect guns for those drawing almost any muzzleloader tag in New Mexico – especially the Ibex tag.
Youth: New Mexico has also set-aside specific Ibex tags for youth hunters. If your child is under 18 years of age, has a Hunter’s Safety Card and is up for the challenge, this is a great fit with season dates between Christmas and New Year’s. This will be the very best odds your child will ever have of drawing this amazing rifle tag. Remember, WTA TAGS applies kids free of charge – please inquire!
For more information or to apply for this world class Ibex tag, click the button below to send us an email and a WTA TAGS Consultant will contact you.
