Quick Answer
In New Mexico, the number of elk tags you can apply for is limited, but this varies depending on the specific hunt type and the applicant's residency status. Non-resident hunters can only apply for one elk tag per year, while resident hunters are allowed to apply for up to three tags. The exact number of tags available also depends on the draw results.
New Mexico Elk Tag Application Limits
In New Mexico, non-resident hunters are subject to a one-tag-per-year limit, with some exceptions for special permits and over-the-counter (OTC) tags. For example, during the OTC archery elk hunt, non-residents can purchase one tag, but this is usually limited to a specific area and a specific time frame.
Applying for Multiple Tags as a Resident
Resident hunters in New Mexico, on the other hand, are allowed to apply for up to three elk tags per year. However, this requires separate applications for each tag type, as well as separate drawing requirements. For example, if a resident hunter wants to apply for a muzzleloader elk tag, an archery elk tag, and a rifle elk tag, they will need to submit separate applications for each, with separate fees and deadlines.
Understanding the Drawing Process
The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) conducts an annual drawing for elk tags, which requires applicants to submit their preferences for specific hunt areas, seasons, and tag types. The drawing is random, and applicants are not guaranteed a tag, even if they have applied for multiple tags. Resident hunters who are selected for multiple tags will need to decide which tags to keep and which to surrender, usually by a specific deadline.
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