The 2026-2027 Big Game Draw application opens THIS MONTH!
The Department of Game and Fish strongly recommends that all draw applicants for 2026-2027 hunts verify their contact information and provide a valid e-mail address and phone number in their online licensing system account.
Please contact the Department at 888-248-6866 if you need assistance updating or creating your account.
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Hunter Education classes are now available!
With the opening of draw applications right around the corner, It’s time to start planning for the 2026-2027 hunting season! That includes registering for a hunter education class, which are required for hunters under the age of 18 in New Mexico before they can submit a draw application or go hunting — though they can be helpful for hunters of all ages.
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The Department has scheduled upcoming hunter education classes in Farmington, Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Portales, Clovis, Pecos, Alamo, Taos and Sandia Park. The list of upcoming classes is available on the Department’s website, and is regularly updated.
Online classes are available for anyone age 9 and older. More information is available here.
Mobility-Impaired and Military/Veterans — Submit your documents ASAP!
Hunters who plan to apply for 2026-2027 draw hunts requiring mobility-impaired certification or proof of military/veteran status should submit their documentation ASAP to ensure they qualify for special hunt opportunities. Please include your Department-issued Customer Identification Number (CIN) when sending your documentation. The draw application will open later this month.
White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) and Fort Bliss use the contact information you provide in your account to communicate specific hunt information necessary if you are successful, including payment of the mandatory access fee.
Mobility-Impaired (MI) Certification:
MI certification by the Department is required prior to submitting a draw application for MI-only pronghorn, oryx, elk, or deer hunts. To qualify for MI certification, an individual must have a permanent impairment that:
- limits his/her mobility to a walker, wheelchair, or crutches;
- or one or more permanent disabilities or conditions which substantially limit the individual’s ability to walk.
The MI certification form is available online under the “Disability” tab. This form must be signed by the applicant’s physician and attest that one or more of the above mobility-impaired conditions apply.
Military-Only or Resident Veteran:
Current proof of service/eligibility must be provided to the New Mexico Department of Wildlife prior to applying for any military-only hunts, resident veteran hunts or Fort Bliss resident status hunts. You will not be able to apply for these hunts until you have provided documentation of service to the Department, and verification has been entered into the system.
When applying, if you do not see the military-only hunt codes or resident veteran oryx hunt codes, it means the Department has not yet verified your eligibility, or you have already fulfilled your once-in-a-lifetime oryx hunt (resident veterans only).
To qualify for resident veteran hunts, applicants must submit a DD-214 form, which demonstrates their honorable discharge from the military. Resident veterans who have already been verified in our system DO NOT need to resubmit their DD-214.
Please redact your social security number EXCEPT for the last 4 digits prior to submitting your qualifying military or veteran documentation, if possible.
Also, please note that Fort Bliss and WSMR require all hunters to have proof of passing a state-certified Hunter Education course.
All other rules and laws must be followed, including all applicable stamp and validation requirements.
The Department strongly recommends that you DO NOT wait until the last minute to provide your documents. Due to the high volume of draw applications received at the end of the application period, the Department cannot guarantee that your documents will be entered into the system if they are submitted after March 13, 2026.
Please email questions, completed mobility-impaired certification form, or military documentation to special.hunts@dgf.nm.gov.
Check out the 2026-2027 New Mexico Hunting Rules and Information Booklet for everything you need to know (también disponible en español):
What’s New and Reminders: Pages 6-9
Important Dates: Page 10
Licensing and Requirements: Pages 12-18
Discounted/Special Licenses: Pages 19-20
Military and Veterans: Pages 21-22
General Rules: Pages 29-36
Species Rules, Special Hunts, Lands: Pages 42-51
Hunt Dates and Hunt Codes by Species: Pages 52-157
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where can I get the Rules and Information Booklet?
A: You can download a copy of the Rules and Information Booklet from the Department’s website or pick up a printed copy at vendors and Department offices throughout New Mexico.
Q: What is a Game Hunting License, and why am I required to get one before I apply for the draw?
A: A Game Hunting License is valid for small game hunting and is required by state law prior to purchasing or applying for a big game or turkey license. Game hunting licenses and/or stamps purchased through the draw application are nonrefundable.
Q: If I am going to be applying for hunts for myself and two children, does each person need to have his or her own account?
A: Yes. Each person will need their own account. If you experience issues logging in, please call the Information Center at 888-248-6866, and our staff will assist you in resetting your password. Application assistance is available through the Department’s Information Center by calling 888-248-6866.
Apply early!
Avoid lengthy hold times by applying for the 2026-2027 Big Game Draw well in advance of the March 18 deadline! The Department encourages everyone to apply early to ensure they can submit their application before the deadline. In addition, the Department will hold weekly drawings throughout the draw application period, offering prizes from various partners to those who apply early — stay tuned for more details.
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