New Mexico Bighorn Sheep Hunting Units & Draw Odds
17 units · 93.3% avg hunter success
New Mexico's bighorn sheep draw is random—no points required to enter. The 2026 application closes March 18, with results announced April 22. Nonresidents make up 22% of available tags and pay $13 to apply plus $3523 for a tag if drawn. We've tracked 17 units across recent draw years to show you where your odds sit. Some units have fielded zero-point hunts drawing as high as 4.8%, while others drop to 0.1% in the same year. Harvest success ranges from 50% to 96% depending on the unit and weapon type. Use this breakdown to target realistic opportunities and plan your application strategy.
How the New Mexico Draw Works
Draw system
Pure random draw — every applicant has equal odds, no points.
Nonresident allocation: 22% of tags
2026 application window
— – Mar 18(nonresident)
Results: Apr 22
2026 fees (nonresident, regular)
$13 app · $3523 tag
Easiest Bighorn Sheep Draws for Nonresidents (2022 Results)
Point levels that drew with certainty, and the best documented zero-point hunts — actual draw results, per hunt.
4.8% at zero points · Archery, Bhs-2-203
4.8% at zero points · Archery, Bhs-2-203
4.8% at zero points · Archery, Bhs-2-203
1.5% at zero points · Rifle, Bhs-1-202
0.1% at zero points · Rifle, Bhs-1-204
0.1% at zero points · Rifle, Bhs-1-204
0.1% at zero points · Rifle, Bhs-1-204
0.1% at zero points · Rifle, Bhs-1-204
0.1% at zero points · Rifle, Bhs-1-204
0.1% at zero points · Rifle, Bhs-1-204
0.1% at zero points · Rifle, Bhs-1-201
0.1% at zero points · Rifle, Bhs-1-201
| Unit | Drew with certainty at | Best zero-point hunt | Success | Public land |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unit 49 | — | 4.8%Archery, Bhs-2-203 | 96% | 88% |
| Unit 50 | — | 4.8%Archery, Bhs-2-203 | 96% | 79% |
| Unit 53 | — | 4.8%Archery, Bhs-2-203 | 96% | 73% |
| Unit 45 | — | 1.5%('24)Rifle, Bhs-1-202 | 50% | 82% |
| Unit 13 | — | 0.1%('24)Rifle, Bhs-1-204 | 96% | 69% |
| Unit 17 | — | 0.1%('24)Rifle, Bhs-1-204 | 96% | 75% |
| Unit 19 | — | 0.1%('24)Rifle, Bhs-1-204 | 96% | 98% |
| Unit 20 | — | 0.1%('24)Rifle, Bhs-1-204 | 96% | 74% |
| Unit 26 | — | 0.1%('24)Rifle, Bhs-1-204 | 96% | 54% |
| Unit 27 | — | 0.1%('24)Rifle, Bhs-1-204 | 96% | 69% |
| Unit 16B | — | 0.1%('24)Rifle, Bhs-1-201 | 96% | 100% |
| Unit 22 | — | 0.1%('24)Rifle, Bhs-1-201 | 96% | 71% |
All New Mexico Bighorn Sheep Units
New Mexico Bighorn Sheep Draw FAQ
How does New Mexico's bighorn sheep draw work for nonresidents?
It's a random draw with no point system. Every applicant—whether they have previous entries or not—has an equal chance each year. Nonresidents pay $13 to apply and get 22% of the available tags statewide.
When do I apply for New Mexico bighorn sheep in 2026?
The application deadline is March 18, 2026. Results will be announced April 22, 2026. If you draw, the tag fee is $3523.
What are the odds of drawing a New Mexico bighorn sheep tag as a nonresident?
Draw odds vary significantly by unit and weapon type. Recent data shows zero-point hunts ranging from 0.1% to 4.8%, with some rifle hunts as low as 1.5%. Your actual odds depend on the specific unit and hunt code you apply for.
Which New Mexico bighorn sheep units are most huntable for nonresidents?
Units 49, 50, and 53 all showed zero-point archery hunts drawing at 4.8% in 2022 with 96% harvest success. Unit 45 had a zero-point rifle hunt at 1.5% with 50% success. Unit 13 is much tighter at 0.1%, so focus on the higher-odds units if you're chasing realistic draws.
Plan your New Mexico Bighorn Sheep hunt — free account, no card. Run the draw simulator at your point level and compare every unit in the state.
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