New Mexico Elk Hunting Units & Draw Odds
49 units · 30.1% avg hunter success
New Mexico's elk draw is straightforward: random selection, no points required. Nonresidents make up 22% of the available tags, competing in a fair lottery across 49 units statewide. For 2026, nonresident applications close March 18, with results on April 22. Plan on $13 for the application fee plus your tag fee—$773 for a standard hunt or $998 for high-demand units. The unit data below shows success rates and draw odds from recent seasons, helping you target the right country for your style of hunt and skill level.
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 · $773 tag
Easiest Elk Draws for Nonresidents (2022 Results)
Point levels that drew with certainty, and the best documented zero-point hunts — actual draw results, per hunt.
100% at zero points · Muzzleloader, Elk-3-237
100% at zero points · Rifle, Elk-1-244
100% at zero points · Rifle, Elk-1-256
100% at zero points · Rifle, Elk-1-264
100% at zero points · Rifle, Elk-1-314
100% at zero points · Rifle, Elk-1-327
100% at zero points · Rifle, Elk-1-180
100% at zero points · Rifle, Elk-1-353
100% at zero points · Rifle, Elk-1-410
100% at zero points · Rifle, Elk-1-156
99% at zero points · Rifle, Elk-1-189
90% at zero points · Rifle, Elk-1-145
| Unit | Drew with certainty at | Best zero-point hunt | Success | Public land |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unit 15 | — | 100%Muzzleloader, Elk-3-237 | 30% | 80% |
| Unit 16A | — | 100%Rifle, Elk-1-244 | 58% | 99% |
| Unit 16C | — | 100%Rifle, Elk-1-256 | 15% | 85% |
| Unit 16D | — | 100%Rifle, Elk-1-264 | 35% | 90% |
| Unit 34 | — | 100%Rifle, Elk-1-314 | 16% | 71% |
| Unit 36 | — | 100%Rifle, Elk-1-327 | 41% | 54% |
| Unit 52 | — | 100%Rifle, Elk-1-180 | 16% | 95% |
| Unit 53 | — | 100%Rifle, Elk-1-353 | 4% | 73% |
| Unit 55A | — | 100%Rifle, Elk-1-410 | — | 13% |
| Unit 5B | — | 100%Rifle, Elk-1-156 | 31% | 84% |
| Unit 6A | — | 99%Rifle, Elk-1-189 | 40% | 90% |
| Unit 4 | — | 90%Rifle, Elk-1-145 | 40% | 22% |
All New Mexico Elk Units
New Mexico Elk Draw FAQ
Do I need preference points to draw an elk tag in New Mexico?
No. New Mexico runs a random draw with no point system. Every nonresident starts on equal footing each year, whether it's your first application or your tenth.
When do nonresident elk applications close and when do I find out if I drew?
Applications close March 18, 2026, and results post April 22, 2026. That's your window to apply for the 2026 hunt year.
What does it cost to apply for a New Mexico elk tag as a nonresident?
The application fee is $13. If you draw, your tag fee is $773 for a regular hunt or $998 for a high-demand unit. Budget accordingly before you apply.
What's the difference between a regular draw and a high-demand draw in New Mexico?
Both use random selection and close/post on the same dates. High-demand units have a higher tag fee ($998 vs. $773) and typically represent more competitive or desirable areas. Check unit-specific data to see success rates and recent draw results.
Plan your New Mexico Elk hunt — free account, no card. Run the draw simulator at your point level, see 2022–2024 data, and save units to compare.
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