2009 New Mexico Proclemation

[AJ]

The 2009 New Mexico Big Game Proclemation is out. Soft copy in PDF format is available on the New Mexico Game and Fish website, or by clicking here.

Here are some of the bigger changes for 2009:

Applying for Quality (Q) or High Demand (HD) elk or deer hunts or any pronghorn hunt

• Anyone applying for a 2010 Q or HD elk license, may NOT have received a Q or HD public draw elk license in 2009.

• Anyone applying for a 2010 Q or HD deer permit may NOT have received a Q or HD public draw deer permit in 2009.

• Anyone applying for any pronghorn hunt in 2010, may NOT have drawn a public pronghorn license in 2009.

Youth Encouragement Hunts

These new elk hunts will be made available to youth hunters that applied for big game hunts and were unsuccessful in the draw.

Barbary Sheep

Barbary sheep are now a draw instead of over the counter.

Full Fee Up Front

Anyone applying for a pronghorn, bighorn sheep, ibex, javelina or Barbary sheep draw license, MUST pay the full license and application fee when applying.

Customer ID Number

Anyone applying for a public land draw license or permit, or purchasing a license via a private landowner authorization or a Valles Caldera access authorization must first obtain a Customer ID Number.

[texastrophies]

It will be interesting to see how the changes affect the odds. I don't think the don't apply if you were drawn last year will have much of an impact, it will help some, but not much.

The up front money should increase the odds on those critters considerably, I would think/hope. I wouldn't mind seeing them go that way on elk/deer/oryx also. Just have to set that money aside in a hunting fund.

[colorado bob]

It's that ime of the year. Looks like I'll get out of the NM bighorn sheep draw. If memory serves me right, the tag is $3500. To much to send into the state for them to hold. That's a South African plains game package hunt. CB

[AJ]

It will be interesting to see how the changes affect the odds. I don't think the don't apply if you were drawn last year will have much of an impact, it will help some, but not much.

The up front money should increase the odds on those critters considerably, I would think/hope. I wouldn't mind seeing them go that way on elk/deer/oryx also. Just have to set that money aside in a hunting fund.

Very true, but I can't see the DGF giving up that much $ in the draw fees. Since the interest rates are in the crapper, they don't gain much by holding on to some money for a couple months. They will make more from everyone and their family getting in the draw.

I hear ya Bob.