What You Need to Know About Landowner Tags in New Mexico

After the New Mexico big game draw, we inevitably receive questions about landowner tags in New Mexico. If I didn’t draw, can I still hunt New Mexico this year? Are landowner tags available? How much do they cost? 

Here at LOH Outfitters, we have landowner tags for elk (archery, muzzleloader and rifle), pronghorn, and Barbary sheep. These provide the opportunity for guaranteed hunts, even if you are unsuccessful in the draw. 

Here’s a quick breakdown of what you need to know about New Mexico landowner tags:

Getting a Tag in New Mexico

There are three different ways to hunt big game in New Mexico. First, you can draw a license in the annual big game draw. Second, you can purchase a private landowner tag that allows you to hunt that private land only. Or third, you could buy a unit-wide landowner tag that allows you to hunt all of the public land in that unit, the landowner’s private land, plus any other private lands enrolled in the unit-wide system.

Unit-wide vs. Ranch Only?

The best choice is often dependent on each hunter's preference, and the specific tag in question. Most hunters prefer the versatility of a unit-wide tag, which allows you to hunt all public land and all enrolled unit-wide private land in a particular unit. However, some hunters prefer the limited hunting pressure offered on a ranch-only tag. Just beware - purchasing Ranch-Only tags on your own from the open market can be risky. Just because it's private land, doesn't always mean it's high quality hunting. LOH has private ranches that produce great opportunities where we control the access and hunting pressure. We can help you secure a landowner tag that fits your goals and expectations. 

Should I still apply in the draw?

Yes, LOH will work with you each year to apply in New Mexico's big game draw. Even if you aren’t sure you want to hunt New Mexico, you can at least apply for the high-quality units. It’s a pretty low-cost application. All but an $89 application fee will be refunded if you don’t draw.

We also encourage hunters to be applying for multiple species in New Mexico. This gives you a better chance at going on one of those extremely high-quality hunts.

If you just want to apply in the draw, we hold a $750 deposit. When you draw a tag, that deposit goes toward the cost of your hunt.

If you want to be sure of going on a hunt in the event you don't draw, we hold a deposit toward the landowner tag in the amount of $10,000 for elk, or $3,500 for antelope. These high-quality landowner tags need to be secured BEFORE you put in for the draw. Because as soon as the draw results come out, everyone else will be scrambling to snatch up those tags. Those who plan ahead and line up their options before the draw will get the best landowner tags in top units.

When should I put down a deposit for a landowner tag? 

The application deadline is mid-March every year. Then, draw results become available in mid-April. It’s never too soon to begin planning for next spring. We handle that whole application process for you to make it easy. We have years of studying draw results and we know how to strategically structure your draw application under our outfitter number to increase your chances at securing a great tag. 

If you are interested in hunting New Mexico in 2025 or beyond, we’d recommend contacting us now to begin planning. Call or text our Hunt Advisor, Andre, at 575-315-6107. You can put a deposit down now and you'll be at the front of the line for the best landowner tag options next year. If we can get you a good tag this year, we will. But if nothing becomes available, you’ll be way ahead of the curve for next year.

Contact Us with Questions

If you have questions or if you’d like to know more, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’d love to help you begin planning your ultimate New Mexico hunt! You can call or text us now: 

575-315-6107 (Andre, Hunt Advisor)
575-517-6083 (Rex, Landowner Tag Specialist)
575-315-6674 (Aria, Reservations and Billing)