What a Nonresident License Covers in New Mexico
A nonresident hunting and fishing license from New Mexico lets you hunt and fish in the state if you don't live there. The license itself does not specify which species you can pursue — that depends on the season, the region, and what tags or stamps you buy separately. A nonresident license is your baseline permission to be out there with a rod or gun; tags and stamps are what let you take specific animals.
New Mexico issues several types of nonresident licenses depending on what you want to do. A nonresident hunting license covers all legal hunting seasons statewide. A nonresident fishing license covers all legal fishing waters. You can buy one, the other, or both. Some people buy a combination license if they plan to do both during the same trip.
The license itself is valid for one calendar year from the date you purchase it, not from January 1. This matters if you buy in November — your license runs through November of the following year, not December 31.
Key Takeaways
- Nonresident licenses are sold by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish online, by phone, or at authorized vendors across the state.
- You must carry your license and a valid photo ID while hunting or fishing, and the license must match the activity you are doing.
- Hunting also requires species-specific tags or stamps purchased separately; a license alone does not let you take game.
- License prices vary by type and duration — day licenses, three-day licenses, and annual licenses are all available.
- Nonresident licenses are not transferable and must be in your name; you cannot use someone else's license.
Where to Buy a Nonresident License
The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish sells nonresident licenses online through their website at wildlife.state.nm.us. You can purchase and print your license immediately, or have it mailed to you. Online purchase is the fastest route if you are buying before a trip.
You can also buy in person at any of the Department's regional offices or at hundreds of authorized vendors — sporting goods stores, outfitters, and some convenience stores across New Mexico. Call the Department at 1-888-248-6866 to find a vendor near where you plan to hunt or fish. Vendors may charge a small transaction fee on top of the license price.
Phone orders are available through the Department's main line. Have your credit card and valid ID ready. Processing takes one to two business days, and the license is mailed to you.
License Types and Prices
New Mexico offers nonresident licenses in several formats. An annual nonresident hunting license covers all hunting seasons for one year. An annual nonresident fishing license covers all fishing waters for one year. Prices change year to year; contact the Department or check their website for current rates.
Shorter-term options include a five-day nonresident hunting license and a five-day nonresident fishing license, both at a lower price than annual licenses. A one-day nonresident license is also available for both hunting and fishing. These short-term licenses are useful if you are visiting for a specific hunt or fishing trip and do not plan to return soon.
A nonresident combination license bundles hunting and fishing together at a discount compared to buying each separately. This is the right choice if you plan to do both during your time in New Mexico.
| License Type | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Hunting | One calendar year | Multiple hunting trips throughout the year |
| Annual Fishing | One calendar year | Multiple fishing trips throughout the year |
| Five-Day Hunting | Five consecutive days | A single hunting trip |
| Five-Day Fishing | Five consecutive days | A single fishing trip |
| One-Day License | One calendar day | A quick outing or trial |
| Combination (Annual) | One calendar year | Both hunting and fishing in the same year |
What You Need to Bring When Hunting or Fishing
You must carry your nonresident license and a valid photo ID at all times while hunting or fishing. A driver's license, passport, or military ID all work. Game wardens check licenses regularly, and you are responsible for producing both documents on demand.
If you are hunting, you also need the appropriate tag or stamp for the species you are pursuing. A license alone does not give you permission to take elk, deer, turkey, or any other game animal. Tags and stamps are purchased separately and must be in your possession and signed before you hunt. Fishing licenses do not require additional tags, but some waters have special restrictions you should check before you go.
Keep your license in a waterproof pocket or bag. Licenses are printed on paper and fade or tear easily. Take a photo of your license on your phone as a backup in case the physical copy is damaged.
Tags and Stamps You May Need
Hunting licenses and tags are separate purchases in New Mexico. Once you have your nonresident hunting license, you must buy a tag for each animal you intend to hunt. An elk tag, a deer tag, and a turkey tag are three different purchases. Tags are species-specific and sometimes region-specific — an elk tag for the northern zone is different from an elk tag for the southern zone.
Tags are also limited in number. The Department issues a set number of tags for each species and region each year, and they sell out. Popular hunts — like early elk seasons or trophy deer areas — can run out of tags weeks before the season starts. Check the Department's website for current tag availability and draw deadlines if you are applying for a limited hunt.
Fishing licenses do not require tags, but some waters are restricted to catch-and-release only, or have daily limits on certain species. Read the fishing regulations for the specific water you plan to fish before you go.
Nonresident Hunting Seasons and Regulations
New Mexico has separate hunting seasons for different species and regions. Elk season, deer season, turkey season, and small game seasons all run on different dates and in different areas. Your nonresident license is valid during all of these seasons, but you can only hunt during the open season for the species you have a tag for, in the region where that tag is valid.
Seasons typically run from fall through winter, with some spring turkey seasons. Check the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish website or call 1-888-248-6866 for the current year's season dates and regional boundaries. Seasons change year to year based on population surveys and management goals.
Nonresidents and residents follow the same hunting regulations — same bag limits, same weapon restrictions, same hours. The only difference is the license price and, in some cases, access to certain limited hunts. Some hunts are restricted to residents only; the Department's website lists these clearly.
Nonresident Fishing Seasons and Water Access
New Mexico's fishing season is year-round on most public waters, but some streams and lakes have seasonal closures. Your nonresident fishing license is valid whenever the water is open, but you should check local regulations before you fish — some waters have special rules about what species you can keep, how many you can take, or what methods are allowed.
Most public fishing waters in New Mexico are accessible to nonresidents without additional permission. National Forests, Bureau of Land Management land, and state wildlife areas are open to the public. Private land requires the landowner's permission, as always. Some tribal lands have their own fishing regulations and require a separate tribal permit.
Trout is the most common game fish in New Mexico's cold-water streams and high-elevation lakes. Warm-water species like bass, catfish, and walleye are found in lower-elevation reservoirs and rivers. The Department stocks many waters regularly, so fishing pressure and success vary by location and season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a nonresident license if I own property in New Mexico?
No. Residency for hunting and fishing license purposes is based on where you live, not where you own land. If you do not live in New Mexico year-round, you must buy a nonresident license. Some states have different rules, but New Mexico does not offer a property-owner exemption.
What happens if I hunt or fish without a valid license?
Hunting or fishing without a license is a violation of New Mexico law. Penalties include fines, confiscation of equipment, and possible jail time depending on the severity. Game wardens patrol actively, especially during peak seasons. It is not worth the risk.
Can I use my nonresident license to hunt on tribal lands?
No. Tribal lands have their own hunting and fishing regulations, and you must obtain a separate permit from the tribe. The Navajo Nation, Jicarilla Apache, and other tribes issue their own licenses and tags. Contact the specific tribe's fish and game office for their requirements and prices.
Do I need a separate license for each person in my group?
Yes. Each person hunting or fishing must have their own valid license. Licenses are not transferable and must be in the name of the person using it. You cannot share a license or use someone else's license, even if you are hunting together.
What if my license is lost or damaged?
Contact the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish at 1-888-248-6866 to request a replacement. Bring your original purchase receipt or credit card statement showing the purchase. A replacement license is issued quickly, usually within one business day if you buy online or visit a vendor in person.