Youth hunters in New Mexico will have the opportunity to purchase one of 1,960 antlerless Youth Encouragement Elk licenses starting at 10 a.m. MDT on July 29. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish announced that these licenses will be available through their Online License System.
The sale was delayed due to technical difficulties, for which the Department has apologized. They also expressed gratitude for customers' patience and mentioned that information about leftover draw license sales will be announced soon.
The Youth Encouragement Elk hunts aim to provide additional hunting opportunities for young hunters. There are 1,570 licenses available for any legal sporting arm and 390 for muzzleloader hunts. Licenses will be sold online on a first-come, first-served basis.
Initially, the sale is open only to resident youth who applied for draw hunts this year but were unsuccessful. To qualify, applicants must have a valid Hunter Education certification and be 17 years old or younger on the hunt's opening day. From August 12 at 10 a.m. MDT, the sale will open to any eligible youth hunter.
Youth hunters need a current Game Hunting or Game Hunting and Fishing license before purchasing an elk license. Those without it will be prompted to buy one first. Hunters are advised to prepare by purchasing necessary licenses and stamps in advance.
All purchases will undergo audits to confirm eligibility, with rejected purchases receiving refunds for the license fee only. After purchase, licenses/tags will be mailed unless the E-Tag option is chosen.
For further details about the Youth Encouragement elk license sale or assistance with logging in, individuals can contact the Information Center at 888-248-6866 or email ispa@dgf.nm.gov. Phone sales are not available, and detailed hunt information can be found in the Hunting Rules and Information Booklet online.
Information from this article can be found here.
