New Mexico
Elk Landowner Tags
How the Elk Tag System Works in New Mexico
There are three different ways to hunt elk in New Mexico. First, you can draw a license in the annual big game draw. Next, you could purchase a private “Ranch Only” elk landowner tag that allows you to hunt that private land only. Or third, you could buy the most popular “Unit-Wide” elk landowner tag that allows you to hunt all of the public land in that unit, the issuing landowner’s private land as well as any other private lands enrolled in the unit-wide system within that hunt unit.
We are selling “Unit-Wide” Landowner tags for Unit 53 in Northern New Mexico. The purchase of a landowner tag is also subject to New Mexico sales tax.
In addition to buying an Elk Landowner Tag, NM requires license fees and stamps as well
In addition to your tag, you will still need to purchase an Elk License, a NM small game license (Res-$25, NonRes-$90), a HMAV stamp ($4), as well as a Habitat Stamp ($10) if hunting National Forest or BLM lands.
New Elk License Costs for 2026
Bull Elk: Res $100, Non-Res $773(S) or $998(HD)
Cow Elk: Res $70, Non-Res $563
How much does New Mexico elk landowner tag cost?
Prices for elk landowner tags can vary greatly. In large part, it’s a supply and demand issue. The more that people are competing for tags to hunt in New Mexico, the higher it drives the price. There has been a large jump in tag costs in the years since covid. Now with OTC tags disappearing in Western States, the trend isn’t stopping.
Though cow tags can go for much much less, landowner tags for bull elk can currently range anywhere from about $3,000 to $7,000 and even up around $15,000, dependent on the unit quality, availability and demand. That’s for A TAG ONLY! A trend that we feel is not good for anyone, hunters and outfitters alike. But a trend we all are subject to.
2026 NM Unit-Wide, GMU 53 Elk Tags
NOW ON SALE!
We are ONLY selling tags for Northern New Mexico Unit 53. These are UNIT WIDE tags.
Unit 53 borders and runs from the Valle Vidal unit east of Red river all the way west to the Rio Grande Gorge and the Taos area. This is a vast unit of approximately 200,000 acres of public land with lots of elk and quality bulls. Purchase is for tag only. No outfitting services are included. We can recommend areas, however we will recommend the same areas to all whom ask.
- These are Unit Wide tags for Unit 53, Northern NM
- This guarantees tag, no draw needed.
- Legal on all Unit 53 public lands and participating Private E-Plus properties.
- Tag only, required licenses must be purchased.
Archery Elk Tags - $4500
SEPTEMBER – Either Sex Tags Left: 7 of 9
Unit Wide Archery tags from a ranch in Unit 53. Price $4500 plus sales tax (Multiple tag discounts).
September 1st -14th ELK-2-385 (S) This is an Either Sex Archery hunt for Unit 53.
September 15th -24th ELK-2-386 (HD) This is an Either Sex Archery hunt for Unit 53.
Rifle Mature Bull Tags - $3500
OCTOBER – Mature Bull (Any Legal Weapon) or Either Sex (Muzzleloader/Bow/Crossbow) Mature Bull Tags Left: 16 of 19
Our October Tags allow the purchaser to select from one of the three different dates below and two types of hunts. Price $3500 plus sales tax (Multiple tag discounts).
October 10th – 14th ELK-3-387 (HD) This is an Either Sex (Bull/Cow elk) hunt and the hunter can use a Muzzleloader, bow or crossbow.
October 17th – 21st ELK-1-388 (HD) This is a Mature Bull only hunt and the hunter can use any legal weapon.
October 24th – 28th ELK-1-389 (S) This is a Mature Bull only hunt and the hunter can use any legal weapon.
Cow Elk Tags - $850
NOVEMBER – Antlerless (Any Legal Weapon) – Antlerless Tags Left: 12 of 14
Price $850 plus sales tax (Multiple tag discounts)
November 14th – 18th ELK-1-390 (S) This is an Antlerless Elk hunt and the hunter can use any legal weapon.