EPLUS Program
The EPLUS program was created in recognition of the important benefits that private lands make to the elk populations and hunting opportunities in New Mexico. The program gives hunters and landowners a way to work together to effectively manage and hunt elk on private lands.
Through EPLUS the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish distributes a portion of the State’s elk hunting opportunity to qualifying private landowners. Landowners receive private-land elk authorizations from the Department which can be used by hunters to buy private-land elk licenses.
The Elk Private Lands Use System is authorized and regulated by:
* Chapter 17 – Game and Fish and Outdoor Recreation: 17-1-14, 17-1-26, and 17-3-14.1 NMSA 1978.
* Title 19 – Natural Resources and Wildlife: 19.30.5 NMAC
How It Works
The state is divided into three different elk management zones:
The Department issues private-land elk authorizations to eligible landowners in the Primary and Special Zones through the EPLUS program. These authorizations can be bartered, sold, or traded to hunters. An authorization is then used by hunters to buy a private-land elk license.
Private-land elk licenses in the Secondary Zone are unlimited and available over-the-counter by means of a Ranch Code received from a landowner who is registered through the EPLUS program.
A Map of the elk management zones is available on this page, see the Mgmt Zone Map tab above.
Contact Information
After reading the information on these tabs you may obtain more information about EPLUS from Department staff at the appropriate office listed below.
Regional Wildlife Biologist or Private-Land Specialist staff
7816 Alamo Rd. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120
(505) 222-4700
Southwest Office
2715 Northrise Drive, Las Cruces, NM 88011
(575) 532-2100
Hunters
New Mexico abounds with hunting opportunities including the pursuit of elk. Hunters can either apply for elk hunting opportunities through the public draw, or obtain elk hunting opportunities from private landowners via the EPLUS program.
The Department issues private-land elk authorizations to eligible landowners in the Primary and Special Zones through the EPLUS program. These authorizations can be bartered, sold, or traded to hunters. An authorization is then used by hunters to buy a private-land elk license.
Authorizations for the Primary Zone are typically available by late May, and by mid-June for the Special Zone.
Private-land elk licenses in the Secondary Zone are unlimited and available over-the-counter by means of a Ranch Code received from a landowner who is registered through the EPLUS program.
A map of the elk management zones can be found on the Mgmt Zone Map tab above. Basic information for obtaining a private-land authorization or license can be found below.
Hunter Basics
Population Summary
To learn more about the elk population in New Mexico click the link below to access the latest report from our elk biologist: 2023-2024 New Mexico Elk Hunting Prospects & Population Summary
Harvest Reporting
Harvest reporting is mandatory for all licensed elk hunters. The deadline to file a harvest report for an elk license is February 15th. Harvest reports filed after this deadline will be subject to an $8 late fee. Licensed elk hunters who do not report will be ineligible the following year for all special entry hunt applications, population management authorizations, and private-land authorizations.
Landowners
The Department of Game and Fish recognizes the contributions landowners make to elk management in New Mexico by issuing a portion of the state’s elk hunting opportunities to qualifying private landowners. This is accomplished through the EPLUS program.
The EPLUS program determines how private-land elk authorizations are distributed depending on which elk management zone the property is in. Landowners wishing to participate in the EPLUS program must fill out the correct application and adhere to any related application deadlines. Properties which qualify for the EPLUS program and receive private-land elk authorizations may use, sell, barter or trade the elk authorizations to hunters. An elk authorization is then used by the hunter to purchase a private-land elk license.
Basic information about the application process for each elk management zone can be found below.
Landowner Basics
Other EPLUS Landowner Forms
Elk Management Zone Map
Primary Management Zone – These are areas of the state where elk license numbers are set by the commission, harvest objectives are determined, and the distribution of public elk licenses and private-land authorizations is strictly regulated and distributed through an acre-based formula.
Special Management Zone (GMU 46, 54 west of NM State Road 199 and 55A) – These areas are in quality elk habitat areas, but the majority of land is owned by private entities. Private-land authorizations on these ranches are allocated through a negotiation between the department and the ranch managers.
Secondary Management Zone – These areas are outside the Primary and Special Management Zones where no specific management goals are set. In these areas, private-land licenses are available over-the-counter; however, individuals must have a Ranch Code to purchase a license. In addition, hunters must obtain written permission from the landowner.
Interactive Map
The interactive map (below) is designed to help hunters and landowners find Elk Management Zones. Click on Units to display a pop-up window of information and clickable links.
If borders or tools are missing click to reload map or view mobile map in a new browser window. (Supported browsers include Chrome, Firefox, Safari 3+, Internet Explorer 8+).
Click to reload map above if borders or tools are missing, or view mobile map in a new browser window. Print/PDF available at any zoom level.