Contributors to this thread:
Who’s in for New Mexico this year? Did you swing for the fences or take a more moderate approach in hopes of just drawing a tag and being able to hunt?
After 7 straight years applying for 6 tags each year I’m taking a year off. Africa in 2025 so need to squirrel away some extra cash. Murphy’s law says I’d get drawn if my schedule was full.
Me, land owner tag, guided.
I swung for the fences as well. Not sure at all how I’ll do in Wyoming with all the changes. Normally I’d say I’m a shoe in for my Wyo tag but no idea this year and I’ve literally got a 50/50 shot at drawing my Colorado tag. Most likely will end up with nothing more than a Colorado OTC tag for 1 more year but ya can’t win if ya don’t play. Fall back will be to hunt my father in laws place in NM on a LO tag for late rifle.
I'm in for NM, but absolutely swung for the fences on all three choices due to my AZ elk tag.
Trying for a second year.
I’m in with 3 big swings. Already have a couple hunts on the schedule.
Negative for me. I can take that money you lose and buy a point in some other state.
Shane
I'm in. Isn't any application in NM these days pretty much swinging for the fences?
As usual. Guarenteed a general deer tag in UT, did those yesterday as well.
Now we'll see if I can pair that up with a NM tag.
“I'm in. Isn't any application in NM these days pretty much swinging for the fences?“
True that! However 4 or 5% odds is way better than .87% though. Neither or which are favorable.
In for elk, deer, pronghorn, sheep, Barbary, and javelina. Everything but deer is a "swing for the fence" app. Fully expect to draw the same deer tag as last year.
Always. L/O Tag. Outfitted.
This'll be my 12th year applying for NM elk and I've never drawn one. I swung for the fences again this year, but I haven't always.
Me , swinging for a little luck.
We debated a high odds unit >20% but decided on a lottery ticket unit instead.
Landowner tag, but losing acreage every year. Bad news is that new owners don't hunt most of the time, good news is that could mean bigger bulls down the road if we can coax them across fences!
“I'm in. Isn't any application in NM these days pretty much swinging for the fences?“
No doubt. In any other state, 4-5% odds would be considered a tough draw. NM you cross your fingers and hope.
Cheesehead Mike that was funny! Dale06 I hope you put in for the draw, if you draw you do not need the outfitter tag and save thousands.
I swing for the fences, I am in for special general in WY and have a good chance at MT general.
Man I miss the good old days where "general" tags did not need years of points and crossed fingers.
My #1 choice had 10% draw odds for the first half of archery season. Figured that’s a decent chance, but not getting my hopes up.
I usually put in for pretty decent hunts. I get an elk tag about once every 5-6 years. It’s been 23 years now since I’ve had a mule deer tag here. I only put in for about 3 units for that tag since I don’t have the time or desire to go hunt a mediocre deer unit. I only did elk, deer, and oryx.
I usually swing for the fences in NM with my first 2 choices then pick a little better odds unit for my 3rd choice but still an above average pick. I figure if I’m paying $800.00+ for an elk tag it’s gonna be a decent unit. I can always hunt mediocre units here in Colorado for a resident price.
Are 5 to 6 percent odds "Swinging for the Fences"?
If so, that's what we did on all 3 choices.
“Are 5 to 6 percent odds "Swinging for the Fences"?“
In NM that’s like swinging for center field. The fences are like 2% and under :^) assuming you’re not in the outfitted pool. Lol
“I'm in. Isn't any application in NM these days pretty much swinging for the fences?“
No doubt. In any other state, 4-5% odds would be considered a tough draw. NM you cross your fingers and hope.
In, never drawn. Expect the same results but just gotta play.
Pretty sobering to continue to watch NM odds deteriorate. After failing to draw any elk tag there in my last 12 years, I gave up on my favorite low/mid-tier unit. Chose all three low tier hunts this year just to try and get anything. Still only have like a 10% chance. Threw in a few exotics, but won’t draw anything. Burning my Utah deer points anyway.
^^^ NM doesn't care whether or not a particular resident (or you) get to hunt. The same amount of tags will be given out to the same amount of hunters.
It's a real cash cow to continue to increase application count. You can see that by all the reminders and advertisements they do up to the deadline.
If it weren't for UT and points I've accumulated over time (same timeframe of NOT drawing NM), I'd redirect to spending more time chasing bass and crappie. Don't need to draw for that...
