New Mexico is a draw state for deer. There is no over-the-counter deer tag for public land. But there are three ways to get a deer license outside the main public-land draw: the summer leftover sale, unlimited private-land licenses in a handful of units, and private-land-only hunts in the northern units. Here is how each one works for the 2026–27 license year.

1. The leftover license sale

After the draw, licenses that were not claimed go on sale first come, first served.

• When: In 2026, the sale started July 8 at 10 a.m.
• How many: 537 deer licenses were offered in 2026.
• Who goes first: Residents get the first 24 hours. Nonresidents could buy any remaining licenses starting July 9.
• What you need: A 2026–27 game-hunting license (or game-hunting and fishing license), and all of your 2025–26 harvest reports filed before the sale.
• The fine print: The department audits sales afterward. If you weren’t eligible, the license is cancelled and only the license fee is refunded.

Leftover licenses are usually in less popular units or seasons, and they go fast. Have your account set up and your license bought before the sale opens. Watch the department’s news page in late June and early July for the announcement.

2. Over-the-counter private-land deer licenses

In a few units, private-land-only deer licenses are unlimited and sold through license vendors and the department website. The 2026–27 deer rule lists GMUs 8, 46, 54, and 55 for these licenses. Units 54 and 55 also have unlimited either-sex whitetail hunts in late November.

You still need written permission to hunt the private land. These licenses are not valid on public land.

Private-land-only deer license (2026–27)	Resident	Nonresident
Standard	$53	$385
Quality	$53	$610
Junior or senior	$28	Not available

Add the game-hunting license, HMAV, and any vendor fee. If you buy online or by phone, allow time for the tag to be mailed.

3. Private-land-only hunts in the draw

In the northern units 2A, 2B, 2C, 4, and 5A, part of the deer licenses are set aside for private land, and you apply for them in the regular March draw. Unit 4 and Unit 5A in particular are heavily private, and most licenses there are private-land licenses. You must get an authorization number from a participating landowner to hunt, so most nonresidents who apply for these hunts do it through an outfitter who has access.

Coues whitetail outside the draw?

Not really. Coues whitetail hunts in the southwest units are almost all public-land draw hunts. Outfitters who guide Coues deer in New Mexico generally hunt public land on drawn tags. If you miss the draw, check the leftover list, or look at Arizona, which sells over-the-counter archery deer tags.

Youth options

Youth have extra chances through youth-only draw hunts. Nonresident youth can apply in the regular draw but cannot get junior deer licenses.

Comparing your options

	Public draw	Leftover sale	OTC private-land	Private-land draw
Where	Public land in the unit	Varies	Private land in GMUs 8, 46, 54, 55	Private land in 2A–2C, 4, 5A
Guaranteed?	No	First come, first served	Yes, with landowner permission	No
Nonresident license	$398–$623	Same as draw	$385–$610	Same as draw
Best for	Most hunters	Flexible schedules	Hunters with access	Hunters booking with an outfitter

Tips

• Get the landowner’s permission in writing before you buy any private-land license.
• Confirm the unit and dates in the current booklet. Private-land hunts have their own windows.
• Use an outfitter for access. Outfitters who lease ranches in the north are the main way nonresidents hunt private-land deer.

Related: How New Mexico draw points work · Draw odds by unit · New Mexico Deer Hunting Guide · How to apply for the deer draw · Season dates

License rules and fees are from the New Mexico Department of Wildlife for the 2026–27 license year. Units and fees change, so confirm in the current Hunting Rules and Info booklet before you buy.