New Mexico Elk Hunting (versus, licenses, health)

[westcoastforme]

I searched and found there are about 70,000 to 90,000 in the state. Any idea how many “tags” for an elk kill are given out every year? What about hunting licenses in general? How many are purchased each year

[ABQConvict]

It varies from year to year, but I think I remember ~20,000 tags, plus or minus, were issued a couple years ago. That doesn't include landowner tags which account for another 20,000 or so, and tribal rights to hunt on the rez.

[westcoastforme]

Originally Posted by ABQConvict

It varies from year to year, but I think I remember ~20,000 tags, plus or minus, were issued a couple years ago. That doesn't include landowner tags which account for another 20,000 or so, and tribal rights to hunt on the rez.

Wow so they allow about half to kill? I’m sure all 40,000 tags aren’t actually used

[Deserterer]

22,000 last year. https://nmwildlife.org/state-audit-f...-other-states/

[ABQConvict]

Originally Posted by westcoastforme

Wow so they allow about half to kill? I’m sure all 40,000 tags aren’t actually used

Yup. The number of tags issued is based on expect fulfillment of said tags versus the growth of the herd. The overall population in NM is growing by a few percentage points a year. Some areas are seeing increased predation by mountain lion and black bear while in other units the population is growing much faster. But overall, it is a pretty healthy population considering 100 years ago there were approximately 0.

[westcoastforme]

Originally Posted by ABQConvict

Yup. The number of tags issued is based on expect fulfillment of said tags versus the growth of the herd. The overall population in NM is growing by a few percentage points a year. Some areas are seeing increased predation by mountain lion and black bear while in other units the population is growing much faster. But overall, it is a pretty healthy population considering 100 years ago there were approximately 0.

Interesting thank you