New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
Media contact: Dan Williams, (505) 476-8004
Public contact: (505) 476-8000
dan.williams@state.nm.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, MARCH 23, 2012:

APPLY NOW -- ONLINE OR BY PHONE -- FOR 2012-13 BIG-GAME LICENSES;
DON’T MISS THE MARCH 28 DEADLINE AND LOSE YOUR CHANCE TO HUNT

SANTA FE – Hunters have until 5 p.m. MDT Wednesday to apply for New Mexico public-land big-game licenses, and applicants are strongly advised not to wait until the last minute.

The online-only application system will shut down promptly at 5 p.m. MDT March 28, and applications must be completed before then. Applications in process at 5 p.m. MDT will be terminated and rejected.

The Department began accepting applications Jan. 4, and as of Friday only 70,000 of the expected 160,000 applications had been submitted. About 65,000 licenses will be issued when the draw is completed in early May.

Applications for deer, elk, antelope, oryx, bighorn sheep, Barbary sheep, ibex and javelina can be submitted two ways:

• Online through the Department’s website, www.wildlife.state.nm.us. Hunters will access their account or create a new one, and then will be prompted through license and application choices.

• Over the phone. Hunters without computer access or who need help applying can call toll-free, (888) 248-6866 and a Department representative will submit an application for them. The phone lines will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday. The lines will close an hour before the Wednesday deadline to allow customers time to complete applications before 5 p.m.

This year, the Department of Game and Fish eliminated paper application forms in favor of a paperless online system designed to streamline the application and licensing process and make drawing results and refunds available much sooner.

Hunters without computer access or who need assistance applying can get free computer access and help from Department staff and representatives by attending one of the following sessions:

Saturday (all sessions 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

• Carlsbad – Carlsbad Library, 101 S. Halagueno St.
• Socorro – New Mexico Tech, northwest corner of Leroy and Bullock Ave., ISD Building, training room 106.
• Las Vegas – New Mexico Highlands University, corner of Baca and Mora avenues, Purple Pub Computer Lab, Student Center, second floor.
• Santa Rosa – Luna Community College.

Sunday (all sessions 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

• Alamogordo – New Mexico State University, 2400 Scenic Drive, Room SC 135.
• Quemado – Quemado High School, U.S. 60 east of the intersection with N.M. 36.
• Raton – Raton High School, 1535 Tiger Circle, Room 220.

For more information about the online application process and other changes that will affect hunters this year, please visit www.wildlife.state.nm.us or call (888) 248-6866.

###