If you’re a New Mexico landowner or prospective ranch owner, act now;
The E-Plus 2026 Primary Zone application deadline is January 5, just weeks away… potentially unlocking thousands in elk tag revenue, amid stricter conservation rules.
This update builds on our original E-Plus guide by spotlighting the 2026 deadlines, rules, and step-by-step enrollment to maximize your ranch’s hunting revenue and conservation benefits.
Read on to learn more…before your 2026 opportunities close
Key 2026 Application Deadlines
Miss these, and your ranch loses authorization/s:
- Primary Zone Signup
- January 5th, 2026
- Submit for acre-based elk tags (available late May)
- January 5th, 2026
- Harvest Reporting
- February 15th, 2026
- Mandatory for all licenses; non-filers are barred from future draws, PMAs, and private tags
- February 15th, 2026
| Deadline | Details | Impact if Missed |
| Primary Zone | Jan 5, 2026 (tags by late May) | No acre based authorizations |
| Harvest Reporting | Feb 15, 2026 (all licenses) | Barred from 2027 draws/PMAs/Private Tags |
E-Plus Zones and Rules (2026 Updates)
New Mexico divides into zones with distinct rules, confirm yours via this interactive map:
- Primary Zones
- 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
- No public access required, unless unit-wide opted in
- Secondary Zones
- These areas are outside the Primary and Special Management Zones where no specific elk management goals are set. In these areas, private-land licenses are available over-the-counter for private land in unlimited numbers; however, individuals must have a Ranch Code to purchase a license (received from a landowner who is registered through the EPLUS program)
- In addition, hunters must obtain written permission from the landowner
- Special Management Zones
- For example: GMU 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 landowners. Private-land authorizations on these ranches are allocated through a negotiation between the department and the ranch managers (on a ranch by-ranch basis)
EPLUS Application – Step By Step Instructions
Follow these steps before January 5th, 2026:
- Visit the following website:
- Scroll down and click on:
- ‘EPLUS – Elk Private Lands Use System Information, applications and forms’ link
- Click on:
- ‘MGMT ZONE MAP’ link
- Proceed to the ‘Interactive Map’ (click and view)
- Designed to help hunters & landowners find the appropriate Elk Management Zones
- Interact with the map to determine what unit and zone your application is for:
- Click on the ‘Units’ to display – a pop-up window of information and clickable links
- Once you determine your unit and zone, click on ‘Landowners’
- Scroll down and click:
- ‘my property is in the……..management zone’ (drop down selection – select your zone)
- Once you have selected your property zone, there will be a list of instructions explaining that zone and a link at the end for your application
- Read before clicking the link
- Click ‘new application’
- Complete your application and send to NMDGF
- Before the January deadline
FAQ
EPLUS is an abbreviation for the “Elk Private Lands Use System”, a program initiated by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish to enhance elk management and hunting opportunities on private lands.
It allows qualifying private landowners to receive a portion of the State’s elk hunting licenses, and recognizes the crucial role private lands play in supporting elk populations and provides a framework for landowners and hunters to collaborate effectively.
The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish issues private-land elk authorizations to eligible landowners in the Primary and Special Zones through the EPLUS program.
These authorizations can then be bartered, sold, or traded to hunters.
An authorization is then used by hunters, to buy a private land elk license.
To qualify for E Plus, private landowners must apply to participate in the system, the specific criteria must be met based on land size, game populations, and habitat management potential.
See our comprehensive E-Plus guide.
The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has also published several articles that explain the EPLUS system in depth.
Secure your E-Plus ranch?
Browse our latest New Mexico Hunting Ranches or Contact our Expert New Mexico Land Brokers to learn more
Author: Seth Craft
Seth grew up chasing elk and deer in the Cascades of Oregon. A hugely accomplished big game hunter, Seth has a passion for sheep, mule deer, and elk. A Colorado guide for Mossback Outfitters, he knows big deer and spends a lot of the fall searching for Monster Mule Deer.
In early 2000 he joined the Marine Corps at an early age of 17 and finished out the remainder of his time in a Close Quarter Battle team. Seth also worked as a Lineman for thirteen years, part of that time was spent doing storm work along the west coast.
He has become one of the top producers of premier properties in Colorado, Wyoming, and New Mexico. Recognized multiple times by the REALTORS Land Institute (RLI), the leading association for the land industry. Seth’s recognitions include being among the top 5% in production for land REALTORS across the entire country with an average of 50 premier ranch sales a year for the last 4 years. Most recently, Seth was recognized as a Top 20 National Producer, as well as, Region 6 (AZ, CO, NM, UT, WY) Broker of the Year in Recreational Land Sales. Seth serves on the Future Leaders Committee for RLI.
Expert Advice from M4 Ranch Group
At M4 Ranch Group, we specialize in helping buyers find and purchase ranches, recreational properties, and investment land across the Rocky Mountains.
View our Colorado Ranches For Sale, New Mexico Ranches For Sale and Wyoming Ranches For Sale
And Contact Us to Learn More
A Sample of New Mexico Hunting Ranches For Sale
Bear Springs Ranch
$28,554,000
Bear Springs Ranch spans 8,158.29± deeded acres in Grants, New Mexico, offering a well-established third generation working cattle ranch with exceptional wildlife habitat and abundant water resources. The ranch has three wells, multiple developed springs, and 12 stock ponds that sustain both livestock and wildlife year-round. Cottonwood Creek flows along the east side, while Rio Nutria, with its 75-acre feet of adjudicated water rights, enhances the west side.
Trophy Elk Ranch Estate
$7,484,000
Trophy Elk Ranch Estate offers an extraordinary chance to own a historic and wildlife-rich property in the heart of Cibola County, New Mexico. Spanning 4,276.12± deeded acres, this expansive property blends breathtaking scenery, thriving elk populations, and easy accessibility with rich ranching history. Whether you are a serious hunter, investor, or land steward, Trophy Elk Ranch Estate provides a rare mix of recreational potential and long-term value.
