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Check out the new calendar feature at the top of this page.
Don't miss our new interpretive hikes and tours.
Check out the new calendar feature at the top of this page.
Don't miss our new interpretive hikes and tours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get my name in the drawing to hunt the Preserve?
Can I buy more than one lottery ticket?
What stamp(s) are required to hunt on the Preserve?
How will the drawing be conducted?
May I enter both the state drawing and the Preserve lottery?
Is hunting on the Preserve a once-in-a-lifetime hunt?
Why am I limited to only 20 lottery tickets per hunt code?
If I don’t win, can I get a refund of my entry fees for the lottery?
Are access authoriztaions transferable?
Do I have to wear blaze orange?
How will I know if I win?
How do winners get thier state permits to hunt Unit 6B?
Can I purchase more tickets later?
Can I also purchase tickets for others?
Can several hunters apply on the same application form?
When is the deadline to purchase lottery tickets?
Can I be selected for both the Preserve and state lotteries?
Will there be any permits auctioned off again this year?
Who will perform the drawing for elk hunts on the Preserve?
Where can I purcahse a map?
Am I required to have a guide to hunt on the Preserve?
Can I bring guests on my hunt?
Who can apply?
I still have questions. Who do I call?
Q:How do I get my name in the drawing to hunt the Preserve?
A: Purchase at least one lottery chance from the Valles Caldera Trust. This lottery is not offered by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.
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Q:Can I buy more than one lottery ticket?
A: Yes, you may buy up to 20 tickets for each hunt code. You may apply to hunt all hunt codes for which you are eligible.
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Q:What stamp(s) are required to hunt on the Preserve?
A: The Habitat Management and Access Validation stamp is required. We encourage you to support a good cause and obtain a Wildlife Habitat stamp as well.
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Q:How will the drawing be conducted?
A: The Trust will create a separate pool for each hunt code. Unlike the state draw, which enters you in one large pool, you will be competing against hunters who are only entered for that particular hunt code. The drawing is computer-generated and performed by a New Mexico Department of Game and Fish authorized third party.
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Q:May I enter both the state drawing and the Preserve lottery?
A: Yes. You may enter both. The drawing for the Valles Caldera hunts will be conducted first and if you win access to hunt on the Valles Caldera, you will not be eligible for the public state draw. However, if you don’t win access to hunt the Valles Caldera, your application for other units will continue to be part of the state drawing process.
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Q:Is hunting on the Preserve a once-in-a-lifetime hunt?
A: No. You may hunt this unit more than once.
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Q:Why am I limited to only 20 lottery tickets per hunt code?
A: We’ve received a lot of feedback that our hunts are only for those who can afford to purchase hundreds of chances. In fact, the average number of tickets for in-state and out-of-state winning hunters is about four tickets. This limitaion was created to dispel this myth. We hope it will make it clearer to hunters that no one hunter will have an unfair advantage in entering our lottery.
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Q:If I don’t win, can I get a refund of my entry fees for the lottery?
A: No. The lottery chances are not refundable. This lottery helps support the management of the Preserve and all of its activites.
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Q:Are access authoriztaions transferable?
A: No, only the designated hunter may use the access. Access can not be given, sold, bartered, traded or otherwise transfered.
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Q: Do I have to wear blaze orange?
A: Yes, if you are a rifle hunter you are required to wear 244 square inches.
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A: We will send you notification by letter, e-mail, or other means to let you know if you have won or not.
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Q:How do winners get thier state permits to hunt Unit 6B?
A: We will mail you an access authorization letter. You must present this letter to the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, and they will award you a permit. You must have valid hunting privileges in the state of New Mexico to receive a permit.
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Q:Can I purchase more tickets later?
A: Yes, you may purchase additional tickets until the lottery closes. The drawings will be timed to coincide with the state drawing.
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Q:Can I also purchase tickets for others?
A: Yes. We can accept entries that are gifts as long as the hunter who will be hunting is properly designated on the application. If purchasing chances for someone else be sure to complete the information required for the hunter and the purchaser carefully!
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Q:Can several hunters apply on the same application form?
A: No. Only one person per lottery chance for Unit 6B.
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Q:When is the deadline to purchase lottery tickets?
A: All lottery tickets must be purchased or lottery application postmarked by April 5, 2008.
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Q:Can I be selected for both the Preserve and state lotteries?
A: By state law you may only harvest one animal of the same species in a year. If you draw a Valles Caldera hunt, your name will be automatically withdrawn from the other elk hunts you may have entered. You will still be eligible for hunting other species, of course.
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Q:Will there be any permits auctioned off again this year?
A: No. The New Mexico Attorney General has determined that the Valles Caldera Trust does not have the authority to auction elk hunt permits for the Preserve.
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Q:Who will perform the drawing for elk hunts on the Preserve?
A: The drawing will be performed by a New Mexico Department of Game and Fish authorized third party.
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A: Maps will be available for purchase during the orientation and on the Preserve.
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Q:Am I required to have a guide to hunt on the Preserve?
A: No. Guides are not required, but can be used.
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Q:Can I bring guests on my hunt?
A: In general, hunters may bring one guest (not including a registered guide). Youth and mobility impaired hunters may be bring up to two guests.
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A: Any person who is in good standing with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish may apply. Valles Caldera Trust employees and immediate family may not apply.
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Q:I still have questions. Who do I call?
A: You may send e-mail to info@vallescaldera.gov or call toll free 1-866-382-5537.