How to Apply

Applying to hunt on the Preserve is as simple as entering our lottery. Lottery chances are available at $25.00 each for a mature bull or either sex hunt. Lottery chances for antlerless hunts are $15.00 each. You may purchase chances online, by phone, or through the mail. Always save your receipt with your unique, lottery number. Your purchase of a lottery chance will enter you into a computerized drawing. You may purchase up to 20 chances per hunt code and enter as many hunt codes as you'd like. Funds raised by this lottery help support the Preserve and all of its activities. Entries must be recieved by midnight on April 5, 2008.

State Quota System Will Be Applied

The state quota will be applied to this lottery: 78 percent of all licenses will be granted to New Mexico residents. Non-residents who choose to use an outfitter will receive up to 12 percent of the available licenses. Use of an outfitter is optional. Non-residents who apply to hunt without an outfitter will receive up to 10 percent of the available licenses.

Increase Your Chances

Your purchase of a lottery chance will enter you into a computerized drawing. You may purchase up to 20 chances per hunt code and enter as many hunt codes as you’d like.

Apply Online

Select your hunt(s) from the available hunts page. Available hunts include mature bull, either sex, antlerless as well as special hunts for youth and mobility impaired. Enter the number of chances desired and add to the cart. Follow the instructions to complete your purchase. Lottery chances are not refundable or transferable. They can also be purchased as a gift. If purchasing chances for someone else be sure to complete the information required for the hunter and the purchaser carefully!

Apply By Mail

Download the application form. Complete and mail with fees to:
The Valles Caldera Trust
Public Lands Interpretive Association,
6501 Fourth Street NW,
Albuquerque, NM 87107

Apply By Phone

Select your hunt(s) and call our toll-free number 1-866-382-5537.

If You Win

If you’re a winner, we’ll send you an access authorization letter that you must present to the New Mexico Dept. of Game and Fish (NMDGF). This letter will allow you to purchase an elk license. You must pay all applicable state fees for the license and required stamps.

Enter the State Drawing

You can also enter the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish state drawing for other game management units. Applicants selected to hunt the Preserve will be removed from the regular NM State public elk drawing.