How to Apply

The Valles Caldera National Preserve, known for its excellent elk hunting, now offers wild turkey hunting. 2008 will be the second year to hunt the much sought after Merriam’s turkey on this famous landscape. Hunt these wild turkeys on a fair chase basis and under low hunting pressure conditions using a bow or shotgun. There are three opportunities to gain access to the Preserve to hunt turkey.

Deluxe Hunting Package

This package includes access to the Preserve for one day of scouting, three days of hunting, meals and lodging at the Casa de Baca Lodge. Enjoy New Mexico hospitality, excellent cuisine, and the natural beauty of your surroundings during the hunt of a life time. Bring your camera to record this experience, the landscape, and all of its wildlife. This will be the second turkey hunt on the Preserve in the last eight years!

This hunting package is scheduled for April 26-28, 2008. There are only 8 packages available this year and must be purchased by March 31, 2008. This package is $1,950 per hunter. A guest may be included for an additional $600.00 to cover room and board.

To purchase your package call 505 661-3333.

Trust Lottery

Ten access authorizations will be available through a lottery for May 3-5, 2008. Lottery chances can be purchased for $20 each. Through this lottery, the Trust will award day access for one day of scouting and three days of hunting. No meals or overnight accommodations will be provided or available. Hunters awarded access through the lottery may bring a guest onto the Preserve at no additional charge. Entries must be received by midnight on March 30, 2008.

National Wild Turkey Federation Auction

One access authorization for May 3-5, 2008 has been donated to the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) New Mexico Chapter. NWTF will auction this package at their one of their state banquets. Through this auction, the Trust will award access to the Preserve for one day of scouting, three days of wild turkey hunting. No meals, guides or accommodations will be provided.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Auction

One Deluxe Hunt Package for April 26-28, 2008 has been donated to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF). RMEF will auction this package at their National Convention in Reno, NV on February 21-24, 2008. Through this auction, the Trust will award access to the Preserve for one day of scouting, three days of wild turkey hunting and fishing, meals, and lodging at the Case de Baca Lodge. See the Deluxe Hunting Package description for more details.

No State Quota For These Hunts

The state quota does not apply to any turkey hunt on the Preserve.

Increase Your Chances

Those looking to enter the Trust's lottery may purchase multiple chances. There is no limit on the number of chances you may purchase.

Apply Online

Select your hunt(s) from the available hunts page. Enter the number of packages or chances desired and add to the cart. Follow the instructions to complete your purchase. Turkey hunt authorizations are not refundable or transferable. Packages and chances may be purchased as a gift. If purchasing for someone else be sure to complete the information required for the hunter and the purchaser carefully!

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 a turkey license. You must pay all applicable state fees for the license and required stamps.