This week on the Out of State Hunter Podcast, host Chad Ryker sits down in Santa Fe with Chad Nelson (Licensing Operations Manager for New Mexico Department of Wildlife) to break down non-resident hunting opportunities in New Mexico and how the 2026 draw works at a high level. They explain New Mexico’s three draw pools (resident, outfitted, and unguided non-resident) and why guided/outfitted applicants typically have better odds than unguided non-residents. The episode covers species-by-species opportunity—highlighting New Mexico’s reputation for trophy elk, solid mule deer and Coues deer potential, plus premium but low-odds hunts for bighorn sheep and pronghorn. They also clarify the E-Plus private-land elk system, including the difference between ranch-only vs unit-wide authorizations and why it can get expensive. For unique “only-in-NM” experiences, they dive into oryx, ibex, and Barbary sheep, with ibex noted as one of the toughest hunts around and Barbary offering accessible OTC options in certain areas. Finally, they stress doing your homework on hunt codes, tag numbers, and deadlines, staying on top of harvest reporting requirements, and watching for potential rule/proclamation changes heading into 2027.

Key Takeaways

• No preference points in New Mexico — every applicant has a true random chance each year.
• Outfitted pool (10%) usually offers better odds than unguided non-resident (6%), but requires a signed contract and added cost.
• Avoid party applications, especially when tag numbers are low — it can dramatically hurt your odds.
• Tag numbers matter — small quotas can make some hunts essentially impossible for non-residents.
• E-Plus private land elk licenses create opportunity, but prices are set by landowners and can be expensive.
• New Mexico offers rare, unique hunts like oryx, ibex, and Barbary sheep, with some OTC options available.
• Do your homework: verify hunt codes, watch deadlines (March 18), complete mandatory harvest reporting, and stay alert for 2027 rule changes.

New Mexico Wildlife

Website - https://wildlife.dgf.nm.gov

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nmdeptwildlife/

Previous Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Bv8ihJiFnn1NmOGEhwC3T?si=IPYnRFq7RVKxrqW3StAKXw

Out of State Hunter

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/outofstatehunter/

#outofstatehunter #huntnewmexico #newmexicohunting #elkhunting #huntthewest

In this episode of the Out of State Hunter Podcast, Chad Ryker talks with longtime industry friend Chris Neville to introduce RoughRidge Stove Company, a new backcountry cook system Chris and his brother have been developing for the last three years. Built and developed for hunter, by hunters

Chris shares his path through the hunting industry (from filming whitetail hunts in Iowa to working at GOHUNT) and explains the “why” behind Rough Ridge: most stoves are built for the backpacking/REI crowd, not for the abuse, wind, elevation, cold, and real-world conditions backcountry hunters live in. They break down what makes the RoughRidge system different, including an ultra-packable nested design, a unique shaped titanium pot, a removable wind guard for serious wind performance, true simmer control, and a protected igniter built for reliability. Chad also digs into listener Q&A covering weight, modularity, fuel regulation, and what it takes to build a product from scratch (hint: it’s not just rebranding off-the-shelf parts).

If you’re tired of cook systems that fail when it matters, this episode is a deep dive into a fresh piece of innovation built by hunters, for hunters, with a spring launch planned. Follow along at the links below

ROUGHRIDGE STOVE CO.

Website - https://roughridgestove.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/roughridgestove/

OUT OF STATE HUNTER

@outofstatehunter

GOHUNT

Use the code OUTOFSTATE when you become an Insider and get $50 in GOHUNT Gear Shop Credit

https://www.gohunt.com

ARGALI

Website -https://argalioutdoors.com

Instagram - @argali_official - https://www.instagram.com/argali_official/

KAPTURE GEAR

Website –https://kapturegear.com

Instagram - @kapturegear - https://www.instagram.com/kapturegear/

#outofstatehunter #backcountryhunting #huntinggear #mountainhunters #builtforhunters

Chad Ryker talks with Erin Butler (AZ Game & Fish Big Game Program Supervisor) about Arizona’s elk and pronghorn draw, how non-residents fit into tag allocation, and how to build a smart application strategy. They cover the 20% max-point pass / 80% random draw structure (meaning low-point hunters still have a real shot), highlight over-the-counter/non-permit elk options, and call out common application mistakes. They finish with deadlines, costs, bonus-point “boosters,” and Point Guard options.

Key takeaways

• AZ draw structure: 20% of tags go to max bonus point holders; 80% are in a random draw, so “everyone has a chance.”
• Non-resident cap: Typically 10% of tags per hunt can go to non-residents (with rules that keep some NR tags in the random portion).
• Low-point reality: Many non-residents who draw have low points; random pass can produce surprise “first-year” winners.
• OTC elk exists: Arizona has non-permit/over-the-counter elk opportunities (including HAM: handgun/archery/muzzleloader), but they’re often tough/low success and require research.
• Big mistakes to avoid: Applying for hunts you’re ineligible for (like single-tag hunts as a NR), picking the wrong weapon/season, and assuming longer seasons = better (sometimes longer = harder).
• Bonus point boosters: Hunter Ed point (permanent) + Loyalty point (apply 5 years straight; miss a year and it resets).
• Point Guard: Lets you turn back a tag and keep your points (not your money); Point Guard Plus can also put you on a list for turned-back tags.
• Costs & timing: Need the non-refundable license, then apply per species; elk/pronghorn apps run mid-January to early February (deadline around Feb 3, 11:59 PM).

ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT

Website - https://www.azgfd.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/azgfd/

Resources

Draw Video

https://www.azgfd.com/hunting/hunt-draw-and-licenses/big-game-draw/bonus-point-process/

Elk Handout (and we do javelina too)

https://www.azgfd.com/hunting/hunt-draw-and-licenses/tags/non-permit-tags/

OUT OF STATE HUNTER

@outofstatehunter

GOHUNT

Use the code OUTOFSTATE when you become an Insider and get $50 in GOHUNT Gear Shop Credit

https://www.gohunt.com

ARGALI

Website -https://argalioutdoors.com

Instagram - @argali_official - https://www.instagram.com/argali_official/

KAPTURE GEAR

Website –https://kapturegear.com

Instagram - @kapturegear - https://www.instagram.com/kapturegear/

#outofstatehunter #westernhunting #huntplanning #biggamehunting #publiclandhunter #diyhunter #nonresidenthunting #huntstrategy #applicationseason #drawodds #elkseason #deerhunting #couesdeer #backcountryhunting #huntprep #huntersofinstagram #huntingpodcast #huntwest #findopportunity #huntarizona #huntaz