2025 Changes and Reminders to
NMDGF Outfitter/Guide Program
*New* OUTFITTER ATTACH CODE FOR DRAW APPLICATION
This year there will be a change to how a hunter-client will apply in the 10% draw. Starting January 1, 2025, all registered outfitters will receive an attach code on their CIN card. This attach code will replace the outfitter number that needs to be entered by the hunter-clients during draw application. This code will change annually and will ensure that no outfitter number is entered incorrectly. Outfitters with multi-year contracts will have to communicate with the hunter-client annually to verify new attach code.
*NEW* LUCKY LIST
Lucky lists will be available through the Outfitter’s CIN account. Once logged in, the “Outfitter” tab is under the main menu. You will click on the outfitter tab and a drop-down menu will show with “My Registrations” or “My Registrations and Lucky Applicants” options, click this option. The lucky list will not appear until the draw results are released to the public. Once the results are posted publicly the outfitter will see their lucky list. The outfitter will also be able to download the list. If you have any issues viewing your lucky list, please send an email to [email protected]. Lucky lists will not be sent via email.
*NEW* ONLINE OUTFITTER RENEWALS
Beginning January 1st, 2025, you can submit your outfitter registration renewals and pay online using the departments online license sales system. Renewal is not instantaneous! Background checks must be completed, and requirements must be verified. Last year NM taxation and revenue (TRD) disabled the Dept.’s ability to check outfitter GRT compliance. Outfitters will now need to provide a letter of good standing from TRD with their outfitter renewal application. To obtain this letter log onto your TAPs account and select the option to request and download a letter of good standing. If you are not in compliance this option will not be available and you will need to call TRD.
*REMINDER* GUIDE RENEWALS AND NEW APPLICATIONS
Effective January 1, 2024, the guide year is now July 1, - June 30. Current guides are still active until June 30, 2025. Renewals (and new applications) will be accepted starting April 1, 2025. These changes do not affect the Outfitter deadlines or registrations.
*REMINDER* AFFIDAVIT AND HISTORY OF VIOLATION
The last couple of years have seen a rise in outfitters and guides not disclosing “history of violation” on their renewal applications. As a reminder, background checks are completed annually on all new and renewing outfitters and guides. A history of violation is defined as: any one conviction or multiple convictions from any law enforcement agency for violation of hunting, fishing, trapping, outfitting or guiding rules or land-use regulations, including any conviction as an accessory, during the three-year period immediately preceding the application for registration, provided that the violation committed, if committed in New Mexico, would equal or exceed the 20-point equivalent.
Please remember for yourselves and remind all guides to disclose any violation (in any state) that falls under the above category. If you are not sure, err on the side of caution and disclose. Failure to disclose will lead to denial of the application.
PROOF OF INSURANCE
Outfitters must provide acceptable proof of commercial liability insurance of at least $500,000 and maintain such a policy throughout the year. Insurance expiration notices will be conducted quarterly. A $50 administrative fee and registration suspension will also be enforced.
CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS
Outfitter/hunter contracts are required to be provided upon NMDGF request. Outfitters can submit contracts electronically 48-hours prior to the scheduled hunt date or have them available for inspection in the field during the hunt. When emailing contracts or trip plans please title the file with outfitter and company name.
PRIVATE LAND LICENSES AND EPLUS AUTHORIZATIONS
Outfitters or their hunter-clients can purchase most licenses (including landowner authorizations) online. Outfitters should convert private land authorizations or purchase over-the-counter licenses from the Department as soon as possible to allow 14 days for the print shop to mail the tag OR choose an e-tag. If you have more than two licenses to purchase for your clients, you can coordinate bulk orders with the NMDGF Licensing Section. Please DO NOT wait until the last minute. If you need assistance with licensing, email [email protected] and a licensing specialist will call or email you back. Licensing staff will print each tag on your list and bulk-mail them directly to you (please provide them with your mailing address in the email). You may also pick up your bulk carcass tags at the Santa Fe office. Please let the licensing staff know how you would like to receive your tags either by mail or in person.
This year there will be a change to how a hunter-client will apply in the 10% draw. Starting January 1, 2025, all registered outfitters will receive an attach code on their CIN card. This attach code will replace the outfitter number that needs to be entered by the hunter-clients during draw application. This code will change annually and will ensure that no outfitter number is entered incorrectly. Outfitters with multi-year contracts will have to communicate with the hunter-client annually to verify new attach code.
*NEW* LUCKY LIST
Lucky lists will be available through the Outfitter’s CIN account. Once logged in, the “Outfitter” tab is under the main menu. You will click on the outfitter tab and a drop-down menu will show with “My Registrations” or “My Registrations and Lucky Applicants” options, click this option. The lucky list will not appear until the draw results are released to the public. Once the results are posted publicly the outfitter will see their lucky list. The outfitter will also be able to download the list. If you have any issues viewing your lucky list, please send an email to [email protected]. Lucky lists will not be sent via email.
*NEW* ONLINE OUTFITTER RENEWALS
Beginning January 1st, 2025, you can submit your outfitter registration renewals and pay online using the departments online license sales system. Renewal is not instantaneous! Background checks must be completed, and requirements must be verified. Last year NM taxation and revenue (TRD) disabled the Dept.’s ability to check outfitter GRT compliance. Outfitters will now need to provide a letter of good standing from TRD with their outfitter renewal application. To obtain this letter log onto your TAPs account and select the option to request and download a letter of good standing. If you are not in compliance this option will not be available and you will need to call TRD.
*REMINDER* GUIDE RENEWALS AND NEW APPLICATIONS
Effective January 1, 2024, the guide year is now July 1, - June 30. Current guides are still active until June 30, 2025. Renewals (and new applications) will be accepted starting April 1, 2025. These changes do not affect the Outfitter deadlines or registrations.
*REMINDER* AFFIDAVIT AND HISTORY OF VIOLATION
The last couple of years have seen a rise in outfitters and guides not disclosing “history of violation” on their renewal applications. As a reminder, background checks are completed annually on all new and renewing outfitters and guides. A history of violation is defined as: any one conviction or multiple convictions from any law enforcement agency for violation of hunting, fishing, trapping, outfitting or guiding rules or land-use regulations, including any conviction as an accessory, during the three-year period immediately preceding the application for registration, provided that the violation committed, if committed in New Mexico, would equal or exceed the 20-point equivalent.
Please remember for yourselves and remind all guides to disclose any violation (in any state) that falls under the above category. If you are not sure, err on the side of caution and disclose. Failure to disclose will lead to denial of the application.
PROOF OF INSURANCE
Outfitters must provide acceptable proof of commercial liability insurance of at least $500,000 and maintain such a policy throughout the year. Insurance expiration notices will be conducted quarterly. A $50 administrative fee and registration suspension will also be enforced.
CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS
Outfitter/hunter contracts are required to be provided upon NMDGF request. Outfitters can submit contracts electronically 48-hours prior to the scheduled hunt date or have them available for inspection in the field during the hunt. When emailing contracts or trip plans please title the file with outfitter and company name.
PRIVATE LAND LICENSES AND EPLUS AUTHORIZATIONS
Outfitters or their hunter-clients can purchase most licenses (including landowner authorizations) online. Outfitters should convert private land authorizations or purchase over-the-counter licenses from the Department as soon as possible to allow 14 days for the print shop to mail the tag OR choose an e-tag. If you have more than two licenses to purchase for your clients, you can coordinate bulk orders with the NMDGF Licensing Section. Please DO NOT wait until the last minute. If you need assistance with licensing, email [email protected] and a licensing specialist will call or email you back. Licensing staff will print each tag on your list and bulk-mail them directly to you (please provide them with your mailing address in the email). You may also pick up your bulk carcass tags at the Santa Fe office. Please let the licensing staff know how you would like to receive your tags either by mail or in person.