Proceeds to benefit Game Protection Fund and Department mission-related projects and programs

2025 Governors Auction Banner

NEW MEXICO — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has authorized the auctioning of eight packages containing nine big-game hunts to benefit the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. The Department has partnered with Ducks Unlimited (DU) to offer the New Mexico Governor’s Special Hunt Auction online in 2025. Funds from the public auction support the Game Protection Fund and are used solely for Department mission-related projects and programs.

Bull Elk

The eight packages offered this year are up for auction now and will close on June 22 at 8 p.m. MDT. The hunts this year include:

  • Exotics Hunt Package that includes:
    • an either-sex oryx license and
    • an either-sex Barbary sheep license;
  • Coues deer license in Game Management Units (GMUs) 23, 24, 26 or 27;
  • Elk license in GMUs 34 or 36;
  • Elk license in GMUs 16 A-E;
  • Elk license in GMU 55A (Valle Vidal);
  • Mule deer license in GMU 2;
  • Mule deer license in GMU 4 or 5;
  • Pronghorn antelope license in any open GMU.

Each authorization auctioned must correlate to an existing hunt code. The bidder must follow all rules, regulations and restrictions associated with the hunt code selected. These hunts allow the choice of an additional five consecutive days before or after an existing hunt code’s established dates to extend the length of the hunt. For a list of hunt codes, season dates and weapon choices, as all as all rules and regulations for big game hunts, please visit the Department’s Publications web page and click on the 2025-2026 Hunting Rules and Information Booklet.

DU is the world’s leader in wetland and waterfowl conservation, and has conserved more than 5,000 acres of habitat across the state of New Mexico. These conservation projects continue to benefit multiple species of waterfowl and other wildlife. To learn more about Ducks Unlimited, please visit www.ducks.org.

Register to bid on any of these hunts and other great items offered by DU by visiting the 2025 Hunt Auction page.