PUBLICATION

EPLUS White Paper_April2024_COVER

Staff contact

Angi Bruce

Publication Date

April 18, 2024
Topics: , ,

The Elk Private Land Use System

EPLUS is vital for New Mexico’s economy and wildlife.

This report examines the economic case for continued support for the program in New Mexico.

Summary

• Elk in New Mexico rely on public, tribal, and private lands for food, cover, water, and migration corridors. However, they spend the majority of their time on private lands.

• By law, elk in New Mexico do not belong to landowners, hunters, or any individual; they “belong” to everyone in the state. The New Mexico Department of Game & Fish (NMDGF) manages elk for the state.

• Elk seek refuge on private lands to avoid disturbance and hunting pressure. When they occupy private lands, landowners incur costs and damages.

• Without hunting on private lands, elk excessively congregate on private land4, leading to ineffective herd management and damage to landowner resources.

• The EPLUS program was created in recognition of the important benefits that private lands make to the elk populations and hunting opportunities in New Mexico, and to incentivize landowners to allow hunting on private land. The program gives hunters and landowners a way to work together to effectively manage and hunt elk on private lands.

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