Is it illegal to purchase an elk tag from an individual from Craigslist?

[jvidrine]

I am headed to northern New Mexico this year to go hunt with a buddy of mine for the first time.

I didn't put in for the public land draw. Thus, I wasn't going to be taking an animal. I would be going just for the experience. After calling NM Game & Fish, I learned that the only elk tags they have available are for private land.

I was told to go check out craigslist for tags and low and behold there were dozens for sale.

Is this illegal and has anyone bought a tag off of Craigslist before?
If so, is there some type of process to go through to get your name on the tag, etc..

 

[Topgun 30-06]

I am headed to northern New Mexico this year to go hunt with a buddy of mine for the first time.

I didn't put in for the public land draw. Thus, I wasn't going to be taking an animal. I would be going just for the experience. After calling NM Game & Fish, I learned that the only elk tags they have available are for private land.

I was told to go check out craigslist for tags and low and behold there were dozens for sale.

Is this illegal and has anyone bought a tag off of Craigslist before?
If so, is there some type of process to go through to get your name on the tag, etc..

It's not a tag. It's a landowner voucher that allows you to buy a tag. Some are good for just that private property and others are good for the enitre unit the ranch is located in, so you need to be careful in what you are purchasing. You buy the voucher and then use that to actually purchase the big game tag it's good for from the G&F.

 

[Umpqua Hunter]

It's not a tag. It's a landowner voucher that allows you to buy a tag. Some are good for just that private property and others are good for the enitre unit the ranch is located in, so you need to be careful in what you are purchasing. You buy the voucher and then use that to actually purchase the big game tag it's good for from the G&F.

Very good explanation by TG.

If you find a tag, I'll bet you could call fish and game to confirm that person receives landowner tags.

 

[minn elk chaser]

I have bought landowner vochers without a problem. Just due dilegence and check with game and fish if the person selling them has the right to.

 

[jvidrine]

It's not a tag. It's a landowner voucher that allows you to buy a tag. Some are good for just that private property and others are good for the entire unit the ranch is located in, so you need to be careful in what you are purchasing. You buy the voucher and then use that to actually purchase the big game tag it's good for from the G&F.

So I can buy a landowner tag and hunt on public land?

I guess I need to call and get the guys info and then call game and fish and see what they really are.

 

[hardstalk]

So I can buy a landowner tag and hunt on public land?

I guess I need to call and get the guys info and then call game and fish and see what they really are.

Depending on the tag restrictions. Some will only allow the voucher to be used on that private parcel that it was issued, some are good for the entire unit. I don't know how all states work but I believe majority work this way.

 

[jvidrine]

Gotcha. Thanks for the insight.

It sounds like I will need to get specific info for that tag and check with the NM Game and Fish

 

[Topgun 30-06]

Gotcha. Thanks for the insight.

It sounds like I will need to get specific info for that tag and check with the NM Game and Fish

That is a Roger!!!

 

[brooks]

The landowner voucher will be either Ranch only or unit wide , depends on what the tag/land owner put in for. You buy the voucher from the person selling it then you or someone has to go to a NM fish and game dept. and pay for the tag. So you buy the voucher for whatever price the tag/landowner is selling it for plus you have to buy your elk tag, hunting lic. and conservation stamp. The landowner tag/voucher is separate from the elk tag, lic, stamp it just gives you the opportunity to buy the rest of the things you need to legally hunt elk without going through Big game draw.

 

[WapitiBob]

Send a check with the voucher, you don't need to go anywhere.

 

[jvidrine]

Talked with the seller and NM Game and Fish today. He has a number of cow tags. I think I am going to wait him out until it gets closer to the first rifle season(Nov. 9-13) until I buy it. Trying to get him to come down on the price. I'll pay 600 but, I'd like to get it cheaper.

 

[SansSouci]

Very good explanation by TG.

If you find a tag, I'll bet you could call fish and game to confirm that person receives landowner tags.

I agree 100%. And it might not be a bad idea to call fish and game to see if there was something suspicious with the ad.

I can't tell you of how many Craig's Lists scams I've heard. My former g/f was looking for a rental home. She told me that she was darn near burned by a Craig's List scam. Homeowners about to be foreclosed attempted to lease/rent their foreclosed homes knowing that banks were going to seize their homes in a couple months. She was almost burned on another ad for a ridiculously low-priced used BMW. The "seller" wanted her to wire money to his account in order to hold the car for her.