.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... From left, Aidric Dominguez, Eric Frey, Lauren Patten and Kirk Patten scout for prey southwest of San Antonio Mountains. Scouting is one of the keys to a successful hunt. (Courtesy of James Dominguez and New Mexico Department of Game Fish) Although a couple of the big-game permit draws have already passed for 2021, there are still plenty of opportunities for prospective hunters to apply for hunts ranging from oryx to ibex, and ranging from the Colorado border to the Mexican border. The lottery system not only fairly ensures that everybody gets a chance at a quality hunt, but it also helps maintain wildlife populations at optimum levels while also funding the state Department of Game & Fish, said spokeswoman Tristanna Bickford.